Protein-based sensitive, selective and rapid fluorescence detection of picric acid in aqueous media

Highly sensitive, ultra-selective and rapid detection of picric acid (PA) in aqueous media is accomplished using a protein fluorophore bovine serum albumin (BSA). This extraordinary sensing performance is ascribed to electron transfer and Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanisms as well as acid-base pairing interactions between amino groups of BSA and picrate anions of PA in aqueous solution.