Dual-product synergistically enhanced ratiometric fluorescence assay for alkaline phosphatase activity using core-shell lanthanide-based nanoprobe

We developed a new core-shell ratiometric fluorescent nanoprobe simply prepared by a seeded growth method. The strong luminescence arising from the shell formed by coordination self-assembly of an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) substrate, l -ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (AAP), and Tb 3+ , together with the weak fluorescence of the core-a metal-organic framework, UiO-66-NH 2 , constitutes an ideal dual-emission characteristic. Since AAP can be specifically cleaved by ALP, the well-formulated core-shell nanostructure was destroyed upon exposure to ALP. In this case, the luminescence of Tb 3+ was quenched due to the inefficient antenna effect, while the fluorescence of UiO-66-NH 2 was strengthened by the synergistical enhancement of dual hydrolysates to inhibit the ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) process. Using the dual signal response, this nanoprobe was employed for ratiometric fluorescence detection of ALP activity in the range of 0.05–0.6 U mL −1 with a detection limit of 0.018 U mL −1 , accompanied by a discernible fluorescence color evolution from turquoise to blue. In virtue of good properties in accuracy, sensitivity, selectivity and simplicity, this assay enabled quantitative detection of ALP activity in human serum and efficient screening of ALP inhibitors. More Importantly, a smartphone-assisted paper-based sensing platform was designed for on-site visual analysis of ALP activity in human serum, which may be very promising as a facile, portable, and robust format to facilitate relevant biological and clinical applications. • We have developed a core-shell lanthanide-based fluorescent nanoprobe. • The nanoprobe exhibited ratiometric fluorescence response toward ALP. • The synergy from dual products enhanced detection sensitivity. • Smartphone-based visual analysis enabled to evaluate ALP activity in human serum.