Wavelength-shift-based visual fluorescence sensing of aspartic acids using Eu/Gd-MOF through pH triggering

Eu(III) functionalized ZnMOF based efficient dual-emission sensor integrated with self-calibrating logic gate for intelligent detection of epinephrine

The rapid detection of epinephrine (EPI) in serum holds immense importance in the early disease diagnosis and regular monitoring. On the basis of the coordination post-synthetic modification (PSM) strategy, a Eu3+ functionalized ZnMOF (Eu3+@ZnMOF) was fabricated by anchoring the Eu3+ ions within the microchannels of ZnMOF as secondary luminescent centers. Benefiting from two independent luminescent centers, the prepared Eu3+@ZnMOF shows great potential as a multi-signal self-calibrating luminescent sensor in visually and efficiently detecting serum EPI levels, with high reliability, fast response time, excellentrecycleability, and low detection limits of 17.8 ng/mL. Additionally, an intelligent sensing system was designed in accurately and reliably detecting serum EPI levels, based on the designed self-calibrating logic gates. Furthermore, the possible sensing mechanisms were elucidated through theoretical calculations as well as spectral overlaps. This work provides an effective and promising strategy for developing MOFs-based self-calibrating intelligent sensing platforms to detect bioactive molecules in bodily fluids.

Colorimetric and fluorescent dual-biosensor based on zirconium and preasodium metal-organic framework (zr/pr MOF) for miRNA-191 detection

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are associated with certain types of cancer, tumor stages, and responses to treatment, thus efficient methods are required to identify them quickly and accurately. Abnormal expression of microRNA-191 (miR-191) has been linked to particular cancers and several other health conditions, such as diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. In this study, a new dual-biosensor based on the zirconium and preasodium-based metal-organic framework (Zr/Pr MOF) was developed for the rapid, ultrasensitive, and selective detection of miRNA-191. The synthesized Zr/Pr MOF exhibited peroxidase-like activity and fluorescence properties. Our dual method involves monitoring the fluorescence and peroxidase activity of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in the presence of miRNAs. The Zr/Pr MOF can catalyze hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to oxidize the chromogenic substrate 3, 3', 5, 5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to produce blue oxidized TMB (oxTMB), which exhibits ultraviolet absorption at 660 nm. However, the addition of a label-free miRNA-191 probe caused a significant change in fluorescence intensity and absorbance, indicating the binding of single-stranded miRNAs to the MOF through van der Waals interactions and π-π stacking. The presence of the target miRNA-191 caused the probe to be released from the surface of the MOF owing to hybridization, which increased the peroxidase-like activity of Zr/Pr-MOF. Both response signals showed acceptable linear relationship and low detection limits. Fluorescence and colorimetry have an LOD of 0.69 and 8.62 pM, respectively. This study demonstrates the reliability and sensitivity of miRNA identification in human serum samples.

Fluorescence sensing and device fabrication with luminescent metal-organic frameworks

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a novel class of hybrid porous multi-functional materials consisting of metal ions/clusters and organic ligands. MOFs have exclusive benefits due to their tunable structure and diverse properties. Luminescent MOFs (LMOFs) exhibit both porosity and light emission. They display abundant host and guest responses, making them conducive to sensing. Currently, LMOF sensing research is gaining more depth, with attention given to their device and practical applications. This work reviews recent advancements and device applications of LMOFs as chemical sensors toward ions, volatile organic compounds, biomolecules, and environmental toxins. Furthermore, the detection mechanism and the correlation between material properties and structure are elaborated. This analysis serves as a valuable reference for the preparation and efficient application of targeted LMOFs.