Construction of a Cd8Tb4 nanoring for luminescence response to 2,6-dipicolinic acid as an anthrax biomarker

Abstract

A Cd₈Tb₄ nanoring (1) (molecular sizes: 1.2 × 2.8 × 2.8 nm) was constructed by the use of a flexible Schiff base ligand. It displays response to DPA by the enhancement of lanthanide luminescence and the decrease of ligand-centered emission, which can be directly observed by naked eyes. The detection limit of 1 to DPA is 10.7 μmol L⁻¹. The luminescence sensitivity of 1 towards DPA is not influenced by the existence of interferents, for example, aromatic carboxylates and ions.