graphene quantum dots for detection of organophosphate pesticides

How can we utilized chemistry knowledge to detect pesticides?

The research group of Assoc. Prof. Boosayarat Tomapatanaget developed a biosensor based on graphene quantum dot and enzymes in hydrogel (GQDs/Enz/Gels) to detect organophosphate pesticides via two enzymes, acetylcholinesterase and cholinesterase. In a typical condition, these enzymes produce hydrogen peroxide, which decrease the fluorescence signal of GQD at 467 nm. However, with a presence of organophosphate pesticide in a sample, the enzymes are inhibited, the amount of hydrogen peroxide is decreased, and the fluorescence signal is gained back. Hence, the fluorescence signal intensity is correlated with the amount of organophosphate pesticides.