# 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.

## Key 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.