Specific quantification of atropine using molecularly imprinted polymer on graphene quantum dots

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Accurate detection of atropine is crucial for clinical diagnostics and toxicology.
• Existing detection methods may lack the required sensitivity, specificity, or speed.
• Development of novel sensing platforms is needed for improved atropine quantification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a reliable and specific fluorometric assay for sensitive atropine detection.
• To utilize surface molecularly imprinted polymers on graphene quantum dots (MIP-GQDs) for this purpose.
• To validate the assay's performance for atropine analysis in biological samples.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of blue luminescent MIP-GQDs composite via co-polymerization of APTES and TEOS with atropine as a template.
• Utilizing the fluorescence quenching effect of MIP-GQDs upon atropine adsorption for detection.
• Establishing a linear calibration curve and determining the detection limit.

Main Results:

• The MIP-GQDs composite exhibited high affinity for atropine adsorption, leading to significant fluorescence quenching.
• A linear relationship was observed between fluorescence quenching and atropine concentration in the range of 0.5-300 ng/mL.
• A sensitive detection limit of 0.22 ng/mL was achieved.

Conclusions:

• The developed fluorometric assay using MIP-GQDs is highly selective and sensitive for atropine detection.
• The method demonstrates potential for effective atropine analysis in complex biological matrices.
• This approach offers a promising tool for atropine quantification in various applications.