Harnessing Graphdiyne for Selective Cu²⁺ Detection: A Promising Tool for Parkinson's Disease Diagnostics and...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Copper ions (Cu²⁺) are implicated in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis by accelerating α-synuclein fibril propagation.
• Accurate Cu²⁺ detection is vital for PD diagnosis, but is hindered by interfering substances with similar electrochemical properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly selective electrochemical sensor for Cu²⁺ detection using graphdiyne (GDY).
• To investigate the potential of Cu²⁺ as a biomarker in Parkinson's disease research.

Main Methods:

• Utilized graphdiyne (GDY), a novel carbon allotrope, for Cu²⁺ detection due to its strong electron-donating ability and adsorption capacity.
• Employed Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to understand the adsorption mechanism of Cu atoms on GDY.
• Developed a GDY-based electrochemical sensor to assess Cu²⁺ concentration in cellular models.

Main Results:

• DFT calculations confirmed GDY's cavity is favorable for Cu adsorption and electrochemical sensing, outperforming graphene (GR).
• The GDY sensor demonstrated high selectivity, avoiding interference from amino acids, metal ions, and neurotransmitters.
• Achieved high sensitivity (9.77 μA·μM^-1·cm^-2) with a low detection limit (200 nM).
• Observed changes in intracellular Cu²⁺ concentrations following L-DOPA and GSH treatments in cellular models.

Conclusions:

• GDY provides a superior platform for selective Cu²⁺ detection, enhancing specificity through favorable adsorption properties.
• Cu²⁺ shows significant potential as a biomarker for Parkinson's disease, aiding in understanding its pathogenesis and therapeutic processes.
• This work offers insights into the role of Cu²⁺ in neurobiology and neurological disorders.