Highly Sensitive Fluorescence Detection of Three Organophosphorus Pesticides Based on Highly Bright DNA-Templated Silver Nanoclusters

Abstract

It is still challenging to achieve simultaneous and sensitive detection of multiple organophosphorus pesticides (OPs). Herein, we optimized the ssDNA templates for the synthesis of silver nanoclusters (Ag NCs). For the first time, we found that the fluorescence intensity of T base-extended DNA-templated Ag NCs was over three times higher than the original C-riched DNA-templated Ag NCs. Moreover, a “turn-off” fluorescence sensor based on the brightest DNA-Ag NCs was constructed for the sensitive detection of dimethoate, ethion and phorate. Under strong alkaline conditions, the P-S bonds in three pesticides were broken, and the corresponding hydrolysates were obtained. The sulfhydryl groups in the hydrolyzed products formed Ag-S bonds with the silver atoms on the surface of Ag NCs, which resulted in the aggregation of Ag NCs, following the fluorescence quenching. The fluorescence sensor showed that the linear ranges were 0.1–4 ng/mL for dimethoate with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.05 ng/mL, 0.3–2 µg/mL for ethion with a LOD of 30 ng/mL, and 0.03–0.25 µg/mL for phorate with a LOD of 3 ng/mL. Moreover, the developed method was successfully applied to the detection of dimethoate, ethion and phorate in lake water samples, indicating a potential application in OP detection.

Preparation of Hybrid Magnetic Nanoparticles for Sensitive and Rapid Detection of Phorate Residue in Celery Using SERS Immunochromatography Assay

“…In some extreme cases, intentional suicides after phorate ingestion have been reported in the literature [ 7 , 8 ]. Due to these harmful effects to human and animal health, phorate has been strictly forbidden for use in vegetables cultivation and cereal planting in many countries [ 9 ]. Maximum residue levels (MRLs) have been set for daily inspection in order to protect consumers from the potential risks.…”