Highly sensitive detection of Tb³⁺ and ATP based on a novel asymmetric anthracene derivative

A novel fluorescent sensor based on an asymmetric anthracene derivative (SSAPA) was designed and synthesized. Using this molecule, a rapid and sensitive assay for detecting Tb3+ and ATP in aqueous solutions was established. The SSAPA molecule had excellent aggregation-induced emission (AIE) performance and good aqueous dispersion ability. This molecule could coordinate with Tb3+ and the fluorescence quenched linearly with the increase in the concentration of Tb3+ from 0.005 to 1.2 mu M. Since both Tb3+ and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) have strong binding ability, ATP can compete with Tb3+ from the SSAPA/Tb3+ complex leading to fluorescence recovery. In this way, a brand-new fluorescent "turn-on" assay for ATP in the range from 0.01 to 0.4 mu M was developed using the Tb3+-based complex probe. The detection limits for Tb3+ and ATP both reached single-digit nanomole per millilitre (2.8 nM and 4.5 nM, respectively), which demonstrated that this method has high sensitivity. Besides, Tb3+ and ATP also could be well detected in other complex environments such as real water samples or serum samples. This study provides a feasible assay for detecting trace amounts of Tb3+ and ATP in aqueous solutions.