Multisignal Collaborative Detection of Thiram Based on Dual-Functional Iron-Based Metal Organic Frameworks.
Xinru Wang1, Keying Zhang1, Ying Yu1
1Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biomedicine, School of Chemistry, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
|July 7, 2026
Summary
A new dual-mode detection method using iron-based metal-organic frameworks (Fe-MOFs) effectively detects thiram (Tr) residues. This fluorescence and colorimetric approach ensures food safety by identifying Tr below maximum residue levels.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Thiram (Tr) residues pose risks to food safety and human health.
- Accurate detection methods are crucial for monitoring Tr levels in various matrices.
- Existing methods may lack sensitivity or on-site applicability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a sensitive and reliable dual-mode detection method for thiram (Tr) residues.
- To utilize dual-functional iron-based metal-organic frameworks (Fe-MOFs) for simultaneous fluorescence and colorimetric detection.
- To enable on-site, visual detection of Tr in food and environmental samples.
Main Methods:
- Developed dual-functional Fe-MOFs exhibiting blue fluorescence and peroxidase-like activity.
- Employed Fe-MOF catalyzed oxidation of o-phenylenediamine (OPD) for fluorescence quenching via internal filtration effect (IFE).
- Utilized RGB colorimetric analysis for on-site visualization under UV/sunlight.
Main Results:
- Achieved a low detection limit of 0.18 μM for thiram (Tr), significantly below the MRL of 21 μM.
- Demonstrated effective on-site visualization using the RGB method with observable color changes.
- Validated the method's accuracy and consistency across diverse samples including apples, cabbage, corn, bean sprouts, and soil.
Conclusions:
- The developed ratiometric fluorescence/colorimetric dual-mode method offers a sensitive and accurate approach for thiram (Tr) detection.
- Fe-MOFs provide a versatile platform for developing dual-functional analytical tools.
- The method's ability for on-site detection and cross-verification enhances food safety monitoring and reduces false positives.


