Self-assembled coordination nanoparticles from nucleotides and lanthanide ions with doped-boronic acid-fluorescein for detection of cyanide in the presence of Cu2+ in water

► The sensory molecule, F-oBOH, containing boronic acid-linked hydrazide and fluorescein moieties was synthesized by coupling fluorescein hydrazide with 2-formylphenylboronic acid in the presence of sulfuric acid as catalyst. ► F-oBOH was found to be hydrolyzed in water. ► The encapsulation of sensory molecule by self-assembled coordination nanoparticle using lanthanide and nucleotide (F-oBOH-AMP/Gd3+ CNPs) can stabilize the molecule in buffered solution. ► For sensing purpose, this probe incorporated in AMP/Gd3+ CNPs is capable of sensing CN− in HEPES pH 7.4 with an excellent selectivity and sensitivity using fluorescence spectrophotometry.