Spermine detection via metal-mediated ethynylarene 'turn-on' fluorescence signaling

- Dicarboxylated ethynylarene solutions with Cd(II), Pb(II) or Zn(II) were studied.
- High throughput screening measured polyamine-induced fluorescence perturbation.
- Bathochromic shifts and intensification of fluorescence defined a 'turn-on' signal.
- Signaling was generated from ethynylarene, metal cation and polyamine association.
- Pb(II) system discriminates spermine from spermidine, cadaverine and putrescine.