Quantum dots (QDs) based fluorescence probe for the sensitive determination of kaempferol

• A novel method determining kaempferol (KAE) was proposed.
• The method has satisfactory results for the determination of KAE in real samples.
• The possible mechanism for the fluorescence quenching of QDs-KAE system was discussed.

In this work, using the quenching of fluorescence of thioglycollic acid (TGA)-capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs), a novel method for the determination of kaempferol (KAE) has been developed. Under optimum conditions, a linear calibration plot of the quenched fluorescence intensity at 552 nm against the concentration of KAE was observed in the range of 4–44 μg mL−1 with a detection limit (3σ/K) of 0.79 μg mL−1. In addition, the detailed reaction mechanism has also been proposed on the basis of electron transfer supported by ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) absorption and fluorescence (FL) spectroscopy. The method has been applied for the determination of KAE in pharmaceutical preparations with satisfactory results. The proposed method manifested several advantages such as high sensitivity, short analysis time, low cost and ease of operation.

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