Colorimetric detection of potassium ions using aptamer-functionalized gold nanoparticles

Herein, a simple and novel colorimetric method for detection of potassium ions (K⁺) was developed. The colorimetric experiments revealed that upon the addition of K⁺, the conformation of anti-K⁺ aptamer in solution changed from random coil structure to compact rigid G-quadruplex one. This compact rigid G-quadruplex structure could not protect AuNPs against K⁺-induced aggregation, and thus the visible color change from wine-red to blue-purple could be observed by the naked eye. The linear range of the colorimetric aptasensor covered a large variation of K⁺ concentration from 5 nM to 1 μM and the detection limit of 5 nM was obtained. Moreover, this assay was able to detect K⁺ with high selectivity and had great potential applications.     

Label-free detection of adenosine based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer between fluorescent silica nanoparticles and unmodified gold nanoparticles

A sensitive and convenient strategy was developed for label-free assay of adenosine. The strategy adapted the fluorescence resonance energy transfer property between Rhodamine B doped fluorescent silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to generate signal. The different affinities of AuNPs toward the unfolded and folded aptamers were employed for the signal transfer in the system. In the presence of adenosine, the split aptamer fragments react with adenosine to form a structured complex. The folded aptamer cannot be adsorbed on the surface of AuNPs, which induces the aggregation of AuNPs under high ionic concentration conditions, and the aggregation of AuNPs leads to the decrease of the quenching ability. Therefore, the fluorescence intensity of Rhodamine B doped fluorescent SiNPs increased along with the concentration of adenosine. Because of the highly specific recognition ability of the aptamer toward adenosine and the strong quenching ability of AuNPs, the proposed strategy demonstrated good selectivity and high sensitivity for the detection of adenosine. Under the optimum conditions in the experiments, a linear range from 98 nM to 100 μM was obtained with a detection limit of 45 nM. As this strategy is convenient, practical and sensitive, it will provide a promising potential for label-free aptamer-based protein detection.     

Horseradish peroxidase and aptamer dual-functionalized nanoprobe for the amplification detection of alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase

Alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) is over-expressed in many cancer types and can serve as a novel diagnostic biomarker. Development of convenient and sensitive detection methods of AMACR is of particular importance for cancer diagnosis. Aptamers are a type of recognition elements, which possess many advantages over antibody, making them suitable for applications in biosensing and biotechnology. In this work, we use the efficient surface modification of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to prepare the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and aptamer dual-functionalized nanoprobe. The immobilization of HRP and thiol-terminated aptamer on the surface of AuNPs can be achieved through electrostatic interaction and the formation of Au–S bond, respectively. This nanoprobe, which is used as discriminating and catalytic probe, can be combined with enzyme immunoassay method to increase the detection sensitivity of AMACR. The detection limit can reach as low as 4.6 pg mL⁻¹ due to the dual signal amplification from enzymatic cycling and the high loading of enzymes on AuNPs. This sensitivity is about three orders of magnitude higher than that of AMACR aptamer based fluorescence method, which is also comparable to or one order of magnitude higher than that of ELISA. Furthermore, this method is more simple and effective, which not only avoids the conjugation between recognition element and the catalytic enzyme, but also achieves greater signal amplification. This assay could be used as a sensitive and selective platform for the detection of target protein.     

Na+ Selective Fluorescent Tools Based on Fluorescence Intensity Enhancements,Lifetime Changes,and on a Ratiometric Response

Over the years, we developed highly selective fluorescent probes for K⁺ in water, which show K⁺-induced fluorescence intensity enhancements, lifetime changes, or a ratiometric behavior at two emission wavelengths (cf. Scheme 1, K1 – K4 ). In this paper, we introduce selective fluorescent probes for Na⁺ in water, which also show Na⁺ induced signal changes, which are analyzed by diverse fluorescence techniques. Initially, we synthesized the fluorescent probes 2 , 4 , 5 , 6 and 10 for a fluorescence analysis by intensity enhancements at one wavelength by varying the Na⁺ responsive ionophore unit and the fluorophore moiety to adjust different K_d values for an intra- or extracellular Na⁺ analysis. Thus, we found that 2 , 4 and 5 are Na⁺ selective fluorescent tools, which are able to measure physiologically important Na⁺ levels at wavelengths higher than 500 nm. Secondly, we developed the fluorescent probes 7 and 8 to analyze precise Na⁺ levels by fluorescence lifetime changes. Herein, only 8 (K_d=106 mm ) is a capable fluorescent tool to measure Na⁺ levels in blood samples by lifetime changes. Finally, the fluorescent probe 9 was designed to show a Na⁺ induced ratiometric fluorescence behavior at two emission wavelengths. As desired, 9 (K_d=78 mm ) showed a ratiometric fluorescence response towards Na⁺ ions and is a suitable tool to measure physiologically relevant Na⁺ levels by the intensity change of two emission wavelengths at 404 nm and 492 nm.     

A Highly K+‐Selective Two‐Photon Fluorescent Probe

A highly K⁺‐selective two‐photon fluorescent probe for the in vitro monitoring of physiological K⁺ levels in the range of 1–100 mM is reported. The two‐photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) probe shows a fluorescence enhancement (FE) by a factor of about three in the presence of 160 mM K⁺, independently of one‐photon (OP, 430 nm) or two‐photon (TP, 860 nm) excitation and comparable K⁺‐induced FEs in the presence of competitive Na⁺ ions. The estimated dissociation constant (K_d) values in Na⁺‐free solutions (K_d^OP=(28±5) mM and K_d^TP=(36±6) mM ) and in combined K⁺/Na⁺ solutions (K_d^OP=(38±8) mM and K_d^TP=(46±25) mM ) reflecting the high K⁺/Na⁺ selectivity of the fluorescent probe. The TP absorption cross‐section (σ_2PA) of the TPEF probe+160 mM K⁺ is 26 GM at 860 nm. Therefore, the TPEF probe is a suitable tool for the in vitro determination of K⁺.     

The cation binding of benzo crown ethers in acetonitrile using fluorescence spectroscopy

The effects of Na⁺, K⁺ and Li⁺ cations on the fluorescence spectra of benzo[15]crown-5, benzo[18]crown-6 and dibenzo[18]crown-6 were investigated in acetonitrile. The alkali cation role observed was usually the complexation-enhanced quenching fluorescence effect (CEQF) in acetonitrile due to the increased fluorescence quenching rate of the complexed fluoroionophore. The association constants for 1 :1 stoichiometry InK _a have been obtained using the relationship 1/K _a[L ₀] = (1 –P)²/P. It was shown that the preferential interaction rule of compatibility of cationic radii and macrocyclic ring size is in excellent agreement with the association constants obtained by fluorescence spectroscopy. The order of InK _a found for benzo[15]crown-5 complexation was Li⁺ > Na⁺ > K⁺ and K⁺ > Na⁺ > Li⁺ for benzo[18]crown-6 in acetonitrile.Presented at the Sixth International Seminar on Inclusion Compounds, Istanbul, Turkey, 27–31 August, 1995.     

An Isomer Specific,Highly Selective Fluorescent Chemosensor for K+ from a Bis‐Naphtho‐15‐Crown‐5 Derivative

Three isomeric series of bis(crown ether)s have been synthesized by condensation of the appropriate formylnaphthocrown with 1,4‐phenylenediacetonitrile. The interaction of these ligands with K⁺ and Na⁺ has been investigated by UV and fluorescence spectroscopic techniques. Among them the bis(crown ether) 2a exhibits excellent K⁺‐selectivity over Na⁺ and a dramatic increase in the fluorescence intensity of chromophores.     

Formation of nano‐dots of phenylazomethine dendrimers with Rhodamine 6G on mica

The phenylazomethine dendrimer (DPA) is associated with Rhodamine 6G in chloroform, which results in the chemical shift attributed to the aromatic protons of phenylazomethine being moved upfield in the ¹H‐NMR spectrum by increasing the Rhodamine 6G. The shift is saturated at the ratio of 1 : 1. On the basis of the NMR analysis, the association constant K of phenylazomethine with Rhodamine 6G was determined to be 1.4 × 10⁴ (l/mol) in CDCl₃ at 20°C. The association is also confirmed by UV‐vis spectroscopy, in which the absorption around 450 and 527 nm changes during the addition of Rhodamine 6G. The fluorescence intensity of the 1 : 1 complex of Rhodamine 6G and DPA G4 is stronger than that of the solution dissolved only in Rhodamine 6G at greater than 1 mM though it is generally known that the intermolecular interaction quenches the dye fluorescence in a concentrated solution. The association of DPA G4 with Rhodamine 6G suppresses the quenching at higher concentrations. Homogenous nano‐dots were observed on mica by casting the DPA G4 complex with Rhodamine 6G, in which the height and average area were 1.5–3 nm and 1.6 × 10³ nm² (the standard deviation σ = 3.7 nm²), respectively. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of PAMAM-g-PEG-g-DS-g-RB@IO towards dual-modal imaging in atherosclerosis

This study aimed to synthesize a dual-modal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/fluorescence imaging (FLI) nanoprobe in order to detect atherosclerosis. Herein, we had prepared the polyamidoamine-graft-poly (ethylene glycol) (PAMAM-g-PEG) as the carrier. Dextran sulfate (DS) and Rhodamine B (RB) were grafted to PAMAM-g-PEG continuously through reductive amination and amidation reaction to synthesize PAMAM-g-PEG-g-DS-g-RB. The structure of PAMAM-g-PEG-g-DS-g-RB was characterized through nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A new water-soluble superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) has been synthesized through simple ligand exchange between the iron oxide nanaparticles and PAMAM-g-PEG-g-DS-g-RB. The analysis of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that micelles were well dispersed in water and had uniform sizes. The result of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) proved that about 83% (mass fraction) polymers were coated on the surface of IONPs. The MRI in vitro evaluation demonstrated a high R2 value (130.8 mM^?1s^?1) to be served as a T2-weighted contrast agent. The cell counting kit (CCK) assay showed no significant toxicity in RAW264.7. The above results confirmed that PAMAM-g-PEG-g-DS-g-RB@IO could play an significant role of MRI and FLI in the atherosclerosis.     

Extraction of Alkali Metal (Li, Na, K) Picrates with Benzo-15-crown-5 into Various Organic Solvents. Elucidation of Fundamental Equilibria Determining the Extraction-ability and -selectivity

To quantitatively elucidate the effects of the benzo group on the extraction-selectively and -ability of benzo-15-crown-5 (B15C5)for alkali metal ions, the constants of the overall extraction (K_ex), thedistribution for various diluents having low dielectric constants (K_D,MLA), and the aqueousion-pair formation (K_MLA) of B15C5-alkali metal (Li, Na, K) picrate 1:1:1 complexes (MLA) weredetermined at 25 °C. The partition constants of B15C5were also measured at 25 °C. The log K_MLA values for Li⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺ are -0.32 ± 0.22, 2.66 ± 0.19, and 0.71 ± 0.47, respectively. In going from 15-crown-5 (15C5) to B15C5, the benzo group considerably decreasesthe K_MLA value for the same alkali metal ion. The distributionbehavior of B15C5 and its 1:1:1 complexes with the alkali metal picrates closely obeys regularsolution theory, omitting chloroform. Molar volumes and solubility parameters of B15C5and the 1:1:1 complexes were determined. For every diluent, the K_ex valuefor B15C5 increases in the order Li⁺ < K⁺ < Na⁺. K_D,MLA makes anunfavorable contribution to the Na⁺ extraction-selectivity of B15C5 because of the smallest molar volume of the Na(B15C5)A complex. The Na⁺ extraction-selectivity of B15C5 is determined completely by much the highest K_Na(B15C5)A value.The extraction-ability and -selectivity of B15C5 for the alkali metal picrates are compared with those of 15C5on the basis of the underlying equilibrium constants.     

Simple and sensitive fluorescence sensor for detection of potassium ion in the presence of high concentration of sodium ion using berberine–G-quadruplex complex as sensing element

In this work, a novel potassium ion (K⁺) sensor is presented using berberine–G-quadruplex complex as a fluorescent probe. This sensor is based on the K⁺that can induce the G-rich DNA to form G-quadruplex conformation. The G-quadruplex can bind berberine to form berberine–G-quadruplex complex, resulting in remarkable enhancement of fluorescence emission of the berberine–G-quadruplex system. In the presence of 800 mM sodium ion (Na⁺), the fluorescence of the berberine–G-quadruplex complex increased linearly with increasing K⁺ concentration in the range of 0.005–1.0 mM. The turn-on fluorescent assay is simple, inexpensive, and highly sensitive. We observed that Na⁺ in 10,000-fold molar excess does not interfere. The molecular mechanisms which produce enhanced fluorescence of berberine were discussed.     

Artificial K+ Channels Formed by Pillararene‐Cyclodextrin Hybrid Molecules: Tuning Cation Selectivity and Generating Membrane Potential

A class of artificial K⁺ channels formed by pillararene‐cyclodextrin hybrid molecules have been designed and synthesized. These channels efficiently inserted into lipid bilayers and displayed high selectivity for K⁺ over Na⁺ in fluorescence and electrophysiological experiments. The cation transport selectivity of the artificial channels is tunable by varying the length of the linkers between pillararene and cyclodexrin. The shortest channel showed specific transmembrane transport preference for K⁺ over all alkali metal ions (selective sequence: K⁺ > Cs⁺ > Rb⁺ > Na⁺ > Li⁺), and is rarely observed for artificial K⁺ channels. The high selectivity of this artificial channel for K⁺ over Na⁺ ensures specific transmembrane translocation of K⁺, and generated stable membrane potential across lipid bilayers.     

Solvent extraction of univalent and bivalent metal picrates with 1,2-bis[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy] benzene (noncyclic crown ether) into CHCl3

The overall extraction equilibrium constants, K_ex, of 1:1:m complexes of 1,2-bis[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxyjbenzene (AC · B18C6) with uni- and bivalent metal picrates, MA _m were determined at 25°C between CHCl₃ and water, and thereby the ion-pair complex-formation constants,K _MLA,o, of AC · B18C6 with the univalent metal picrates in CHCl₃ were calculated. The AC · B18C6 is an open-chain analog of benzo-18-crown-6 (B18C6). The equilibrium constants of AC · B18C6 were compared with those of B18C6. K_ex sequences of AC · B18C6 for uni- and bivalent metals are Tl⁺ > K⁺ > Rb⁺ > Cs⁺ > Na⁺ > Li⁺ and Pb²⁺ > Ba²⁺ > Sr²⁺, respectively. The same extraction-selectivity was observed for B18C6, but the extractability of AC · B18C6 for the same cation is much lower than that of B18C6; the extraction selectivity of AC · B18C6 for alkali metals is lower than that of B18C6. TheK _MLA,o sequence of AC · B18C6 is K⁺ > Rb⁺ > Tl⁺ > Cs⁺ Na⁺, which is consistent with that of B18C6. ButK _MLA,o of AC · B18C6 is much smaller than the correspondingK _MLA,o of B18C6; the selectivity of AC · B18C6 among alkali metal picrates in CHCl₃ is lower than that of BI8C6. This reflects the difference in the structures between AC · B18C6 (acyclic and flexible) and B18C6 (cyclic and rigid).     

Novel Methods of Synthesis of Dibenzo[3n]crown-n and Their Cation Binding Studied by Fluorescence Spectroscopy. Part V

The dibenzo[3n]crown-n were synthesised starting from bis[2-(o-hydroxyphenoxy)ethyl]ether obtained from bis[2-(o-formylphenoxy)ethyl]ether via Baeyer-Villiger oxidation in H₂O₂/CH₃COOH in a good yield. The cyclic condensation ofbis[2-(o-hydroxyphenoxy)ethyl]etherwith tri- and tetraethylene glycol bisdichlorides andthe bisditosylate of pentaethylene glycol in DMF/Me₂CO₃ afforded the large cyclic ethers of dibenzo[21]crown-7, dibenzo[24]crown-8 and dibenzo[27]crown-9. The structures were analysed with IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and low-resolution mass spectroscopy methods. The Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺ and Cs⁺ cations' recognition of the molecules were conducted withsteady-state fluorescence spectroscopy. The 1:1 association constants, K_a, in acetonitrile were estimated. Dibenzo[21]crown-7 was the best both for K⁺ and Rb⁺ binding but showed too small an effect on Cs⁺. Dibenzo[24]crown-8 exhibited the binding power in the order of Rb⁺ > K⁺ > Na⁺ > Cs⁺. However, dibenzo[27]crown-9 displayed marked binding with only K⁺ but not with Rb⁺ or with Cs⁺ cations probably due to the heavy atom effect of fluorescence quenching.     

Chemiluminescent Logic Gates Based on Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites

Label‐free logic gates (AND, OR, and INHIBIT) based on chemiluminescence (CL) as new optical readout signal have been developed by taking advantage of the unique CL activity of luminol‐ and lucigenin‐functionalized gold nanoparticles/graphene oxide (luminol‐lucigenin/AuNPs/GO) nanocomposites. It was found that Fe²⁺ ions could induce the CL emission of luminol‐lucigenin/AuNPs/GO nanocomposites in alkaline solution. On this basis, by using Fe²⁺ ions and NaOH as the inputs and the CL signal as the output, an AND logic gate was fabricated. When the initial reaction system contained luminol‐lucigenin/AuNPs/GO nanocomposites and NaOH, either Fe²⁺ ions or Ag⁺ ions could react with the luminol‐lucigenin/AuNPs/GO nanocomposites to produce a strong CL emission. This result was used to design an OR logic gate using Fe²⁺ ions and Ag⁺ ions as the inputs and CL signal as the output. Moreover, two INHIBIT logic gates for Fe²⁺ and Ag⁺ were also developed using by NaClO and L ‐cysteine as their CL inhibitors, respectively. Furthermore, the proposed logic gates were successfully used to detect Fe²⁺, Ag⁺, and L ‐cysteine, respectively. The developed logic gates may find future applications in sensing, clinical diagnostics, and environmental monitoring.     

Mercury‐modified Lignosulfonate‐stabilized Gold Nanoparticles as an Alternative Material for Anodic Stripping Voltammetry of Thallium

Lignosulfonate‐stabilized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs‐LS) were synthesized and subsequently used as a complexing agent for mercury ions. The obtained AuNPs‐LS/Hg²⁺ complex was characterized by means of various physicochemical techniques such as UV‐vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Furthermore, the resulting complex was evaluated as an electrode modifier for the development of amperometric sensors. Upon sufficient negative potential, the bound mercury ions are reduced to form an amalgam with AuNPs‐LS. Thus, the performance of glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified by AuNPs‐LS/Hg film was investigated as an electrochemical sensor in the determination of Tl⁺ ions in a 0.05 M EDTA at pH 4.5. The presence of the mercury containing film improves the analyte accumulation due to its ability to form a fused amalgam with thallium. The presented data indicate that the GCE/AuNPs‐LS/Hg modified electrode shows better performance toward Tl⁺ determination in comparison to bare GCE. The stripping anodic peak current of thallium was linear over its concentration range from 1.7⋅10⁻⁷ to 5.0⋅10⁻⁶ M. The detection limit (3σ) was estimated to be 1.4⋅10⁻⁷ M. The proposed method was successfully applied for the determination of thallium ions in real samples of soil derived from the area of the copper smelter near Głogów (Poland).     

The mechanism of the adsorption of dsDNA on citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles and a colorimetric and visual method for detecting the V600E point mutation of the BRAF gene

A study is presented on the binding kinetics and mechanism of the adsorption of dsDNA on citrate-capped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Methods include fluorescence titration, isothermal calorimetry (ITC) titration, dynamic light scattering and gel electrophoresis. It is found that the fluorescence of probe DNA (labeled with Rhodamine Green and measured at excitation/emission peaks of 498/531 nm) is quenched by addition of AuNPs. The Stern-Volmer quenching constant (Ksv) is 1.67?×?10^{^}9 L·mol^?1 at 308 K and drops with increasing temperature. The quenching mechanism is mainly static. The results of both fluorescence titrations and ITC show negative values for ΔH and ΔS values. This shows ion-induced dipole-dipole interaction to be the main attractive forces between dsDNA and AuNPs, while electrostatic interactions result in repulsion. The repulsive forces lead to a lower affinity between dsDNA and AuNPs (compared to single-strand DNA). It is also found that dsDNA can prevent the aggregation of AuNPs which is accompanied by a color change from red into blue. The visual detection limit with bare eyes for dsDNA₁ is 36 pM. Based on these findings, a colorimetric method was developed to detect the proto-oncogene of serine/threonine-protein kinase B-Raf V600E point mutation in HT29, Ec109, A549, Huh-7 and SW480 cell lines.

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Graphical abstract Schematic of the salt-induced aggregation of uncapped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) which leads to a color change from red to blue. If the AuNPs are coated with dsDNA, aggregation is suppressed.

     

Fluorescence energy transfer probes based on the guanine quadruplex formation for the fluorometric detection of potassium ion

Dual-labeled oligonucleotide derivative, FAT-0, carrying 6-carboxyfluorescein (FAM) and 6-carboxy-tetramethylrhodamine (TAMRA) labels at 5′- and 3′-termini of thrombin-binding aptamer (TBA) sequence 5′-GGTTGGTGTGGTTGG-3′ and its derivatives, FAT-n (n = 3, 5, and 7) were designed and synthesized. FAT-n derivatives contained a T_mA spacer (m = 2, 4, and 6, respectively) at 5′-end of TBA sequence. The probes were developed to estimate the spacer effect on FRET efficiency and to identify the best probe for sensing of K⁺. Circular dichroism (CD), UV-vis absorption, and fluorescence studies revealed that all FAT-n probes could form the intramolecular tetraplex structures after binding K⁺. Association constants of particular K⁺/FAT-n complexes were determined using different experimental approaches. Suitability of particular probes for sensitive monitoring of K⁺ in intra- and extracellular conditions was examined and discussed. Calibration graphs of fluorescence ratio were linear in the K⁺ concentration range of 2-10 mM for extracellular conditions showing sensitivity of 1.2% mM⁻¹ K⁺ and for intracellular conditions in the range of 100-200 mM with sensitivity of 0.49% mM⁻¹ K⁺.     

Upconversion nanoparticle-based fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay for Cr(III) ions in urine

A novel assay of chromium(III) ion based on upconversion fluorescence resonance energy transfer was designed and established. Lysine-capped NaYF₄:Yb/Er upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and dimercaptosuccinic acid-capped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were used as the energy donor and acceptor, respectively. They were bound together via electrostatic interaction, resulting in the quenching of the fluorescence of UCNPs by AuNPs. Chromium(III) ions can specifically and strongly interact with dimercaptosuccinic acid that was modified on the surface of AuNPs, leading to the separation of AuNPs from UCNPs and the recovery of fluorescence of UCNPs. The fluorescence recovery of UCNPs showed a good linear response to Cr³⁺ concentration in the range of 2–500 nM with a detection limit of 0.8 nM. This method was further applied to determine the levels of Cr³⁺ in urine. Compared with other fluorescence methods, current method displayed very high sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio because of the excitation of near-infrared that can eliminate autofluorescence, providing a promising examination of biological samples for the diagnostic purposes.     

Biodegradable nanoprobe based on MnO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanoflowers and graphene quantum dots for near infrared fluorescence imaging of glutathione in living cells

Near infrared (NIR) emitting semiconductor quantum dots can be excellent fluorescent nanoprobes, but the poor biodegradability and potential toxicity limits their application. The authors describe a fluorescent system composed of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) as NIR emitters, and novel MnO₂ nanoflowers as the fluorescence quenchers. The system is shown to be an activatable and biodegradable fluorescent nanoprobe for the “turn-on” detection of intracellular glutathione (GSH). The MnO₂-GQDs nanoprobe is obtained by adsorbing GQDs onto the surface of MnO₂ nanoflowers through electrostatic interaction. This results in the quenching of the NIR fluorescence of the GQDs. In the presence of GSH, the MnO₂-GQDs nanoprobe is degraded and releases Mn²⁺ and free GQDs, respectively. This gives rise to increased fluorescence. The nanoprobe displays high sensitivity to GSH and with a 2.8 μM detection limit. It integrates the advantages of NIR fluorescence and biodegradability, selectivity, biocompatibility and membrane permeability. All this makes it a promising fluorescent nanoprobe for GSH and for cellular imaging of GSH as shown here for the case of MCF-7 cancer cells.

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Graphical abstract A biodegradable NIR fluorescence nanoprobe (MnO₂-GQDs) for the “turn-on” detection of GSH in living cell was established, with the NIR GQD as the fluorescence reporter and the MnO₂ nanoflower as the fluorescence quencher.