Fluorescence sensing of berberine hydrochloride via ns-Q[10]-based supramolecular assembly

A sensing strategy to significantly enhance the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) of berberine hydrochloride (BBR) is proposed. A supramolecular framework material was prepared by using 5-sulfosalicylic acid (SSA) and nor-seco-cucurbit[10]uril (ns-Q[10]). Single crystal structure analysis confirmed that the SSA@ns-Q[10] assembly forms a ternary complex. SSA@ns-Q[10] assembly can induce BBR aggregation to a large extent, which leads to the enhancement of fluorescence intensity of mixed solution. The results showed that SSA@ns-Q[10] assembly can be used as an excellent fluorescent sensing material for detecting BBR. This assembly has been successfully applied to the detection of BBR in human serum samples, highlighting its potential for use in both environmental and biological systems. Additionally, the SSA@ns-Q[10]‒BBR system shows promise for a variety of applications, including anti-counterfeiting, screen printing, and the production of fluorescent-emitting handicrafts.