A luminescent terbium metal-organic framework for highly sensitive and selective detection of uric acid in aqueous media

Highlights: • A luminescent MOF has been designed and solvothermally synthesized. • ZJU-158-Tb shows sensitive and selective detection of UA with a LOD of 7 nM. • The MOF test papers can monitor abnormal UA levels in artificial urine and serum. -- Abstract: As the final product of purine metabolism, uric acid (UA) existing in urine and serum plays an important role in the body's metabolism, immunity and other functions. However, it is still difficult to sense UA in practice. Herein, a new terbium metal–organic framework (Me₂NH₂)₂[Tb₂(L)₂]·(H₂O)₆ (ZJU-158-Tb, ZJU = Zhejiang University, L = 1-(3,5-dicarboxylatobenzyl)−3,5-pyrazole dicarboxylic acid)for luminescent sensing of UA was designed and synthesized. It exhibits highly sensitive and selective detection to UA in aqueous solutions with a quite low detection limit of 7 nM by a luminescence turn-down phenomenon. Furthermore, the practical test papers made by ZJU-158-Tb possess fast monitoring ability for abnormal UA levels in artificial urine and serum through distinct colour change, which could be even distinguished by the naked eye.