Supramolecular fluorescence sensing for quality evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine

To achieve reliable, effective, and rapid quality evaluation of complex traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) products, we proposed a supramolecular fluorescence sensing method based on pattern recognition. An azocalixarene-based sensor array was constructed to evaluate batch-to-batch consistency of Qufeng Zhitong Capsule (QZC). The molecular recognitions between azocalixarenes and the contents of QZC are transduced through the fluorescence signal output of the QZC itself or the applied indicator. Data simulations show that differences in composition and concentration between products can lead to altered fluorescence signals. Based on the constructed eight-element sensor array, a standard fluorescent fingerprint presented in a radar chart, was established by analyzing a large number of qualified samples, enabling the differentiation of qualified and unqualified QZC samples. The supramolecular fluorescence sensing method has the advantages of easy construction and fast response, which may provide a reference method and basis for establishing a new mode of quality evaluation of QZC and even other TCM.