3-Aminophenyl Boronic Acid Functionalized Quantum-Dot-Based Ratiometric Fluorescence Sensor for the Highly Sensitive...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Tyrosinase (TYR) plays a crucial role in melanin biosynthesis and is implicated in various physiological and pathological processes.
• Accurate detection of TYR activity is essential for understanding its biological functions and for developing therapeutic strategies.
• Existing methods for TYR detection often suffer from limitations in sensitivity, selectivity, or operational simplicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, sensitive, and selective dual-emission ratiometric fluorescence sensor for detecting tyrosinase (TYR) activity.
• To utilize economical and readily available 6-hydroxycoumarin (6-HC) as a substrate for TYR detection.
• To establish a ratiometric fluorescence method for the rapid screening of TYR inhibitors.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of 3-aminophenyl boronic acid functionalized quantum dots (APBA-QDs).
• Development of a dual-emission ratiometric fluorescence assay utilizing the reaction between TYR-catalyzed 6-HC and APBA-QDs.
• Optimization of assay conditions using response surface methodology.

Main Results:

• The sensor exhibited a ratiometric response based on the fluorescence changes at 465 nm and 675 nm.
• A linear detection range of 0-0.05 U/mL for TYR activity was achieved.
• A low detection limit of 0.003 U/mL was obtained, demonstrating high sensitivity.
• The sensing strategy proved effective for rapid screening of TYR inhibitors.

Conclusions:

• The developed dual-emission ratiometric fluorescence sensor provides a sensitive and selective platform for TYR activity detection.
• This method offers a cost-effective and efficient approach for TYR-related research and drug discovery.
• The sensing strategy holds promise for applications in biochemical analysis and high-throughput screening of TYR inhibitors.