Construction of an aggregation-induced electrochemiluminescent sensor based on an aminal-linked covalent organic framework for sensitive detection of glutathione in human serum.

Abstract

We demonstrate the construction of an aggregation-induced electrochemiluminescent (AIECL) sensor for glutathione (GSH) assay by integrating an aminal-linked covalent organic framework (A-COF) with manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanosheets. The AIECL of the A-COF is quenched by the MnO2 nanosheets via electrochemiluminescent resonance energy transfer (ERET) from the excited A-COF to MnO2. The presence of GSH can reduce the MnO2 nanosheets into Mn2+, restoring the AIECL emission of the A-COF. This AIECL sensor has the characteristics of fast response, high sensitivity, and good selectivity toward GSH, and it can accurately measure GSH in human serum.