Automatic Image Processing-Assisted Ratiometric Afterglow Sensor Array for the Discrimination and Detection of Fluoroquinolones Enabled by a Universal Host–Guest Strategy

Simultaneous detection and discrimination of fluoroquinolone (FQ) subtypes are crucial yet challenging due to their high similarity in molecular structure and optical properties. In this work, we propose a ratiometric afterglow sensor array for the visual detection and discrimination of five FQ subtypes via a universal host-guest doping strategy. Boric acid was used as a universal host to boost the afterglow emission intensities of blue emissive FQs, green emissive 1-naphthaleneboronic acid, and red emissive 1-pyrenylboronic acid by creating a rigid matrix and cross-linked networks. After combination of afterglow detection with automatic image processing, FQs could be facially detected without complicated instruments. By conducting pattern recognition analysis on the disparities and similarities in the afterglow intensities of these FQs, the detection and discrimination of five FQs were realized, as low as 0.27 ng/mL. In addition, the sensor array exhibited excellent performance in detecting and discriminating mixed FQs in commercial meat samples. This study provided a straightforward approach for the detection and discrimination of antibiotics, holding great promise for applications in environmental monitoring and food safety assessment.