A simple and rapid label-free fluorimetric biosensor for protamine detection based on glutathione-capped CdTe quantum...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Protamine is a vital drug requiring accurate quantification.
• Existing methods for protamine detection may lack sensitivity or selectivity.
• Development of novel biosensors is crucial for precise therapeutic drug monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, sensitive, and selective fluorescent biosensor for trace protamine determination.
• To optimize the biosensor performance by adjusting key parameters like pH and quantum dot concentration.
• To validate the biosensor's efficacy in real-world sample analysis.

Main Methods:

• Utilized glutathione-capped Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) quantum dots.
• Exploited the fluorescence quenching effect caused by protamine-induced quantum dot aggregation.
• Optimized reaction conditions including pH and quantum dot concentration.
• Performed selectivity studies against common interfering species.

Main Results:

• Achieved a linear detection range of 2.0–200 ng/mL for protamine.
• Established a low detection limit of 1.0 ng/mL.
• Demonstrated high sensitivity and selectivity for protamine detection.
• Reported a relative standard deviation of 1.26% for replicate measurements.
• Successfully applied the biosensor to determine protamine in real samples.

Conclusions:

• The developed fluorescent biosensor offers a highly selective and sensitive method for trace protamine quantification.
• The biosensor shows great potential for clinical applications in monitoring protamine levels.
• This novel optical biosensor provides a reliable tool for protamine determination in complex matrices.