Highly sensitive detection of Tb³⁺ and ATP based on a novel asymmetric anthracene derivative

A novel fluorescent sensor based on an asymmetric anthracene derivative (SSAPA) was designed and synthesized. Using this molecule, a rapid and sensitive assay for detecting Tb³⁺ and ATP in aqueous solutions was established. The SSAPA molecule had excellent aggregation-induced emission (AIE) performance and good aqueous dispersion ability. This molecule could coordinate with Tb³⁺ and the fluorescence quenched linearly with the increase in the concentration of Tb³⁺ from 0.005 to 1.2 μM. Since both Tb³⁺ and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) have strong binding ability, ATP can compete with Tb³⁺ from the SSAPA/Tb³⁺ complex leading to fluorescence recovery. In this way, a brand-new fluorescent "turn-on" assay for ATP in the range from 0.01 to 0.4 μM was developed using the Tb³⁺-based complex probe. The detection limits for Tb³⁺ and ATP both reached single-digit nanomole per millilitre (2.8 nM and 4.5 nM, respectively), which demonstrated that this method has high sensitivity. Besides, Tb³⁺ and ATP also could be well detected in other complex environments such as real water samples or serum samples. This study provides a feasible assay for detecting trace amounts of Tb³⁺ and ATP in aqueous solutions.