Hydrogen sulfide gas sensing toward on-site monitoring of chilled meat spoilage based on ratio-type fluorescent probe

Abstract

In this study, a fluorescence sensing platform for visual detection of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) based on ratiometric fluorescent substances was developed to real-time monitor meat spoilage. The copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) and nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (CNQDs) were used as dual emission fluorescence materials. The fluorescence ratio of the two wavelengths decreased in the sulphide concentration range of 0–3 μmolL(exp)−1, with a detection limit of 62.7 nmolL(exp)−1. In order to capture hydrogen sulfide gas in the air, the ratio fluorescent material is loaded on the paper base. By processing the RGB value of the photo under UV light, the detection limit of the sensor is 4.35 ppt in the range of 0 ∼ 45.2 ppt H2S gas concentration. This portable visual analysis greatly simplifies the steps of H2S gas detection while ensuring sensor stability and sensitivity. It also provides a new method for H2S detection during the meat storage process.