A Two-Component Small Molecule System for Activity-Based Detection and Signal Amplification: Application to the Visual Detection of Threshold Levels of Pd(II)

A detection and signal amplification strategy aimed toward threshold diagnostic assays for use in resource-limited settings is described. The strategy employs two small molecule reagents that work in tandem. One reagent detects a specific analyte, while the second amplifies a colorimetric readout autocatalytically. The strategy is demonstrated using palladium(II) as a model analyte.