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PEG-functionalized black phosphorus quantum dots as stable and biocompatible electrochemiluminescence luminophores for sensitive detection of tumor biomarker

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Abstract

Despite black phosphorous (BP) QDs possess the merits of size-tunable band-gap, high electron mobility, and intrinsic defects, the spontaneous agglomeration and rapid oxidation of BP QDs in aqueous solution caused low electrochemiluminescence (ECL) efficiency and unstable ECL signal, which confined its further application of biological analysis. Herein, polyethylene glycol–functionalized BP QDs (PEG@BP QDs) were prepared showing an efficient and stable ECL response, which is attributed to the fact that PEG as protectant not only effectively prevented the spontaneous agglomeration, but also restrained the rapid oxidation of BP QDs in aqueous solution. As proof-of-concept, PEG@BP QDs were used as an efficient ECL emitter to combine with palindrome amplification–induced DNA walker to construct a sensitive ECL aptasensing platform for detecting cancer marker mucin 1 (MUC1). Interestingly, with the aid of positively charged thiolated PEG, the reaction rate of DNA walker on the electrode interface was clearly increased for the recovery of the ECL signal. The ECL aptasensor provides sensitive determination with the detection limit of 16.5 fg/mL. The proposed strategy paves a path for the development of efficient and stable ECL nanomaterials to construct biosensors for biosensing and clinical diagnosis.

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Funding

This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation (NNSF) of China (32071375, 22174113, and 21974108) and the Chongqing Postdoctoral Innovative Talent Support Program (7820100788).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, 400715, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China

    Jiali Liu, Manfei Sun, Lanxi Li, Yaqin Chai & Ruo Yuan

  2. Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, School of Materials and Energy and Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Micro-Nano Biomedical Materials and Devices, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People’s Republic of China

    Jiali Liu & Yuejun Kang

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  1. Jiali Liu
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  2. Manfei Sun
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Correspondence to Yuejun Kang or Ruo Yuan.

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The “Experimental section” (reagents and materials, apparatus, preparation of the probe DNA-DA, palindrome-mediated single-stranded amplification) and “Results and discussion” (electrochemical characterization of the ECL aptasensor, optimization of the ECL aptasensor, serum sample measurement).

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Liu, J., Sun, M., Li, L. et al. PEG-functionalized black phosphorus quantum dots as stable and biocompatible electrochemiluminescence luminophores for sensitive detection of tumor biomarker. Microchim Acta 190, 228 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00604-023-05768-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00604-023-05768-1

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