Unveiling the dual functionality of dimeric Cu(I)/(II) crystal as luminescence and electrochemical probe for Zn²⁺ and glucose detection—Structural, sensing and molecular docking studies

Abstract

A new crystalline dinuclear Cu(I)/(II) complex (E.F: C32H28Cu2N6O14) (1) of terephthalic acid (TERE) and 1, 10‐Phenathroline (PHEN) was synthesized under one‐pot approach. Structure identification of the complex was carried out using the single crystal XRD technique, which revealed the penta coordination nature of Cu(I)/(II) in a square pyramidal environment. Further, the structural data was supported by employing other spectroscopic studies (UV, ESR, FT‐IR). In addition, the thermal stability and morphology of the complex were elucidated using TGA and SEM‐EDAX analysis. Photoluminescence experiments revealed the capability of 1 to act as a “turn‐off” sensor towards Zn2+ sensing. This luminescence quenching of 1 exhibited a threefold quenching in intensity by achieving a static quenching process corresponding to a limit of detection (LOD) of 3.7 μM. Further, considering the electroactive nature of Cu(I)/(II) complex, the cyclic voltammetric experiments were performed to study its competence to act as a modifier of GCE for the detection of glucose and its excellent potency to act as an effective electroactive material in the detection of glucose solutions. Also, molecular docking of 1 with human bovine serum (HSA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated to prove their ability to act as pharmacological agents.