Ratiometric Fluorescent Sensor Research Articles

Dual-emissive BT-CP-TD covalent organic polymers for detecting furacillin, white light emission and information encryption

Recently, luminescent covalent organic polymers (LCOPs) are garnering more and more attention owing to their excellent emissive properties. However, the precise control of LCOPs’ luminescence behaviors remains a formidable challenge. Here, a dual-emissive CP-(BTxTD100-x) COP which was composited of CP, BT and TD (x is the added molar ratio of BT to total feed aldehyde) were synthesized by Knoevenagel condensation reaction between 1,3,5-tri(4-cyano-methylbenzene) benzene (CP) and 2,7-dibenzaldehyde-benthiadiazole (BT)/1,4-bis(4-aldehyde phenyl)benzene (TD). The luminescent behaviors of CP-(BTxTD100-x) COP could be precisely tuned by the ratio of CP, BT and TD as well as excitation wavelength. The CP-(BT33TD67) COP emitted white light (0.3012, 0.3207) when excited at 310 nm. A ratiometric fluorescence sensor was developed for detecting furacillin using CP-(BT33TD67) COP, showing a detection limit of 8.23 ng mL−1. Based on the excitation-depending behaviors of CP-(BT33TD67) COP, combined with CP-(BT100TD0) COP, a kind of security and information encryption image in the form of a quick response was designed. The discoveries provide a new idea for the design of dual-emission LCOPs by regulating the ratio of monomers and excitation wavelengths. The findings also extend the potential applications of dual-emission LCOPs.

3D printing-based lateral flow visual assay utilizing the dual-excitation property of nitrogen-doped carbon dots for the ratiometric determination and chemometric discrimination of flavonoids.

A ratiometric fluorescence sensor has been established based on dual-excitation carbon dots (D-CDs) for the detection of flavonoids (morin is chosen as the typical detecting model for flavonoids). D-CDs were prepared using microwave radiation with o-phenylenediamine and melamine and exhibit controllable dual-excitation behavior through the regulation of their concentration. Remarkably, the short-wavelength excitation of D-CDs can be quenched by morin owing to the inner filter effect, while the long-wavelength excitation remains insensitive, serving as the reference signal. This contributes to the successful design of an excitation-based ratiometric sensor. Based on the distinct and differentiated variation of excitation intensity, morin can be determined from 0.156 to 110µM with a low detection limit of 0.156µM. In addition, an intelligent and visually lateral flow sensing device is developed for the determination of morin content in real samples with satisfying recoveries, which indicates the potential application for human health monitoring.

Two swords combination: Smartphone-assisted ratiometric fluorescent and paper sensors for dual-mode detection of glyphosate in edible malt

The long-term and excessive use of glyphosate (GLY) in diverse matrices has caused serious hazard to the human and environment. However, the ultrasensitive detection of GLY still remains challenging. In this study, the smartphone-assisted dual-signal mode ratiometric fluorescent and paper sensors based on the red-emissive gold nanoclusters (R-AuNCs) and blue-emissive carbon dots (B-CDs) were ingeniously designed accurate and sensitive detection of GLY. Upon the presence of GLY, it would quench the fluorescence of B-CDs through dynamic quenching effect, and strengthen the fluorescence response of R-AuNCs due to aggregation-induced enhancement effect. Through calculating the GLY-induced fluorescence intensity ratio of B-CDs to R-AuNCs by using a fluorescence spectrophotometer, low to 0.218 μg/mL of GLY could be detected in lab in a wide concentration range of 0.3–12 μg/mL with high recovery of 94.7–103.1% in the spiked malt samples. The smartphone-assisted ratiometric fluorescent sensor achieved in the 96-well plate could monitor 0–11 μg/mL of GLY with satisfactory recovery of 94.1–107.0% in real edible malt matrices for high-throughput analysis. In addition, a portable smartphone-assisted ratiometric paper sensor established through directly depositing the combined B-CDs/R-AuNCs probes on the test strip could realize on-site measurement of 2–8 μg/mL of GLY with good linear relationship. This study provides new insights into developing the dual-signal ratiometric sensing platforms for the in-lab sensitive detection, high-throughput analysis, and on-site portable measurement of more trace contaminants in foods, clinical and environmental samples.

A ratiometric fluorescent dark box and smartphone integrated portable sensing platform based on hydrogen bonding induction for on-site determination of enrofloxacin

Enrofloxacin (ENR) residues in animal-derived food and water threaten human health. Simple, low-cost and on-site detection methods are urgently needed. Blue emitting carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and orange rhodamine B (RhB) were used as recognition and reference signals, respectively, to construct a ratiometric fluorescence sensor. After the addition of ENR, the color of the sensor changed from orange to blue because hydrogen bonding induced a considerable increase in CQDs fluorescence. Based on this mechanism, a simple and low cost on-site portable sensing platform was constructed, which integrated a stable UV light strip and a smartphone with voice-controlled phototaking function and an RGB app. The t-test results of spiked ENR recoveries for diluted milk, honey and drinking water revealed no significant differences between the ratiometric fluorescent sensor and portable sensing platform. Thus, this portable sensing platform provides a novel strategy for on-site quantification of quinolone antibiotics in foodstuffs and environmental water.

Deep eutectic solvent-assisted synthesis of CeO2/CuO nanozymes for polymer dots integrated ratiometric fluorescence detection of glutathione

The current designs of ratiometric fluorescence sensing strategies primarily make use of the opposite responses of analyte target to two fluorescence probes, often overlooking their potential capabilities for signal amplification. Herein, a novel ratiometric fluorescence sensor was constructed for sensitive detection of glutathione (GSH) by combining CeO2/CuO nanozymes with poly[2,7-(9,9′-dioctylfluorene)-alt-4,7-bis(thiophen-2-yl) benzo-2,1,3-thiadiazole] (PFO-DBT)-based polymer dots (Pdots). The CeO2/CuO nanozymes with high oxidase-like activity were prepared via a deep eutectic solvent (DES) strategy and used for catalytic oxidization of o-phenylenediamine to produce fluorescent 2,3-diaminophenazine (DAP), which concurrently quenched the fluorescence of Pdots through photoinduced electron transfer (PET), thus amplifying the ratiometric signal. Upon addition of target GSH, the oxidase-like activity of CeO2/CuO were inhibited due to its blocking to metal active sites and scavenging superoxide anion (O2‧−), which responsively decreased the amount of produced DAP, and thus increased the fluorescence of Pdots. The designed CeO2/CuO-OPD-Pdots system showed a linear ratiometric response to GSH concentration within the range of 2 μM to 20 μM, with a limit of detection (LOD) determined as 1.24 μM. The proposed method could be used for selective detection of GSH in serum samples, and thus possessed potential application in clinic analysis.

Novel hydrogel pillar array based ratiometric multicolor fluorescence biosensor for visual detection of alkaline phosphatase activity

Enzyme-induced in-situ fluorescence is crucial for the development of biosensing mechanisms and correlative spectroscopic analysis. Inspired by simple p-aminophenol (AP)-controlled synthesis and the specific catalytic reaction of 4-aminophenol phosphate (APP) triggered by alkaline phosphatase (ALP), our research proposed a strategy to prepare carbon dots (CDs) as fluorescent signals for ALP detection using AP and 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) as the precursors. The further constructed ratiometric fluorescence sensor reduced the detection limit of ALP to 0.075 μU/mL by a significant margin. Considering the need for point-of-care testing (POCT), we chose agarose for the preparation of portable hydrogel sensors so that even untrained personnel can quickly achieve semi-quantitative visual detection of ALP using colorimetric cards. These results demonstrate the practical applicability of ratiometric fluorescence sensing hydrogel pillar arrays, which are important for high-sensitivity, visualization, and portable rapid enzyme activity assays.

Nanostructured rhodamine B/aluminosilicate extracted sugarcane bagasse modified with tobacco-derived carbon quantum dot as ratiometric fluorescence probe for determination of tetracycline

Tetracycline (TC), as a widely used antibiotic, is very useful in treating bacterial infections. However, its residues in animal foodstuffs can enter the human body through the food cycle and causes severe and chronic diseases. On the other hand, due to its weak non-biodegradability, it is considered a threat to the environment. In this regard, the development of sensing methods to detect and measure TC is need of the hour. Herein, a dual-emission fluorescence sensor based on porous aluminosilicate structure (ASS) with rough surface hexagonal shape morphology and pore diameter less than 2 nm was prepared. The porous AAS was modified by post-modification method with blue carbon dots (CDT) and rhodamine B (RB) as two fluorophores to develop the ratiometric fluorescence (RF) sensor (CDT-AAS/RB). Nanostructured CDT-AAS/RB emitted two resolved peaks at 445 and 585 nm , which were dramatically quenched in the presence of TC. The RF sensor, with excellent sensitivity, was able to measure TC over the linear range of 0.001–150 μM with a limit of detection of 5.4 nM in the aqueous phosphate buffer. Moreover, the AAS component granted high selectivity and anti-interference ability to the sensor. In addition, the stability of the sensor was greatly improved due to the non-accumulation of CDT nanoparticles and RB molecules in the presence of the AAS. The proposed method was able to determine TC in complex real samples with satisfactory recovery, and the obtained results were validated with standard high-performance liquid chromatography technique.

Dual fluorophores embedded in zeolitic imidazolate framework‑8 for ratiometric fluorescence sensing of a biomarker of anthrax spores

The precise and selective monitoring of dipicolinic acid (DPA), a particular biomarker associated with anthrax spores, is crucial for the rapid detection and diagnosis of anthrax infection. A ratiometric fluorescence nanoprobe called AuNCs/GQDs@ZIF-8, has been designed by encapsulating gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) and graphene quantum dots (GQDs) into zeolitic imidazolate framework‑8 (ZIF-8) for sensing DPA. By leveraging enrichment effects of ZIF-8, embedded AuNCs restricts intramolecular movements and triggers aggregation-induced emission, further acquiring bright fluorescence. In the presence of europium ions (Eu3+), the fluorescence of AuNCs@ZIF-8 significantly decreases due to static quenching. However, Eu3+ are sequestered by DPA through strong coordination effects, causing fluorescence recovery of AuNCs@ZIF-8. Eu3+-mediated AuNCs@ZIF-8 therefore serve as response signals for DPA recognition. Integrating with stable reference signals of GQDs, a ratiometric fluorescence sensor exhibits the satisfactory linearity of 0.1–200 µM and detection limit of 32 nM. Furthermore, the smartphone-integrated visual mode can immediately identify fluorescence colors for assessing DPA. Compared to alternative nanoprobes, this ratiometric fluorescence sensor demonstrates higher sensitivity, lowering than DPA commonly released by infectious spores (60 µM). This study not only provides the promising sensor for DPA measurement during early anthrax diagnosis, but offers insights on designing ratiometric sensors with diverse fluorescence nanomaterials.

A self-calibrating ratiometric fluorescence sensor with photonic crystal-based signal amplification for the detection of tetracycline in food

A dual-color ratiometric fluorescence sensor based on photonic crystals (PCs) was developed to detect tetracycline (TC) in food. PC was fabricated via self-assembly of carbon dots (CDs)–loaded SiO2 nanoparticles. Gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) and copper ions (Cu2+) were then adsorbed onto the PC for sensor fabrication. The fluorescence of AuNCs was amplified by the PC with an enhancement ratio of 7.6, providing higher sensitivity. The fluorescence of AuNCs was quenched by Cu2+, whereas that of CDs remained unchanged as an internal reference. TC restored the fluorescence of AuNCs owing to its complexation with Cu2+, resulting in a change in the fluorescence intensity ratio. The sensor exhibited a good linear relationship with TC concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 10 μM, with a detection limit of 34 nM. Furthermore, the sensor was applied for TC detection in food with satisfactory recoveries and relative standard deviations, revealing great potential in practical application.

Portable analysis of tract mercury ions by a hydrogel-based ratiometric fluorescence sensor using C3N4-CdTe0.16S0.84 QDs nanocomposites

The portable detection of trace mercury ions (Hg2+) in water is crucial for preventing and controlling mercury pollution. In this study, graphitic carbon nitride nanoparticles (CNNPs) with green fluorescence as the self-calibration signal were synthesized by a one-pot solvothermal method. Cadmium telluride sulfide quantum dots (CdTe0.16S0.84 QDs) with red fluorescence as a response signal were prepared using an oxidation-reduction method. Thus, a new ratiometric fluorescence sensor based on CNNPs-CdTe0.16S0.84 QDs was constructed for the visual detection of trace Hg2+. The linear range of the sensor was from 0.05 to 2525 nM, with a detection limit of 0.009 nM. The sensor displayed higher sensitivity to Hg2+ compared to copper ions and silver ions. The fluorescence quenching behavior and the source of sensitivity for the three metal ions were investigated using the Stern-Volmer equation and density functional theory. The results suggest that the high sensitivity to Hg2+ may arise from electron transfer and electrostatic interactions between Hg2+ and CdTe0.16S0.84 QDs. Building on this proposed strategy, a new smartphone-assisted CNNPs-CdTe0.16S0.84 QDs hydrogel-based fluorescence sensor was constructed for portable on-site analysis of trace Hg2+. This new method will facilitate the on-site monitoring of hazardous substances in environmental water.

Design, synthesis and application of dual-channel fluorescent probes for ratiometric detection of HClO and H2S based on phenothiazine coumarins

The ubiquity of diverse material entities in environmental matrices renders the deployment of unifunctional fluorescent indicators inadequate. Consequently, this study introduces a ratiometric dual-emission fluorescent sensor (Probe CP), synthesized by conjugating phenothiazine coumarin to hydroxycoumarin through a piperazine linker for concurrent detection of HClO and H2S. Upon interaction with HClO, the phenothiazine unit's sulfur atom undergoes oxidation to sulfoxide, facilitating a shift from red to green fluorescence in a ratiometric manner. Concurrently, at the opposite terminus of Probe CP, 2,4-dinitroanisole serves as the reactive moiety for H2S recognition; it restores the blue emission characteristic of 7-hydroxycoumarin while maintaining the red fluorescence emanating from phenothiazine coumarin as an internal standard for ratio-based assessment. Exhibiting elevated specificity and sensitivity coupled with minimal detection thresholds (0.0506 μM for HClO and 1.7292 μM for H2S) alongside rapid equilibration periods (3 min for HClO and half an hour for H2S), this sensor was efficaciously employed in cellular environments and within zebrafish models as well as imaging applications pertaining to alcohol-induced hepatic injury in murine subjects.

Iron-carbon dots embedded in molybdenum single-atom nanoflowers as multifunctional nanozyme for dual-mode detection of hydrogen peroxide and uric acid

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have attracted extensive attention in the field of catalysis due to their excellent catalytic ability and enhanced atomic utilization, but the multi-mode single-atom nanozymes for biosensors remain a challenging issue. In this work, iron-doped carbon dots (Fe CDs) were loaded onto the edges and pores of Mo SACs with nanoflower morphology; accordingly, a composite material Fe CDs/Mo SACs was prepared successfully, which improves the catalytic performance and develops a fluorescence mode without changing the original morphology. The steady-state kinetic data indicates that the material prepared have better affinity for substrates and faster reaction rates under optimized conditions. The specific kinetic parameters Km and Vmax were calculated as 0.39 mM and 7.502×10−7 M·s−1 respectively. The excellent peroxidase-like activity of Fe CDs/Mo SACs allows H2O2 to decompose into •OH, which in turn oxidizes colorless o-phenylenediamine (OPD) to yellow 2,3-diaminophenazine (DAP). At the same time, the fluorescence signal of Fe CDs/Mo SACs quenches obviously by DAP at 460 nm through internal filtration effect (IFE), while the characteristic fluorescence response of DAP gradually increases at 590 nm. Based on this sensing mechanism, a sensitive and accurate dual-mode (colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent) sensor was constructed to detect H2O2 and uric acid, and the rate of recovery and linearity were acceptable for the detection of UA in human serum and urine samples. This method provides a new strategy for rapid and sensitive detection of UA, and also broadens the development of SACs in the field of biosensors.

Construction of MOF@COF-derived composites for ratiometric fluorescence detection of water with ultralow background

A ratiometric sensor with ultralow background is highly desired due to its low environmental influence and high sensitivity. Herein, inspired by the solubility difference of carboxylate in aqueous and organic solvents, we prepared a core–shell structure porous zirconia–covalent organic framework (COF) composite through thermal hydrolysis of UiO-66-COF precursors in organic alkali solution. The ligand 2-aminoterephthalic acids (H2BDC-NH2) of UiO-66 were transformed into 2-aminoterephthalate salts (ATA salts) that existed in zirconium-oxo clusters building units. The composites emitted only yellow emission (597 nm) from the COF in organic solvent due to the insolubility of ATA salts that induce aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) and the protection of the COF shell. Contrarily, when water was added into mixture, the ATA salts were released into solution and its fluorescence recovered at 446 nm, while the fluorescence of COF was quenched due to the blockage of the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) process by water. Thus, a high-sensitivity ratiometric fluorescence method is obtained with ultralow background signal and fast response (less than 1 min) for sensing water in organic solvent. We believe that the proposed ratiometric fluorescence sensor based on the zirconia–COF composite will provide the guidance for detection with wide applications.

Ratiometric fluorescence sensor based on deep learning for rapid and user-friendly detection of tetracycline antibiotics

The detection of tetracycline antibiotics (TCs) in food holds great significance in minimizing their absorption within the human body. Hence, this study aims to develop a rapid, convenient, real-time, and accurate detection method for detecting antibiotics in an authentic market setting. A colorimetric fluorescence sensor was devised for tetracycline detection utilizing PVA aerogels as the substrate. Its operating principle is based on the IFE effect and antenna effect. A detection device is designed to capture fluorescence images while deep learning was employed to aid in the detection process. The sensor exhibits high responsiveness with a mere 60-s requirement for detection and demonstrates substantial color changes(blue to red), achieving 99% accuracy within the range of 10–100 μM with the assistance of deep learning (Resnet18). Real sample simulation tests yielded recovery rates between 95% and 130%. Overall, the proposed strategy proved to be a simple, portable, reliable, and responsive solution for rapid real-time TCs detection in food samples.

Aromatic Alcohol-Based pH-Sensitive Chromophore with a Unique Near-Infrared Dual-Band Solvatochromic Property and Its Application as a Ratiometric Fluorescent Sensor for G-Quadruplexes.

Solvatochromes have gained great attention because of their unique roles in monitoring biomolecular location, interaction, and dynamics. Particularly, solvatochromes presenting both red-shifting excitation and dual-band switchable emission are in great demand yet significantly difficult to come true. In this article, we disclose an aromatic alcohol-based pH-sensitive chromophore NIR-HBT that not only presents red-shifting excitation and solvent-dependent dual-band emission but also shows high photostability and excellent brightness. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first solvatochrome to simultaneously display these optical properties. Especially, in contrast to the reported dual-band solvatochromes whose solvatochromism is achieved by affecting their excited state behaviors, the solvatochromism of NIR-HBT is realized by modulating its ground state proton dissociation, which is a new solvatochromic mechanism that has not been reported. Furthermore, based on the dual-band solvatochromism of NIR-HBT and its intrinsic binding ability to GQs, near-infrared ratiometric detection of GQs is achieved. These results indicate that NIR-HBT is an attractive solvatochrome that can be used to develop near-infrared ratiometric biosensors for biological research. More broadly, the discovered solvatochromic mechanism can also open new horizons for exploring the solvatochrome.

Molecularly imprinted ratiometric fluorescence sensor for visual detection of 17β-estradiol in milk: A generalized strategy toward imprinted ratiometric fluorescence construction.

17β-Estradiol (E2) is the typical endocrine disruptor of steroidal estrogens and is widely used in animal husbandry and dairy processing. In the environment, even lower concentrations of E2 can cause endocrine dysfunction in organisms. Herein, we have developed a novel molecularly imprinted ratiometric fluorescent sensor based on SiO2-coated CdTe quantum dots (CdTe@SiO2) and 7-hydroxycoumarin with a post-imprint mixing strategy. The sensor selectively detected E2 in aqueous environments due to its two fluorescent signals with a self-correction function. The sensor has been successfully used for spiking a wide range of real water and milk samples. The results showed that the sensor exhibited good linearity over the concentration range 0.011-50 μg/L, obtaining satisfactory recoveries of 92.4-110.6% with precisions (RSD) < 2.5%. Moreover, this sensor obtained an ultra-low detection limit of 3.3ng/L and a higher imprinting factor of 13.66. By using estriol (E3), as a supporting model, it was confirmed that a simple and economical ratiometric fluorescent construction strategy was provided for other hydrophobic substances.

Molecular imprinting-based triple-emission ratiometric fluorescence sensor with aggregation-induced emission effect for visual detection of doxycycline

The development of high-performance sensors for doxycycline (DOX) detection is necessary because its residue accumulation will cause serious harm to human health and the environment. Here, a novel tri-emission ratiometric fluorescence sensor was proposed by using “post-mixing” strategy of different emissions fluorescence molecularly imprinted polymers with salicylamide as dummy template (DMIPs). BSA was chosen as assistant functional monomer, and also acted as sensitizers for the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) effect of DOX. The blue-emitting carbon dots and the red-emitting CdTe quantum dots were separately introduced into DMIPs as the response signals. Upon DOX recognition within 2 min, blue and red fluorescence of the tri-emission DMIPs sensor were quenched while green fluorescence of DOX was enhanced, resulting in a wide range of color variations observed over bluish violet-rosered-light pink-orange-yellow-green with a detection limit of 0.061 μM. The sensor possessed highly selective recognition and was successfully applied to detect DOX in complicated real samples. Moreover, with the fluorescent color collection and data processing, the smartphone-assisted visual detection of the sensors showed satisfied sensitivity with low detection limit. This work provides great potential applications for rapid and visual detection of antibiotics in complex substrates.

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 using machine learning-enabled paper-assisted ratiometric fluorescent sensors based on target-induced magnetic DNAzyme

The development of an advanced analytical platform with regard to SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for public health. Herein, we present a machine learning platform based on paper-assisted ratiometric fluorescent sensors for highly sensitive detection of the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp gene. The assay involves target-induced rolling circle amplification to generate magnetic DNAzyme, which is then detectable using the paper-assisted ratiometric fluorescent sensor. This sensor detects the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp gene with a visible-fluorescence color response. Moreover, leveraging different fluorescence responses, the ResNet algorithm of machine learning assists in accurately identifying fluorescence images and differentiating the concentration of the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp gene with over 99% recognition accuracy. The machine learning platform exhibits exceptional sensitivity and color responsiveness, achieving a limit of detection of 30 fM for the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp gene. The integration of intelligent artificial vision with the paper-assisted ratiometric fluorescent sensor presents a novel approach for the on-site detection of COVID-19 and holds potential for broader use in disease diagnostics in the future.

Monitoring Hg2+ ions in food and environmental matrices using a novel ratiometric NIR fluorescent sensor via carbonothioate-deprotection reaction

Mercury toxicity and its environmental impact are significant concerns for public health and environmental protection. Therefore, the development of effective, rapid, and reliable detection methods for trace levels of Hg2+ is crucial. Herein, a cyanine dye bearing a carbonothioate group is reported as a potential NIR fluorescent probe for Hg2+ detection. The spectral properties of the free probe have been characterized by the presence and absence of a series of analytes. The addition of Hg2+ leads to significant changes in the fluorescence signal with distinct red coloration compared to other competing analytes, indicating that the probe is highly selective for Hg2+. The fluorescence quantum yield increases from 0.073 to 0.315. The detection limit is 0.10 μM, indicating the high sensitivity of the probe to low Hg2+ levels. The most prominent sensing features of the probe include NIR fluorescence, low cytotoxicity, ratiometric fluorescence response, and fast response compared to most of the currently available fluorescent probes. In addition, the probe can detect Hg2+ in actual samples such as foodstuff, soil, water, and live cells. Bioimaging studies have demonstrated that the present probe is highly efficient in targeting mitochondria and possesses good imaging abilities for detecting Hg2+ in cells. Therefore, these results suggest that it can be proposed as a powerful NIR fluorescent probe for the highly sensitive detection of Hg2+.

Visualization of salt diffusion in beef curing process using Smartphone-Assisted ratiometric fluorescent sensor

Herein, a smartphone-assisted fluorescent sensor was proposed for real-time fluorescence imaging and monitoring of salt diffusion in beef curing process. The glutathione modified carbon quantum dots @ curcumin (CQDs@CCM) probe with dual-emissive properties was prepared using natural biomass materials. In the probe, the CQDs with blue fluorescence was quenched by CCM due to the inner filter effect (IFE). When the probe was exposed to highly saturated sodium salt, CCM formed a complex with sodium ions, interrupting the IFE behavior and resulting in the fluorescence recovery of CQDs. Significantly, the innovative application of CCM in curing scenarios effectively circumvents the interference of other metal ions. To our knowledge, this is the first report to apply smartphone-assisted fluorescent sensor to salt imaging of cured beef. Notably, the finite element analysis was performed to simulate the diffusion of salt in beef using COMSOL, and the simulation showed similar results to fluorescence analysis, indicating the established visualizing method and the simulated model can provide effective information for beef marination process. This study provide technical support for precise control of the beef curing degree and offer new insights into the fluorescence imaging in food flavor monitoring.