Hydrogels Triggered by Metal Ions as Precursors of Network CuS for DNA Detection

The gelation behavior of lithocholate (LC^?) with different metal ions in water was investigated. The microstructures of hydrogels were determined to be three‐dimensional (3D) networks of fibrous aggregates. The formation of fibrils was speculated to be mainly driven by the coordination between carboxylate of LC^? and metal ions, accompanied by the assistance of noncovalent interactions such as electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. The hydrogels, which can maintain the mechanical strength at higher temperature, exhibit thermal stability. Their gelation capability was enhanced with the increase in acidity. The hydrogels of LC^? and Cu²⁺ mixtures served as the precursors for producing network nanostructures of CuS nanoparticles. These new CuS networks exhibit high fluorescence quenching ability and can act as an effective fluorescent sensing platform for ssDNA detection.