Luminescent Cu nanoclusters-encapsulated ZIF-8 as on-off-on fluorescent probe for efficient and selective quantification of <i>E. coli</i>

Abstract

Rapid and accurate detection of Escherichia coli (E. coli) is critical for maintaining water quality, and protecting aquatic ecosystems and public health. This research focuses on the development of a F & ouml;rster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based "turn-on" fluorescent nanosensor for real time, sensitive detection of E. coli. Copper nanoclusters-encapsulated metal organic frameworks (CuNCs@ZIF-8) were sythesized as a fluorescent donor with excellent luminescence properties. Further, MnO2 nanospheres were synthesized as a receptor with good adsorption and quenching abilities. This novel nanoconjugate (CuNCs@ZIF-8@ MnO2) was employed for the construction of a sensitive, accurate, and rapid sensing platform against E. coli in water on the basis of p-benzoquinone/hydroquinone (p-BQ/HQ) redox pair formation. Fluorescence is quenched by energy transfer when MnO2 nanospheres are added to CuNCs@ZIF-8. Upon contact with E. coli, NADH-quinone reductase converts p-BQ to HQ, which reduces MnO2 to Mn2+, releasing the nanospheres and restoring fluorescence in the composite. Based on this FRET ON-OFF-ON fluorescent probe, E. coli can be detected across a broad concentration range (5 x 101 to 5 x 105 CFU/mL), with a detection limit as low as 8 CFU/mL within 50 min. The sensor's practicality was verified through the investigation of E. coli in real water samples, with recoveries in the range 94.3 to 106.5%. This approach offers an efficient method for on-site detection and quantification of E. coli in both environment and food safety domains.