Cytocompatible FRET Assembly of CdTe@GSH Quantum Dots and Au@BSA Nanoclusters: A Novel Ratiometric Strategy for Dopamine Detection

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new method using fluorescent nanoparticles to detect dopamine with high sensitivity and accuracy in biological samples.

Contribution

A novel ratiometric FRET-based sensor using CdTe@GSH QDs and Au@BSA NCs for selective and sensitive dopamine detection.

Findings

The sensor shows a linear response to dopamine concentrations from 0–250 µM with a detection limit of 6.9 nM.

The sensor is selective against common interfering substances and demonstrates excellent cytocompatibility in HeLa cells.

Successful dopamine detection in urine samples with recoveries between 99.1% and 104.2% was achieved.

Abstract

This study presents a novel ratiometric fluorescent sensor based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) between glutathione (GSH)-coated CdTe quantum dots (CdTe/GSH QDs) and bovine serum albumin (BSA)-coated Au nanoclusters (AuNCs/BSA) for dopamine (DA) detection. The nanoparticles were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta potential measurements, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. Key FRET parameters, including energy transfer efficiency (E), donor–acceptor distance (r), Förster distance (R0), and the overlap integral (J), were determined. The interactions between the CdTe/GSH-AuNCs/BSA conjugate and DA were investigated, revealing a dual mechanism of QDs fluorescence quenching that involves both energy and electron transfer. The average lifetime values and spectral profiles of CdTe/GSH QDs, both in the absence and presence of DA, suggest a dynamic fluorescence quenching process. The variation in the ratiometric signal with increasing DA concentration demonstrated a linear response within the range of 0–250 µM, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9963 and a detection limit of 6.9 nM. This proposed nanosensor exhibited selectivity against potential interfering substances, including urea, glucose, BSA, GSH, citric acid, and metal ions such as Na+ and Ca2+. The conjugate also demonstrates excellent cytocompatibility and enhances cell proliferation in HeLa epithelial cells, making it suitable for biological applications. It was successfully employed for DA detection in urine samples, achieving recoveries ranging from 99.1% to 104.2%. The sensor is highly sensitive, selective, rapid, and cost-effective, representing a promising alternative for DA detection across various sample types.

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