Hydrogel-Embedded Quantum Dot-Transcription Factor Sensors for Quantitative Progesterone Detection

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Biosensor immobilization is crucial for wearable technology development.
• Developing stable and sensitive biosensors for hormone detection remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and assess an immobilized quantum dot-transcription factor-nucleic acid complex for progesterone detection.
• To create a biosensor integrated into a hydrogel matrix for potential device applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a sensor using a quantum dot, transcription factor, and DNA assembly.
• Embedding the sensor complex within a transparent, flexible hydrogel matrix.
• Measuring progesterone concentration via ratiometric fluorescence changes due to Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET).

Main Results:

• The hydrogel effectively immobilized the biosensor while allowing analyte diffusion.
• Progesterone detection demonstrated a dose-dependent response with a limit of detection of 55 nM.
• The sensor showed successful performance in repeated analyte measurements.

Conclusions:

• The developed hydrogel-immobilized biosensor provides a promising framework for progesterone detection.
• This approach integrates a functional hydrogel matrix with a transcription factor-DNA assembly for biosensor development.
• The study represents a significant step toward the integration of biosensors into wearable devices.