Rapid and sensitive colorimetric visualization of phthalates using UTP-modified gold nanoparticles cross-linked by copper(II)

A simple and reliable colorimetric method for determination of phthalates is developed utilizing uridine-5'-triphosphate (UTP)-modified gold nanoparticles as a color indicator and Cu2+ as a cross-linker. The method demonstrates superior sensitivity with a detection limit of phthalates of ca. 0.5 ppm.