A sensitive electrochemiluminescence aptasensor for Pb2+ detection in soil based on dual signal amplification strategy of aggregation-induced emission and resonance energy transfer

In the present work, based on dual signal amplification strategy of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and resonance energy transfer (RET), a highly sensitive and selective on-off-on output model electrochemiluminescence (ECL) aptasensor for Pb2+ detection was constructed. In this approach, the first signal-on with a high and stable ECL signal was obtained by gold nanoclusters (AuNCs)-modified glassy carbon electrode surface with triethylamine as co-reactant. The AIE behaviour of AuNCs amplified ECL emission compared with AuNCs in solution. Later, the signal-off was activated by rhodamine B (RhB) quenched the AuNCs signal due to good spectral overlap between ultraviolet-visible absorption peak of RhB and ECL spectrum of AuNCs. The combination of dual signal amplification strategy provided a high signal to background ratio, leading to the improved sensitivity of the aptasensor. In the presence of Pb2+, its specific binding to the aptamer induced the departure of RhB from the sensing interface, which resulted in the favourable recovery of ECL signal (Second signal-off). Therefore, the proposed ECL aptasensor exhibited a wide detection linear range from 1.0 x 10-10 to 1.0 x 10-4 M. Prospectively, the development dual signal amplification strategy could provide a novel sensing strategy for Pb2+ detection.

Automated summary

In this study, a highly sensitive and selective ECL aptasensor for Pb2+ detection was constructed based on the dual signal amplification strategy of AIE and RET. The signal-on was activated by AuNCs-modified electrode surface, while the signal-off was induced by RhB quenching the AuNCs signal. Specific binding of Pb2+ to the aptamer resulted in favorable recovery of ECL signal.