Advanced fluorescence-based determination of carboplatin, a potent anticancer agent, with tripeptide-functionalized copper nanoclusters

Abstract

This study introduces a straightforward photoluminescence sensor strategy employing copper nanoclusters stabilized with glutathione (GSH-CuNCs) to determine Pt-containing anticancer drug carboplatin. The interaction between the probe and carboplatin relies on the high affinity between the SH group on the surface of GSH-CuNCs and platinum (Pt) of the carboplatin. This interaction enhances the emission of nanoclusters via aggregation process. The fluorescence signal of GSH-CuNCs at 620 nm demonstrated a linear increase with carboplatin concentration within the range of 0.5–70 µg mL−1 after excitation at 380 nm. Based on a signal to noise = 3, the detection limit (LOD) was calculated as 150 ng mL−1, signifying the sensitivity of the fluorometric probe. In addition, the probe exhibited good selectivity against potential interfering species. The viability of the approach was illustrated by its effective implementation on human serum samples containing carboplatin. This research significantly contributes to developing a simple and effective sensor for monitoring Pt-containing anticancer drugs during chemotherapy.