An Efficient Detection Platform Based on Mesoporous Au@Cr₂O₃ Particles with Schwarz P Surface for Precise...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Matrix materials are essential for sensitive metabolite profiling in matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS).
• Developing efficient and reliable matrix materials is crucial for advancing diagnostic capabilities.
• Current methods require matrices with high desorption and ionization efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an efficient detection platform using novel matrix materials for sensitive metabolite profiling.
• To evaluate the performance of Au nanoparticles decorated mesoporous Cr2O3 (Au@mCr2O3) as a matrix for MALDI-MS.
• To demonstrate the platform's utility in diagnosing periodontitis via saliva metabolic fingerprints.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Au nanoparticles decorated mesoporous Cr2O3 (Au@mCr2O3) particles with a Schwarz P surface structure.
• Utilizing Au@mCr2O3 as a matrix for matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS).
• Applying machine learning algorithms to analyze saliva metabolic fingerprints for periodontitis diagnosis.

Main Results:

• The Au@mCr2O3 matrix demonstrated high light absorption and electron transfer efficiency due to its mesoporous structure.
• The platform achieved sensitive, reproducible, and selective metabolite detection.
• High diagnostic performance for periodontitis was achieved (AUC 0.875-0.934) using saliva metabolic fingerprints.
• A simplified biomarker panel was established, offering insights into periodontitis pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

• Au@mCr2O3 is a high-performance matrix material for sensitive and reliable metabolic biomarker screening.
• The developed platform shows significant potential for non-invasive diagnosis of periodontitis.
• The findings provide new insights into the metabolic alterations associated with periodontitis.