A ribose modification of Spinach aptamer accelerates lead(ii) cation association in vitro

Abstract

Spinach aptamer fluorescence requires formation of a tripartite complex composed of folded RNA, a GFP-like fluorophore, and selective cation coordination. 2′F pyrimidine modified Spinach has retained fluorescence, increased chemical stability, and accelerated cation association via increased G-quadruplex dynamics, thereby reducing readout time and enhancing Spinach utility for aqueous Pb²⁺ detection.