Luminescent Lanthanide Cyclen-Based Enzymatic Assay Capable of Diagnosing the Onset of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections Both in Solution and within Polymeric Hydrogels

Herein we present a supramolecular (delayed luminescent) Eu(III)-based pH-responsive probe/sensor with the ability to detect the urease-mediated hydrolysis of urea in aqueous solution. A series of photophysical titrations show this Eu(III) chelate behaves as an “on–off” luminescent switching probe, with its luminescence being quenched upon urea being enzymatically converted into ammonia and carbon dioxide. Calculation of the rate constant (k) and activation energy (Ea) for this hydrolysis reaction are detailed; the results demonstrate a direct observation of enzymatic activity in solution by the sensor. The potential application of this probe in detecting the onset of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) is also demonstrated by incorporating 1.Eu into water-permeable hydrogels that can be utilized as an alternative coating for catheters.