Convenient office scanner-based Au3+ analysis using dual signaling of resorufin dimethylthiocarbamate

Abstract

We developed an office-scanner-based colorimetric and fluorescent Au3+ determination method by exploiting the Au3+-induced hydrolysis of resorufin dimethylthiocarbamate (GP-1). Probe GP-1 was readily synthesized and exhibited colorimetric as well as turn-on type fluorogenic responses toward Au3+ ions. GP-1 exhibited no perceptible colorimetric or fluorescence response toward representative oxidants (hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorite, peracetic acid, and superoxide) or common metal ions. The optical responses of GP-1 were caused by the Au3+-promoted cleavage of the thiocarbamate moiety to generate the color and fluorescence of resorufin. Au3+ analysis of GP-1 was not affected by the coexisting common metal ions. The analytical response was completely acquired in less than 10 min, and the limit of detection was 8.0 × 10−8 M (16 ppb). To realize the convenient and straightforward Au3+ determination, Au3+-selective colorimetric and fluorescence analysis by GP-1 was investigated using an office scanner as one of the readily available information-technology-based devices by excitation with LED bars. © 2021 Elsevier Ltd