Visual detection of Ca2+ based on aggregation-induced emission of Au(i)–Cys complexes with superb selectivity

Abstract

A label-free optical probe was developed for Ca²⁺ detection based on the aggregation-induced emission property of Au(I)–thiolate complexes. Upon incubation with Ca²⁺, the Au(I)–cysteine complexes rapidly aggregated through Cys–Ca²⁺ interaction, resulting in a luminescent emission of the complexes. The label-free probe was low cost, simple in design and fast in response.