Highly H2O2-sensitive electrospun quantum dots nanocomposite films for fluorescent biosensor

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Quantum dots (QDs) offer unique optical properties for sensing applications.
• Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a biocompatible polymer suitable for fabricating functional materials.
• Developing sensitive and stable fluorescent biosensors is crucial for disease diagnosis and monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate novel CdSe QDs/PCL nanocomposite fluorescent films using electrospinning.
• To investigate the fluorescence response of these films to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).
• To develop a glucose biosensor based on the fluorescence changes induced by glucose oxidase (GOD) and H2O2.

Main Methods:

• Electronspinning was employed to create uniform CdSe QDs/PCL nanocomposite fibers.
• Oil-soluble CdSe QDs were directly incorporated into PCL without modification.
• The fluorescence quenching of the films upon exposure to H2O2 and glucose was measured.

Main Results:

• Uniform distribution of CdSe QDs within PCL fibers was achieved.
• The fluorescence of the CdSe QDs/PCL films was quenched by H2O2.
• A linear relationship was observed between fluorescence intensity and glucose concentration in the presence of GOD.

Conclusions:

• The developed CdSe QDs/PCL nanocomposite films are sensitive, uniform, and repeatable.
• These films demonstrate potential as stable and recyclable fluorescent biosensors for detecting H2O2-generating oxidases and their substrates.
• This approach offers a promising route for fabricating advanced optical biosensing platforms.