An ultrastable zinc-based organic framework as a recyclable luminescent probe for methylmalonic acid detection

Abstract

Methylmalonic acid (MMA) as a functional marker of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency has attracted extensive attention. However, the highly selective and sensitive detection of MMA in a complex body fluid environment remains a formidable challenge. Herein, a water stable zinc-based organic framework (1) has been harvested, exhibiting splendid solvent stability in various solvents and pH tolerance in the range of pH 1 to 13. Luminescence investigations revealed that compound 1 can serve as a reusable luminescent probe for recognizing MMA with notable luminescence stability, and quenching efficiency and a low detection limit of 1.7 nM. Importantly, the emission intensity of 1 shows no significant change in the presence of main ingredients of serum and urine, which provides valuable guidance in the early diagnosis and treatment of disorders in cobalamin deficiency and MMA metabolic disorders.