MUA-modified Au nanocluster-driven fluorescence sensor for chromatographic test strips-based visual detection of patulin

The relationship between human health and patulin (PAT) in the diet is a complex and intertwined one. The development of a sensing approach for the field detection of patulin is crucial, as the current approach lacks real-time detection capabilities and is costly in terms of material and technology. This paper presents a portable ratiometric fluorescence sensor that can be used to rapidly, accurately, and efficiently detect patulin in food items at the point of origin. The sensor employs a combination of sulfhydryl functionalized gold nanoclusters (MUA-AuNCs) and blue emission carbon dots (B-CDs), which have been engineered to serve as highly effective “on-off” nanoprobes. The modified sulfhydryl ( SH) groups present on the gold clusters serve as specific recognition sites for patulin binding. The probes exhibit a discernible shift in hue, from orange-red to blue. The sensitivity detection limit (LOD) for patulin was found to be 0.019 μM, with a substantial linear correlation observed in the range of 0–2.2 μM. The objective of the combined chromatographic test strip and color recognition platform was to facilitate the sensitive, accurate, and real-time detection of patulin in foodstuffs, which is of paramount importance for the prevention of early disease. To facilitate rapid and straightforward preliminary testing of food security, it is anticipated that the integrated chromatographic strip ratiometric fluorescence sensing platform will be developed into portable home detection equipment.