Design of graphene quantum dots decorated MnO2 nanosheet based fluorescence turn “On-Off-On” nanoprobe for highly sensitive detection of lactoferrin

Abstract

Lactoferrin estimation is increasingly acquiring prominence as a novel biomarker for the diagnosis of periodontal disease. To date, diverse lactoferrin detection methods which include electrochemical, surface-enhanced Raman scattering, colorimetric, and others have been extensively portrayed. Unfortunately, these systems have significant shortcomings including low sensitivity, selectivity, high cost, arduous and time-consuming technique, and so forth. Recently, the fluorescence-based method shows remarkable uniqueness that overcomes the demerits of traditionally reported techniques. Therefore, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and manganese dioxide nanosheets (MnO2-NS) based simplistic, highly sensitive, and selective fluorescent turn ‘Off-On’ mediated [email protected]2-NS nanoprobe was designed. Herein, MnO2-NS addition demonstrated the quenching of GQDs containing fluorescence through inner filter effects (IFE) and strong interaction between GQDs and MnO2-NS. The lactoferrin addition destroyed the MnO2-NS and fluorescence emission of GQDs reappeared which may be because of redox reaction between lactoferrin and prepared MnO2-NS. Herein, nanoprobe offers a wide concentration range and low limit of detection of 5 to 1600 ng/mL and 1.69 ng/mL, respectively. As fabricated [email protected]2-NS nanoprobe sensor demonstrated high selectivity, good stability, and reproducibility towards lactoferrin that assuring applicability of biosensor. Therefore, the [email protected]2-NS nanoprobe will offer a simplistic sensor with adequate sensitivity to achieve highly responsive and selective detection of lactoferrin.