Tb ³⁺-nucleic acid probe-based label-free and rapid detection of mercury pollution in food

Mercury is a threatening pollutant in food, herein, we developed Tb3+-nucleic acid probe-based label-free assay for mix-and-read, rapid detection of mercury pollution. The utilized the feature light-up fluorescence terbium ions (Tb3+) via binding with single-strand DNA. ion, Hg2+ induced thymine (T)-rich DNA strand to form double-strand structure (T-Hg2+-T), thus leading reduction. Based on principle, can be quantified based Tb3+, limit was 0.0689 μmol/L and linear range 0.1 - 6 μmol/L. Due specificity T-Hg2+-T artificial base pair, could distinguish from other metal ions. recovery rate ranged 98.71% -101.34% detecting pollution three food samples. low-cost, separation-free mix-to-read, competitive tool ensure safety.