Enzyme-responsive fluorescent nanoemulsion based on lipophilic dye liquid

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Nanotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a crucial biomarker in various physiological and pathological processes.
• Conventional methods for ALP detection often lack sensitivity and speed.
• Development of advanced sensing platforms is needed for accurate and efficient ALP quantification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly sensitive and rapid enzyme-responsive fluorescent nanoemulsion (NE) for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) detection.
• To investigate the mechanism of the NE's response to ALP activity.
• To compare the performance of the novel NE with conventional methods.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a fluorescent nanoemulsion using lipophilic dye liquid (LDL).
• Investigation of the NE's response mechanism involving enzymatic reactions and anion extraction.
• Characterization of sensitivity, detection limit, response range, and response time.

Main Results:

• The LDL-based NE demonstrated 3.8 times higher sensitivity compared to plasticizer-based conventional NE.
• Achieved a low detection limit of 2.7 U L⁻¹ and a response range of 5-50 U L⁻¹.
• Significantly reduced response time to less than half that of LDL-based membranes.

Conclusions:

• The developed enzyme-responsive fluorescent NE offers a superior platform for ALP detection.
• The LDL-based NE provides enhanced sensitivity, faster response, and a broad detection range.
• This technology holds promise for improved diagnostic tools in clinical and research settings.