A 2 : 2 stilbeneboronic acid–γ-cyclodextrin fluorescent ensemble highly selective for glucose in aqueous solutions

By designing a long and hydrophobic stilbeneboronic acid (STDBA) and allowing it to be included within the cavity of γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CyD) we succeeded in developing a fluorescent 2 : 2 STDBA–γ-CyD ensemble that shows a selective and sensitive response toward glucose in aqueous solutions, with satisfactory application in artificial urine samples.