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Nanosensors to Detect Protease Activity In Vivo for Noninvasive Diagnostics
Published on: July 16, 2018
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An ultrasensitive fluorescent nanosensor for trypsin based on upconversion nanoparticles
Mingmin Wu1, Xiaoyong Wang2, Kun Wang1
1State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China.
Talanta
|July 26, 2017
Summary
A novel nanosensor detects trypsin and its inhibitors using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). This tool offers high sensitivity for potential diagnosis of trypsin-related diseases and screening of inhibitors.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Trypsin and its inhibitors play crucial roles in physiological processes and disease development.
- Accurate detection of trypsin activity is vital for understanding and managing related conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and develop a highly sensitive nanosensor for detecting both trypsin and its inhibitors.
- To utilize fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) for signal generation.
Main Methods:
- A nanosensor was constructed using upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs).
- These nanoparticles were linked by a trypsin-sensitive peptide (DDDDARC), forming a non-fluorescent complex.
- Trypsin cleavage of the peptide restored fluorescence, while inhibitors reduced this recovery.
Main Results:
- The nanosensor demonstrated excellent sensitivity and selectivity for trypsin and its inhibitors.
- A low detection limit of 4.15 ng/mL was achieved for trypsin.
- The system effectively minimized background fluorescence interference and light toxicity.
Conclusions:
- The developed UCNP-peptide-AuNP nanosensor provides a robust platform for trypsin detection.
- This technology holds potential for diagnosing trypsin-related diseases.
- It can also be applied for screening and evaluating trypsin inhibitors.
