Detection of Arginine by AuNPs/CQDs Nanoprobes Based on Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer Effect

A novel method for rapid detection of arginine based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer effect ( FRET) between carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was developed. Firstly, the CQDs with excellent fluorescence properties were synthesized by one-step microwave assisted method. The AuNPs/CQDs composites were characterized and their quenching mechanism was analyzed. Then the amount of AuNPs/CQDs, the pH value and the reaction time were optimal. Under the optimum conditions, the fluorescence system was used to detect the content of arginine, showing a good linear relationship (R-2 = 0.993) between fluorescence intensity and concentration of arginine in the range of 0.1 - 10.0 mu mol/L, and the detection limit was 5.8 nmol/L. Finally, the content of arginine in grape juice was determined by this method with recoveries of 105.4% - 110.8%, which indicated that the proposed FRET system had the potential for practical detection of arginine in fruit juice.