Highly sensitive fluoroprobe for detecting Sudan dyes in paprika utilizing carbon dot-embedded zeolitic imidazolate framework-8

In this manuscript, we synthesized CDs@ZIF-8 through a one-step, in-situ method by integrating green-emitting carbon dots (CDs) with zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8). The resulting CDs@ZIF-8 was utilized as an ultrasensitive probe for detection, leveraging the inner filter effect. The analysis demonstrated the capability to detect Sudan dyes. Sudan I, for example, could be detected within a concentration range spanning from 0.25 to 70 mu M, achieving a remarkable detection limit of 76.56 nM. This established method was effectively employed for detecting Sudan I in paprika. Compared with CDs, CDs@ZIF-8 exhibited a 3.32-fold increase in sensitivity and a wider detection range. This enhanced performance was attributed to the porous ZIF-8, which allowed for the enrichment of targets around CDs and avoided the aggregation of CDs. Additionally, embedding the CDs in ZIF-8 improved their pH stability. Our study provides a new approach for using CDs under limited conditions by leveraging metal-organic frameworks.

Automated summary

In this study, a one-step, in-situ method was used to synthesize CDs@ZIF-8 by integrating green-emitting carbon dots (CDs) with zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8). The resulting CDs@ZIF-8 exhibited ultrasensitive probe properties for detection, showing enhanced sensitivity and a wider detection range compared to CDs alone. The improved performance was attributed to the porous ZIF-8, which allowed for target enrichment around the CDs and prevented their aggregation. The study provides a new approach for utilizing CDs under limited conditions by leveraging metal-organic frameworks.