A persistent luminescence microsphere-based probe for convenient imaging analysis of dopamine

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biomedical Imaging

Background:

• Persistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs) are effective tools for bio-molecule imaging.
• Developing sensitive and selective probes for bio-molecule detection remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize persistent luminescence microspheres for bio-imaging applications.
• To develop a novel turn-off luminescence probe for dopamine (DA) detection and optical imaging.
• To evaluate the probe's selectivity, sensitivity, and applicability in biological samples.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of SrMgSi2O6:Eu0.01,Dy0.02 persistent luminescence microspheres using a template method.
• Development of a turn-off luminescence assay for dopamine detection via electron transfer quenching.
• Application of the probe for dopamine imaging and quantification in human urine samples.

Main Results:

• Sunlight-excitable persistent luminescence microspheres were successfully synthesized.
• The probe demonstrated high sensitivity for dopamine detection with a limit of 0.78 μM.
• The method showed excellent selectivity, with minimal interference from other compounds, and achieved high recovery rates in human urine.

Conclusions:

• A convenient and effective turn-off luminescence strategy for dopamine detection and imaging was established using persistent luminescence microspheres.
• The developed probe is highly selective and sensitive, suitable for real-world applications like urine analysis.
• This approach offers a promising platform for the development of advanced bio-imaging tools.