Simultaneous dual-mode detection and removal of acrolein in food samples via a fluorescent PAA-CDs/Sulfhydryl cotton/SA hydrogel composite.

A multifunctional fluorescent carbon dot/sulfhydryl cotton/sodium alginate composite hydrogel (PAA-CDs/Sulfhydryl Cotton/SA hydrogel) had been developed, which could integrate in dual-mode optical responses with fluorescence quenching and colorimetric signals to detect and simultaneous remove acrolein in food samples. The fluorescence detection exhibited a linear range spanning from 0 to 70 μM for acrolein, along with a relatively low LOD of 20 nM. In contrast, smartphone-based RGB colorimetric quantification presented a linear range of 0-70 μM, with an LOD of 350 nM. Meanwhile, the adsorption kinetics of the pseudo-second-order model indicated that the composite hydrogel exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity of 98.7 mg g-1. Real-sample tests and cost analysis also yielded efficient results. These findings demonstrated that all the above aspects could offer a comprehensive solution for the dual-mode monitoring and decontamination of toxic α, β-unsaturated carbonyl pollutants in foods.