Ratiometric fluorescence detection of anthrax biomarker based on terbium (III) functionalized graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets

Detection of anthrax biomarker dipicolinic acid (DPA) is of great importance upon the crisis of bioterrorism. Development of fluorescent materials for DPA detection, particularly one that fully depends on single luminescent response, faces the challenge of being susceptible to interferences. The accompanying accuracy problems offer great opportunities for the establishment of more reliable ratiometric analysis method. Herein, a ratiometric fluorescent probe based on terbium functionalized graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (Tb-g-C3N4NS) is attempted for quantitative detection of DPA to address the distinct function of g-C3N4NS as both carrier and reference fluorophore, which is a so-far unexplored option in fluorescent detection approaches. We achieve the incorporation of Tb3+ into framework of g-C3N4NS by using a simple synthetic strategy comprised of thermal pyrolysis and ultrasonic exfoliation. Combining the reference signal over g-C3N4NS at 440 nm (I-440) with the response signal of Tb3+ at 546 nm (I-546), concentration of DPA can be easily calculated via its linear correlation with the intensity ratio (I-546/I-440), giving a precise measurement towards DPA with a detection limit as low as 9.9 nM. Besides enabling an excellent self-calibrating detection of DPA, this work also inspires broader use of g-C3N4NS for relevant process.

Automated summary

Developing a ratiometric fluorescent probe based on terbium functionalized graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (Tb-g-C3N4NS) allows for quantitative detection of anthrax biomarker dipicolinic acid (DPA) with high accuracy. By combining the reference signal of g-C3N4NS and the response signal of Tb3+, the concentration of DPA can be easily calculated via its linear correlation with the intensity ratio, providing a precise measurement with a low detection limit. This study not only enables excellent self-calibrating detection of DPA, but also inspires broader use of g-C3N4NS for relevant processes.