ZnS quantum dots as fluorescence sensor for quantitative detection of tetracycline

X–ZnS quantum dots (QDs) are synthesized in aqueous solution by a simple chemical route where X represents 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) or 3-mercapto-1-propanesulfonic (MPS) which two well-known low cost and stable ligands. The QDs yielded suspensions of nanoparticles with excellent monodispersity, water solubility fluorescence stability relatively high yield 11% 10% for MPA-ZnS MPS-ZnS respectively. Under optimal conditions, the prepared used to detect tetracycline (TC) based on their quenching induced target analyte via electrostatic interaction. Stern–Volmer-type equation has been fitted curve each QDs, from shown larger linear range lower limit detection than QDs. response is linearly respect TC concentration over wide 200 nM 6000 30 pM. combination non-toxicity, simplicity together analytical performance proposed make it promising determination trace food products animal origin.