Highly Stable Photoluminescent CeF3 Nanocrystal as a Versatile Probe for Neurotoxic Alkaloid (Anabasine) Sensing via Fluorescence Modulation

TL;DR

Researchers developed a new fluorescent probe using CeF3 nanocrystals to detect the toxic alkaloid anabasine in water samples with high accuracy and minimal preparation.

Contribution

The first ratiometric fluorescent probe using CeF3 nanocrystals for selective and sensitive anabasine detection in environmental water samples.

Findings

CeF3 nanocrystals show dual-emission bands for anabasine detection with a low limit of detection (0.17 μM).

The probe achieves 95–103% recovery in lake, river, and tap water with minimal matrix interference.

The method outperforms traditional techniques like LC-MS/MS and GC-FID by avoiding derivatization or complex pretreatment.

Abstract

This study introduces highly stable photoluminescent
CeF3 nanocrystals as a first ratiometric fluorescent probe
for the selective
detection of the neurotoxic alkaloid anabasine in environmental water
matrices. The hexagonal-phase CeF3 nanocrystals (40–50
nm) exhibit dual-emission bands at 322 (quenched) and 433 nm (enhanced)
upon anabasine binding, enabling sensitive (LOD: 0.17 μM) and
matrix-resistant quantification. Structural (XRD, TEM, EDS) and optical
(pH and thermal stability: pH 4–10, 30–90 °C) characterizations
confirm robustness for real-world applications. Recovery assays (95–103%)
in lake, river, and tap water demonstrate minimal matrix interference,
outperforming LC-MS/MS and GC-FID methods that require derivatization
or complex sample pretreatment. The cost-effectiveness, simplicity,
and ratiometric self-calibration of the method highlight its potential
for on-site environmental monitoring of tobacco-derived contaminants.

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