Cucurbit[n]uril-based fluorescent indicator-displacement assays for sensing organic compounds
Qunpeng Duan, Ran Chen, Su Deng, Cheng Yang, Xinxin Ji, Gege Qi, Hui Li, Xiaohan Li, Shihao Chen, Mengen Lou, Kui Lü
Abstract
The widespread conversion of synthetic receptors into luminescent sensors has been achieved via the use of fluorescent-indicator displacement assays (F-IDAs). Due to their rigid structures and efficient binding affinities, cucurbit[ n ]urils, combined with a variety of fluorescent guests, have gained extensive utilization in fluorescent-indicator displacement assays for sensing non-fluorescent or weakly fluorescent organic compounds (analytes) in a selective and specific manner. This mini-review summarizes recent advances in the design of cucurbit[ n ]uril-based fluorescent-indicator displacement assays and discusses the current challenges and future prospects in this area.