Selective ratiometric fluorescence detection of hypochlorite by using aggregation-induced emission dots

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Selective detection of hypochlorite (ClO^-) is crucial for understanding its role in diseases.
• Traditional probes often suffer from aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ), limiting their practical application.
• There is a need for robust and sensitive probes that avoid ACQ.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel aggregation-induced emission dots (AIED) for ratiometric detection of hypochlorite (ClO^-).
• To overcome the limitations of ACQ in existing detection methods.
• To provide a stable and sensitive tool for ClO^- detection in biological systems.

Main Methods:

• A co-precipitation strategy was used to synthesize AIED nanoprobe.
• Amphiphilic block copolymer was employed to enhance water dispersibility and modify the nanoprobe.
• The AIED nanoprobe's performance was evaluated for sensitivity, selectivity, and stability.

Main Results:

• The AIED nanoprobe demonstrated ratiometric signal output, effectively avoiding the ACQ effect.
• High sensitivity (detection limit ~89 nM), high selectivity, and excellent photostability were achieved.
• The probe showed stable water dispersibility and long-term fluorescence stability.
• Successful application in visualized fluorescence detection of ClO^- in real samples.

Conclusions:

• The developed AIED nanoprobe is a simple, effective, and stable tool for selective ratiometric detection of hypochlorite.
• This technology offers a promising approach to study ClO^--associated diseases.
• The AIED probe's properties make it suitable for various biological and environmental applications.