Nanorings Resembling Beehives for Ultrasensitive Fluorescence Detection

Abstract

In this study, we showcase the fabrication of two nanorings resembling beehives using intricately designed donor–acceptor (D-A) fluorophores. The D–A fluorophores, featuring three twisted fluorene groups on each side of the acceptor group, adopt a bent conformation that promotes the creation of a nanoring morphology upon aggregation. With porosity for maximum binding sites, high emission efficiency, and well-organized arrangements, the nanoring-based hives offer exceptional sensitivity and selectivity in the detection of organic sulfides. Particularly, nanorings formed from benzselenodiazole-containing molecules exhibit heightened sensitivity, achieving a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.2 ppb for dimethyl sulfide and 17 ppb for dimethyl disulfide. Due to its unparalleled sensitivity and selectivity, which was not achievable with previous optical sensors, this technology enables the continuous monitoring of meat spoilage in its early stages on an hourly basis. This provides crucial insights into the exact moments when freshness begins to deteriorate and how long the meat can be stored for.