Fluorescent Probes in Chemical Analysis of Food and Water
Summary
Fluorescent probes have emerged as a transformative tool in the chemical analysis of food and water, offering exceptional sensitivity, selectivity and rapid response times. These molecular or nanometre-scale sensors operate by transducing interactions with target analytes into measurable changes in fluorescence intensity, wavelength or lifetime. A broad array of probe architectures has been explored, including organic fluorophores, carbon-based quantum dots, semiconductor nanocrystals, metal–organic frameworks and dye-functionalised nanoparticles. By tailoring recognition elements—such as ion chelators, aptamers or molecularly imprinted polymers—researchers have designed probes capable of detecting heavy metals, pesticide residues, food additives, mycotoxins, pathogens and nutrient markers at trace levels. The adaptability of fluorescence techniques allows in situ analysis with minimal sample preparation, on-site monitoring through portable or smartphone-based readers, and multiplexed assays for simultaneous determination of multiple contaminants. Collectively, these advances address global challenges in ensuring food safety, monitoring water quality and complying with increasingly stringent regulatory standards.
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Fluorescent Probes in Chemical Analysis of Food and Water publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in fluorescent probes in chemical analysis of food and water across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Fluorescence quantum yield: The ratio of emitted to absorbed photons, indicating probe brightness.
Excitation/emission wavelength: The specific light wavelengths used to excite a fluorophore and to detect its emitted light.
Molecular recognition element: A functional moiety (e.g. ionophore, aptamer) that confers selectivity for the target analyte.
Ratiometric sensing: A technique measuring the intensity ratio of two emission bands for improved quantification and environmental correction.
Limit of detection (LOD): The lowest concentration of analyte that can be reliably distinguished from a blank signal.
References
- Highly Sensitive Detection of Benzoyl Peroxide Based on Organoboron Fluorescent Conjugated Polymers. Polymers (2019).
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