Highly sensitive and selective detection of naproxen via molecularly imprinted carbon dots as a fluorescent sensor

The overuse and inappropriate discharge of naproxen, a common anti-inflammatory medication and an emerging contaminant in water, is detrimental to human health and bodies of water. Here, we design a fluorescent sensor based on molecularly imprinted carbon dots (CDs) for highly selective detection of trace amounts of naproxen. The CDs were encapsulated into the pores of silica through a sol–gel based method and provide fluorescent signal. After removal of the template molecules, a molecularly imprinted polymer layer was formed and the fluorescence of the CDs sensor was selectively quenched by naproxen. A detection limit of as low as 0.03 μM and a linear range of 0.05–4 μM for detecting naproxen in aqueous solution were obtained. High recoveries of naproxen levels in waste water and urine samples for practical application were also achieved. In addition, the accurate detection performance of sensor was maintained during the UV degradation of naproxen.