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Quantitative Analysis of Cellular Ferroptosis Using Dual-Channel Colorimetry Based on Gold Nanoparticle Catalytic
Lijuan Huang1, Meiqi Liu2, Qian Zhang1
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, 100045, China.
Applied Spectroscopy
|June 4, 2026
Summary
This study developed a novel colorimetric method using DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles for simultaneous detection of Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺. This technique accurately quantifies iron ions in biological samples, offering a promising tool for ferroptosis research.
Area of Science:
- Nanomaterials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Iron ions (Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺) play critical roles in biological processes, including ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death.
- Accurate and simultaneous detection of different iron oxidation states is crucial for understanding cellular iron metabolism and disease mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel dual-substrate colorimetric method for the simultaneous discrimination and quantitative detection of Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺.
- To functionalize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) to create a sensing platform.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized and characterized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized with ssDNA (AuNPs-ssDNA).
- Utilized the peroxidase-mimicking activity of AuNPs with dual substrates (o-phenylenediamine and 3-amino-9-ethylcarbazole) to generate differential colorimetric responses.
- Applied multivariate calibration models for quantitative analysis of iron ions.
Main Results:
- Achieved simultaneous discrimination and quantitative detection of Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ with a linear detection range of 0.01–100 μM.
- Confirmed that ssDNA functionalization did not negatively impact AuNP dispersity or morphology.
- Successfully applied the method to detect iron ion concentrations in A549 cells treated with a ferroptosis inducer, showing high consistency with a commercial kit.
Conclusions:
- The developed AuNPs-ssDNA based colorimetric method provides a sensitive and selective approach for simultaneous Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ detection.
- This method demonstrates significant potential for practical applications in complex biological systems, particularly in ferroptosis research.
- The combination of nanomaterials and colorimetric detection offers a valuable tool for cellular iron analysis.
