Near-infrared fluorescent turn-on detection of paraquat using an assembly of squaraine and surfactants

- The first “off-on” fluorescent paraquat (PQ) detection based on the mechanism of surfactant-protected aggregate-deaggregate of squaraines (SQ) has presented.
- The fluorescent turn-on response to PQ was showed in near infrared region with high selectivity over other herbicides.
- The detection limit for PQ is lower than that of value recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- The assembled system shows high photostability even in the presence of PQ and can be used for PQ detection in real samples.