Abstract
In this study, a turn-on nanosensor for detecting Hg2+ was developed based on the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between long-strand aptamers-functionalized upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and short-strand aptamers-functionalized gold nanoparticles (GNPs). In the absence of Hg2+, FRET between UCNPs and GNPs occurred because of the specific matching between two aptamers, resulting in the fluorescence quenching of UCNPs. In the presence of Hg2+, long-stranded aptamers fold back into a hairpin structure due to the stable binding interactions between Hg2+ and thymine, leading to the release of GNPs from UCNPs, resulting in the quenched fluorescence restoration. Under the optimized conditions, the nanosensor achieved a linear detection range of 0.2-20 μM and a low detection limit (LOD) of 60 nM. Meanwhile, it showed good selectivity and has been applied to detecting Hg2+ in tap water and milk samples with good precision.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
