A luminescence-based probe for sensitive detection of hydrogen peroxide in seconds

•We describe a novel probe for the sensitive detection of H2O2.•H2O2 quenches the luminescence of a complex consisting of phthalic acid and terbium ions.•A stable fluorescence signal is generated immediately after mixing probe and sample.•The PATb probe detects H2O2 over four orders of magnitude.

Here, we present a fast and simple hydrogen peroxide assay that is based on time-resolved fluorescence. The emission intensity of a complex consisting of terbium ions (Tb3+) and phthalic acid (PA) in HEPES buffer is quenched in the presence of H2O2 and this quenching is concentration-dependent. The novel PATb assay detects hydrogen peroxide at a pH range from 7.5 to 8.5 and with a detection limit of 150 nmol L−1 at pH 8.5. The total assay time is less than 1 min. The linear range of the assay can be adapted by a pH adjustment of the aqueous buffer and covers a concentration range from 310 nmol L−1 to 2.56 mmol L−1 in total which encompasses four orders of magnitude. The assay is compatible with high concentrations of all 47 tested inorganic and organic compounds. The PATb assay was applied to quantify H2O2 in polluted river water samples. In conclusion, this fast and easy-to-use assay detects H2O2 with high sensitivity and precision.

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