A dual-function fluorescent probe for the detection of pH values and formaldehyde

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Chemical Sensing
• Fluorescent Probes

Background:

• Developing selective and sensitive probes for environmental and food safety monitoring is crucial.
• Existing methods for formaldehyde detection can be complex or time-consuming.
• Simultaneous detection of multiple analytes with a single probe is highly desirable.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel dual-function fluorescent probe (Probe 1) for the independent detection of pH and formaldehyde.
• To establish a smartphone-based detection system for formaldehyde using Probe 1.
• To validate the probe's efficacy in real-world samples, such as distilled liquor.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of Probe 1, a dual-function fluorescent probe.
• Investigation of Probe 1's response to varying pH levels, observing colorimetric changes.
• Evaluation of Probe 1's fluorescence intensity changes in response to different formaldehyde concentrations.
• Utilizing a smartphone with a color detector to quantify formaldehyde based on RGB values.
• Establishing a quantitative relationship between probe signal (B*R/G) and formaldehyde concentration.

Main Results:

• Probe 1 exhibited distinct color changes (grey blue to light blue) with increasing pH.
• Fluorescence intensity of Probe 1 increased linearly with formaldehyde concentration.
• A linear functional relationship was established between the B*R/G value and formaldehyde concentration.
• The probe demonstrated successful detection of formaldehyde in a distilled liquor sample.

Conclusions:

• Probe 1 serves as an effective tool for the separate and sensitive detection of pH and formaldehyde.
• The developed smartphone-based method provides a rapid and convenient approach for formaldehyde quantification.
• Probe 1 shows potential for practical applications in real-world sample analysis, including food and beverage safety.