A “turn-on” fluorescent sensor for detection of Pb2+ based on graphene oxide and G-quadruplex DNA

Abstract

A rapid, sensitive and selective fluorescence sensor for detection of Pb(2+) was developed based on a Pb(2+)-induced G-quadruplex and graphene oxide. By using a specific G-rich DNA sequence, this strategy provided a promising alternative to Pb(2+) determination in the presence of Hg(2+) escaping from the use of a masking agent of Hg(2+).