Detection of Hg2+ using molecular beacon-based fluorescent sensor with high sensitivity and tunable dynamic range

- We developed a molecular beacon-based turn-on fluorescent sensor for Hg2+ ions.
- The sensor has tunable dynamic range and the limit of detection (LOD) is 1.9 nM.
- By mixing mismatched targets, high sensitivity and wide dynamic range were achieved.
- The proposed sensor is specific for Hg2+ ions.
- The proposed sensor is able to detect Hg2+ ions in lake water.