Multi analyte sensing of amphiphilic tridentate bis(benzimidazolyl)pyridine incorporated in liposomes and potential application in enzyme assayElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See https://doi.org/10.1039/d2ay00486k

A liposome based nanosensor Lipo-1for efficient detection of copper, cyanide (CN−) and ATP in a pure aqueous medium has been described. Lipo-1shows a fluorescence ON–OFF response with copper. However, Lipo-1.Cu(Lipo-1and copper ensemble) was used for the OFF–ON detection of ATP with nM and CN−with μM detection levels, lower than the WHO permissible level for safe drinking. Lipo-1has better and enhanced binding properties over the counter organic amphiphilic compound Bzimpy-LC, which is not soluble in water. The significant changes in the emission spectra in the presence of Cu2+, CN−and ATP ions, as variable inputs, are used to construct INHIBIT and OR logic operations in a nano-scale environment. The fluorescent detection of CN−ions with Lipo-1.Cuwas used to develop an enzyme assay for β-glucosidase using amygdalin as the substrate. β-Glucosidase enzymatic activity was monitored by the emission OFF–ON signal of the probe Lipo-1.Cuby CN−detection. This approach could be an efficient method for developing a fluorescence-based β-glucosidase enzyme assay. A switch ON luminescence response, low detection limit, fast response, 100% aqueous solution, biocompatibility, multi-analyte detection, and improved sensitivity and selectivity of Bzimpy-LCin lipid bilayer membranes are the main features of the nanoprobe Lipo-1. These properties give it a clear advantage for analytical applications.