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Coordination and π-π Stacking-Driven Conjugated Polymer Sensor Array for Polyphenol Fingerprinting and Tea
Anhui Liao1, Yulei Ke1, Dongping Liu1
1Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, P. R. China.
Analytical Chemistry
|June 3, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a novel fluorescent sensor array for authenticating tea varieties. The array uses a dual-mechanism approach to accurately identify 20 commercial teas and subtle differences like origin and age.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Food Science
Background:
- Complex natural mixtures like tea are difficult to analyze due to similar compounds.
- Lack of specific biomarkers hinders accurate identification of tea cultivars.
- Existing analytical methods often lack the specificity for nuanced differentiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a high-fidelity sensor array for authenticating tea cultivars.
- To create a robust and cost-effective method for analyzing complex natural matrices.
- To enable sophisticated analysis based on high-resolution polyphenol fingerprinting.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a multidimensional fluorescent sensor array based on anionic poly(p-phenylene ethynylene) (PPE) derivatives and metal complexes.
- Employed a dual-mechanism response framework integrating π-π stacking and competitive coordination.
- Applied spectroscopic investigations to analyze polymer aggregation and metal-ion displacement.
Main Results:
- Achieved 100% classification accuracy for 20 commercial tea varieties across four fermentation categories.
- Successfully resolved subtle subvarietal differences, including geographical origin and aging duration.
- Demonstrated a synergistic interplay creating an information-rich response landscape for hierarchical discrimination.
Conclusions:
- The developed sensor array offers a robust and cost-effective strategy for sophisticated analysis of complex natural matrices.
- The dual-mechanism approach provides high-fidelity authentication of tea cultivars.
- High-resolution polyphenol fingerprinting enables precise differentiation of tea varieties and their characteristics.
