Fluorescence-active and peroxidase-like expanded mesoporous silica-encapsulated ultrasmall Pt nanoclusters: a novel colorimetric/fluorescent dual-mode nanosensor for sensitive detection of mercury in medicinal and edible Pueraria lobata

A novel colorimetric/fluorescent dual-mode nanosensor for Hg2+ detection was constructed using expanded mesoporous silica (EMSN)-encapsulated ultrasmall platinum nanoclusters (EMSN@Pt NCs) with improved peroxidase-like and stable fluorescent activities. The sensing technique was based on the mechanism that the peroxidase mimetic activity and fluorescence intensity of EMSN@Pt NCs can be inhibited in the presence of Hg2+. In this sensing platform, a linear range of 5-50 nM with a detection limit of 1.78±0.38 nM and quantification limit of 5.93 nM was obtained via fluorescent analysis. A linear calibration curve from 0.25 to 200 nM with a detection limit of 8.25±0.51 nM and quantification limit of 27.47 nM was achieved via colorimetric analysis. The proposed dual-mode probe possesses excellent selectivity and reliability for Hg2+ detection, which can function as an efficient nanosensor for the quantitative determination of Hg2+ in Pueraria lobata.