An “on–off–on” fluorescence assay based on silicon nanoparticles for selective detection of manganese(ii)

Abstract

Highly blue luminescent and water-soluble silicon nanoparticles (Si NPs) are prepared by an efficient one-pot hydrothermal route from (3-aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane and ascorbic acid at 160 °C. The label-free Si NPs are demonstrated as an effective fluorescent probe for selective recognition of Mn²⁺. The linear range is from 2.5 to 250 μM and the detection limit is calculated to be 1.1 μM due to Mn²⁺ induced Si NP aggregation (turn-off). Additionally, the quenched fluorescence can be restored in the presence of EDTA because the EDTA can grab Mn²⁺ from the aggregated Si NPs–Mn²⁺ system owing to its strong chelating ability (turn-on). This sensing system based on the “on–off–on” fluorescence switching method can facilitate further development in Mn²⁺ detection.