A novel ratiometric fluorescent probe for the detection of bilirubin based on the copper nanoclusters-metal organic frameworks hybrids.

Bilirubin is a key biomarker in the diagnosis of jaundice. Herein, we proposed a simple and convenient quantitative method for the fluorescent detection of bilirubin. We developed a copper nanoclusters coated by zinc-based metal-organic frameworks (Cu NCs@MOF). The prepared Cu NCs@MOF exhibited bright blue fluorescence excited with ultra-violet light and well stability at various environments. More importantly, Cu NCs@MOF was used for bilirubin detection based on the emerging red fluorescence emission peak induced by bilirubin. Furthermore, Cu NCs@MOF were made into test strip for the visual detection of bilirubin by the fluorescence color variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]