Ratio-Adjustable Upconversion Luminescence Nanoprobe for Ultrasensitive In Vitro Diagnostics

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Precise medicine demands diagnostic probes with excellent detection limits and wide linear ranges.
• Individual variations in disease biomarker concentrations present a significant challenge for current diagnostic tools.
• Existing methods for monitoring biomarkers like nitric oxide have limitations in sensitivity and range.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel upconversion nanoprobe for ultrasensitive monitoring of exhaled nitric oxide.
• To create a nanoprobe with a flexibly tailored luminescence ratio for adaptable analysis.
• To demonstrate the utility of this nanoprobe in indicating the clinical course of asthma.

Main Methods:

• Design of an upconversion nanoprobe with two independent, modifiable emissions.
• Tailoring the intensity ratios of the nanoprobe's emissions to suit different analytical needs.
• Testing the nanoprobe's performance in detecting exhaled nitric oxide, comparing it to traditional ratiometric fluorescence methods.

Main Results:

• The novel nanoprobe achieved a 100-fold lower detection limit compared to traditional ratiometric fluorescence methods.
• The nanoprobe exhibited a broad linear detection range, from sub-part per billion (ppb) to hundreds of ppb.
• The ratio-adjustable fluorescence detection strategy proved effective for ultrasensitive nitric oxide monitoring.

Conclusions:

• The developed ratio-adjustable upconversion nanoprobe enables ultrasensitive detection of exhaled nitric oxide.
• This technology significantly enhances detection limits and linear analysis range for biomarker monitoring.
• The strategy holds promise for diverse disease diagnosis applications, advancing precise medicine.