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Updated: Oct 14, 2025
Rapid Nanoprobe Signal Enhancement by In Situ Gold Nanoparticle Synthesis
Published on: March 7, 2018
Detection of aldehydes by gold nanoparticle colorimetric array based on Tollens' reagent
Qinghai Zhang1, Jiawei Li1,2, You Wang1
1Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China. Lulaicq@163.com.
This study introduces a low-cost colorimetric sensor array for identifying various aldehydes, common pollutants and potential carcinogens. The novel gold nanoparticle-based sensor array accurately differentiates ten aldehydes, showing promise for food safety applications.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Aldehydes are prevalent environmental pollutants and potential human carcinogens.
- Accurate and rapid detection methods for diverse aldehydes are crucial for public health and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an easy-to-operate, low-cost method for discriminating between various aldehydes.
- To create a sensor array capable of identifying and quantifying aldehydes, particularly formaldehyde.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a colorimetric sensor array based on Tollens' reagent and functionalized gold nanoparticles (GNPs).
- Synthesized Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles via silver shell coating on GNPs functionalized with ligands like L-cysteine.
- Employed a distinct color change (wine-red to deep yellow) for aldehyde detection and differentiation.
Main Results:
- The sensor array successfully discriminated ten types of aldehydes with over 88% accuracy and specificity.
- Demonstrated a strong linear correlation (R² = 0.9908) between Euclidean distance and formaldehyde concentration (0.1–10,000 μM).
- Successfully quantified formaldehyde in shrimp samples with high recovery rates (85.8%–114.82%).
Conclusions:
- The developed GNP-based sensor array offers a fast and reliable method for aldehyde identification.
- This technology shows significant potential for on-site aldehyde detection in food safety and environmental monitoring.
