Construction of dual-ligand samarium(III)-MOF fluorescent sensor: An efficient platform for selectivity detection of antibiotic tetracycline

Abstract

The proliferation of antibiotic resistance associated with tetracycline (TC) has emerged as a significant threat to global public health and safety. Therefore, the accurate quantification of TC concentrations and assessment of its environmental impact are critical steps in evaluating pollution risks. However, the development of portable and practical methods for detecting tetracycline (TC) in aquatic environments remains a significant challenge. Herein, a samarium-based metal-organic framework (Sm-MOF) was constructed through a solvothermal approach, utilizing pyromellitic acid (H₄BTEC) and nicotinic acid (HNTCA) as dual ligands. The resulting 3D framework was stabilized through a synergistic interplay of coordination bonds and hydrogen bonding interactions, endowing the structure with exceptional stability for functional applications. Notably, the Sm-MOF exhibited a distinct fluorescence quenching response upon selective recognition of TC, even in the presence of multiple interfering species, highlighting its potential for precise detection in complex environments. The experimental results demonstrated that the Sm-MOF exhibited significant potential as a highly effective sensor material for TC detection, characterized by its rapid response time, exceptional anti-interference performance, and excellent recyclability. Moreover, DFT calculations revealed that the fluorescence quenching mechanism of Sm-MOF for TC was primarily governed by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and photoinduced electron transfer (PET).