A ratiometric fluorescence sensor for ascorbic acid determination based on an AND-NAND logic pair

Area of Science:

• * Nanomaterials Science
• * Analytical Chemistry
• * Sensor Technology

Background:

• * Carbon quantum dots (CDs) and molybdenum oxide nanosheets (MoO3 NSs) are key components in advanced sensor development.
• * Ascorbic acid (AA) detection is crucial for various applications, including food quality and biomedical diagnostics.
• * Logic operations in sensors offer enhanced specificity and complex data processing capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To develop a novel AND-NAND logic pair-based ratiometric fluorescence sensor for ascorbic acid (AA) detection.
• * To utilize non-purified carbon quantum dots (CDs) and molybdenum oxide nanosheets (MoO3 NSs) for sensitive and selective AA sensing.
• * To demonstrate the sensor's applicability in real-world samples, such as fresh fruit.

Main Methods:

• * Fabrication of a ratiometric fluorescence sensor integrating CDs and MoO3 NSs.
• * Implementation of an AND-NAND logic operation triggered by the interaction between AA and MoO3 NSs.
• * Characterization of fluorescence quenching mechanisms (static, dynamic, internal filtration) and product formation.

Main Results:

• * Successful construction of a ratiometric fluorescence sensor based on an AND-NAND logic pair.
• * The sensor demonstrated a wide linear range (0.05-50 μM) and a low detection limit (34 nM) for AA.
• * High sensitivity, selectivity, and successful detection of AA in fresh fruit samples were achieved.

Conclusions:

• * The developed AND-NAND logic pair sensor offers a highly sensitive and selective method for AA detection.
• * The sensor's ability to detect AA in real fruit samples highlights its practical utility.
• * This approach holds potential for applications in chemical computing, optoelectronics, and environmental monitoring.