Conjugated polydiacetylenes bearing quaternary ammonium groups as a dual colorimetric and fluorescent sensor for ATP

A PDA based sensor, derived from a quaternary ammonium substituted diacetylene monomer, displayed a selective colorimetric change and a large fluorescence enhancement in the presence of ATP at pH 7.0. The ratio between quaternary ammonium monomer and primary amine monomer and control of steric factors were critical points to induce color change. The ATP selective PDA-based chemosensor enabled easy detection of the presence of ATP in 100% aqueous solution by the naked eye.