Persistent Luminescence Nanosensors: A Generalized Optode-Based Platform for Autofluorescence-Free Sensing in...

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology and Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering and Diagnostics
• Analytical Chemistry and Sensing

Background:

• Fluorescent nanosensors are vital for diagnostics and cellular monitoring.
• Distinguishing sensor signals from biological autofluorescence presents a significant challenge.
• Existing methods often struggle with sensitivity and specificity in complex biological matrices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop autofluorescence-free nanosensors using persistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs).
• To create a modular platform for sensing multiple analytes (K+, Na+, Ca2+, pH, O2).
• To demonstrate the utility of these persistent luminescence nanosensors (PLNs) in biological samples.

Main Methods:

• Integration of near-infrared-emitting ZnGa2O4:Cr3+ persistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs) with optode-based sensing.
• Hydrophobic modification and incorporation of PLNPs into an optode-based nanoparticle core.
• Development of two distinct sensing mechanisms for various analytes.

Main Results:

• Successful creation of persistent luminescence nanosensors (PLNs) capable of autofluorescence-free sensing.
• Quantification of K+ in fetal bovine serum and calibration of pH PLNs in the same matrix.
• Ratiometric monitoring of O2 metabolism in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cultures, overcoming autofluorescence.

Conclusions:

• The developed PLNs offer a robust solution for autofluorescence-free sensing in complex environments.
• The modular platform allows for facile tuning of sensing capabilities, optical properties, and surface chemistry.
• This technology promises high signal-to-noise ratios, advancing diagnostic and cellular monitoring applications.