Recognition and discrimination of citric acid isomers by luminescent nanointerface self‐assembled from amphiphilic Eu(III) complexes.

Recognition and discrimination of citrate and its isomer, isocitrate, are important but challenging for monitoring the energy metabolism process in clinical conditions, since they have similar chemical and physical properties. In this work, we constructed a luminescent supramolecular vesicle with novel amphiphilic Eu3+ complex (EuL + ). Highly selective detection and discrimination of citrate and isocitrate at micromolar analyte concentration were realized via cooperative interaction between luminescent vesicular interface and the isomers, representing the most sensitive sensing system for the isomers. Interestingly, EuL + vesicles showed different degrees of enhancement in luminescence intensity in the presence of citrate (5.1-fold) or isocitrate (1.7-fold) due to their imparity in the coordination with EuL + . Moreover, EuL + vesicles displayed high selectivity towards citrate even in the presence of other carboxylates and anions. Based on this, the as-prepared luminescent vesicles were successfully employed to track the conversion process between citrate and isocitrate. Recognition and discrimination of citrate and its isomer, isocitrate, are important but challenging for monitoring the energy metabolism process in clinical conditions, since they have similar chemical and physical properties. In this work, we constructed a luminescent supramolecular vesicle with novel amphiphilic Eu3+ complex (EuL + ). Highly selective detection and discrimination of citrate and isocitrate at micromolar analyte concentration were realized via cooperative interaction between luminescent vesicular interface and the isomers, representing the most sensitive sensing system for the isomers. Interestingly, EuL + vesicles showed different degrees of enhancement in luminescence intensity in the presence of citrate (5.1-fold) or isocitrate (1.7-fold) due to their imparity in the coordination with EuL + . Moreover, EuL + vesicles displayed high selectivity towards citrate even in the presence of other carboxylates and anions. Based on this, the as-prepared luminescent vesicles were successfully employed to track the conversion process between citrate and isocitrate. [Display omitted] • A novel amphiphilic Eu(III) complex was designed and synthesized. • Spherical vesicles with a highly ordered nano-interface were constructed in aqueous solution. • Detection and discrimination of citrate and isocitrate via cooperative interaction between vesicular interface and isomers. • The luminescent vesicles were successfully employed to track the conversion process between citrate and isocitrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]