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A cucurbituril-based supramolecular fluorescent probe for the visual detection of glyphosate
Yanmi Huang1, Li Zeng1, Qinghong Bai1
1Guizhou Key Laboratory of Macrocyclic and Supramolecular Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China.
Background:
The widespread presence of glyphosate (GLYP) in various environmental compartments, including soil, surface water, and agricultural products, has raised significant concerns about the stability of ecosystems and public health. Its persistent nature and potential adverse effects underscore the critical need for advanced monitoring techniques that combine operational simplicity with reliable performance. In response, we have designed a supramolecular fluorescent probe, N-Br@TMeQ[6], based on a host-guest recognition mechanism. The probe displays distinct fluorescence changes upon exposure to trace GLYP, enabling sensitive and selective detection in environmental samples.
Results:
The supramolecular fluorescent probe N-Br@TMeQ[6] was successfully constructed by encapsulating a 4-(dimethylamino)styrylpyridine derivative (N-Br) within the cavity of symmetric tetramethylcucurbit [6]uril (TMeQ[6]), forming a stable 1:1 host-guest complex. This unique inclusion structure significantly enhances the molecular recognition capability, enabling exceptional selectivity toward glyphosate through distinct fluorescence quenching response with a detection limit as low as 1.07 × 10-6 M. By incorporating smartphone-based RGB color analysis, a portable and visual method for the quantitative detection of glyphosate was further developed. The probe demonstrated satisfactory applicability and reliability in real sample analyses (including soil, tap water, and agricultural products like cabbage, carrot, and tomato), with recovery rates ranging from 95.6% to 110.3% and relative standard deviations (RSD) not exceeding 7.07%.
Significance:
N-Br@TMeQ[6] is a novel supramolecular fluorescent probe that combines straightforward preparation and low cost with high selectivity for glyphosate (GLYP), allowing for the visual detection of GLYP through distinct fluorescence color changes across different concentrations. This study provides a novel strategy for rapid glyphosate detection, with potential applications in environmental monitoring and food safety.
