Graphite nanoparticle as nanoquencher for 17β-estradiol detection using shortened aptamer sequence

Area of Science:

• Nanomaterials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Graphite nanoparticles (GNs) are effective fluorescent nanoquenchers due to their unique structure.
• Developing sensitive and specific detection methods for 17β-estradiol (E2) is crucial for environmental monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel aptasensor for sensitive and specific detection of 17β-estradiol (E2).
• To utilize graphite nanoparticles (GNs) as fluorescent nanoquenchers and E2-specific aptamers as sensing probes.

Main Methods:

• Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) based aptasensor development.
• Atomic force microscopy (AFM) for aptasensor property investigation.
• Optimization of aptamer length and GN particle size for enhanced sensitivity.

Main Results:

• The aptasensor demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for E2 detection.
• Optimal sensitivity was achieved with a 35-base aptamer and 5 nm GNs.
• The detection limit for E2 was determined to be 1.02 ng mL-1.
• No cross-reactivity was observed with E2 analogs.

Conclusions:

• The developed aptasensor is a sensitive and specific tool for E2 detection.
• The aptasensor was successfully applied to real environmental water samples.
• This approach holds promise for effective environmental monitoring of E2.