A recyclable carbon nanoparticle-based fluorescent probe for highly selective and sensitive detection of mercapto biomolecules

Minhuan Lan, Jinfeng Zhang, Ying San Chui, Hui Wang, Qingdan Yang, Xiaoyue Zhu, Huaixin Wei, Weimin Liu, Jiechao Ge, Pengfei Wang*, Xianfeng Chen, Chun Sing Lee, Wenjun Zhang

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

Carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) with strong blue emission are synthesized using a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The fluorescence of the CNPs can be completely quenched by Hg2+ through an effective electron or energy transfer process due to the synergetic strong electrostatic interaction and metal-ligand coordination. Based on this, a system containing Hg2+-quenched CNPs (CNP-Hg2+) is designed to be a sensitive and selective turn-on fluorescent probe towards cysteine (a type of mercapto biomolecule) with a detection limit of 15 nM. The fluorescence of CNP-Hg2+ aqueous solution can be repeatedly turned on and off for over 10 times by alternative addition of cysteine and Hg2+, respectively. After 10 cycles, the fluorescence intensity could be recovered to as high as 85% of the original value of CNPs. Remarkably, the sensing process is able to be observed by the naked eye under UV irradiation. Furthermore, the sensing is specific to biothiols and the sensor is able to work in living cells. This journal is

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)127-134
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry B: Materials for biology and medicine
Volume3
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 7 Jan 2015

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A recyclable carbon nanoparticle-based fluorescent probe for highly selective and sensitive detection of mercapto biomolecules'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this