Triple-Mode Detection of Doxycycline Using Highly Emissive Red Carbon Dots: A Versatile Platform for Environmental...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Doxycycline (DOX) residues in food and water pose health and environmental risks.
• Conventional detection methods for DOX are often limited in sensitivity or specificity.
• Reliable detection methods are crucial for monitoring DOX and combating antimicrobial resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, highly sensitive, and selective detection method for doxycycline (DOX).
• To create a versatile sensing platform utilizing red-emitting carbon dots (R-CDs) for multiple detection modes.
• To validate the sensor's performance in real-world samples and for intracellular imaging.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized red-emitting carbon dots (R-CDs) embedded in PMMA solid films.
• Developed a triple-mode sensing system: fluorescence, electrochemical, and colorimetric detection.
• Quantified DOX residues in tap water, milk, and egg samples.
• Utilized the R-CD system for intracellular imaging in HeLa cells.

Main Results:

• Achieved low limits of detection for DOX: 15 nM (visual), 31.44 nM (fluorescence), and 17.9 nM (electrochemical).
• Demonstrated selective detection of DOX among tetracycline antibiotics.
• Successfully detected DOX residues in various food and water matrices.
• Confirmed the R-CD system's biocompatibility and efficacy for intracellular fluorescence imaging.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized R-CD probe enables selective and sensitive detection of DOX via three distinct modalities.
• This multi-modal sensing approach provides complementary evidence for DOX detection.
• The R-CD system shows significant potential for monitoring DOX residues and supporting antimicrobial resistance control efforts.
• The probe's biocompatibility allows for applications in cellular imaging.