A simple fluorescence quenching method for berberine determination using water-soluble CdTe quantum dots as probes

A novel method for the determination of berberine has been developed based on quenching of the fluorescence of thioglycolic acid-capped CdTe quantum dots (TGA-CdTe QDs) by berberine in aqueous solutions. Under optimum conditions, the relative fluorescence intensity was linearly proportional to the concentration of berberine between 2.5 × 10^?8 and 8.0 × 10^?6 mol L^?1 with a detection limit of 6.0 × 10^?9 mol L^?1. The method has been applied to the determination of berberine in real samples, and satisfactory results were obtained. The mechanism of the proposed reaction was also discussed.