We report a simple one-pot hydrothermal synthesis of carbon dots from frankincense soot. Carbon dots prepared from frankincense (FI-CDs) have narrow size distribution with an average size of 1.80 nm. FI-CDs emit intense blue fluorescence without additional surface functionalization or modification. A negative surface charge was observed for FI-CDs, indicating the abundance of epoxy, carboxylic acid, and hydroxyl functionalities that accounts for their stability. A theoretical investigation of the FI-CDs attached with oxygen-rich functional groups is incorporated in this study. The characteristics of FI-CDs signify arm-chair orientation, which is confirmed by comparing the indirect bandgap of FI-CDs with the bandgap obtained from Tauc plots. Also, we demonstrate that the FI-CDs are promising fluoroprobes for the ratiometric detection of Pb2+ ions (detection limit of 0.12 μM). The addition of Pb2+ to FI-CD solution quenched the fluorescence intensity, which is observable under illumination by UV light LED chips. We demonstrate a smartphone-assisted quantification of the fluorescence intensity change providing an efficient strategy for the colorimetric sensing of Pb2+ in real-life samples.

Biomass-based carbon nanospheres derived from Mimosa pudica (commonly called “Touch-me-not”) smeared on carbon fiber paper have been used as a host matrix for electrochemical deposition of palladium nanoparticles. The physicochemical characterization of modified electrodes was performed by field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to study the electroanalytical properties of the electrodes. The modified electrode demostrated an excellent electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of a flavonoid, morin, which gave a sensitive anodic peak at −0.30 V (vs SCE). An ultralow-level detection limit of 572 fM with a linear dynamic range of 37.50–130 pM was achieved. The proposed electrochemical sensor was successfully employed for the analysis of morin in mulberry and guava leaves. This is a sustainable engineering approach where a perfect unique host matrix is created using carbon nanospheres from biomass.

This study developed an inexpensive and easy-to-use milk freshness indicator (H-Paper) by rub-coating hibiscus flowers onto paper. As per the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of a food quality indicator prepared by direct handrubbing of a natural halochromic material onto paper substrates. Unlike the previously reported colorimetric indicators from natural sources, our indicator does not require the extraction of anthocyanins from the natural product. The H-Paper undergoes a quantifiable color change from green to purple to pink corresponding to fresh, spoiling, and spoiled milk samples. Digital photographs of H-Paper treated with milk samples were acquired using a smartphone, and RGB indices were analyzed using a free application. The red chromatic shift was used as a parameter to quantify color change of H-Paper to follow the spoilage of milk. Anthocyanins present in the hibiscus flowers are responsible for this colorimetric response. This work demonstrates a proof-of-concept for directly rubcoating halochromic materials onto a substrate to fabricate food freshness indicators. The H-Paper indicator has advantages of naked-eye analysis, consumer-friendliness, and instrument-free operation. This requires neither any laboratory accessories nor the expertise of a trained analyst for its preparation and operation, which is appropriate for use in resource-limited settings.