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Authors developed a metal-based sensing system that produces a fluorescence signal in the presence of NO and is not affected by oxygen. based on a tetradentate ligand, containing two dansyl groups, that does not fluoresce when bound to Co(II). Nitric oxide binds to the metal, releasing one of the ligand's two arms, allowing it to fluoresce. "Many of the NO detectors used today are based on identification of its decomposition products, nitrite and nitrate. "Our fluorescence indicator reacts directly with NO. It has the potential to track the formation of NO in real time." Author considers the present system a proof of principle, which he and his colleagues already are hard at work trying to improve. Their goal is to develop a sensor that can track changing concentrations of NO in neurons. That will require at least an order of magnitude greater sensitivity than the present system as well as stability in aqueous systems at physiological pH and reversibility
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