Application of deep eutectic solvent-based extraction coupled with an S-CQD fluorescent sensor for the determination of pirimicarb in cereals

A novel deep eutectic solvent-based extraction and sulfur-doped carbon quantum dots (S-CQDs) serving as fluorescence probes to detect pirimicarb in cereals were established. The deep eutectic solvent was synthesized using choline chloride and butanediol, achieving direct and efficient extraction of pirimicarb residue in the cereals. The fluorescence quenching of S-CQDs was caused by the electrostatic interaction between the negatively charged S-CQDs and positively charged thiocholine, which was the hydrolysate of acetylthiocholine. The fluorescence of S-CQDs was enhanced as the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was inhibited by pirimicarb, achieving the detection of pirimicarb in the cereal samples. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.006 μg mL-1. The recovery ranged from 96.6% to 108.2%. This extraction and detection method of pirimicarb based on an environmentally friendly DES and S-CQD fluorescent sensor maintains good stability and convenience, offering a promising strategy for extracting and testing harmful substances in food samples.