A ratio fluorescence probe by one-stage process for selectivity detection of tetracycline

With the rapid development of society, drug residues in people's living environments are becoming increasingly serious. When the drug residues in the human body exceed a certain standard, it will have a number of adverse effects on human health. Therefore, a ratio fluorescent probe (Eu-CDs) was synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method for the selectivity detection of tetracycline. The ratio of fluorescence intensity (I623/I473) and tetracycline concentration demonstrated a good linear relationship that ranges from 0.1 to 80 μM with a low detection limit of 0.057 μM in DMF (N,N-dimethylformamide). Similarly, the fluorescent probe presents good selectivity as well as anti-interference. Moreover, the Eu-CDs can be successfully utilised to detect the content of tetracycline in eggs and fish using the standard addition method, respectively. Finally, the mechanism of ratio fluorescence detection of tetracycline has been discussed in detail. Meanwhile, the Eu-CDs can be used for the determination of tetracycline in real samples.