Design of a Tb(iii) – MOF fluorescent probe for rapid and reusable detection of napropamide

Abstract

By employing the in situ synthesis method, we have successfully fabricated a Tb-MOF fluorescent probe that is tailor-made for the specific recognition of napropamide (NAP) in aquatic environments and food samples. This probe leverages the inner filter effect (IFE) to efficiently quench the green fluorescence of Tb-MOF, thereby enabling sensitive detection of NAP. We have conducted a comprehensive analysis and summation of the intricate fluorescence quenching mechanism exhibited by Tb-MOF towards NAP. Remarkably, following centrifugation and meticulous washing with ethanol, the Tb-MOF fluorescent probe demonstrated exceptional reusability, retaining its superior performance throughout five rigorous testing cycles. To further extend its application range, we conducted visualization experiments, facilitating the convenient monitoring of NAP in environmental and food samples under more practical conditions. Moreover, leveraging NAP as the input signal, we innovatively designed a binary molecular logic gate device incorporating AND, OR, and NOT gates. In summary, the Tb-MOF fluorescent probe has demonstrated exceptional sensitivity, selectivity, and regeneration capability for NAP, positioning it as a promising platform for the identification of NAP in both environmental water samples and food.