A sensitive fluorescent probe of gold nanoclusters encapsulated by zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 for ATP detection

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) actively involve into cellular processes. Abnormal levels of ATP related to a variety of diseases, therefore determining the ATP level is of pivotal significance for diagnoses. Here, a highly sensitive fluorescence probe based on gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) was constructed for the detection of ATP, and an expanded detection range and low limit of detection (LOD) were realized in our work. Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) enhanced the fluorescence intensity of Au NCs by the encapsulation and less ATP cause to a stronger fluorescence change, which guaranteed detection reproducibility and facilitated lower LOD. The LOD of Au NCs encapsulated ZIF-8 (AZ) for ATP detection was expanded to 2 μM, which was only 0.05 % of sole Au NCs (4000 μM). Significantly, ATP of high concentration quenched AZ by disrupting the structure of ZIF-8 which expanded the detection range. Moreover, the linear range of high concentration ATP detection in serum was 600–4000 μM, which was closed to the normal level of ATP in physiological. Therefore, due to its low LOD and high sensitivity, AZ can be applied for fluorescence detection and initial diagnosis of disease related to ATP.