Emitter-embedded metal–organic framework combined with molecularly-imprinted electrochemiluminescence microscopy for drug imaging detection

Drug imaging detection is of great significance for pharmacokinetic studies and for guiding clinical treatment. Electrochemiluminescence microscopy (ECLM) is an emerging technology for drug imaging. This study reports the embedding of tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)ruthenium (Ru-bpy) in a zinc-based metal–organic framework (Zn-MOF). Due to the excellent emission and repeatability of Zn-MOF@Ru, we used it for visual drug detection. To demonstrate this concept, we established a new drug imaging detection method using a smartphone-based ECLM (SECLM) to capture images. We used a molecularly-imprinted polymer to ensure the selectivity of the method using captopril (CTP) as a model compound. The concentration of CTP showed a linear relationship to the quenching efficiency within the range of 1–1 × 10 5 μmol/L, with a detection limit of 0.29 μmol/L. This method is expected to be widely used for pharmacokinetic research, drug molecular dynamics, drug mechanism research, and drug toxicology research. It provides a new strategy for promoting pharmacological research and drug screening.