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A fluorescence labelling and switchable nanosensor based on nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots

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Abstract

In this study, we report a switchable fluorescence probe based on nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) to detect the presence of tetracycline and L-Cystence. Strong blue emissive N-GQDs were successfully prepared by the hydrothermal treatment of urea and benzophenone, with a quantum yield of 34.9%. Both transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscope images reveal a nearly monodispersed N-GQDs with spherical morphologies, and provide evidences of 1–3 layered structures of N-GQDs. Meanwhile, the obtained N-GQDs can be utilized for fluorescent labelling due to their superior optical stability and favourable biological compatibility. A strong fluorescence quenching was observed for the presence of tetracycline. The following addition of L-Cysteine can motivate the regeneration of fluorescence. Therefore, a simple strategy for the detection of tetracycline and L-Cystence in natural water was developed due to the relevant sensitivity of N-GQDs nanosensor.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by projects from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, under Grant Nos. 11704204, 61604084 and 51802337 as well as K. C. Wong Magna Fund in Ningbo University and the Natural Science Foundation of Ningbo, under Grant No. 2017A610104. We gratefully acknowledge financial support from China Scholarship Council.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Microelectronic Science and Engineering, School of Physical Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, People’s Republic of China

    Feng Xie, Ting Wang, Xiameng Li, Da Chen, Changxing Wang & Gang Wang

  2. Beijing Academy of Quantum Information Sciences, Beijing, 100090, People’s Republic of China

    Xiaohu Zheng

  3. Center of Nanoelectronics and School of Microelectronics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, People’s Republic of China

    Qinglei Guo

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  1. Feng Xie
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  2. Ting Wang
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  3. Xiameng Li
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  4. Da Chen
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  5. Changxing Wang
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  6. Gang Wang
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Correspondence to Da Chen.

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Xie, F., Wang, T., Li, X. et al. A fluorescence labelling and switchable nanosensor based on nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots. Bull Mater Sci 45, 26 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12034-021-02594-0

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