Effective Detection of Mycotoxins by a Highly Luminescent Metal–Organic Framework

We
designed and synthesized a new luminescent metal–organic
framework (LMOF). LMOF-241 is highly porous and emits strong blue
light with high efficiency. We demonstrate for the first time that
very fast and extremely sensitive optical detection can be achieved,
making use of the fluorescence quenching of an LMOF material. The
compound is responsive to Aflatoxin B1 at parts per billion
level, which makes it the best performing luminescence-based chemical
sensor to date. We studied the electronic properties of LMOF-241 and
selected mycotoxins, as well as the extent of mycotoxin–LMOF
interactions, employing theoretical methods. Possible electron and
energy transfer mechanisms are discussed.