Real-time monitoring of Al(3+) using a novel cyanobiphenyl-based fluorescent probe in foodstuffs and environmental matrices.

Excessive Al may pose a considerable risk to the environment and human health. Compared to traditional single-platform Al detection methods, portable determination applications for Al are very important in environmental fields. Herein, a cyanobiphenyl-based fluorogenic probe called PACN was constructed and synthesized. This probe can recognize Al with high selectivity and sensitivity across multiple platforms. When exposed to Al, PACN exhibits increased intensity at 495 nm, immediate response, high selectivity, and appropriate sensitivity to Al LOD = 124 nM. The fluorescence quantum yields of PACN were measured both before and after interaction with Al. The proposed binding modes are further confirmed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, H NMR and TOF MS analysis. Additionally, this probe is suitable for versatile applications in environmental sample and food sample analysis and can also visually detect plant and food samples contaminated by Al. Furthermore, the application of PACN provides valuable insights into the design of new probes and the monitoring of Al, representing a significant advancement in environmental sensing, biological, and environmental applications. The extensive applicability of the probe reflects its remarkable versatility.