Total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) is an important measure of seafood freshness, and quickly detecting it is crucial for food safety.
The study utilized self-assembled copper nanoclusters (Cu NCs@-MBA) that fluoresce orange under acidic conditions to sensitively detect low-molecular-weight amines related to seafood spoilage.
This approach, supported by computational studies, enables portable and real-time monitoring of seafood freshness, showcasing the effectiveness of these nanoclusters for on-site detection of VBNs.