This study aimed to create a fluorescent novel Schiff base polymer (SBP) sensor for the detection of rutin (RT) flavonoid based on nanostructured molecularly imprinted polymer (SBM), precisely designed template molecules, and site-specific post-imprinting modifications. The fabricated SBM sensor was characterized in detail, and the prepared SBM exhibited stable and sensitive reproducible fluorescence response and highly selective recognition capability for detecting trace amounts of RT. Besides, the influential factors, such as pH and incubation time were performed in the optimal extraction conditions. The calibration curve yields a linear range for the detection of RT under optimal conditions. The linear fluorescence response of SBM to RT was obtained in the concentration range of 1–200 μg L− 1 (R2 = 0.9988) with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.024 μg L−1. The SBM presented satisfying recoveries with a relative standard deviation of less than 3.0 % (n = 7) in spiked samples. The sensor shows broad prospects in the quality evaluation and grading of functional foods, as it can rapidly identify and quantify RT in red raspberry and green tea samples.
