A triple-channel sensor array utilizing fluorescent carbon dots for simultaneous discrimination and detection of...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Food Safety

Background:

• Fluoroquinolone (FQ) residues in food and the environment pose risks to public health.
• Current detection methods often focus on individual FQs, lacking high-throughput capabilities for simultaneous analysis.
• Simultaneous detection of multiple FQs is crucial for comprehensive risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a rapid, high-throughput sensor array for simultaneous qualitative and quantitative detection of multiple fluoroquinolones.
• To address the limitations of existing methods for FQ residue analysis in complex matrices.
• To provide a reliable tool for monitoring FQ contamination in food and environmental samples.

Main Methods:

• Construction of a triple-channel sensor array using fluorescent carbon dots (TA-CDs).
• Utilized Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions to facilitate the detection mechanism.
• Employed fluorescence quenching for signal transduction and analysis.

Main Results:

• Successfully discriminated and quantified eight types of FQ residues.
• Achieved 100% accuracy in distinguishing unknown FQ sample mixtures.
• Demonstrated quantitative detection of FQs in real-world samples like honey, milk, eggs, pork, and water.

Conclusions:

• The developed sensor array offers a promising solution for simultaneous, high-throughput FQ detection.
• This method significantly advances food safety and environmental monitoring capabilities for FQ residues.
• The platform has potential for adaptation to detect other structurally similar analytes.