ZnO nanorods functionalized with silver nanoparticles for electrochemiluminescence sensors in glyphosate detection

Glyphosate (GlyP) is a worldwide commonly used herbicide. However, it has an undesirable impact on the ecosystem threatening human health. Therefore, a quick, easy, and reliable way to identify and quantify its presence in food samples is currently required. Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensors are outstanding systems for achieving this important goal. Here, we report a wet approach for hydrothermal synthesis of ZnO nanorods functionalized with silver nanoparticles (ZnO/AgNp). Incorporating this hybrid material into ruthenium-based ECL sensors enables the construction of a reliable sensor that exhibits an ECL signal enhancement with exceptional stability for the analytical quantification of GlyP. Our straightforward method allowed us to develop a calibration curve over the GlyP range of 25–200 ppm and test walnut samples obtained on the local farm. The study confirms the possible translocation of Glyp to nuts and husks.