CdSe/ZnS quantum dots based fluorescence quenching method for determination of paeonol

Aqueous polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)-capped CdSe/ZnS quantum dots were used as fluorescence probes for paeonol determination. Based on the fluorescence quenching of aqueous CdSe/ZnS quantum dots caused by paeonol, a simple, sensitive and rapid method was developed. Under the optimal conditions, with excitation and emission wavelengths at 350 nm and 620 nm, respectively, the calibration plot of F0 − F with concentration of paeonol was linear in the range of 25.04–175.2 mg L−1 with correlation coefficient of 0.9986. The limit of detection was 0.017 mg L−1. The concentration of paeonol in paeonol ointment was determined by the proposed method and the result agreed with the claimed value. Furthermore, the possible fluorescence quenching mechanism was discussed.