Nanozyme and dye-driven paper-based sensor array: A novel convenient solution for crude baijiu quality discrimination

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Food Science

Background:

• Crude baijiu quality is crucial for final product flavor and quality.
• Accurate and rapid quality control methods are needed for industrial applications.
• Existing methods may lack speed, portability, or cost-effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel colorimetric sensor array for crude baijiu quality assessment.
• To utilize reactive radicals generated via a CoCu@g-C₃N₄/PMS system for sensing.
• To enable rapid, cost-effective, and on-site discrimination of baijiu grades.

Main Methods:

• A three-channel colorimetric sensor array integrating methylene blue, Rhodamine B, and methyl orange.
• Generation of sulfate radicals (SO₄•⁻) using a CoCu@g-C₃N₄/PMS system.
• Analysis using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA).
• Development of both liquid-phase and paper-based sensor arrays.

Main Results:

• The sensor accurately discriminated eight reducing substances.
• Rapid detection was achieved within 60 seconds.
• Good linearity was observed for ascorbic acid detection (10-5000 μM, LOD: 10 μM).
• A smartphone-assisted array achieved 100% accuracy in differentiating 16 crude baijiu samples.
• A wax-printed paper-based sensor array demonstrated cost-effective, portable, and on-site discrimination.

Conclusions:

• The developed sensor array provides a practical solution for crude baijiu quality control.
• The system is suitable for industrial applications requiring rapid and reliable assessment.
• The paper-based sensor offers a low-cost, portable option for on-site baijiu grading.