Functionalized silver nanoparticles-based efficient colorimetric platform: Effects of surface capping agents on the sensing response of thiram pesticide in environmental water samples

An efficient colorimetric probe based on surface-functionalized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was prepared for sensitive thiram pesticide detection in water samples. The influence of various surface capping agents including polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride (PHMB), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and anion BH4- on the performance of colorimetric probe in the detection of thiram was evaluated. Among the investigated capping agents, the amine-functionalized AgNPs exhibited higher stability and sensitivity response in thiram detection. The higher performance of the amine-functionalized AgNPs was hypothesized due to the synergistic effect of formation Ag-S bonds and hydrogen interactions of amine groups with electronegative atoms in thiram which craving the proton. The calibration curve for thiram determination through amine-functionalized AgNPs probe showed a linear range from 0.1-100 mu M with a detection limit of about 0.036 mu M (8.64 mu g.kg(-1)). Along with that, the excellent stability and highly selective sensing of thiram, amine-functionalized AgNPs could be seen as the most promising platform for colorimetric probes in the highly efficient detection of thiram in environmental water solutions.

Automated summary

An efficient colorimetric probe based on surface-functionalized silver nanoparticles was developed for sensitive detection of thiram pesticide in water samples, with amine-functionalized AgNPs showing higher stability and sensitivity in thiram detection. The probe exhibited a linear detection range from 0.1-100 mu M with a detection limit of 0.036 mu M, making it a promising platform for highly efficient detection of thiram in environmental water solutions.