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Aminophenol-based carbon dots with dual wavelength fluorescence emission for determination of heparin

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Abstract

We describe the preparation of carbon quantum dots (C-dots) by a one-step hydrothermal method starting from o-aminophenol as the precursor. The C-dots exhibit bright both blue fluorescence (with excitation/emission peaks at 300/410 nm and with quantum yield of 0.40) and green fluorescence (420/500 nm; QY 0.28) without any other element doping. The unique emission properties are attributed to a synergistic effect of amino and hydroxy groups on the surface of the C-dots. The C-dots are shown to be viable fluorescent probes for heparin. The positively charged surface amino groups are assumed to interact with sulfate and carboxy groups in heparin via electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding. This causes the blue fluorescence of C-dots to be turned off (quenched). Fluorescence is strongest at a pH value of 6. The fluorometric calibration plot is linear in the 10 to 100 nM concentration range, with an 8.2 nM detection limit (at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3).

Carbon quantum dots with dual fluorescence emission bands were synthesized and are shown to be a viable fluorescent probe for heparin.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China (21301004).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, 241000, China

    Runxia Wang

  2. Anhui Key Laboratory of Advanced Building Materials, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, China

    Xiufang Wang

  3. Pharmacy department, Anhui Medical College, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, China

    Runxia Wang & Yimin Sun

Authors
  1. Runxia Wang
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  2. Xiufang Wang
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  3. Yimin Sun
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Correspondence to Xiufang Wang or Yimin Sun.

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Wang, R., Wang, X. & Sun, Y. Aminophenol-based carbon dots with dual wavelength fluorescence emission for determination of heparin. Microchim Acta 184, 187–193 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00604-016-2009-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00604-016-2009-y

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