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ZnSe core and ZnSe@ZnS core-shell quantum dots as platform for folic acid sensing

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Abstract

This report demonstrates a quantum dot (QD)-based selective and fast sensor platform for detection of folic acid (FA). This electrochemical platform provides a good linear relation between the anodic and cathodic peak currents (i pa and i pc ) in the FA concentration range of 12 to 96 nM, and the minimum detection limit (MDL) achieved was 10 nM. As an extension, absorbance and fluorescence methods were also used for the detection of FA in solutions. Core-shell QDs provided better binding than core-only ZnSe quantum dots, and showed twofold increment in binding constant. A detailed comparative evaluation of the three methods (absorbance, fluorescence, and electrochemical) is presented vis-a-vis real samples. Therefore, in principle absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy can also be used for detecting folic acid with high selectivity and sensitivity. The MDL can be extended to be 4–7 nM level by using fluorescence and absorbance spectroscopy. FA metabolism occurs in the intestine, where the pH conditions are basic. Hence, sensing of FA under physiological conditions is relevant, which was achieved in our case. Earlier methods have reported sensing under acidic or neutral pH conditions. Considering the importance of folic acid in physiology, the significance of the present study can be hardly stressed.

Interaction of ZnSe and ZnSe@ZnS QDs with Folic acid

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Acknowledgements

IAM acknowledges the University Grants Commission, Government of India, for the Research Fellowship. This study was funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), India. KR is thankful to the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India-Inspire Faculty Award. We are thankful to the Advanced Research Instrumentation Facility (AIRF) of the University for allowing us access to their facilities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India

    Irshad Ahmad Mir & H. B. Bohidar

  2. Special Center for Nanosciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India

    Kamla Rawat, Pratima R. Solanki & H. B. Bohidar

  3. Inter-University Accelerator Centre, New Delhi, 110067, India

    Kamla Rawat

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  1. Irshad Ahmad Mir
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  2. Kamla Rawat
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  3. Pratima R. Solanki
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  4. H. B. Bohidar
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Correspondence to Kamla Rawat or H. B. Bohidar.

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Mir, I.A., Rawat, K., Solanki, P.R. et al. ZnSe core and ZnSe@ZnS core-shell quantum dots as platform for folic acid sensing. J Nanopart Res 19, 260 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-017-3942-3

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