The aggregation-caused quenching effect and fluorescence enhancement features of ZIF-90 and their feasibility for the detection and imaging of ATP in cells

Herein, two new or overlooked features of ZIF-90 were identified and investigated. Imidazole-2-carboxaldehyde is fluorescent, but its fluorescence in ZIF-90 is quenched by an ACQ effect. ZIF-90 can enhance the fluorescence of Cy5, but quench that of 6-FAM. The applicability of the two newly identified features in biosensing was explored.