Highly Selective Fluorescence Sensor Based on Graphene Quantum Dots for Sulfamethoxazole Determination.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) is a widely used antibiotic, necessitating reliable detection methods.
• Existing methods for SMZ detection may lack selectivity or sensitivity.
• Development of advanced sensor platforms is crucial for environmental and pharmaceutical analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly selective and sensitive fluorescence sensor for sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) detection.
• To utilize graphene quantum dots (GQDs) integrated into a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) matrix.
• To establish a robust method for SMZ quantification in various samples.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of graphene quantum dots entrapped in a silica molecularly imprinted polymer (GQDs@SMIP) using SMZ as a template.
• Characterization of the GQDs@SMIP material using techniques including fluorometry, FTIR, SEM, TEM, XPS, and XRD.
• Evaluation of the fluorescence quenching response of GQDs@SMIP upon SMZ binding.

Main Results:

• The synthesized GQDs@SMIP demonstrated efficient absorption of SMZ, leading to fluorescence quenching.
• A linear relationship was observed between fluorescence intensity decrease and SMZ concentration (1–100 µM) with a high correlation coefficient (0.99537).
• The sensor exhibited excellent selectivity, with no significant interference from other substances.

Conclusions:

• The developed GQDs@SMIP fluorescence sensor is a promising tool for the selective and sensitive detection of SMZ.
• This approach offers an effective strategy for SMZ analysis in complex matrices.
• The integration of GQDs and MIPs provides a synergistic effect for enhanced sensing performance.