Herein, we present a simple and economical
synthesis for the first
multianalyte probe able to selectively quantify the concentrations
of Fe3+, NO2
–, and cysteine.
It comprises H+-triggered self-assembled gold nanoclusters
(AuNCs@EW/H+, AuEHs), showing enhanced red fluorescence
at 640 nm. The AuEH is a good fluorescent nanosensor for Fe3+ and NO2
– with detection limits of 1.40
and 2.82 nM, respectively. Iron detection, through fluorescence quenching,
occurs because of nanocluster aggregation elicited by the complexation
of Fe3+ with amino acids on the surface of AuEH; nitrite
detection likely proceeds through fluorescence quenching via the disassembly
of the nanoclusters following irreversible oxidation by nitrite. This
selectivity is good enough that it can be used to quantify the nitrite
concentration in commercially available processed meat. Cysteine detection
occurs through the restoration of fluorescence of iron-quenched samples;
similar molecules including homocysteine and glutathione are unable
to restore fluorescence, showing the specificity of the interaction.
Applications, including as a detecting ink and as a biocompatible
probe, show promise because of the lack of observable toxicity of
the AuEHs, demonstrating their promise as specific and sensitive biosensors.