Dimethoxy triarylamine-derived terpyridine–zinc complex: a fluorescence light-up sensor for citrate detection based on aggregation-induced emission

A new fluorescence light-up probe (DTPA-TPY-Zn) for citrate detection has been developed by integrating an AIE motif (DTPA-TPY) with Zn²⁺, which can detect citrate via a one-step straightforward assay with excellent sensitivity and selectivity.