FRET-based modified graphene quantum dots for direct trypsin quantification in urine

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Nanotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Trypsin quantification is crucial for diagnosing conditions like acute pancreatitis.
• Existing methods for trypsin detection can be complex and time-consuming.
• Development of sensitive and rapid detection methods is needed for clinical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a versatile nanoprobe for sensitive and specific trypsin quantification.
• To utilize fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) for signal generation.
• To assess the potential of the nanoprobe for clinical screening of acute pancreatitis.

Main Methods:

• A FRET-based nanoprobe was designed using graphene quantum dots (donor) and a coumarin derivative (acceptor).
• Bovine serum albumin (BSA) acted as a linker and fluorescence enhancer.
• Trypsin digestion of BSA disrupted the FRET system, leading to a measurable change in fluorescence.
• Ratiometric measurement of donor and acceptor emission peaks was employed for quantification.

Main Results:

• The nanoprobe demonstrated effective trypsin quantification via FRET.
• A low detection limit of 0.7 μg/mL for trypsin was achieved.
• The assay showed high potential for detecting trypsin levels in patient urine samples.

Conclusions:

• The developed nanoprobe offers a sensitive and efficient method for trypsin quantification.
• The FRET-based approach is suitable for rapid and low-cost clinical screening.
• This technology holds promise for early diagnosis of acute pancreatitis.