Selective Array‐Based Sensing of Anabolic Steroids in Aqueous Solution by Host–Guest Reporter Complexes

Arrayed complexes of a water‐soluble deep cavitand and two fluorescent indicators show selective sensing of anabolic‐androgenic steroids in aqueous environments. By combining the host–guest complexes with small amounts of heavy metal ions, discrimination between steroids that vary in structure by only a single π bond is possible. The sensing occurs through a triggered aggregation mechanism, which can be mediated by both the presence of metal ions and the steroids. The use of both “turn‐on” and “turn‐off” fluorophores is essential for good discrimination. As low as 10 μm steroid can be detected, and the discrimination is selective in steroid samples spiked into human urine. Arrayed complexes of a water‐soluble deep cavitand and two fluorescent indicators show selective sensing of anabolic‐androgenic steroids in aqueous environments.