A three-channel sensor array based on PVP/MMI-AuAgNCs for efficient detection of tetracycline antibiotics

Because of the significant threats to human health and ecological stability, the detection and identification of tetracycline antibiotics (TCs) have attracted increasing attention. Given the significance and difficulties related to TCs detection, in this study, we found that the addition of silver (Ag) to polyvinylpyrrolidone/2-mercapto-1-methylimidazole-gold nanoclusters (PVP/MMI-AuNCs) for the formation of PVP/MMI-AuAgNCs can result in enhanced fluorescence of PVP/MMI-AuNCs. The results demonstrate that the prepared solution exhibits diverse emission characteristics and distinct fluorescence responses to TCs, namely tetracycline (TET), oxytetracycline (OTC), doxycycline (DOX), and minocycline hydrochloride (MH). Based on these findings, a three-channel sensing platform was constructed and applied for the detection of different TCs by helping linear discriminant analysis (LDA) within a concentration range of 0.1–100 μg/mL. Additionally, the feasibility of applying this method to real samples (mainly, tap water and lake water samples) was considered. Remarkably, the limit of detection (LOD) values for TET, OTC, DOX, and MH were determined to be 85, 56, 171, and 32 ng/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the approach exhibited robust anti-interference capabilities and achieved a 95 % accuracy in identifying different TCs in 20 unknown samples. Therefore, our approach utilizing a single probe with rich fluorescence emission characteristics holds promise for TCs detection across various applications. Notably, this method offers the advantages of convenience, versatility, and universality, making it a valuable tool for environmental monitoring and ensuring food safety.