Issue 4, 2014

Highly sensitive simultaneous detection of mercury and copper ions by ultrasmall fluorescent DNA–Ag nanoclusters

Abstract

Fluorescent metal nanoclusters (NCs) have given rise to a new class of fluorescent nanomaterials for the detection of heavy metals. Here, we design a simple, rapid and highly sensitive sensing nanosystem for the detection of Hg2+ and Cu2+ based on fluorescence quenching of ultrasmall DNA–Ag NCs. The fluorescence intensity of DNA–Ag NCs was selectively quenched by Hg2+ and Cu2+, and the limit of detection (LOD) was found to be 5 nM and 10 nM, respectively. The technique was renewably employed by EDTA addition and successfully applied to detection of Hg2+ and Cu2+ in domestic water samples. The quantum yield (QY) of DNA–Ag NCs was significantly higher (∼30%) compared to traditional water-soluble fluorescent metal NCs. The DNA–Ag NCs detection system is potentially suitable for detecting Hg2+ and Cu2+ and monitoring water quality in a wide range of samples regulated under the Environmental Protection Agency.

Graphical abstract: Highly sensitive simultaneous detection of mercury and copper ions by ultrasmall fluorescent DNA–Ag nanoclusters

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
29 Aug 2013
Accepted
28 Jan 2014
First published
28 Jan 2014

New J. Chem., 2014,38, 1546-1550

Highly sensitive simultaneous detection of mercury and copper ions by ultrasmall fluorescent DNA–Ag nanoclusters

S. Li, W. Cao, A. Kumar, S. Jin, Y. Zhao, C. Zhang, G. Zou, P. C. Wang, F. Li and X. Liang, New J. Chem., 2014, 38, 1546 DOI: 10.1039/C3NJ01019H

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