Goda et al. develop dithioerythritol-capped silver-gold nanoclusters (DIT@AgAuNCs) as a ratiometric fluorescence probe for simultaneous detection of three fluoroquinolone (FQ) antibiotics: ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and enrofloxacin. The probe was validated in spiked egg and milk food matrices.
Key numbers
- LOD: ciprofloxacin 31 nM, norfloxacin 38 nM, enrofloxacin 44 nM (abstract).
- Linear ranges: 0.01 to 60 mM for ciprofloxacin; 0.018 to 60 mM for norfloxacin; 0.021 to 60 mM for enrofloxacin (abstract).
- Recovery in spiked egg and milk: 94.0 to 106.0% with RSD below 4.09% (abstract).
- Fluorescence mechanism: addition of Al3+ causes nanocluster aggregation; FQs compete for Al3+, shifting the ratiometric signal (F465/F615) (abstract).
Methods (brief)
DIT@AgAuNCs were synthesized by co-reduction of silver and gold salts with dithioerythritol. Ratiometric response was calibrated against each FQ; matrix-spiked egg and milk samples were analyzed to assess real-world applicability.
Evidence fitness
Supports documentation of silver-gold nanocluster platforms as analytical reagents for antibiotic residue monitoring in food. Silver is the engineered material, not the target analyte or a contaminant. No dietary silver exposure data are reported.
Limitations
Validation used spiked rather than incurred residue samples. Egg and milk matrices were not characterized for endogenous fluoroquinolone levels. The linear range upper bound of 60 mM substantially exceeds food regulatory MRLs for fluoroquinolones, so the analytical window is broader than what is needed for routine compliance monitoring.
Related evidence
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