Three-step post-synthetic modification metal-organic framework as a ratiometric fluorescent probe for the detection of creatinine

Creatinine (Cre) measurement in biological fluids is an increasingly important clinical measure for evaluating renal insufficiency, thyroid dysfunction, and muscle injury. Therefore, a simple, fast, and reliable Cre analysis method is of great significance to human health. Herein, a novel ratiometric fluorescence sensor, Ag-Eu-MOF-808-EDTA, was synthesized by introducing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), Ag + , and Eu 3+ into the framework of MOF-808 through three steps of post-synthesis modification, and was used to detect Cre in PBS buffer of pH 7.2 at 35 °C with a “turn-on” ratio response in the presence of various interfering ions and several biomolecules. In this strategy, the characteristic emission of Eu 3+ at 551 nm can be turned on due to coordination between Cre and Ag + , while emission at 613 nm is independent of Cre, which produces a significant ratio response change throughout the cycle. Experimental results showed that the ratio fluorescence sensor displayed a wide linear range for Cre from 0.5 to 350 μM with a low detection limit of 0.42 μM. Finally, a good recovery rate (96.7–102.9%) and appropriate relative standard deviation (RSD <2.39%, n = 3) were obtained during the determination of creatinine in real urine and serum. This work provides additional insights into the detection of creatinine in clinical blood samples. • Ag-Eu-MOF-808-EDTA was prepared by three-step post-synthetic modification. • The material was used for a ratiometric fluorescence sensing of creatinine. • The ratiometric sensor showed a wide linear range and low detection limit for Cre.