Detection of glucose based on reversible “on–off” fluorescence systems in aqueous solution

Three effective detection systems for glucose based on reversible “on–off” fluorescence recognition mechanism were developed. Fluorescent quantum dot (FQD) with amino and carboxyl groups were used as fluorescent reported section and its fluorescence was modified by boronic acid functional benzyl viologens (BBVs). The BBVs acted as both quenchers and receptors roles in these systems. The sensing systems of FQD/BBVs all displayed higher detection efficiency for glucose than organic-dye/BBVs system, especially for FQD/o-BBV sensing system. The glucose response signal showed 4-fold fluorescent intensity increase of FQD/o-BBV system only in the presence of 10.0 mM glucose.