An indicator displacement assay with independent dual wavelength emission

A multifunctional metallo-receptor was designed with both metal and boronic acid binding groups. A sensor ensemble was prepared using the metallo-receptor and the fluorescent dye ARS. The dye produced two distinct fluorescent bands from interaction with the boronic acid and the metal, respectively. Partial displacement of the dye by simple analytes led to different fluorescent signatures than full displacement. This differential response provided easy discrimination of the individual analytes.