A molecular imprinted fluorescence sensor based on EDTA-Cu quantum dots for methamphetamine recognition

Methamphetamine (METH) is a potent psychostimulant with a high potential for addiction, ranking among the most prevalent and frequently abused illicit substances worldwide. Thus, the development of rapid and precise methodologies for METH detection is essential for law enforcement and public health monitoring. This study reported the first construction of a molecularly imprinted fluorescence sensor utilizing EDTA-Cu quantum dots (EDTA-Cu QDs-MIP) for the fluorescence quantification of methamphetamine. The sensor displayed a linear response within a concentration range spanning from 53 to 371 nM, achieving a limit of detection (LOD) equal to 20.6 nM through fluorescence spectroscopy. Validation with real-world samples confirmed the sensor's high accuracy, with recovery rates in the range from 97.2 to 104.4 %. This study not only broadens the scope of QDs in chemical detection but also introduces a strong and portable platform for forensic investigations and on-site screening of illicit drugs.