Eco-friendly colorimetric detection of lead and mercury using l-cysteine-functionalized gold nanoparticles: a step towards greening the exposome.

ABSTRACT: Heavy metal toxicity, particularly from lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg), poses a significant threat to the biological system and the exposome, even at trace levels. In alignment with the 'Greening the Exposome' initiative, this study presents an eco-friendly and rapid colorimetric technique for detecting Pb and Hg in water. This method utilizes biogenic l-cysteine functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) of varying sizes as a colorimetric sensor, offering selective detection of these heavy metals. The utilization of l-cysteine, a naturally occurring amino acid, enhances the sustainability of the assay. The l-cysteine functionalized AuNPs demonstrate selectivity towards Pb and Hg through visually observable color changes, directly correlated with shifts in the surface plasmon resonance (SPR). T

SUBMITTER: Nadumane SS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11995260 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature