Selective detection and controlled release of Aspirin over fluorescent amino-functionalized metal–organic framework in aqueous solution

• A fluorescent amino-functionalized metal–organic framework (Uio-66-NH2) was developed as fluorescent probe for Aspirin detection.
• The developed detection system shows a low detection limit and wondrously high sensitivity.
• The proposed detecting system also expresses good capacity for controlled release of Aspirin in PBS buffer solution (pH 7.4).
• This is the first time to achieve both Aspirin detection and release in one system.

Aspirin, as a traditional anti-inflammatory drug, also leads to some side-effect due to inapposite dose. Simple and sensitive sensors capable of detecting Aspirin would have a significant relevance for human bodies. In this work, a highly selective and sensitive fluorescence probe for detecting Aspirin has been developed based on luminescent Zr-based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with accessible channels and functional sites (free amino group). The MOFs show excellent luminescence and good fluorescence stability in aqueous environment. In the presence of Aspirin, the fluorescence would enhance dramatically (∼20.77 times as much as that of without Aspirin) due to the intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interaction between free-NH2 in MOFs and Aspirin. The proposed detecting system shows a low detection limit (0.02 μM) and a broad liner range (0.02–200 μM) for Aspirin detection. Most importantly, it also expresses good capacity for controlled release of Aspirin in PBS buffer solution (pH 7.4), which has a higher loading content (46%) than some Aspirin loading system. Considering its simple, cost-effective, environmental-friendly as well as combining detection and controlled release, we expect the system will have great potential for biological analysis.

An amino-functionalized metal–organic framework (Uio-66-NH2) was chosen as proposed system for Aspirin detection and controlled release because of its strong blue luminescence and good water-stability.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide