Chlorophyll-based sustainable and eco-friendly optical sensor for efficient detection of Pyrene

In this study, a highly sensitive, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly fluorescent sensing platform is presented for the rapid detection of pyrene (PYR), a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), by leveraging the optical properties of the plant pigment chlorophyll (Chl). The detection mechanism relies on monitoring changes in Chl's photoluminescence (PL) intensity, fluorescence lifetime, and Fourier-transform infrared spectra. An impressive detection limit of 0.25 picomolar was achieved, surpassing the sensitivity reported in many previous studies. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) was identified as the primary mechanism underlying the observed sensing response. The platform's effectiveness was further validated using soil and water sediment samples collected from oil exploration sites, demonstrating reliable quantification of PYR. This research underscores the potential of Chl-based fluorescence as a sustainable and efficient tool for a wide range of sensing applications, particularly in environmental monitoring.