Rapid detection of trace malachite green using a fluorescence probe based on signal amplification through electrostatic self-assembly of CdTe QDs and polystyrene microsphere

A fluorescence probe was delicately designed for the detection of malachite green (MG) in water and fish samples. Through the electrostatic self-assembly of CdTe QDs on the surface of polystyrene (PS) microspheres, the fluorescence signal was amplified. After grafting molecularly imprinted film, the fluorescence probe of [email protected]@CdTe was fabricated and applied to the detection of MG based on fluorescence quenching. The linear range of MG detection was 0.01–20 μmol L−1, and the detection limit was 4.7 nmol L−1 (3σ, n = 9) which was much lower than those of the previous reports. The recoveries of MG in aquaculture water and fish samples ranging from 87.6% to 105.4% illustrated that the detection by [email protected]@CdTe probe was accurate and reliable.