Studies on glucose detection using graphene quantum dots prepared by hydrothermal method.

Area of Science:

• Nanomaterials
• Biosensors
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus presents a significant global health challenge, necessitating simple and effective glucose monitoring techniques.
• Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) are emerging nanomaterials with exceptional physicochemical properties, driving innovation across bioengineering, pharmaceuticals, and biosensors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) for sensitive and reliable glucose detection.
• To evaluate the potential of GQDs as fluorescent probes for optical glucose sensing.

Main Methods:

• GQDs were synthesized using a cost-effective, environmentally friendly hydrothermal method with citric acid.
• Characterization techniques confirmed the formation and properties of the synthesized GQDs.
• The fluorescence modulation of GQDs was utilized to detect glucose via optical sensing.

Main Results:

• The synthesized GQDs exhibited desirable properties for sensing, including low toxicity, high photoluminescence, and water solubility.
• A GQD-based fluorescent probe successfully detected glucose in the concentration range of 2.0 x 10^-5 M to 2.0 x 10^-4 M.
• The sensor demonstrated a low limit of detection (1.5326 x 10^-5 M), a binding constant of 4.05 x 10⁴, and near 100% recovery in real urine samples.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully demonstrates the synthesis of GQDs for glucose detection, highlighting their potential as sensitive fluorescent probes.
• The developed GQD-based sensor offers a promising, cost-effective, and environmentally benign approach for glucose monitoring.
• These findings suggest broad analytical and biomedical applications for GQD-based fluorescent probes.