Responsive small-molecule luminescence probes for sulfite/bisulfite detection in food samples

Sulfite (SO32-) and bisulfite (HSO3-) have been widely used in food preservation to avoid oxidation and microbe growth and inhibit enzymatic reactions. Extensive intake of SO32-/HSO3- will cause allergic re-actions and even tissue damages in some individuals. Therefore, developing responsive small-molecule probes for rapid, effective, and quantitative detection of SO32-/HSO3- in various foods has attracted increasing attentions in recent years. Based on different response mechanisms, such as nucleophilic addition with the electron deficit C=C bonds, ketone or aldehyde groups, and inhibition of C=N isomerization, a number of responsive small-molecule probes have been developed for food analysis. This review focuses on the progress in the development of responsive small-molecule probes for SO32-/HSO3- analysis in food samples. Their chemical structures, response mechanisms with SO32-/HSO3-, and performance for SO32-/HSO3- analysis in food samples are summarized and discussed. The future research directions for developing novel probes for SO32-/HSO3- analysis in food samples are proposed. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

In recent years, there has been increasing attention on the development of responsive small-molecule probes for rapid detection of SO32-/HSO3- in various foods. These probes utilize different response mechanisms to analyze SO32-/HSO3- in food samples, and propose future research directions.