Rapid and visual detection of berberine hydrochloride based on a water‐soluble pyrene derivative

: In this study, a rapid method for the detection of berberine hydrochloride (BRH) was developed based on a water-soluble pyrenyl probe, 8-hydroxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid (HPTS). This method features low cost, good selectivity, high sensitivity and a fast response. The sensing mechanism of this probe is attributed to the formation of a complex between HPTS and BRH induced by electrostatic interaction and π-π stacking. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first fluorescent sensor for BRH based on organic materials that has low cost and a visual response. The detection limit of this method was as low as 1.24 μM and the linear response range is 2-50 μM. This method also allowed rapid detection of BRH real samples.