Abstract
Compared to conventionally synthesized organic compounds, peptides with amphiphiles have unique advantages, especially in self-assembly. Herein, we reported a peptide-based molecule rationally designed for the visual detection of copper ions (Cu2+) in multiple modes. The peptide exhibited excellent stability, high luminescence efficiency, and environmentally responsive molecular self-assembly in water. In the presence of Cu2+, the peptide undergoes an ionic coordination interaction and a coordination-driven self-assembly process that leads to the quenching of fluorescence and the formation of aggregates. Therefore, the concentration of Cu2+ can be determined by the residual fluorescence intensity and the color difference between peptide and competing chromogenic agents before and after Cu2+ incorporation. More importantly, this variation in fluorescence and color can be presented visually, thus allowing qualitative and quantitative analysis of Cu2+ based on the naked eye and smartphones. Overall, our study not only extends the application of self-assembling peptides but also provides a universal method for dual-mode visual detection of Cu2+, which would significantly promote point-of-care testing (POCT) of metal ions in pharmaceuticals, food, and drinking water.
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