A dual-responsive sensor derived from carbonized polymer dots for the determination of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside

Accurate detection of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) is crucial for ensuring food safety and optimizing quality control measures. Dual-mode sensing provides a robust approach to achieve enhanced accuracy in detection; however, the utilization of dual-mode detection for C3G remains largely unexplored. The present study introduced a novel, simple, and versatile nanomaterial carbonized polymer dots (CPDs), which harnessed the exceptional spectral properties of CPDs to achieve colorimetric-fluorescence dual-mode sensing of C3G. In the presence of C3G, the fluorescence of CPDs was quenched, resulting in a visible blue color to the naked eye. The utilization of distinct signal generation mechanisms enabled simultaneous acquisition of two independent signals, thereby providing self-verification functionality and enhancing reliability and accuracy. This dual-mode sensor exhibited high specificity, exceled in colorimetric and fluorescence detection, and was well-suited for precise identification of C3G in complex samples. It was poised to emerge as a highly sensitive and dependable tool for food safety analysis. This research project showcased the immense potential of CPDs as an efficient optical sensor while imparting invaluable insights for future C3G detection.