Luminescent NaTb(SO4)2 nanoprobe for hydrogen peroxide based on switchable fluorescence of Tb(IV)/Tb(III) redox couple

The accurate and sensitive detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is of practical significance in the fields of bioanalysis, medicine, environmental protection as well as food industry. Herein, we design and fabricate NaTb (SO4)2 nanoparticles (NPs) as novel fluorescent nanoprobes for H2O2 detection. The design strategy is based on the fluorescence quenching occurred during the oxidation of Tb(III) to Tb(IV) upon H2O2 addition. The sensing of NaTb(SO4)2 NPs to H2O2 is in a turn-off mode, and the sensitivity is tunable by the pH due to the pHdependence of the oxidizing ability of H2O2. Superior to most of the reported H2O2 sensors, NaTb(SO4)2 NPs exhibit reliable stability in acidic environment and a more sensitive response to H2O2 with a limit of detection (LOD) down to 0.047 mu M at pH = 3.2. Based on its high sensitivity and reliable stability, the NaTb(SO4)2 NPs is anticipated to find potential applications in the field of biosensors.

Automated summary

The NaTb(SO4)2 nanoparticles are designed and fabricated as novel fluorescent nanoprobes for the accurate and sensitive detection of hydrogen peroxide. They show high sensitivity and reliable stability, with a detection limit of 0.047 μM, making them suitable for potential applications in biosensors.