CdSe quantum dots as luminescent probes for spironolactone determination

Based on the quenching of the fluorescence of CdSe quantum dots (QDs) by spironolactone, a simple, rapid and specific method for spironolactone determination was proposed. In the optimum conditions, spironolactone concentration versus quantum dot fluorescence gave a linear response with an excellent 0.997 correlation coefficient, between 2.5 and 700 mg/mL (6.0-1680 mu mol/L) and the limit of detection (S/N = 3) was 0.2 mu g/mL (0.48 mu mol/L). The contents of spironolactone in pharmaceutical tablets were determined by the proposed method and the results agreed with the claimed values. The possible mechanism for the reaction was also discussed. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.