A cucurbit[6]uril-based supramolecular assembly as a highly sensitive and quickly responsive luminescent sensor for the detection of fluoroquinolone antibiotics in simulated wastewater

Abstract

A unique cucurbit[6]uril-based (CB[6]) supramolecular assembly [Na₄CB[6](H₂O)₁₀DMF]·2BPDS·2H₂O (1) was successfully synthesized by using an aromatic compound 4,4′-biphenyldisulphonic acid (H₂BPDS) as a structure-directing agent. More impressively, 1 displayed high sensitivity and quick response toward two commonly used fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levofloxacin (LUX) and gatifloxacin (GAT), through luminescence quenching.