ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Soursop leaves derived carbon dots probe for efficient sensing of 5-fluorouracil anticancer drug

Pradnya Khandagale, Archana Kanthe, Prasad Mahajan, Vijay Sawant, Rohant Dhabbe, Rajratna Kakade, Ramesh Yelgudre, Sandip Nipane, Sandip Sabale, and Deok-kee Kim

Department of Chemistry, Jaysingpur College, Jaysingpur, India

E-mail: sandipnipanechem@gmail.com

Received: 2 August 2025  Accepted: 1 May 2026

Abstract:

The utilization of carbon dots (CDs) as an analytical probe in sensing applications has been made viable owing to their distinct photophysical properties. The current work proposes the use of Soursop (Annona muricata) leaves are known for their traditional medicinal uses and contain various bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. They have been traditionally used to treat inflammatory conditions, neuralgia, diabetes, and even cancer. Phytochemical analysis has revealed the presence of compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, and steroids, which contribute to their antioxidant and other biological activities. Analysis of photo-physical and structural properties verified the production of CDs, which demonstrated 2–5 nm size range. Additionally, the CDs were investigated as an analytical probe by using UV spectroscopy to detect 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), an anticancer medication. The produced soursop carbon dots (SSCDs) exhibiting remarkable optical properties emerged as a promising sensing probe for 5-FU in the range of 5 to 50 µmol L⁻¹, quantum yield 12.65%, and with a lower detection limit of 1.41 µmol L⁻¹. Additionally, the various counter ions were examined for potential interference with the detection. The method showed satisfactory recovery (≈ 95%) in pharmaceutical formulations, indicating its practical applicability. Additionally, the SSCDs exhibited good stability and reproducibility over time. The ongoing research offers a UV-based sensor for the quantitative and selective detection of 5-FU, which is a rapid, straightforward, affordable, and robust sensing probe.

Graphical abstract

Keywords: Carbon dots; Soursop (Annona muricata); 5-Fluorouracil; Sensing probe

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-026-05005-y

Chemical Papers 80 (9) 10277–10290 (2026)