A blue fluorescent anti body-cofactor sensor for mercury

[GRAPHICS] A chemically programmed antibody sensor, consisting of a stilbenyl boronic acid cofactor and monoclonal antibody EP2-19G2, provides a new method of mercury detection. The fluorescent antibody sensor generates an intense powder blue fluorescence when bound to the stilbenyl boronic acid cofactor; however, it is quenched in the presence of Hg2+ ions. The EP2-19G2-cofactor biosensor provides micromolar sensitivity and selectivity toward Hg2+ ions over a wide range of metal ions in aqueous solution.