DNA-based sensitization of Tb3+ luminescence regulated by Ag+ and cysteine: use as a logic gate and a H2O2 sensor.

A simple and facile strategy was developed for regulating the luminescence of Tb(3+) sensitized by DNA, in which Ag(+) and cysteine (Cys) act as activators. The Ag(+)/Cys-mediated reversible luminescence changes in the Tb(3+)-DNA sensing system enabled the design of a DNA INHIBIT logic gate and a H2O2 sensor in a time-resolved luminescence format.