1：Experimental Design and Method Selection:

The study involved synthesizing a BODIPY-based probe (probe 1) with a 2-(thiophen-2-yl)quinoline moiety to detect Ir3+ ions. Methods included synthesis via Knoevenagel condensation, fluorescence spectroscopy for ion sensing, NMR for mechanism investigation, and confocal microscopy for cell imaging. Theoretical calculations (TD-DFT) were used to understand the sensing mechanism.

2：Sample Selection and Data Sources:

Metal ion solutions (e.g., IrCl3·3H2O) were prepared in deionized water or dilute HCl. Hela cells were used for bioimaging, cultured in DMEM with FBS.

3：List of Experimental Equipment and Materials:

Equipment included Bruker NMR spectrometers (400 MHz and 700 MHz), Bruker MALDI-TOF MS, Thermo Scientific LTQ Orbitrap XL MS, Hitachi F-4600 fluorescence spectrophotometer, Shimadzu UV-2550 spectrophotometer, Zeiss LSM 710 confocal microscope. Materials included various metal salts, solvents (e.g., DMSO, CH2Cl2), and chemical reagents for synthesis.

4：Experimental Procedures and Operational Workflow:

Synthesis of probe 1 involved refluxing compounds in benzene with piperidine/AcOH. For sensing, probe 1 in DMSO was titrated with metal ions, and fluorescence was measured at 590 nm excitation. Cell imaging involved incubating cells with probe 1 and Ir3+, followed by confocal microscopy.

5：Data Analysis Methods:

Fluorescence intensity changes were analyzed to determine selectivity and detection limit. NMR shifts indicated binding mechanisms. Cell viability was assessed via MTT assay.