Thumb Imprint Based Detection of Hyperbilirubinemia Using Luminescent Gold Nanoclusters

Early and easy detection of diseases, using point-of-care and inexpensive devices, not only provides option for early treatment but also reduces the risk of propagation. Herein we report the fabrication of a robust film based luminescence indicator of bilirubin, which can indicate hyperbilirubinemia through the thumb imprint of the patient. The UV-light induced luminescence intensity of the film, made out of chitosan stabilised gold (Au) nanoclusters, which was effectively quenched in the presence of Cu²⁺ ions, recovered in the presence of bilirubin from skin or blood serum. Moreover, the sensitivity of detection of bilirubin was tuneable with the amount of Cu²⁺ added, thereby facilitating the detection of the desired concentration range of bilirubin.