Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 24, 2025
07:13
Author Spotlight: High-Quality Quantum Dot Nanobeads for Sensitive Fluorescent Lateral Flow Immunoassays
Published on: June 28, 2024
2.0K
A graphene quantum dots based fluorescent sensor for anthrax biomarker detection and its size dependence
Jaehoon Ryu1, Eunwoo Lee, Kisu Lee
1School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Seoul National University (SNU), Seoul, Korea. jsjang@plaza.snu.ac.kr.
Journal of Materials Chemistry. B
|April 9, 2020
Summary
This study introduces graphene quantum dot (GQD) sensors for rapid Bacillus anthracis spore detection. These advanced sensors offer high sensitivity and selectivity, enabling early identification of anthrax threats.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) offer unique optical properties for sensing applications.
- Developing sensitive and selective biosensors for Bacillus anthracis detection is crucial for public health and security.
- Europium (EuIII)-macromolecule complexes provide distinct luminescence for dual-emission systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize dual-emission fluorescent sensors using graphene quantum dots (GQDs) modified with a EuIII-macromolecule complex.
- To evaluate the sensors' performance for the rapid and selective detection of Bacillus anthracis spores.
- To investigate the potential of GQDs as a non-interfering internal calibration for ratiometric sensing.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and modification of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with a EuIII-macromolecule complex.
- Fabrication of dual-emission fluorescent sensors utilizing the Eu-GQD system.
- Characterization of sensor morphology, dispersibility, and optical properties.
- Assessment of fluorescence response time, sensitivity (limit of detection), and selectivity against interfering substances.
Main Results:
- The Eu-GQD sensors exhibited ultrafine particle morphology, enhanced dispersibility, and high surface-to-volume ratio.
- Three distinct emission bands were observed (blue from GQDs, red from Eu-complex), enabling ratiometric sensing.
- Rapid detection of Bacillus anthracis spores was achieved, with reaction completion in 8 seconds.
- An extraordinary limit of detection (LOD) of approximately 10 pM for B. anthracis was demonstrated.
- The sensors showed outstanding selectivity, with a 103-fold preference for DPA over competing aromatic ligands.
Conclusions:
- Eu-GQD based dual-emission fluorescent sensors are highly effective for the rapid and sensitive detection of Bacillus anthracis spores.
- The ratiometric sensing capability, enabled by the dual emission, enhances detection reliability.
- The developed sensors offer a significant advancement in biosensing technology for pathogen detection.
