A ratiometric fluorescent probe for selective detection of hypochlorite (ClO−) and gallium (III) (Ga3+) ions in environmental and food samples

Hypochlorite (ClO−) and gallium (Ⅲ) ions (Ga3+) have extensive applications in various human industries and daily activities. However, their inherent toxicity poses significant risks to environmental preservation and human well-being. Hence, the development of reliable and handy detection tools for ClO− and Ga3+ in the environment and food is crucial. In this study, a ratiometric fluorescent probe was prepared based on benzothiazolaldehyde and pyridine-2-carboxylic acid hydrazide, which exhibited exceptional performance characteristics for the selective detection of ClO− and Ga3+. These features include high specificity, low detection limits (0.28 μM for ClO−, 0.13 μM for Ga3+), mild pH conditions (pH 4–11 for ClO−, pH 6–11 for Ga3+), fast response time (within 30 s), as well as versatile applicability across different matrices such as water, soil, food, and plant samples. Additionally, this probe can be used with a smartphone color recognition app. The probe offers a convenient and effective tool for the detection of ClO− and Ga3+, demonstrating its potential application value in environmental monitoring and food safety.