Simple fluorescence optosensing probe for spermine based on ciprofloxacin-Tb3+ complexation.

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Spermine is a crucial polyamine involved in various biological processes.
• Accurate detection of spermine is vital for diagnosing related diseases.
• Existing detection methods often lack sensitivity, selectivity, or are complex.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a facile and sensitive fluorescence quenching-based detection method for spermine.
• To utilize a ciprofloxacin-terbium (Tb3+) complex as a fluorescent probe.
• To adapt the method for practical applications, including paper strip tests.

Main Methods:

• Formation of a ciprofloxacin-terbium (Tb3+) coordination polymer exhibiting strong green fluorescence.
• Utilizing spermine's competitive binding with Tb3+ to quench the fluorescence.
• Developing a paper strip test (PST) integrated with a smartphone and Arduino-based device for detection.

Main Results:

• The ciprofloxacin-Tb3+ complex showed strong green emission.
• Spermine addition caused fluorescence quenching due to weakened coordination.
• The method demonstrated high sensitivity and selectivity with a low limit of detection (0.17 μM) in the range of 2-180 μM.
• The probe showed good linearity and acceptable analytical results in human serum samples.

Conclusions:

• A facile, sensitive, and selective fluorescence quenching method for spermine detection was successfully developed.
• The ciprofloxacin-Tb3+ complex serves as an effective fluorescent probe for spermine.
• The integrated paper strip test offers a promising platform for rapid and on-site spermine analysis, validated in human serum.