Coating Fe3O4 quantum dots with sodium alginate showing enhanced catalysis for capillary array-based rapid analysis of H2O2 in milk

A simple and high-throughput colorimetric analysis array has been constructed for quantifying H2O2 in milk using Fe3O4 quantum dots (QDs), which were coated with sodium alginate (SA) and chromogenic substrate onto the arrayed capillary tubes. It was discovered that the Fe3O4 QDs could present larger peroxidase-like catalysis than Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs). Particularly, dramatically enhanced catalysis activity could be achieved for Fe3O4 QDs if coated with SA films. Moreover, the use of SA could protect Fe3O4 QDs to expect the improved environmental stability. A capillary arrays-based high-throughput colorimetric platform was thereby developed for the detection of H2O2 in milk, with levels linearly ranging from 10 to 400 mu M. Importantly, the developed colorimetric platform with the capillarity power for automatic fetching of multiple samples may promise the practical applications for extensive monitoring of multiple H2O2 samples for food safety.

Automated summary

A simple and high-throughput colorimetric analysis array was constructed for quantifying H2O2 in milk. The use of capillary arrays and Fe3O4 quantum dots resulted in improved catalytic activity and environmental stability. The developed colorimetric platform can automatically fetch multiple samples, promising extensive applications in food safety monitoring.