A fluorimetric testing strip for the visual evaluation of mercury in blood using copper nanoclusters with DMSO-enhanced fluorescence and stability

Abstract

A fluorimetric analytical method using test strips has been fabricated for detecting Hg²⁺ ions in blood by using copper nanoclusters (Cu NCs) prepared via a biomineralization route. Unexpectedly, the as-prepared Cu NCs displayed greatly amplified red fluorescence once dispersed in DMSO, the intensity of which decreased specifically in the presence of Hg²⁺. Moreover, the resultant Cu NCs were deposited onto test strips to be further fast dried on superhydrophobic substrates in vacuum. The test strip-based fluorimetry can allow for the direct analysis of Hg²⁺ in blood in the linear concentration range of 0.10–1000 nM. Importantly, this solvent-enhanced fluorescence protocol for different metal probes such as Cu NCs promises extensive analysis applications for designing numerous fluorimetric platforms such as test strips.