Ultrastable cucurbit[6]uril-based multifunctional supramolecular assembly for efficient detection of nitroaromatic compounds and antibiotics

Abstract

A CB[6]-based supramolecular assembly: [Zn(QDS)₂]·(CB[6])₂ (1) (CB[6] = cucurbit[6]uril, HQDS = 8-hydroxy-5-quinolinesulfonic acid hydrate) has been synthesized under solvothermal conditions. Luminescence measurement reveals that 1 can serve as a fast and recyclable luminescence sensor for 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) organic explosives, as well as oxytetracycline (OTC) and tetracycline (TC) antibiotic detection in water solution through luminescence quenching with a low limit of detection (LOD) at parts per billion (ppb) levels. Simultaneously, 1 also can be used in real samples with satisfactory results. These results indicate that 1 can be applied as a multifunctional luminescent sensor in various potential applications.