Sensitive detection of the antibiotic pollutants by a solvent-stable luminescent sensor based on a europium(III) metal-organic framework

Abstract

The nitrofuran/nitroimidazole/sulfonamide antibiotics are significant chemotherapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of infections by bacteria. However, the misuse of antibiotics can trigger antimicrobial resistance or even result in environmental pollution by antibiotic residues. In this regard, sensitive recognition of antibiotics associated with a quantitative platform is desirable. Herein, the antibiotic pollutants can be quantitatively detected by a new luminescent sensor derived from a stable europium(III) metal-organic framework, namely {[Eu2(FDA)3(H2O)3(DMF)·DMF·2H2O]}n (Eu-MOF, H2FDA ​= ​furan-2,5-dicarboxylic acid). The Eu-MOF features a 6,6-connected pcu alpha-Po primitive cubic topology with 1D channels occupied by lattice N,N-dimethylformamide and water molecules. More importantly, the Eu-MOF represents superior luminescent properties, which can be quenched by trace amounts of the nitrofuran/nitroimidazole/sulfonamide antibiotics at μM levels in water. The results indicate that Eu-MOF is qualified as a promisingly favorable sensor for the sensitive detection of the antibiotics in water, being potentially beneficial for monitoring water quality.