Abstract:
In recent years, the field of molecular recognition has been extensively developed due to the need for
efficient methods for the detection of various biologically and environmentally important analytes (metal
ions, anions and biomolecules). A number of literature reports advocate the nano-molar detection of
analytes. The major concern with most chemosensors is solubility in an aqueous medium. This critical
review mainly focuses on the detection of analytes (metal ions, anions and biomolecules) in an aqueous
medium. Various mechanisms, like a cation displacement assay, anion displacement assay, anion ligand
exchange, aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ), aggregation-induced emission (AIE), hydrogen bonding
mechanism and analyte-induced reaction mechanism are discussed. Based upon the mechanism, the
relationship between the structure and properties are derived. Afterwards, a discussion on the current
state-of-the-art in metal ions/anions/biomolecules sensing in an aqueous medium includes the design
of ligand, preorganization in molecules, detection methods and applications. Finally, the future
perspectives for detection in an aqueous medium in the field of molecular recognition are discussed.
