Functionalized silver nanoparticles as colorimetric probes for sensing tricyclazole

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Nanotechnology
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Tricyclazole is a widely used fungicide in agriculture.
• Accurate detection methods are crucial for monitoring its residue levels.
• Existing methods may lack sensitivity, selectivity, or require complex instrumentation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly selective and sensitive colorimetric assay for tricyclazole detection.
• To utilize fluorescein-functionalized silver nanoparticles (F-AgNPs) as sensing probes.
• To validate the assay for quantifying tricyclazole in real-world samples, such as rice.

Main Methods:

• A colorimetric assay was designed using F-AgNPs as probes.
• The interaction between tricyclazole and F-AgNPs was studied, leading to aggregation and color change.
• Spectrophotometric measurements at 394 nm were used to quantify tricyclazole concentration.
• The assay's performance was evaluated for linearity, detection limit, and selectivity.

Main Results:

• A distinct color change from yellow to gray was observed upon tricyclazole addition.
• A significant decrease in absorbance at 394 nm correlated with tricyclazole concentration.
• An excellent linear calibration curve (R² = 0.9994) was obtained for tricyclazole concentrations from 0.06 to 1.0 ppm.
• A low detection limit of 0.051 ppm was achieved, demonstrating high sensitivity.

Conclusions:

• The developed colorimetric assay provides a sensitive and selective method for tricyclazole detection.
• The assay demonstrated good performance with satisfactory recoveries in rice samples.
• This F-AgNP-based method is suitable for the practical monitoring of tricyclazole residues in agricultural products.