Ratiometric fluorescence detection of anthrax biomarker based on terbium (III) functionalized graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets

Detection of anthrax biomarker dipicolinic acid (DPA) is of great importance upon the crisis of bioterrorism. Development of fluorescent materials for DPA detection, particularly one that fully depends on single luminescent response, faces the challenge of being susceptible to interferences. The accompanying accuracy problems offer great opportunities for the establishment of more reliable ratiometric analysis method. Herein, a ratiometric fluorescent probe based on terbium functionalized graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (Tb-g-C3N4NS) is attempted for quantitative detection of DPA to address the distinct function of g-C3N4NS as both carrier and reference fluorophore, which is a so-far unexplored option in fluorescent detection approaches. We achieve the incorporation of Tb3+ into framework of g-C3N4NS by using a simple synthetic strategy comprised of thermal pyrolysis and ultrasonic exfoliation. Combining the reference signal over g-C3N4NS at 440 nm (I440) with the response signal of Tb3+ at 546 nm (I546), concentration of DPA can be easily calculated via its linear correlation with the intensity ratio (I546/I440), giving a precise measurement towards DPA with a detection limit as low as 9.9 nM. Besides enabling an excellent self-calibrating detection of DPA, this work also inspires broader use of g-C3N4NS for relevant process. [Display omitted] •A ratiometric fluorescence probe was established for sensitive detection of anthrax biomarker.•Tb3+ ions were inserted in the g-C3N4 nanosheets to produce double luminescent centers.•g-C3N4 acted as carrier and reference fluorophore to ensure probe performance and high accuracy.•A detection limit as low as 9.9 nM was obtained.