Dual-Stimuli Responsive 2D Supramolecular Organic Framework for the Detection of Azoreductase Activity

A 2D supramolecular organic framework (SOF) based on synthetic macrocycles has been constructed in water by a self-assembly strategy. Two new organic monomers of this SOF, possessing viologen and azobenzene functional groups, form a stimuli-responsive host-guest system upon cooperatively binding with cucurbit[8]uril rings. The reversible formation and dissociation of 2D SOF can be realized by the isomerization of azobenzene under ultraviolet and visible light. The light-responsive property of the SOF is highly reversible and stable for up to four cycles. Moreover, azoreductase produced by Escherichia coli can reduce the N=N double bond of azobenzene entities, resulting in fluorescence recovery of the system. As an excellent and effective fluorescent probe, the SOF can detect azoreductase activity for real-time monitoring of the growth process of Escherichia coli. The dual-stimuli responsive 2D SOF is envisioned to drive the development of responsive devices with complex functions.