Aptamer-based fluorometric determination for mucin 1 using gold nanoparticles and carbon dots

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Mucin 1 (MUC1) is a significant biomarker implicated in various cancers.
• Accurate and sensitive detection of MUC1 is crucial for early diagnosis and monitoring of diseases.
• Existing detection methods may lack sensitivity, selectivity, or involve complex procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, sensitive, and selective fluorometric method for Mucin 1 (MUC1) determination.
• To leverage the inner filter effect (IFE) of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and carbon dots (CDs) for MUC1 detection.
• To create a method based on aptamer binding to MUC1 and its influence on AuNP aggregation and fluorescence.

Main Methods:

• Utilized carbon dots (CDs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for fluorescence quenching via the inner filter effect (IFE).
• Employed anti-MUC1 aptamers adsorbed on AuNPs to modulate salt-induced AuNP aggregation and IFE.
• Monitored changes in blue fluorescence of CDs (excitation/emission: 365/448 nm) as an indicator of MUC1 concentration.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated that MUC1 binding to aptamers causes their release from AuNPs, leading to AuNP aggregation and fluorescence recovery.
• Established a linear response for MUC1 detection in the range of 5.3 to 200 ng·mL⁻¹.
• Achieved a low detection limit of 5.3 ng·mL⁻¹ for MUC1.
• Showcased excellent selectivity for MUC1 over other proteins.

Conclusions:

• The developed fluorometric method provides a sensitive and selective platform for MUC1 detection.
• The method effectively utilizes the interplay between aptamer-MUC1 binding, AuNP aggregation, and the inner filter effect.
• This approach holds promise for the development of diagnostic tools for MUC1-related conditions.