Multiporous Terbium Phosphonate Coordination Polymer Microspheres as Fluorescent Probes for Trace Anthrax Biomarker Detection

Abstract

Lanthanide coordination polymers have been recently regarded as attractive sensing materials because of their selectivity, high sensitivity, and rapid response ability. In this research, the multiporous terbium phosphonate coordination polymer microspheres (TbP-CPs) were prepared as a novel fluorescent probe, which showed a fluorescence turn-on response capability for the detection of the trace anthrax biomarker dipicolinate acid (DPA). The morphology and chemical composition of as-prepared TbP-CPs were characterized in detail. The TbP-CPs have the vegetable-flower-like structure and microporous surface. In addition, the as-prepared TbP-CPs not only possess the merits of convenience and simple preparation with high yield but also have the excellent characters as fluorescent probes, such as high stability, good selectivity, and rapid detection ability within 30 s. This proposed sensor could detect DPA with a linear relationship in concentrations ranging from 0 to 8.0 μM and a high detection sensitivity of 5.0 nM. Furthermore, the successful applications of DPA detection in urine and bovine serum were demonstrated. As a result, the recovery ranged from 93.93–101.6%, and the relative standard deviations (RSD) were less than 5%.

Insights on Luminescent Micro‐ and Nanospheres of Infinite Coordination Polymers

“…DPA detection in urine and bovine serum samples has been reported by Luo et al using a Tb 3 + phosphonate based ICP. [98] The particles were spherical with a vegetable-flower-like morphology. Luminescence enhancement approach was used due to the selective and efficient interaction between DPA and Tb 3 + .…”

Bacillus anthracis as a biological warfare agent: infection, diagnosis and countermeasures

“…On the other hand, the limits of detection are quite high and they are not able to recognize low number of vital microorganism or spores, which are still dangerous for humans and able to initiate development of disease. In the current time, there is an effort to introduce biosensor devices to be an alternative to the standard bioassays, for instance optical and electrochemical biosensor for the detection of B. anthracis are developed (80)(81)(82)(83). There is also a development of simple analytical tools allowing identifi cation of B. anthracis by measurement of a specifi c metabolic reaction.…”

A ratiometric luminescence nanoprobe based on layered terbium hydroxide nanosheets for quantitative detection of an anthrax biomarker

“…[11][12][13] Thus, rapid and sensitive detection of Bacillus anthrax is critical for preventing and controlling anthrax disease and bioterrorism. Pyridine-2,6 dicarboxylic acid (DPA) is a major constituent of anthrax spores having a 5-15% dry mass ratio in the spores, 3,6,8,11,12,14 which is not present in other natural and synthetic materials. 15 As a result, DPA is an ideal biomarker for anthrax spores.…”