A generic method for fluorescence monitoring glycogen through patent blue V triggered supramolecular switching

Abstract

Glycogen is one of the main biomacromolecules responsible for energy storage in almost all the organisms. Glycogen levels are a key indicator of health condition and also relevant to a number of diseases such as glycogenosis. So far, most of available glycogen detection approaches are sophisticated, indirect, time-consuming and frequently require pre-reaction to convert glycogen into glucose. In this report, we propose a novel probe called patent blue V (PBV) that can bind glycogen and turn on fluorescence in a precise manner. This probe works fairly well under different environments such as different pH, temperature or with various ions or in the presence of cell extracts. Importantly, PBV readily distinguishes glycogen from monosaccharides and a number of other saccharides. In addition the superb selectivity, the proposed glycogen detection method also shows an excellent sensitivity with a detection limit of 0.7 μM. Finally, the putative mechanism of the supramolecular interaction and fluorescence light-up of PBV was discussed taking advantage of a docking experiment.