Capped ZnO quantum dots with a tunable photoluminescence for acetone detection

Acetone is a dangerous material that poses a major risk to human health. To protect against its harmful impacts, a fluorescent biosensor 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane capped ZnO quantum dots (APTES/ZnO QDs) was investigated to detect low concentrations of acetone. Numerous techniques, including Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), zeta potential, UV-vis absorption, and photoluminescence (PL), are used to thoroughly verify the successful synthesis of pristine ZnO QDs and APTES/ZnO QDs. The HRTEM micrograph showed that the average size distributions of ZnO QDs and APTES/ZnO QDs were spherical forms of 2.6 and 1.2 nm, respectively. This fluorescent probe dramatically increased its sensitivity toward acetone with a wide linear response range of 0.1-18 mM and a correlation coefficient (R-2) of 0.9987. The detection limit of this sensing system for acetone is as low as 42 mu M. The superior selectivity of acetone across numerous interfering bioanalytics is confirmed. Reproducibility and repeatability experiments presented relative standard deviations (RSD) of 2.2% and 2.4%, respectively. Finally, this developed sensor was applied successfully for detecting acetone in a diabetic patient's urine samples with a recovery percentage ranging from 97 to 102.7%.

Automated summary

A fluorescent biosensor, APTES/ZnO QDs, was investigated to detect low concentrations of acetone. Various techniques were used to verify the successful synthesis of pristine ZnO QDs and APTES/ZnO QDs. The developed sensor showed high sensitivity towards acetone with a wide linear response range and low detection limit. It demonstrated superior selectivity, reproducibility, and repeatability. The sensor was successfully applied for acetone detection in diabetic patient's urine samples.