A fluorescence switch sensor used for D-Penicillamine sensing and logic gate based on the fluorescence recovery of carbon dots

A specific and sensitive fluorometric method based on the Carbon dots (CDs) probe which show unique optical properties is proposed for the determination of D-Penicillamine (D-PA) in human serum samples with satisfactory results. The fluorescence of CDs decreased apparently in the presence of mercury ion (Hg 2+ ), Similarly, the addition of D-Penicillamine (D-PA) resulted in efficient fluorescence recovery of the CDs due to the strong affinity between Hg 2+ and D-PA. Herein, this phenomenon has been exploited to design an “AND” logic gate and specific fluorescence switch sensor for sensitively sensing D-PA for the first time. Furthermore, the CDs possesses bright blue fluorescence with the maximum excitation and emission wavelength at 358   nm and 442   nm, respectively. Thus, after the experimental conditions are optimized, the linear range for detection PA is 2.0–24.0   μ mol   L −1 , with correlation coefficient and detection limit is R 2   =   0.998, 0.6   μ mol   L −1 , respectively. Moreover, the proposed method is not only expected to be come a potential tool for the fast response of D-PA but also possesses the potential for practical application.