5-Sulfo anthranilic acid dithiocarbamate functionalized silver nanoparticles as a colorimetric probe for the simple and selective detection of tricyclazole fungicide in rice samples

Abstract

A sensitive and selective colorimetric sensor for the detection of tricyclazole fungicide was proposed. The characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak of 5-sulfo anthranilic acid dithiocarbamate functionalized silver nanoparticles (SAADTC–Ag NPs) at 400 nm was drastically reduced by the addition of tricyclazole fungicide, and yielding a new SPR peak at 550 nm, which can be observed by the discernible color change of the solution from yellow to pink. This detection mechanism was based on the tricyclazole-induced aggregation of the SAADTC–Ag NPs via electron donor–acceptor interactions. Other pesticides such as hexaconazole, propiconazole, tebuconazole and difenoconazole, do not interfere with the sensing of tricyclazole. Under optimal conditions, the linear range of the method was 1.0–100 μM. The limit of detection was 1.8 × 10⁻⁷ M. The feasibility of this method has been demonstrated by the selective and sensitive measurement of tricyclazole in rice samples with good recoveries and a relative standard deviation (RSD) < 2%. This distinct and rapid colorimetric response enables us to readily probe tricyclazole in food samples without more analytical technical demand.