A visual and reversible assay for temperature using thioflavin T-doped lanthanide/nucleotide coordination polymers

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Thioflavin T (ThT) is a fluorescent dye used in sensing applications.
• Lanthanide/nucleotide coordination polymers offer unique structural and functional properties.
• Developing efficient and cost-effective sensing materials is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare a thioflavin T (ThT)-doped lanthanide/nucleotide coordination polymer.
• To investigate the adaptive inclusion properties and fluorescence enhancement of ThT.
• To explore the potential of the coordination polymer as a temperature-sensitive sensor.

Main Methods:

• Self-assembly of ThT, europium ions (Eu3+), and guanosine monophosphate (GMP) in aqueous solution.
• Characterization of the resulting ThT/Eu/GMP coordination polymer.
• Evaluation of fluorescence properties and temperature-sensing capabilities.

Main Results:

• A one-step synthesis of hydrophilic ThT/Eu/GMP coordination polymers was achieved.
• The coordination polymer demonstrated adaptive inclusion of ThT, enhancing its fluorescence via a restricted effect.
• The ThT/Eu/GMP material functioned as a visual, reversible, and temperature-sensitive sensor under visible light.

Conclusions:

• The developed ThT/Eu/GMP coordination polymer is a cost-effective and simple-to-prepare material.
• This material offers enhanced ThT fluorescence and serves as a novel temperature sensor.
• The design avoids chemical modification or fluorescence labeling, simplifying the sensing approach.