Abstract P3031: Highly Sensitive Impedance Microsensors Based On Graphene Quantum Dots For The Detection Of Metabolically Active Plaques In Animal Models

Abstract

Detection of rupture-prone and unstable atherosclerotic lesions is of vital values for patients with acute coronary syndromes or stroke. Despite advances in diagnosis and therapy, sensing of metabolically active but angiographically invisible atherosclerotic lesions remains an unsatisfied clinical challenge but highly desirable. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have been widely studied in recent years due to its unique optical and electrical properties, thus providing a huge opportunity for building high-performance sensors. Herein, a highly sensitive impedance microsensor based on platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) @GQDs was constructed for atherosclerotic lesions assessment, especially for the perception of metabolically active but angiographically invisible atherosclerotic lesions. We designed two-step procedures to prepare PtNPs@GQDs microsensors including electrochemical reduction of GQDs and subsequent electrochemical deposition of ultrafine PtNPs. Atherosclerotic lesions samples at mouse aorta and pig carotid confirm this microsensors with highly sensitive impedance signals and indicated possible atherosclerotic lesions. The equivalent circuits simulation suggested that synergetic PtNPs@GQDs creates more parallel conduction path, thus leading to highly sensitive impedance signals. Our studies offer a universal strategy to prepare high-performance impedance sensors and unique opportunities of translational medicine for early atherosclerotic disease detection and prevention of acute coronary syndromes and stroke.