Aluminum(III) triggered aggregation-induced emission of glutathione-capped copper nanoclusters as a fluorescent probe for creatinine

Glutathione-capped copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) are presented that display aggregation-induced emission (AIE). This feature was exploited for selective and sensitive quantification of creatinine (CRN) which is an important diagnostic parameter. In the presence of Al3+ ions, suchCuNCs rapidly aggregate, and thisinduces enhanced a redemission. The AIE nature of CuNCs was proven via TEM and fluorimetry. On addition of CRN, the coordination between CRN and Al3+ ions led to the quenching of fluorescence due to weakening the AIE. The best fluorescence intensity was measured at excitation/emission peaks of 360/585nm. Quenched fluorescence intensity showed a linear dependence on the concentrations of CRN in the range of 2.5-34 gL(-1) with a detection limit of 0.63 gL(-1). The sensing mechanism of probe for CRN detection is discussed. The probe was applied to thedetermination of CRN in spikedhuman serum samples and gave satisfactory results.