Label-free fluorescence turn-on detection of Pb2+ based on AIE-active quaternary ammonium salt of 9,10-distyrylanthracene

A label-free fluorescence turn-on approach for the selective sensing of Pb2+ based on quaternary ammonium salt of 9,10-distyrylanthracene with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) property was developed through Pb2+-induced allosteric G-quadruplex (G4). The method is simple, easy to operate, cost-effective, and provides good sensitivity and selectivity.