Real-Time and in Situ Monitoring of Pesticide Penetration in Edible Leaves by Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Mapping.

TitleReal-Time and in Situ Monitoring of Pesticide Penetration in Edible Leaves by Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Mapping.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2016
AuthorsYang, T, Zhang, Z, Zhao, B, Hou, R, Kinchla, A, Clark, JM, He, L
JournalAnal Chem
Volume88
Issue10
Pagination5243-50
Date Published2016 05 17
ISSN1520-6882
KeywordsGold, Metal Nanoparticles, Pesticides, Plant Leaves, Spectrum Analysis, Raman, Spinacia oleracea
Abstract

Understanding of the penetration behaviors of pesticides in fresh produce is of great significance for effectively applying pesticides and minimizing pesticide residues in food. There is lack, however, of an effective method that can measure pesticide penetration. Herein, we developed a novel method for real-time and in situ monitoring of pesticide penetration behaviors in spinach leaves based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) mapping. Taking advantage of penetrative gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as probes to enhance the internalized pesticide signals in situ, we have successfully obtained the internal signals from thiabendazole, a systemic pesticide, following its penetration into spinach leaves after removing surface pesticide residues. Comparatively, ferbam, a nonsystemic pesticide, did not show internal signals after removing surface pesticide residues, demonstrating its nonsystemic behavior. In both cases, if the surface pesticides were not removed, copenetration of both AuNPs and pesticides was observed. These results demonstrate a successful application of SERS as an effective method for measuring pesticides penetration in fresh produce in situ. The information obtained could provide useful guidance for effective and safe applications of pesticides on plants.

DOI10.1021/acs.analchem.6b00320
Alternate JournalAnal Chem
PubMed ID27099952