Carbon dot-based fluorescent and colorimetric sensor for sensitive and selective visual detection of benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) has been added in wheat flour because of its bleaching effect. However, the abnormal used BPO has caused increasing concern due to its strong oxidization capability which may have adverse effects on living organisms. Herein, we present a carbon dot (CD)-based fluorescent and colorimetric probe for visually, sensitively and selectively sensing BPO. The addition of BPO could quench the red fluorescence of CDs peaked at 622 and 677 nm, and decrease the absorbance at 613 nm, while increase the absorbance at 450 nm, resulting in a fluorescence turn-offand colorimetric spectral response. Moreover, the CDs had short response time of 10 min and high sensitivity towards BPO with a low limit of detection of 28 nmol/L. The applicability of the CDs in detecting BPO in wheat, noodle and starch samples was further demonstrated, and good recovery results were obtained. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.

Automated summary

In this study, a carbon dot-based fluorescent and colorimetric probe was developed for the visual, sensitive, and selective detection of benzoyl peroxide (BPO). The probe showed a short response time and high sensitivity, and demonstrated good applicability in wheat, noodle, and starch samples.