A highly sensitive fluorescent probe based on functionalised ionic liquids for timely detection of trace Hg and CHHg in food.

A novel fluorescent probe was fabricated using fluorescein-based ionic liquids (ILs) to effectively achieve rapid and accurate detection of Hg and CHHg in food. A probe developed by addition of modified fluorescein into the functionalised ILs presented a promising sensitivity toward Hg and CHHg at concentrations of 0.4 and 60 nM, respectively. In addition, the novel probe could achieve visual and timely detection of Hg and CHHg by the naked eyes at concentrations of 0.1 and 1 μM, respectively. The probe could also overcome the interference of potential ions and common organic ligands and detect Hg and CHHg in real food samples, such as green tea and liquor. The probe could be converted into a paper-based sensor to visually detect Hg and CHHg at levels as low as 10 nM.