Ultrasensitive fluorescence determination of tetracycline in honey using a Cu-MOF-based sensor

A fluorescent copper-based metal-organic framework sensor was developed for the rapid and efficient detection of tetracycline. The results of FTIR, XRD, SEM, BET, TGA, and DSC analyses confirmed the formation of the Cu-MOF fluorescent sensor. The optimal conditions for the Cu-MOF fluorescent sensor were pH = 8 with a response time of 1 min. Tetracycline induced strong fluorescence quenching of the Cu-MOF fluorescent sensor, whereas other antibiotics had negligible effects. In addition, highly selective and sensitive detection (LOD = 1.24 nM) of TC as observed by the Cu-MOF fluorescent sensor. Moreover, the developed sensor was applied for the detection of TC in honey samples with satisfactory recoveries of 109 - 119.20% and RSD ≤ 1.50%. Therefore, this sensor can be applied to detect TC residue in food matrix due to its low cost, high sensitivity, easy operation, repeatability, and decreasing environmental pollution. • A sensitive Cu-MOF fluorescent sensor was developed for rapid detection of tetracycline. • The sensor showed optimal performance at pH = 8.0 with a fast response time of 1 min. • Strong fluorescence quenching enabled high sensitivity with a LOD of 1.24 nM. • The developed sensor was successfully applied for tetracycline determination in food samples.