A fluorescence sensor for thiram detection based on DNA-templated silver nanoclusters without metal ion-mediator

In this work, we firstly found a strong competitive interaction between thiram and silver atoms of DNAtemplated silver nanoclusters (DNA-AgNCs), leading to fluorescence quenching of DNA-AgNCs without additional metal ion-mediator. Furthermore, this thiram-induced fluorescence quenching phenomenon was used to develop a sensor for thiram detection. This fluorescence sensor exhibited good linearity with thiram concentration from 0.20 to 2.0 mu M and 0.012-0.20 mu M under optimized conditions, with a low detection limit of 0.2 mu M and 0.01 mu M, respectively. Moreover, this sensor showed superior selectivity towards thiram, and its practicability was verified in apples and soil. This study provides a convenient and rapid mix and detect approach for thiram detection within 10 min, suggesting its potential for rapid on-site evaluation of thiram in real samples.

Automated summary

In this study, a strong competitive interaction between thiram and silver atoms of DNA-templated silver nanoclusters (DNA-AgNCs) was discovered, resulting in fluorescence quenching of DNA-AgNCs without the need for additional metal ion mediation. This thiram-induced fluorescence quenching phenomenon was used to develop a sensor for thiram detection. The sensor exhibited good linearity and low detection limits for thiram concentration, as well as superior selectivity and practicality in real samples such as apples and soil.