DNA-templated copper nanocluster: A robust and universal fluorescence switch for bleomycin assay

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Nanotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Bleomycin (BLM) is a potent anticancer drug, but precise dosage control is critical to prevent severe toxicity.
• Accurate monitoring of BLM levels in clinical settings is essential for effective cancer treatment.
• Existing methods for BLM detection may lack the sensitivity or convenience required for real-time clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a straightforward, sensitive, and reliable fluorescence-based sensing method for quantifying bleomycin (BLM).
• To utilize poly-T DNA-templated copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) as a novel platform for BLM detection.
• To establish a new avenue for monitoring antitumor drugs, improving therapeutic efficacy and reducing toxicity.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of poly-T DNA-templated copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) with strong fluorescence emission.
• Exploitation of the fluorescence quenching mechanism induced by the high binding affinity of BLM for Cu2+ ions.
• Validation of the sensing method's accuracy using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).

Main Results:

• The developed CuNCs-based sensor demonstrated high sensitivity for BLM detection with a limit of detection of 0.27 μM.
• The method exhibited excellent precision, reproducibility, and practical usability.
• The accuracy of the proposed sensing strategy was confirmed through comparison with established HPLC methods.

Conclusions:

• The novel fluorescence sensing method offers a convenient, rapid, low-cost, and highly precise approach for BLM quantification.
• This biosensor technology is crucial for optimizing bleomycin dosage, maximizing therapeutic outcomes, and minimizing patient toxicity.
• The study opens new possibilities for clinical monitoring of anticancer drugs, enhancing patient care and treatment effectiveness.