Fluorescent sensor for bisphenol S based on pH adjustment and polydopamine nanoparticles.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Bisphenol S (BPS) is increasingly used as a substitute for Bisphenol A (BPA) but shares similar endocrine-disrupting effects and health hazards.
• The need for efficient and convenient BPS detection methods is critical due to its potential physiological risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a sensitive and rapid ratiometric fluorescence sensing platform for the detection of Bisphenol S (BPS).
• To construct a sensing platform utilizing polydopamine nanoparticles (DPA-PDs) and pH adjustment for enhanced BPS detection.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized polydopamine nanoparticles (DPA-PDs) via a one-step hydrothermal method using dopamine hydrochloride.
• Developed a ratiometric fluorescence sensing strategy by combining pH-dependent BPS fluorescence with the inner filtration quenching effect of DPA-PDs.
• Investigated the fluorescence response of BPS in acidic, neutral, and alkaline environments, noting enhanced emission at 460 nm in alkaline conditions.

Main Results:

• The ratiometric fluorescence sensing platform demonstrated a positive correlation between BPS concentration and intrinsic BPS fluorescence.
• The DPA-PDs fluorescence was quenched by BPS through an inner filtration effect, enabling a dual-signal detection model.
• Achieved a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.075 μM for the single-signal model and 0.257 μM for the ratiometric model.

Conclusions:

• The proposed ratiometric fluorescence sensing method offers high sensitivity, rapidity, and simplicity for BPS detection.
• The method avoids complex material preparation, making it suitable for practical BPS monitoring applications.
• This approach provides a viable tool for assessing environmental and biological samples for BPS contamination.