Highly sensitive detection of kojic acid in food samples using fluorescent carbon dots derived from pomegranate peel

Kojic acid (KA) has gained significant attention due to its widespread use in the food and cosmetics industries. However, concerns about its potential carcinogenic effects have heightened the need for sensitive detection methods. This study introduces a fluorescence-based optical sensor for the quantification of KA in food samples, utilizing fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) synthesized from pomegranate peel via a hydrothermal method. The Stern-Volmer plot demonstrated a linear response for KA in the range of 120 to 1200 µM, with a Pearson correlation coefficient (r) of 0.9999 and. The sensor exhibited a detection limit of 30 ± 0.04 µM and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 90 ± 0.14 µM. Application of the developed method to soy sauce and vinegar samples yielded accurate KA determinations, with recoveries of 103.11 ± 0.96% and 104.45 ± 2.15%, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of the proposed sensor for practical applications in food quality and safety assessment, offering valuable insights into the presence of KA in food products.