A label free Ag sensing method via in situ formation of metal coordination polymer.

Metal ions sensing play critical roles in environmental monitoring and in biology. In this assay, we report the development of a facile fluorometric method for the sensing of Ag ions via the in situ formation of metal coordination polymer, based on the selective interactions of GSH with Ag. The formation of coordination polymer with net multiple negative charges in an aqueous buffer solution (Tris-HAc, pH 9.0) resulted in aggregation and fluorescence quenching of a cationic perylene probe. The difference in emission intensity spurred us to develop a new strategy for sensing Ag ions. The proposed Ag detection method is simple, convenient, selective and sensitive, and can be used for Ag detection in lake water samples.