Simple, rapid, sensitive, selective and label-free lincomycin detection by using HAuCl₄ and NaOH.

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Antibiotic residues in food and water pose significant health risks.
• Accurate and rapid detection methods for antibiotics like lincomycin are crucial for monitoring.
• Existing detection methods can be complex, time-consuming, or require specialized equipment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple, rapid, sensitive, and selective colorimetric method for lincomycin detection.
• To utilize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for label-free colorimetric sensing of lincomycin.
• To quantify lincomycin in real-world samples like environmental water and milk.

Main Methods:

• A colorimetric sensor was developed using tetrachloroaurate(III) acid (HAuCl4) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
• The sensor exhibits a color change from colorless to blue upon lincomycin (Lin) addition.
• Quantitative analysis was performed by measuring color changes using RGB values and calculating Euclidean distances (EDs).

Main Results:

• The method achieved a low limit of detection (LOD) of 1 μM for lincomycin.
• Excellent selectivity was demonstrated against nine other common antibiotics.
• A good linear relationship was observed between EDs and lincomycin concentrations in various matrices.

Conclusions:

• The developed label-free colorimetric method offers a simple, rapid, and sensitive approach for lincomycin determination.
• The sensor shows high selectivity and potential for application in real samples, including environmental water and milk.
• This method provides a promising tool for antibiotic residue monitoring and food safety assurance.