Simple and sensitive fluorescence sensor for methotrexate detection based on the inner filter effect of N, S co-doped carbon quantum dots

Abstract Reliable and simple detection methods for chemotherapeutic agent contaminants, such as methotrexate, are required to minimize their possible toxic threat. However, detecting them remains a challenging in environmental and biological analysis. Here, we developed a fluorescent N, S co-doped carbon quantum dots (N, S co-doped CQDs) probe to detect methotrexate on the basis of the inner filter effect of fluorescence. Under optimized conditions, the fluorescent probe exhibits high sensitivity and specific selectivity with a linear detection range from 0.4 μg/mL to 41.3 μg/mL and a low detection limit of 12 ng/mL (S/N = 3). Further, this N, S co-doped CQDs fluorescent probe can be used to analyze extracellular fluids and wastewater samples satisfactorily, thereby showing a remarkable potential for broad applications in biological molecule determination and environmental analysis.