Preparation of a DNA-Tb-MOF conjugate as a time-resolved probe for the detection of SO2 derivatives through an off–on effect

Abstract

Herein we synthesize a DNA-sensitized Tb-MOF conjugate (DNA-Tb-MOF) as a time-resolved luminescent probe to sensitively and selectively assay SO₂ and their derivatives (i.e., HSO₃⁻) through a photoluminescence off–on effect. The charge and energy transfer mechanism enables the demonstration of the effect of the photoluminescence turn-on which results from the reaction between the amino group of the DNA-Tb-MOF conjugate and SO₂/HSO₃⁻. The results demonstrate that the DNA-Tb-MOF conjugate probe can sense SO₂ and their derivatives (i.e., HSO₃⁻) with a detection limit of 0.02 ppm. Moreover, the photoluminescence off–on effect can be observed even by the naked eye.