Au nanoparticle-decorated ZnO nanorods as fluorescent non-enzymatic glucose probe

ZnO nanorods (NRs) synthesized by a hydrothermal method and decorated with Au nanoparticles (NPs) were used for fluorescent non-enzymatic glucose detection. The detection is based on the photoluminescence (PL) quenching of ZnO NRs/Au NPs (at 382 nm under 325 nm excitation) exposed to glucose. The sensor exhibits a high sensitivity of (22 ± 2) % mM^-1 (defined as percentage change of the PL peak intensity per mM) and a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 0.01 mM, along with an excellent selectivity and a short response time (less than 5 s). In comparison with a fluorescent non-enzymatic ZnO nanostructure-based glucose sensor, the addition of Au NPs significantly enhances the sensitivity. This is attributed to the surface plasmon resonance, which increases not only the photoluminescence intensity but also the photo-oxidation property of the ZnO NRs. Thus, ZnO NRs/Au NPs can act as an efficient photocatalyst for glucose detection. Most importantly, the probe is applicable to glucose detection in human blood serum. The outstanding performance of the material and its cost-effectiveness allow for potential application in single-use, noninvasive glucose devices.Graphical abstract A sensitive non-enzymatic fluorescent glucose probe-based ZnO nanorod decorated with Au nanoparticles.