Abstract/Summary

Reversible and selective binding of a dynamically racemic europium(III) complex to α1-acid glycoprotein and α1-antitrypsin is characterised by a significant change in the europium total emission spectral fingerprint and the switching on of a large circularly polarised luminescence (CPL) signal from the metal centre. Observation of an induced CD into the ligand chromophore in the presence of α1-AGP allows a structure for the protein-bound complex to be postulated. A direct determination of elevated α1-AGP levels in human serum was achieved by monitoring changes in the intensity ratio of Eu emission bands.