Construction of an intelligent fluorescent probe that can accurately track β-galactosidase activity in fruits and living organisms

Abstract

As a hydrolytic enzyme, β-galactosidase (β-Gal) is widely present in various fruits and organisms. It was found that β-Gal activity was positively correlated with fruit ripening and was also a biomarker for some cancers. Therefore, the construction of a highly sensitive and visual β-Gal fluorescent probe is of great significance for fruit processing and preservation and early diagnosis of cancer. Here, a proportional fluorescent probe CB-FR that can be used to detect β-Gal activity ultra-rapidly by smartphone was developed. This method requires low volume (20 μL) and only takes 3 min for each measurement. The spectral data showed that the detection limit of β-Gal was very low and had a fast response (<15 s). We hope that the probe can be used as a powerful tool for real-time and rapid detection of β-Gal activity in fruits and organisms, which will have positive significance for further understanding of physiological and pathological processes in animals and plants.