Selective detection for seven kinds of antibiotics with blue emitting carbon dots and Al3+ ions

Review of carbon dot-hydrogel composite material as a future water-environmental regulator

As water pollution and scarcity pose severe threats to the sustainable progress of human society, it is important to develop a method or materials that can accurately and efficiently detect pollutants and purify aquatic environments or exploit marine resources. The compositing of photoluminescent and hydrophilic carbon dots (CDs) with hydrogels bearing three-dimensional networks to form CD-hydrogel composites to protect aquatic environments is a "win-win" strategy. Herein, the feasibility of the aforementioned method has been demonstrated. This paper reviews the recent progress of CD-hydrogel materials used in aquatic environments. First, the synthesis methods for these composites are discussed, and then, the composites are categorized according to different methods of combining the raw materials. Thereafter, the progress in research on CD-hydrogel materials in the field of water quality detection and purification is reviewed in terms of the application of the mechanisms. Finally, the current challenges and prospects of CD-hydrogel materials are described. These results are expected to provide insights into the development of CD-hydrogel composites for researchers in this field.

A paper-based ratiometric fluorescence sensor based on carbon dots modified with Eu3+ for the selective detection of tetracycline in seafood aquaculture water

Paper-based ratiometric fluorescence sensors are normally prepared using two or more types of fluorescent materials on a paper chip for simple, low-cost and fast detection. However, the choice of multi-step and one-step modifications on the paper chip affects the analytical performance. Herein, a novel paper-based dual-emission ratiometric fluorescence sensor was designed for the selective detection of tetracycline (TC). Carbon dots (CDs) modified with Eu3+ were combined with a sealed paper-based microfluidic chip by two methods: one-step grafting of CDs-Eu3+ on paper and step-by-step grafting of CDs and Eu3+ on paper. The analytical performance was studied and optimized respectively. The red fluorescence of Eu3+ at 450 nm is enhanced and the blue fluorescence of CDs at 617 nm is quenched by energy transfer in the presence of TC. Under optimal conditions, TC is selectively determined in the linear range from 0.1 μM to 100 μM with a detection limit of 0.03 μM by the step-by-step grafting method. In addition, the sealed paper chip could effectively prevent pollution and volatilization from the reagent. This technique has been used to analyze TC in seafood aquaculture water with satisfactory results.

N-doped carbon nanomaterials as fluorescent pH and metal ion sensors for imaging

Herein we describe the facile synthesis of new N-doped carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) obtained from 1,10-phenanthroline by the solvothermal method. Characterization of CNPs were carried out with transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), UV-vis absorption spectra, and luminescence spectra. CNPs were pH sensitive and exploited as fluorescent chemosensors and imaging agents for Al(III) and Zn(II) ions in real-life samples. Remarkably, we show that CNPs can be used for the detection of Al(III) and Zn(II) ions in water samples. Accordingly, the results indicate that CNPs are highly effective in detecting Zn(II) content of cosmetic creams. We also demonstrated that the CNPs could be used for in vitro imaging of Al(III) and Zn(II) in Human Larynx Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Hep-2). Finally, Al(III) imaging in Angelica Officinalis root tissue was also achieved successfully. The CNPs are promising as luminescent multianalyte (pH, Al(III) and Zn(II)) sensors.

Biomass-derived carbon dots as a sensitive and selective dual detection platform for fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines

A novel carbon dot (CD) was synthesized through the facile and simple hydrothermal method from Curcuma amada, as the precursor for the first time. These CDs with an average diameter of 4.6 nm display blue fluorescence, with excitation/emission maxima at 360/445 nm and a quantum yield of 14.1%. It exhibited high stability under different conditions and was characterized using various techniques. These CDs can be employed as a dual-sensing platform to detect tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones, two antibiotic classes. Even though antibiotics are regarded as an inevitable commodity, overuse and improper management of discarded antibiotics pose a severe threat to the environment. Herein, we developed a dual-sensing, biocompatible sensor with high selectivity and sensitivity to detect antibiotics. CD was employed as a fluorescence probe and detected tetracycline and fluoroquinolone antibiotic through inner filter effect-based fluorescence quenching and hydrogen bonding-based enhancement process, respectively. The linear range was 0-16 μM and the detection limit was 33 nM for tetracycline and 2 nM for fluoroquinolone antibiotic. As an electrochemical probe, CD selectively detected tetracycline with a lower detection limit of 0.5 nM over a linear range of 0-16 μM. Using both methods, a real sample analysis of the developed sensor exhibited accurate reliability and precision.

A fluorescent sensor array based on three kinds of carbon dots for identification of hydroxybenzaldehyde and nitrobenzaldehyde isomers

A fluorescent sensor array based on three kinds of different CDs exhibited diverse fluorescence patterns for each hydroxybenzaldehyde and nitrobenzaldehyde isomer, which were further analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA).

Preparation of yellow-emitting carbon dots and their bifunctional detection of tetracyclines and Al3+ in food and living cells

A novel bifunctional carbon dot (CD)-based sensing platform was constructed for detection of tetracyclines (TCs) and Al³⁺. The fluorescence CDs were fabricated by hydrothermal method using phenylenediamine (p-PD) and ethylenebis(oxyethylenenitrilo) tetraacetic acid (EGTA) as precursors. The obtained prepared CDs show bright yellow fluorescence (y-CDs, E_X = 400 nm and Em = 556 nm), high fluorescence quantum yield (QY = 21.55 ± 0.06%), and preferable optical stability. TCs can directly quench the fluorescence of y-CDs based on static quenching characteristics and a small internal filtration effect (IEF). By adding Al³⁺ to the y-CDs + TCs system, the fluorescence is partly recovered because TCs escape from the surface of the y-CDs and form a more stable chelate with Al³⁺. The sensing platform displays good selectivity and high sensitivity to TCs and Al³⁺ with low detection limits of 0.057-0.23 μM and 0.091 μM, respectively. Importantly, this sensing platform has enabled the detection of TCs and Al³⁺ in milk samples with satisfactory recoveries and RSDs, confirming the reliability and feasibility of this method. Combining with low toxicity and preferable biocompatibility, the y-CDs are extended to cellular imaging and detection of CTC and Al³⁺ in A549 cells.

[Application of carbon dots in analysis and detection of antibiotics]

Antibiotics have been overused in recent years because of their remarkable curative effect, but this has led to considerable environmental pollution. Therefore, the development of approaches aimed at the effective detection and control of the antibiotics is vital for protecting the environment and human health. Many conventional strategies (such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS)) are currently in use for the detection of antibiotics. These strategies have aroused a great deal of interest because of their outstanding features of high efficiency and speed, good reproducibility, automation, etc. However, various problems such as tedious sample pretreatment, low detection sensitivity, and high cost must be overcome for the effective detection of antibiotics in environmental samples. Consequently, it is of great significance to improve the detection sensitivity of antibiotics. The development of new materials combined with the existing detection technology has great potential to improve the detection results for antibiotics. Carbon dots (CDs) are a new class of nanomaterials with particle sizes in the range of 0-10 nm. In addition, CDs have desirable properties such as small particle effect, excellent electrical properties, unique optical properties, and good biocompatibility. Hence, they have been widely utilized for the detection of antibiotics in environmental samples. In this review, the application of CDs combined with sensors and chromatographic technology for the detection of antibiotics in the last five years are summarized. The development prospects of CD-based materials and their application to the analysis and detection of antibiotics are presented. In this review, many new sensors (CDs combined with molecularly imprinted polymer sensors, aptamer sensors, electrochemiluminescence sensors, fluorescence sensors, and electrochemical sensors) combined with CD-based materials and their use in the detection of antibiotics are summarized. Furthermore, advanced analysis methods such as ratiometric sensor and array sensor methods are reviewed. The novel analysis methods provide a new direction toward the detection of antibiotics by CDs combined with a sensor. Moreover, CD-based chromatographic stationary phases for the separation of antibiotics are also summarized in this manuscript. It is reported that the detection sensitivity for antibiotics can be greatly improved by the combination of CDs and a sensor. Nevertheless, a literature survey reveals that the detection of antibiotics in complex environmental samples is confronted with numerous challenges, including the fabrication of highly sensitive sensors in combination with CDs. Furthermore, the development of novel high-performance materials is of imperative. In addition, it is important to develop new methods for effective data processing. The separation of antibiotics with CDs as the chromatographic stationary phases is in the preliminary stage, and the separation mechanism remains to be clarified. In conclusion, there are still many problems to be overcome when using CDs as novel materials for the detection of antibiotics in environmental samples. Nowadays, CD-based materials are being intensively studied, and various analytical detection technologies are being rapidly developed. In the future, CD-based materials are expected to play an important role in the detection of antibiotics and other environmental pollutants.

Azithromycin detection in cells and tablets by N,S co-doped carbon quantum dots

Azithromycin (AZM)¹ is one of the most widely used antibiotics. AZM abuse is easy to cause great harm to human body, so developing a rapid and sensitive method to detect AZM is of great importance. Herein, 3-aminothiophenol as only reaction precursor, nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon quantum dots (N,S-CQDs)² were fabricated by one-step hydrothermal carbonization method. All characteristics demonstrate that N,S-CQDs possess good water solubility, high fluorescence stability and low cytotoxicity. Without being disturbed by amino acids and drugs, the most interesting finding is that AZM can efficiently quench the fluorescence of N,S-CQDs by a synergistic effect of electrostatic interaction and static quenching. A fluorescent probe for the detection of AZM was constructed with high selectivity and good sensitivity, achieving two linear ranges of 2.5-32.3 μM and 37.2-110 μM and a limit of detection of 0.76 µM. The proposed fluorescent method was used for the detection of AZM in cells with fulfilling results. More importantly, the fluorescent probe was successfully used to the detection of AZM in tablets and human urine with recovery rate and relative standard deviations of 98.2-104.8% and 0.04-3.46%, respectively, which was confirmed by the standard method of HPLC-UV. This finding illustrates the usefulness and feasibility of N,S-CQDs as an effective fluorescent probe for the detection of AZM in tablets and human urine, which is helpful for supervising and guiding pharmacy.

Fluorescent carbon quantum dots synthesized using phenylalanine and citric acid for selective detection of Fe3+ ions

A facile, economical and one-step hydrothermal method was used to synthesize fluorescent carbon dots by utilizing citric acid as carbon source and phenylalanine to provide nitrogen. The as-prepared fluorescence carbon dots had strong blue light emission around 440 nm. As confirmed by UVvis absorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope characterization, the carbon dots were small and very stable in water for using as a fluorescent probe. It was also found that the fluorescence of the carbon dots could be quenched in the presence of Fe³⁺ ions, and the quenching rate was linear with the concentration of Fe³⁺ ions. We here proposed a static quenching mechanism about the fluorescence of the Phe-CDs could be selectively quenched by Fe³⁺ ions, which was because these Fe³⁺ ions could easily combine with the hydroxyl or carboxyl groups on the surface of Phe-CDs and induced aggregation. In addition, the pH had little effect on the fluorescence intensity of the Phe-CDs and maintained excellent fluorescence intensity even under extreme pH value conditions and could be used for the detection of Fe³⁺ ions. We have demonstrated that the method using the carbon dots for Fe³⁺ ions detection was rapid, reliable, and selective with a detection limit as low as 0.720 μM and a dynamic range from 5.0 to 500.0 μM. Moreover, the results of determination Fe³⁺ ions in tap water samples indicated that the presented method has potential for practical application in environmental metal analysis.

A facile synthesis of magnetic fluorescence Fe3O4-carbon dots for the detection and removal of Hg2+

This article reports a one-pot hydrothermal strategy for preparing fluorescence carbon dots with magnetic properties (Fe₃O₄-CDs). The Fe₃O₄-CDs can be utilized for the detection of Hg²⁺, simultaneously accompanied with a magnetic removal process.

Rapid and sensitive detection of enrofloxacin hydrochloride based on surface enhanced Raman scattering-active flexible membrane assemblies of Ag nanoparticles

The abuse of antibiotics resulted in the pollution of river is more and more serious and it was necessary to exploit a sensitive detection method to improve the traditional analysis measurement. In this test, it is reported an Ag-based SERS sensing membrane synthesized by the technique of SERS detection and membrane separation. SERS analysis technique presented sensitive detection property, which could be applied into trace analysis. Membrane separation could effectively enrich the analytes to improve the sensitivity. The SERS membrane was synthesized by filtrating Ag nanoparticles (NPs) on the surface and investigating the amount of PVP and Ag NPs to the sensitivity. Meanwhile, the addition of Ag NPs effectively improved the hydrophilia to promote the detection effectivity in the water. By the investigations of optical analysis, the SERS membrane presented high sensitivity in the detection of antibiotics. Under the optimal condition, the SERS intensity presented good linear relationship with the concentration of antibiotics between 1.0 nmol L^-1 and 200 nmol L^-1. This method provided a sensitive detection approach and broadened the investigation field of antibiotics detection.