Selective detection of nitrofurantoin by histidine-capped silver nanoclusters with blue luminescence

In view of the significance of nitrofurantoin, there is an urgent need for efficient analytical methods for accurate detection of nitrofurantoin. Considering their superior fluorescence performance and rarity of reports regarding nitrofurantoin detection by fluorescent silver nanoclusters (Ag NCs), Ag NCs with good stability and uniform size were synthesized through a simple method by protection of histidine (His) and reduction of ascorbic acid (AA). Based on the quenching by nitrofurantoin, Ag NCs were applied successfully in the detection of nitrofurantoin with high sensitivity. In the range of 0.5–150 μM, a linear relationship was found between ln(F₀/F) and nitrofurantoin amounts. Static quenching and inner filter effect were proved to be the main quenching mechanisms. Significantly superior selectivity and satisfactory recovery results in bovine serum indicate that Ag NCs provide a better choice for nitrofurantoin detection.