Fully portable smartphone-integrated device coupled with nanozyme-based assay for sensitive detection of TBHQ in...

Tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) is a synthetic antioxidant widely used in edible oils to extend shelf life, yet excessive intake has been linked to potential carcinogenic risks, underscoring the need for reliable routine monitoring. However, conventional analytical techniques for detecting TBHQ are often costly, complex, and impractical for rapid on-site screening. In this study, a fully organic nanozyme (TPNZ) was synthesized via self-assembly and employed as a peroxidase-mimetic catalyst for the colorimetric quantification of TBHQ. To enable field-deployable analysis, a portable 3D-printed detection platform was further developed and integrated with a custom smartphone application capable of real-time RGB and ΔE colorimetric evaluation. Notably, this portable system achieved a limit of detection (LOD) approximately 330,000-fold below the maximum permitted TBHQ concentration in food products. Furthermore, the system achieved high recovery rates for TBHQ detection in commercial peanut and soybean oil samples, demonstrating its accuracy, robustness, and potential practical applicability for on-site TBHQ monitoring.