Dual-response fluorescent switching sensor for sequential detection of Fe3+ and vitamin C in hawthorn
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: We developed a dual-mode fluorescence sensor based on 4,4′-stilbenedicarboxylic acid (H 2 SDC) for the sequential detection of iron ions (Fe 3+ ) and vitamin C (VC) in hawthorn (genus Crataegus ), a key traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). By leveraging the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties of H 2 SDC, the sensor quantifies Fe 3+ quantification via fluorescence quenching (“turn-off”) and subsequently detects VC through Fe 3+ reduction-triggered signal recovery (“turn-on”). This label-free strategy demonstrates high sensitivity, with linear ranges of 5.0–80.0 μmol L −1 (Fe 3+ ) and 5.0–40.0 μmol L −1 (VC) and detection limits of 0.200 and 0.132 μmol L −1 , respectively. Real-sample validation in Hawthorn matrices revealed excellent accuracy (spiked recoveries: 98.5–101.7% for Fe 3+ ; 97.7–103.0% for VC) and reproducibility (RSD < 3.9%, n = 3). The platform integrates smartphone-assisted analysis to leverage concentration-dependent fluorescence transitions, offering potential for field-deployable threshold screening. As the first AIE-based sensor enabling sequential Fe 3+ /VC detection in herbal medicines, this work provides a rapid, cost-effective alternative to conventional instrumentation (e.g., HPLC/ICP-MS), supporting advancement of quality control for TCM modernization.
Source: Scientific Reports
Authors: Fengting Huang, Xin Cai
Language: English
Subfield: Spectroscopy
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,690
OpenAlex ID: W4413875142