Naked-Eye Detection of Morphine by Au@Ag Nanoparticles-Based Colorimetric Chemosensors

Abstract

In this study, we report a novel and facile colorimetric assay based on silver citrate-coated Au@Ag nanoparticles (Au@AgNPs) as a chemosensor for the naked-eye detection of morphine (MOR). The developed optical sensing approach relied on the aggregation of Au@Ag NPs upon exposure to morphine, which led to an evident color variation from light-yellow to brown. Au@Ag NPs have been prepared by two different protocols, using high- and low-power ultrasonic irradiation. The sonochemical method was essential for the sensing properties of the resulting nanoparticles. This facile sensing method has several advantages including excellent stability, selectivity, prompt detection, and cost-effectiveness.

Unveiling Morphine: A Rapid and Selective Fluorescence Sensor for Forensic and Medical Analysis

“…The developed sensor boasts an impressive linear range that spans from 0.008 to 40 ppm, a range that is more extensive than nearly all other methods considered, including GC-MS (0.0025–2 ppm) [ 138 ], surface plasmon resonance imaging (1–50 ppm) [ 142 ], colorimetric assay (19.97–856 ppb) [ 143 ], piezoelectric sensor (0.25–2500 ppb) [ 140 ], and various other sensor types [ 62 , 139 , 141 , 146 ]. This practical broader linear range enhances the versatility and adaptability of our sensor for use with a wide range of concentration levels.…”

“…A variety of methods have been developed for the detection of controlled and illicit drugs; they mainly include high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) [ 45 , 46 , 47 ], gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) [ 48 , 49 , 50 ], electrochemical sensors [ 7 , 51 , 52 ], electrochemical luminescence [ 53 , 54 , 55 ], fluorescence spectroscopy [ 56 , 57 ], and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) [ 58 , 59 , 60 ]. However, these methods have certain shortcomings, such as a complexity in analysis, the need for highly trained operators, long pre-treatment periods, and high costs [ 59 , 61 , 62 ]. Fluorescence spectroscopy, with the aid of chemical fluorophores or biochemical aptamers, stands out as a promising detection technique that can overcome the limitations of the mentioned methods.…”

Electrochemical Sensors, Biosensors, and Optical Sensors for the Detection of Opioids and Their Analogs: Pharmaceutical, Clinical, and Forensic Applications

“…This advancement effectively addresses the challenges of identifying illicit drugs in intricate biological samples, presenting enhanced functionality and dependability. Incorporation of nanomaterials, such as metal nanoparticles [133][134][135], carbon nanomaterials [136,137], and quantum dots [138], has dramatically enhanced the sensitivity of colorimetric sensors. Nanomaterials provide a large surface area for interactions with target analytes, leading to increased signal amplification and improved sensor response at lower concentrations of opioids.…”

Green Synthesis of Multifunctional Silver Nanoparticles Using Plectranthus amboinicus for Sensitive Detection of Triethylamine, with Potential In Vitro Antibacterial and Anticancer Activities

“…This potency was reduced in the presence of Hg 2+ ions, which were employed to detect Hg 2+ ions in aqueous systems using the naked eye and spectrophotometry [5]. Bastami et al prepared silver citrate-coated Au@Ag nanoparticles and demonstrated their ability in detecting morphine using the naked eye and using the change in color from light yellow to brown [6].…”