Ratiometric fluorescent sensing of pyrophosphate with sp³-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes

Inorganic pyrophosphate is a key molecule in many biological processes from DNA synthesis to cell metabolism. Here we introduce sp³-functionalized (6,5) single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with red-shifted defect emission as near-infrared luminescent probes for the optical detection and quantification of inorganic pyrophosphate. The sensing scheme is based on the immobilization of Cu²⁺ ions on the SWNT surface promoted by coordination to covalently attached aryl alkyne groups and a triazole complex. The presence of Cu²⁺ ions on the SWNT surface causes fluorescence quenching via photoinduced electron transfer, which is reversed by copper-complexing analytes such as pyrophosphate. The differences in the fluorescence response of sp³-defect to pristine nanotube emission enables reproducible ratiometric measurements in a wide concentration window. Biocompatible, phospholipid-polyethylene glycol-coated SWNTs with such sp³ defects are employed for the detection of pyrophosphate in cell lysate and for monitoring the progress of DNA synthesis in a polymerase chain reaction. This robust ratiometric and near-infrared luminescent probe for pyrophosphate may serve as a starting point for the rational design of nanotube-based biosensors.