Protein-based sensitive, selective and rapid fluorescence detection of picric acid in aqueous media

Abstract

Highly sensitive, ultra-selective and rapid detection of picric acid (PA) in aqueous media is accomplished using a protein fluorophore bovine serum albumin (BSA). This extraordinary sensing performance is ascribed to electron transfer and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanisms as well as acid–base pairing interactions between amino groups of BSA and picrate anions of PA in aqueous solution.