Target-induced reconstruction of Ru(bpy)32+-loaded gold nanocage for one-step highly sensitive detection of Hg2+

Jin Wang, Xinyu Lu, Huafeng Wang, Yuan Zhong, Zhihui Dai, Tianxiang Wei

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In this work, Ru(bpy)32+-loaded gold nanocage (AuNCs) (Ru–AuNCs) was prepared and found to display a distinct property of electrochemiluminescence (ECL) enhancement under mercury ions (Hg2+) interaction. Based on this, we designed a screen-printed bipolar electrode-ECL (SPBPE-ECL) sensing platform by coupling with the thymine-Hg2+-thymine (T-Hg2+-T) binding pattern for one-step highly sensitive detection of Hg2+. This ECL sensor showed a wide linear detection range (0.75 – 850 μg L−1) and low detection limit (0.1290 μg L−1) toward Hg2+, with a one-step detection procedure and disposable feature, displaying potential applicability in the point-of-care-testing (POCT) of Hg2+ in the environment. In addition, the Hg2+-mediated ECL signal enhancement mechanism of Ru–AuNCs was also investigated. It was confirmed that Hg2+ interaction etched the cage structure of Ru–AuNCs, which sped up the release of more Ru(bpy)32+ around the sensing electrode. Furthermore, Au–Hg alloy structure was formed on the surface of Ru–AuNCs, which also improved the ECL signal. This target-induced in-situ sensing material surface reconstruction strategy would provide a better design concept for the construction of ECL POCT sensor.

Original languageEnglish
Article number127955
JournalTalanta
Volume292
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Sep 2025

Keywords

  • Au–Hg alloy
  • Electrochemiluminescence biosensing
  • Mercury ions
  • Point-of-care testing
  • Ru(bpy)-loaded gold nanocages
  • Screen-printed bipolar electrode

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Target-induced reconstruction of Ru(bpy)32+-loaded gold nanocage for one-step highly sensitive detection of Hg2+'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this