Highly sensitive detection of Tb3+and ATP based on a novel asymmetric anthracene derivativeElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: NMR spectra, HRMS and the DLS data. See DOI: 10.1039/d1ay01279g

A novel fluorescent sensor based on an asymmetric anthracene derivative (SSAPA) was designed and synthesized. Using this molecule, a rapid and sensitive assay for detecting Tb3+and ATP in aqueous solutions was established. The SSAPA molecule had excellent aggregation-induced emission (AIE) performance and good aqueous dispersion ability. This molecule could coordinate with Tb3+and the fluorescence quenched linearly with the increase in the concentration of Tb3+from 0.005 to 1.2 μM. Since both Tb3+and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) have strong binding ability, ATP can compete with Tb3+from the SSAPA/Tb3+complex leading to fluorescence recovery. In this way, a brand-new fluorescent “turn-on” assay for ATP in the range from 0.01 to 0.4 μM was developed using the Tb3+-based complex probe. The detection limits for Tb3+and ATP both reached single-digit nanomole per millilitre (2.8 nM and 4.5 nM, respectively), which demonstrated that this method has high sensitivity. Besides, Tb3+and ATP also could be well detected in other complex environments such as real water samples or serum samples. This study provides a feasible assay for detecting trace amounts of Tb3+and ATP in aqueous solutions.