Sensitive and Specific Detection of L-Lactate Using an AIE-Active Fluorophore

L-Lactate is a vital biomarker for many diseases and physiological fatigue. An AIE-active fluorophore (TPE-HPro) is combined with L-lactate oxidase (LOx) to determine L-lactate in aqueous fluid. The assay shows excellent sensitivity and anti-interference performance with a limit of detection (LOD) of 5.5 mu M. In addition, sensitive detection of L-lactate is achieved even in a protein-rich environment. It is proposed that quantification of L-lactate be performed at 20 or 60 min in the current method. These characteristics endow the fluorometric assay with great potential for biomedical diagnostics.