Hemin loaded Zn−N–C single-atom nanozymes for assay of propyl gallate and formaldehyde in food samples

Abstract

Single-atom nanozymes (SAzymes) show distinct advantages in catalytic activity and selectivity owing to their stability and special characteristic of maximum atomic utilization. Inspired by the structure of natural horseradish peroxidase (HRP), we developed a simple method for specific determination of both propyl gallate (PG) and formaldehyde (HCHO) by utilizing the intrinsic peroxidase mimics activity of hemin (hem) loaded Zn–nitrogen–carbon single-atom nanozymes (Zn–N–C@hem SAzymes). Zn–N–C@hem was prepared via a salt-template strategy and self-assembly, where hemin exhibits enhancing peroxidase-like activity can catalyze oxidation of colorless PG to yellow product. Upon introduction of HCHO into Zn–N–C@hem/PG system, complete suppression of PG oxidation was showed, resulting in distinguished decrease in absorbance. The colorimetric sensors of PG and HCHO based on Zn–N–C@hem/PG were developed at their respective linear range of concentration 1.25–200 mg/kg and 5–250 mg/kg. The practicability of the rapid analysis of PG and HCHO in food samples has been verified with reliable results.