A Fluorescence Biosensor for Tyrosinase Activity Analysis Based on Silicon-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Tyrosinase (TYR) is crucial for melanin synthesis, impacting conditions like vitiligo and melanoma.
• Accurate TYR activity measurement is vital for research and clinical diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a sensitive, rapid, and user-friendly fluorescence-based method for tyrosinase detection.
• To synthesize and characterize novel silicon-doped carbon quantum dots (Si-CQDs) for this purpose.

Main Methods:

• One-pot hydrothermal synthesis of Si-CQDs using trans-aconitic acid and N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine.
• Utilizing Si-CQDs as a probe in a fluorescence assay based on the internal filtering effect (IFE).
• Monitoring the oxidation of isoprenaline (ISO) by TYR to quantify enzyme activity.

Main Results:

• Synthesized Si-CQDs exhibited high fluorescence quantum yield and photostability.
• The developed fluorescence method achieved a detection range of 0.05–2.0 U/mL for TYR.
• A low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.041 U/mL was obtained.
• Successful application of the method for TYR determination in human serum samples.

Conclusions:

• The Si-CQD probe provides a sensitive and efficient platform for tyrosinase detection.
• The method demonstrates potential for practical applications in clinical diagnostics and research.
• This approach offers a user-friendly alternative for assessing TYR activity.