Fluorescence probe including benzothiazole salt unit with near-infrared emission for the turn-on detection of human serum albumin

Human serum albumin (HSA) is a highly abundant protein in human plasma and most extracellular fluids, playing a crucial role in metabolic processes. In this article, we designed a "turn-on" specific detection of HSA probe TPA-MBT+ based on AIE signal regulation. The relationship between molecular structure and properties of probe has been deeply investigated through the modification of 2-methylbenzothiazole. The hydrophilic benzothiazole salt group not only enabled the good miscibility of probes in water but also endowed them with specific detection to HSA, achieving desirable "off-on" fluorescence. Based on this AIE signaling strategy, TPAMBT+ has a fast and significant specific response signal to HSA and enable sensitive and quantitative detection of HSA with a low detection limit (down to 0.022 mu g/mL). TPA-MBT+ are also sensitive enough to detect HSA in artificial urine, which has the potential for practical application.