Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), as a class of crystalline hybrid architectures, consist of metal ions and organic ligands and have displayed great potential in luminescent sensing applications due to their tunable structures and unique photophysical properties. Until now, many studies have been reported on the development of MOF-based luminescent sensors, which can be classified into two major categories: MOF chemosensors based on reversible host–guest interactions and MOF chemodosimeters based on the irreversible reactions between targets with a probe. In this review, we summarize the recently developed luminescent MOF-based chemodosimeters for various analytes, including H₂S, HClO, biothiols, fluoride ions, redox-active biomolecules, Hg²⁺, and CN⁻. In addition, some remaining challenges and future perspectives in this area are also discussed.

A novel DNA-directed AgNCs (DNA-AgNCs) was synthesized with economical raw material (natural fish sperm DNA) through a simple and rapid approach, and it first showed high and stable fluorescence emission as a AgNCs stabilized by natural DNA at about 635nm. Moreover, its emission intensity could be enhanced tremendously in acetic acid (HAc) medium. Whereas, when berberine hydrochloride (BRH) entered the solution system, it would interact and combine efficiently with DNA on the surface of AgNCs, which could lead to subtle change of charge distribution on its surface, and make it more lyophobic, inducing aggregation of DNA-AgNCs. As a result, fluorescence of the system was quenched visually; the process represented a color variance from yellow to hot pink under HAc medium, then back to yellowish-brown when BRH worked. Based on above phenomenon, a selective and accurate spectrofluorometric method for BRH detection was established. It can be applied to detect trace amounts of BRH in aqueous solution in the linear range from 1.0nM to 2000.0nM; and the detection limit (3σ/k) was 0.3nM, which is pretty lower compared to most reported spectral methods. Simultaneously, a semi-quantitative determination by visual evaluation from 5.0nM to 2000.0nM was also achieved. This method provided excellent selectivity for the detection of BRH in the presence of ten kinds of common natural amino acids and nine kinds of common mental ions. Furthermore, the BRH content in compound berberine tablets from drugstore was successfully investigated by this method and the results showed high accuracy.

Formaldehyde, a ubiquitous indoor air pollutant, plays a significant role in various biological processes, posing both environmental and health challenges. This comprehensive review delves into the latest advancements in electrochemical methods for detecting formaldehyde, a compound of growing concern due to its widespread use and potential health hazards. This review underscores the inherent advantages of electrochemical techniques, such as high sensitivity, selectivity, and capability for real-time analysis, making them highly effective for formaldehyde monitoring. We explore the fundamental principles, mechanisms, and diverse methodologies employed in electrochemical formaldehyde detection, highlighting the role of innovative sensing materials and electrodes. Special attention is given to recent developments in nanotechnology and sensor design, which significantly enhance the sensitivity and selectivity of these detection systems. Moreover, this review identifies current challenges and discusses future research directions. Our aim is to encourage ongoing research and innovation in this field, ultimately leading to the development of advanced, practical solutions for formaldehyde detection in various environmental and biological contexts.

Thiophenol (PhSH) belongs to a class of highly reactive and toxic aromatic thiols with widespread applications in the chemical industry for preparing pesticides, polymers, and pharmaceuticals. In this review, we comprehensively summarize recent progress in the development of fluorescent probes for detecting and imaging PhSH. These probes are classified according to recognition moieties and are detailed on the basis of their structures and sensing performances. In addition, prospects for future research are also discussed.