Rapid and sensitive detection of etomidate based on functionalized copper nanoclusters fluorescent probe

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Etomidate is a non-barbiturate sedative with abuse potential, necessitating controlled drug monitoring.
• Current detection methods may lack the speed and sensitivity required for effective etomidate surveillance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, rapid, and sensitive fluorescent sensing probe for etomidate detection.
• To create a cost-effective and user-friendly method for etomidate analysis.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) using eco-friendly reagents.
• Developed a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) layer on CuNCs to create specific etomidate binding sites (CuNCs@MIPs).
• Utilized fluorescence quenching as the detection signal for etomidate binding.

Main Results:

• The CuNCs@MIPs probe exhibited high sensitivity, selectivity, and stability for etomidate.
• Achieved a linear detection range of 10-500 ng/mL with a low detection limit of 10 ng/mL.
• Demonstrated successful application in detecting etomidate in electronic cigarette liquids and urine samples within 10 minutes.

Conclusions:

• The proposed CuNCs@MIPs fluorescent probe offers a rapid, simple, and highly effective method for etomidate detection.
• This sensing strategy holds significant potential for real-world applications in drug monitoring and abuse prevention.