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Cucurbituril-protected dual-readout gold nanoclusters for sensitive fentanyl detection
Kun Yan1, Lancheng Wang1, Zhihang Zhu1
1China National Narcotics Control Commission - China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, No. 24 Tongjiaxiang Road, Nanjing 210009, China. chihu@cpu.edu.cn.
The Analyst
|February 13, 2023
Summary
A new dual-readout sensor detects fentanyl (FEN), a major cause of overdose deaths. This cost-effective method offers rapid, sensitive detection, addressing a critical public health need.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Forensic Science
Background:
- Fentanyl (FEN) is a potent synthetic opioid causing numerous overdose deaths, posing a significant public health threat.
- Traditional methods for FEN detection are often expensive, complex, and require specialized expertise, necessitating simpler, more accessible alternatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a cost-effective, straightforward, and highly sensitive sensor for the rapid detection of fentanyl.
- To leverage molecular recognition and self-assembly for a dual-readout detection mechanism.
Main Methods:
- Development of a dual-readout sensor (FGGC-AuNCs@Q7) utilizing cucurbit[7]uril (Q7) for molecular recognition of fentanyl.
- Employing gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) for fluorescence optical responses and observing the Tyndall effect for visual confirmation.
- Validation of the sensor's performance using human urine samples.
Main Results:
- Achieved a low detection limit of 1 ng mL -1 and a broad linear range (9 to 148,000 ng mL -1 ) for fluorescence-based fentanyl detection.
- Demonstrated favorable selectivity, distinguishing fentanyl from other illicit drugs and common interferents.
- Confirmed the sensor's practical applicability through successful analysis of fentanyl in human urine samples.
Conclusions:
- The developed FGGC-AuNCs@Q7 sensor provides a rapid, sensitive, and selective method for fentanyl detection.
- This approach offers a cost-effective and user-friendly alternative to traditional analytical techniques for combating the opioid crisis.
- The sensor's successful application in urine analysis highlights its potential for real-world forensic and public health monitoring.
