A New Fluorescence Method for the Determination Trace Amounts of Berberine Using KAuI2

Abstract

In the 0.02 mol/L HCl medium solution, berberine (BB) cationic ion and AuI2- combine to BB-AuI2 association complex molecule. These complex molecules self-aggregate to (BB-AuI2)n association particles. It exhibits a fluorescence peaks at 470 nm. A new and sensitive fluorescence method has been proposed for the determination of trace amounts of BB in the range of 10-800 ng/ml. The detection limit is 3ng/ml BB. The method has been applied to the determination of trace berberine in real samples, with satisfactory results. The cause of the fluorescence was also discussed.