Albumin host for supramolecular fluorescence recognition

Synthetic molecular sensors are crucial for real-time monitoring in biological systems and biotechnological applications, where detecting targets amidst potential interferents is essential. This task is particularly challenging in competitive environments that lacking chemically reactive functional groups, common in agricultural, biological, and environmental contexts. Consequently, scientific efforts have focused on developing sensitive and rapid analytical techniques, with fluorescent sensors emerging as prominent tools. Among these, the albumin-based supramolecular fluorescent indicator displacement assay (AS-FIDA) represents a significant advancement. Our research group has extensively contributed to this field, demonstrating the practical utility of various AS-FIDAs. We pioneered the use of albumin (ALB) as a host molecule in these synthetic chemical sensors, marking a notable advancement. AS-FIDA employs ALB as a versatile host molecule with multiple flexible and asymmetrical binding pockets capable of forming complexes with guest dyes, resulting in ALB@dye ensembles tailored for specific analyte recognition. Recent advancements in AS-FIDA have significantly expanded its applications. This review explores recent advances in ALB-based supramolecular sensors and sensor arrays for detecting biologically and environmentally significant molecules, such as pesticides, hormones, biomarkers, reactive species, mycotoxins, drugs, and carcinogens. The versatility of AS-FIDA positions it as a valuable tool in diverse settings, from laboratory research to practical applications in portable devices, smartphone-assisted on-site monitoring, imaging of living cells, and real sample analysis.