Imine linked AntiBSA@NUS-15 for molecular sensing applications

1,3,5-tris-(4 formyl phenyl) benzene and p-Phenylenediamine based covalent organic framework (COF) i.e., National University of Singapore-15 (NUS-15) have been synthesized using the solvothermal method at room temperature. Importantly, synthesized NUS-15 has been analysed using powdered X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Infrared and UV-Visible spectroscopy techniques. Afterward, the optical properties of NUS-15 (excitation wavelength = 298 nm, emission wavelength = 404 nm) were confirmed through a photoluminescence spectrophotometer. Later on, biofunctionalization of NUS-15 was performed with Anti-BSA using coordination chemistry and confirmed through various analysis techniques. Based on optical properties, NUS-15-based Bioconjugate i.e., Anti-BSA@ NUS-15, has been utilized for selective sensing applications and noted 0.366 ppm detection limit for BSA. Our results imply that NUS-15 might be applied in future biomedical applications.

Graphical abstract

Synopsis. In this work, a covalent organic framework i.e., NUS-15 was synthesised and characterised for Anti-BSA tagged through simple coordination chemistry. Later, Anti BSA-tagged NUS-15 was explored for selective BSA sensing in a certain range using a photoluminescence spectrophotometer. Our results confirm 1.11 ppm (limit of quantification) and 0.366 ppm (limited of detection) during BSA detection.