Long-wavelength emission carbon dots as self-ratiometric fluorescent nanoprobe for sensitive determination of Zn2+

A novel ratiometric fluorescence nanoprobe based on long-wavelength emission carbon dots (CDs) was designed for high sensitive and selective detection of Zn2+. The CDs were conveniently prepared by a one-step solvothermal treatment of formamide and glutathione (GSH). Under single excitation wavelength (420 nm), the obtained CDs exhibit three emission peaks at 470, 650, and 685 nm, respectively. For the long-wavelength emission region of the CDs, the fluorescence at 685 nm can be quenched with different levels upon the addition of most metal ions. However, the presence of Zn2+ not only results in the fluorescence quenching at 685 nm effectively but also enhances at 650 nm remarkably, which may be due to the formation of CD-Zn2+ chelate complex inducing the dispersion of CDs aggregates and changes in the group distribution on the surface of CDs. Taking the advantage of the unique fluorescence response induced by Zn2+, the prepared CDs were successfully employed as nanoprobe for self-ratiometric fluorescence determination of Zn2+ with F-650/F-685 as signal output. A good linear relationship in the concentration range 0.01 to 2 mu M, and a detection limit as low as 5.1 nM has been obtained. The ratiometric nanoprobe was successfully applied to Zn2+ determination in human serum samples.

Automated summary

A novel ratiometric fluorescence nanoprobe based on carbon dots was developed for sensitive and selective detection of Zn2+. The nanoprobe exhibited unique fluorescence response induced by Zn2+ and showed good linear relationship and low detection limit in the tested concentration range. It was successfully applied to Zn2+ determination in human serum samples.