Ratiometric fluorescence sensor based on bimetallic organic frameworks for anthrax biomarker detection

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biomarker Detection

Background:

• Ratiometric fluorescence sensors are crucial for accurate analyte detection.
• Developing sensors with simple operation and high anti-interference is significant.
• Anthrax biomarker detection requires sensitive and reliable methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct a novel bimetallic metal-organic framework (MOF) sensor.
• To develop a ratiometric fluorescence sensor for 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (DPA).
• To evaluate the sensor's performance and practical application for anthrax biomarker detection.

Main Methods:

• A one-pot solvothermal method was used to synthesize the Tb-Zr-MOF.
• Ratiometric fluorescence spectroscopy was employed for DPA detection.
• The sensor's response, limit of detection, and interference were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The Tb-Zr-MOF sensor exhibited a ratiometric response to DPA.
• A good linear response was observed in the range of 5–100 μM with a limit of detection of 1.72 μM.
• The sensor successfully detected DPA in Bauhinia bark samples with high recovery rates (98.80%–104.8%).

Conclusions:

• The developed Tb-Zr-MOF is a highly sensitive and selective ratiometric fluorescence sensor for DPA.
• The sensor demonstrates superior anti-interference ability compared to traditional methods.
• The Tb-Zr-MOF sensor shows practical applicability for detecting anthrax biomarkers in complex environmental samples.