A modular approach for assembling turn-on fluorescence sensors using molecularly imprinted nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Molecularly imprinted nanoparticles (MINPs) are widely used for sensing applications due to their specific recognition capabilities.
• Developing turn-on optical sensors with high sensitivity and selectivity remains a challenge.
• Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a powerful technique for detecting molecular interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a modular and efficient approach for constructing turn-on optical sensors using MINPs.
• To integrate molecular imprinting, click chemistry, and FRET for enhanced sensing performance.
• To create a versatile platform for the development of novel optical sensors.

Main Methods:

• A straightforward molecular imprinting technique was employed to create recognition sites in nanoparticles.
• Orthogonal click chemistry was utilized for the modular assembly of sensor components.
• Accessible fluorescent dyes were incorporated to facilitate FRET-based signal transduction.

Main Results:

• The developed modular approach successfully assembled turn-on optical sensors based on MINPs.
• The sensors exhibited enhanced fluorescence resonance energy transfer efficiency upon target binding.
• The system demonstrated high sensitivity and selectivity for the target analyte.

Conclusions:

• The combination of molecular imprinting, click chemistry, and FRET provides a powerful strategy for developing advanced optical sensors.
• The modular assembly approach offers versatility and efficiency in sensor design.
• These turn-on optical sensors based on MINPs hold great promise for various analytical and diagnostic applications.