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Multifunctional Optical Sensor for the Comprehensive Detection of Zinc Ions in Cardiovascular Disease
Fangkun Yang1,2,3, Ning Huangfu1,2,3, Jiaxi Shen1
1Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University (Ningbo First Hospital), School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China.
ACS Sensors
|November 27, 2024
Summary
A new optical sensor, HD-Zn, effectively detects zinc ions (Zn2+) linked to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This tool shows potential for diagnosing and monitoring CVDs by measuring Zn2+ levels in biological samples.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent a significant global health burden, necessitating advanced diagnostic methods.
- Zinc ions (Zn2+) are implicated in CVDs, yet their precise detection remains a challenge.
- Developing sensitive and specific tools for Zn2+ detection is crucial for understanding and managing CVDs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel optical sensor, HD-Zn, for the sensitive detection of Zn2+.
- To investigate the role of Zn2+ in the progression of cardiovascular diseases using the developed sensor.
- To assess the potential clinical applicability of HD-Zn for CVDs diagnosis and monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a novel fluorescence probe, HD-Zn, by conjugating N,N-di(2-picolyl)ethylenediamine (DPEN) to HD.
- Characterization of the probe's response to Zn2+, including fluorescence quenching and enhancement mechanisms (photoinduced electron transfer - PeT).
- Evaluation of the probe's sensitivity (detection limit of 9.8 nM) and specificity in physiological conditions, employing fluorescence imaging in cell and animal models.
Main Results:
- The HD-Zn probe exhibited significant fluorescence enhancement in the near-infrared region (NIR-I) upon binding with Zn2+.
- A linear correlation was observed between fluorescence intensity and Zn2+ concentration, with a low detection limit suitable for biological applications.
- Fluorescence imaging revealed lower intracellular Zn2+ levels in macrophage foam cells and decreased aortic fluorescence intensity in diseased mouse models, correlating with CVD progression.
Conclusions:
- HD-Zn serves as a reliable and sensitive optical sensor for quantifying Zn2+ levels, particularly in the context of cardiovascular diseases.
- The probe demonstrates biosafety and effectiveness for detecting Zn2+ in biological fluids (serum, urine) and tissues.
- HD-Zn holds promise as a valuable tool for the clinical diagnosis and monitoring of cardiovascular diseases.
