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• A sensor array for the discrimination of metal ions and drinking waters. • Two novel functionalized fluorescent perylene probes were utilized. • The sensor array is based on perylene monomer-excimer emission transition. A new type of sensor array is developed for the highly efficient differential sensing of metal ions and drinking waters. Two functionalized fluorescent perylene probes (Pery-1 and Pery-2) were employed. These probes could interact with metal ions via electrostatic and coordinate bonding interactions. As a result, the probe monomer fluorescence was quenched, and the appearance of distinct excimer emission was observed. Depending on the metal ion used, various degrees of quenching of probe monomer fluorescence, and the generation of excimer emission were observed. For example, quenching of monomer fluorescence was observed when Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions were tested. However, quenching of monomer fluorescence and generation of excimer fluorescence were both observed when Pb2+, Zn2+ and Al3+ ions were employed. And it was also observed that Ni2+, Mn2+ and Cr3+ ions interacted differently with Pery-1 and Pery-2. These differences formed the basis of the metal ion sensor array. The sensor array was used for differentiation of eleven metal ions, and it was also capable of discrimination of metal ions at different concentrations, as well as the discrimination of metal ion mixtures. The array was further successfully used for the distinction of drinking waters, different brands of commercial mineral water, and evaluation of the quality of drinking water. We envisage that the monomer and excimer emission transition of the perylene probe could be easily adopted for efficient sensor array development for various sensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel sensor array is developed for the identification of milk adulteration. • The sensor array is based on perylene probe monomer-excimer emission transition. • Cationic polymer induced aggregation of a perylene probe. • The sensor array can be applied for the quantification of milk adulteration. A novel fluorescence sensor array based on cationic polymer induced self-assembly of a perylene probe is developed. Cationic polymer induced aggregation of the carboxyl modified negatively charged perylene probe, and resulted in large quenching of monomer emission and generation of excimer emission. Upon the addition of negatively charged protein, monomer fluorescence restored with a decrease in excimer fluorescence. Based on these observations, we developed a six-channel sensor array to discriminate five main proteins in milk. In addition, we successfully identified pure milk out of different drinks using the developed sensor array since different drinks contained distinct species and contents of proteins. Furthermore, the sensor array exhibited excellent performance to discriminate milk adulterated by different concentrations of adulterants with 100% accuracy of cross validation. The analysis results also presented excellent linear correlation of adulterants contents and thus the developed sensor array shows great potential for quantitative detection of milk adulteration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]