Solvent Crafted Alternate [Zn3/Zn4] Cluster Driven MOF and its Analogous MOG: Structural Insider Integrated with Advanced Bilirubin Detection and Encryption Strategies

Abstract

The synergy between coordination chemistry and material design facilitates the development of sophisticated luminescent systems with advanced applications.1-3 This study details the preparation and analysis of a rare alternate [Zn3/Zn4] cluster-based metal-organic framework (MOF) SSICG15 and its analogous metal-organic gel (MOG) SSICG15-MOG, both originating from the same naphthalimide ligand (H₂L) and zinc precursor. The existence of trinuclear and tetranuclear zinc clusters, distinctive to the structure, offers substantial insights into the coordinating environment of the MOF structure. The xerogel, obtained from the MOG, exhibited notable crystallinity as evidenced by PXRD studies. The probable structure of the MOG was determined by simulating the PXRD data of the related xerogel using molecular dynamics simulations, informed by ESI MS. data and the coordination network of the MOF. Both materials exhibited exceptional luminosity, facilitating their use in sophisticated anticounterfeiting methods, including QR code encoding along with anticounterfeiting ink preparation. These materials show great sensitivity and selectivity for bilirubin (BR) detection with a LOD of 20nM for SSICG15-MOG & 26.5 nM for SSICG15, which is a crucial biomarker for jaundice diagnosis and monitoring. Both materials combine photonic capabilities with excellent diagnostic accuracy, which makes them extremely attractive for analytical and biological applications.