A Comparative Study on the Feasibility of Graphene Based Avidin Conjugate for Potential Curcumin Detection

Abstract

In the area of interdisciplinary research, modern and creative methods of interpreting substances are still of considerable importance. Curcuma longa’ active component commonly known as diferuloylmethane is the most sorts after food preservative, medicinal spice, additive and coloring agent, which harbors a wide range of the biological spectrum. The major problem observed with this wonder drug is the low bioavailability of the drug in the gut, hence leading to further lower concentrations of the therapeutic reaching the tissues and plasma. Constituting only a minor part of its parent rhizome, curcumin is not the only compound to be offered by turmeric, but for certain ailments, the amount of curcumin required is more than others, and this higher concentration of curcumin cannot be met with a daily consumption of curcumin from the normal food diet. This very fact has led to the introduction of commercialization of supplements of curcumin as tablets and capsules. This artificial rise in curcumin levels by supplementation could have an opposite impact on the human body, as some reports have indicated. Therefore, a potential alternative, quick, economical way of sensing curcumin was proposed in the present research. The effect of protein decorated electrode in the same was studied. Before experimental implantation, the experimental feasibility of the same through docking was checked. In silico study on the possible interaction of the protein with curcumin, a protein with GO and rGO respectively using discovery studio 4 software was conducted. Experimental feasibility deals with the sensing of curcumin using electrochemical work station using avidin conjugated GO (Av-GO) and rGO (Av- rGO). The Av-GO modified electrode showed a lowest detection of 3.9nM while the Av-rGO modified electrode showed a lower detection limit of 4.9nM. These values have been the lowest using avidin that has been reported for curcumin. The concentration detected correlates to the quantity that is present in the gut physiology, hence substantiating the potential use in real time sensing of curcumin.