Myxopyrum serratulum-derived carbon quantum dots for the highly selective and sensitive detection of levofloxacin

The current work fabricated carbon quantum dots (CQDs) via green hydrothermal reaction of Myxopyrum serratulum leaves. The as-synthesized dots were used as a stable, sensitive, and specific probe for the fluorescent recognition of levofloxacin (LEV). The as-prepared CQDs exhibited excellent photoluminescence properties, high aqueous solubility, and remarkable stability with an excitation maximum of 345 nm. The CQDs characterization was done using a variety of advanced techniques. An absorption maximum at 281 nm was obtained from the UV–vis. absorption spectrum. The existence of an amorphous structure in the core of CQDs was confirmed by XRD analysis. The TEM results revealed the spherical shape, particle size, and morphology of CQDs. The surface functional properties studied using FT-IR measurements confirm the presence of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen composition. The practicability of CQDs was studied under different pH conditions, and the maximum fluorescence intensity was depicted at pH 7. In multiple drug sensing, fluorescence enhancement has resulted in the case of LEV, which confirms the selective detection of the antibiotic by as-synthesized CQDs. The limit of detection (LOD) was calculated and was obtained as 3.17 μM. Thus, this work successfully detected LEV through the fluorescence enhancement process. • Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were synthesized from Myxopyrum serratulum leaves. • The as-synthesized CQDs were characterized optically and morphologically. • Levofloxacin was sensed with low detection limit using fluorescence enhancement of CQDs.