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Approach Based on Polyelectrolyte-Induced Nanoassemblies for Enhancing Sensitivity of Pyrenyl Probes

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journal contribution
posted on 2016-10-05, 00:00 authored by Zhiyi Yao, Yadong Qiao, Haiqin Liang, Wenqi Ge, Li Zhang, Zhong Cao, Hai-Chen Wu
We have developed a unique approach for enhancing the sensitivity of pyrenyl probes based on polyelectrolyte-induced nanoassemblies and explored its sensing application toward 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP). The key issue of the method is the formation of the nanoassemblies which possess high-density charges, specific surface area, and inner hydrophobic regions. These properties would help increase the loading of analytes and promote probe–analyte interactions, thereby leading to the prominent enhancement of the sensitivity. In the course of TNP detection, pyrene nanoassemblies can bind TNP efficiently through cooperative noncovalent interactions including electrostatic, π–π stacking, and charge-transfer interactions, resulting in the distinct fluorescent responses of pyrene moieties. This system has excellent selectivity and sensitivity for TNP detection. The detection limit is as low as 5 nM. It may be used for monitoring the TNP concentrations in real-world samples.

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