Cobalt ion-enhanced chemiluminescence of boron-nitrogen co-doped carbon dots for sensitive detection of cobalt ions and vitamin B(12).

Vitamin B (VB)-a B-group vitamin with a porphyrin ring as its molecular core, coordinated to a cobalt ion (Co)-and Co itself are both essential micronutrients for maintaining normal human physiological function. However, excessive cobalt exposure can induce adverse health effects, including thyroid disorders, asthma, lung disease, impaired cardiac output, vasodilatory dermatitis, and neurological abnormalities. Meanwhile, VB levels serve as a critical diagnostic indicator for scientific assessment of conditions such as VB deficiency, neurological syndromes, and pernicious anemia. Thus, the accurate detection of Co and VB is of great significance for addressing these public health concerns. In this study, a novel method was developed to detect Co and VB, based on the Co-enhanced chemiluminescence of boron-nitrogen co-doped carbon dots (BN-CDs). It achieved a competitive limit of detection of 1.63 nM for Co and 0.016 nM for VB based on a signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of 3. This method also exhibited excellent selectivity, along with the advantages of simple operation, high sensitivity, and rapid response. Additionally, a smartphone-integrated portable sensor was proposed to enable the portable analysis of Co. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a chemiluminescent sensor that sculpts from BN-CDs for the simultaneous detection of Co and VB.