Nanoscale metal–organic frameworks coated with poly(vinyl alcohol) for ratiometric peroxynitrite sensing through FRET

This work describes a facile yet powerful approach to energy-transfer NMOF (nanoscale metal–organic framework) fabrication for ratiometric peroxynitrite (ONOO(–)) sensing. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is chosen to organize the energy donor (NMOF) and acceptor (molecular probes). PVA can conveniently graft onto the NMOF surface and bind to the molecular probes bearing the arylboronic acid group through multiple weak coordination interactions. Due to efficient Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), the bright blue fluorescence of the NMOF is quenched while the green or red emission from the acceptor is enhanced. Upon reacting with ONOO(–), the ONOO(–) sensors depart from the NMOF and the FRET is interrupted and the fluorescence of the NMOF recovered. Based on this strategy, we developed two ratiometric ONOO(–) nanosensors for the detection of ONOO(–) in solutions and living cells. This work is the first report of NMOF ONOO(–) sensors through FRET and could inspire the design of other NMOF based chemical sensors and biosensors.