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Updated: Mar 15, 2026

IridiumIII Luminescent Probe for Detection of the Malarial Protein Biomarker Histidine Rich Protein-II
Published on: July 7, 2015
A G-quadruplex-selective luminescent iridium(III) complex and its application by long lifetime
Sheng Lin1, Lihua Lu2, Jin-Biao Liu1
1Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China.
A novel G-quadruplex assay using a long-lifetime iridium(III) complex enables sensitive and selective detection of prostate specific antigen (PSA). This method overcomes limitations of endogenous fluorescence in biological samples for potential clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- G-quadruplex motifs offer structural versatility for analytical platforms.
- Luminescent assays face challenges from endogenous fluorophores in biological samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a G-quadruplex-based assay for prostate specific antigen (PSA) detection.
- To overcome limitations of endogenous fluorescence in biological samples using a novel luminescent complex.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a novel long-lifetime iridium(III) complex.
- Construction of a G-quadruplex-based assay for PSA detection in aqueous solution.
- Utilizing time-resolved luminescent spectroscopy for signal detection.
Main Results:
- Achieved a detection limit of 40.8 pg/mL for PSA.
- Demonstrated high selectivity for PSA over other proteins.
- Assay functions effectively in diluted human serum with linearity from 1-10 ng/mL.
Conclusions:
- Successfully constructed a G-quadruplex-based PSA assay.
- The long lifetime of the iridium(III) complex effectively distinguishes signals from serum auto-fluorescence.
- The assay shows potential for monitoring PSA in biological samples.
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