Smartphone-based paper strip assay for putrescine and spermidine detection using hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite with Eu3+ complex

Abstract

A new method utilizing fluorescent ratiometry is proposed for detecting putrescine and spermidine. The method involves the use of a fluorescent probe comprising a 2D halide perovskite synthesized from octadecylamine-iodine and PbI₂via a grinding-sonicating technique, along with a Eu³⁺-complex. Upon excitation at 290 nm, the probe fluoresces at two distinguishable wavelengths. The addition of putrescine and spermidine significantly decreases the emission of the 2D halide perovskite at 496 nm, while the emission of the Eu³⁺-complex at 618 nm remains stable. The color changes of the probe depend on the concentration of putrescine and spermidine, and the assay offers linearity over a wide concentration range (30–4000 ng mL⁻¹), a low detection limit (4 ng mL⁻¹ for putrescine, and 7 ng mL⁻¹ for spermidine), and a quick response time. Furthermore, a portable device based on a smartphone can be used to record the color change of the paper test strip using the prepared fluorescent materials. The fluorescence quenching mechanism of the probe is explained as dynamic quenching.