Cu-Based Nanozyme-Enabled Triple Channel Colorimetric Sensor Arrays for Efficient Discrimination of Flavonoids

The accurate identification and quantification of flavonoids are crucial but remain highly challenging, which is attributed to their analogous structures and properties. Based on different and unique cross reactions between receptors and analytes, the sensor array possesses considerable potential to recognize diverse flavonoids simultaneously. In this work, inspired by the excellent catalytic and optical properties of a selected nanomaterial synthesized via a facile method, we developed a sensor array using Cu-hmtz (Hmtz = 3-methyl-1<i>H</i>-1,2,4-triazole) as the core element to discriminate five flavonoids. The colorimetric sensor array consisting of three channels would produce specific responses in the presence of flavonoids at concentrations ranging from 1 to 10 μg/mL. These responses could be further processed by using statistical methods and visualized as an intuitive graphical result. Successful clustering was equally achieved even in the case of cross-contamination with uncertain concentrations and components. Meanwhile, in order to simulate the interfering environment and actual sample to validate the comprehensive performance of the sensor array, we selected 12 substances with properties similar to flavonoids and a purchasable drug containing flavonoids as the active ingredients. This novel strategy will definitely inspire the utilization of the multifunctional nanozyme and bridge it with a credible sensing platform.