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Rigid Restriction-Enabled Ultrabright Luminescence through Feather-like Metal-AIEgens Frameworks and Coupling the
Zhaowen Cui1, Chenjie Nie1, Yuechun Li1
1College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A & F University, 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
Analytical Chemistry
|March 13, 2026
Summary
A novel zinc-based framework enhances immunochromatographic assays (ICAs) for ultrasensitive Salmonella detection. This breakthrough improves signal brightness and clarifies nanobiointerfacial recognition, paving the way for next-generation diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- High-performance immunochromatographic assays (ICAs) are limited by weak signal brightness and poorly understood nanobiointerfacial recognition.
- These limitations hinder the development of sensitive and reliable diagnostic tools for pathogen detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel material addressing both signal enhancement and interfacial recognition mechanisms in ICAs.
- To achieve ultrasensitive detection of *Salmonella typhimurium* using a new fluorescent framework.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a featherlike zinc-based metal-AIEgen framework (Zn-TCPE MAF) using tetraphenylethylene (TCPE) ligand.
- Characterization of fluorescent properties, including quantum yield and lifetime, and investigation of ultrafast electron dynamics via femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy.
- Quantitative analysis of antibody conjugation and interfacial recognition mechanisms using isothermal titration calorimetry.
Main Results:
- The Zn-TCPE MAF exhibited a 4.85-fold fluorescence enhancement and a 9.5-fold increase in quantum yield (44.17%) due to restricted intramolecular motion.
- Femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy revealed accelerated internal conversion (247.62 fs), suppressing nonradiative decay.
- Isothermal titration calorimetry demonstrated spontaneous, high-affinity antibody conjugation driven by synergistic electrostatic, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interactions.
Conclusions:
- The developed fluorescent ICA strip achieved a low detection limit of 145 CFU mL⁻¹, over 34-fold improvement compared to conventional methods.
- The material demonstrated excellent specificity, stability, repeatability, and feasibility in real food samples.
- This work presents a synergistic approach for developing next-generation ICAs with enhanced sensitivity and a clear understanding of recognition mechanisms.
