Fluorescent aptasensor based on nitrogen-boron co-doped carbon nano dots (NB-CNDs) for detection of organophosphate pesticides

Organophosphate pesticides represent huge threats to human and environmental safety, necessitating the development of rapid and sensitive detection technology. In this study, a nitrogen-boron co-doped carbon nanodot (NB-CNDs) based fluorescent aptasensor was developed to detect organophosphate pesticides, specifically diazinon, malathion, and ethion. The NB-CNDs were synthesized from Moringa oleifera leaves extract and nitrogen-boron doped using a hydrothermal technique, resulting in improved photoluminescence properties. The organophosphate-specific aptamers diazinon and malathion were utilized as recognition elements in order to accomplish selective fluorescence sensing. Due to the synergistic effect of N and B co-doping, the proposed aptasensor has a higher fluorescence response, sensitivity, and selectivity for target pesticides. This sensor system provides the accurate detection of organophosphate pesticides with a low detection limit less than 100 nM and a wide linear range. This study presents a novel NB-CNDs-based fluorescent aptasensor as a simple and effective analytical tool with tremendous promise for food safety monitoring and environmental investigation.