Label-free Fluorescent Sensor Research Articles

Molecular imprinting film and turn-on fluorescence probe working in tandem for Salmonella Typhimurium detection

Salmonella is one of the most common pathogens that cause foodborne illnesses. Rapid qualitative and quantitative detection of Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) is important for human health. In this study, a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based platform was proposed to activate fluorescence sensing with a bacteria-imprinted film to facilitate S. Typhimurium detection. Imprinted films with surface cavity sites that match the surface cavity sites of S. Typhimurium was prepared. The modification of the films using 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (POTS), weakened the hydrophobicity of the films, inhibiting the nonspecific adsorption of nontarget bacteria. Copper nanoclusters and gold nanoparticles, which are good fluorescent molecular donors and acceptors, respectively, can be used to prepare fluorescence quenching-recovery probes based on FRET. The competitive binding of the bacteria to the probes enabled the restoration of fluorescence, facilitating bacteria quantification based on the fluorescence intensity. The optimized fluorescent sensor showed a linear response to S. Typhimurium concentrations in the range of 10-107 CFU/mL with a detection limit of 17.38 CFU/mL. Thus, the proposed label-free fluorescent sensor is sensitive to S. Typhimurium, showing potential applications in the detection of this pathogen as well as other foodborne pathogens in food samples.

Synthesis of graphene quantum dots inside a nanoreactor for fluorescence detection of dopamine

A label-free fluorescence sensor for selective detection of dopamine (DA) was developed by using graphene quantum dots (GQDs) as fluorescence probes. The GQDs were prepared via a top-down acid vapor oxidation strategy, in which a hollow carbon @ mesoporous silica nanosphere (h-C@mesoSiO2) serves as nanoreactor and only 1 mL of HNO3 was used as scissors for quickly cleaving the thin carbon layer in the nanospace of h-C@mesoSiO2. The method not only effectively avoids a tedious separation process but also endows GQDs with uniform size and good dispersion. And the as-prepared GQDs display good linear fluorescence response to DA in the range of 0.24–5.86 mM with a low detection limit of 12.7 nM. The proposed sensor shows high selectivity and satisfying recovery for DA detection in human urine. The good specificity toward DA may be due to a) the carboxyl groups on the surface of GQDs can interact with the amine functional groups in DA through electrostatic interactions and b) this specificity is further enhanced by the π–π interaction between GQDs and DA. Importantly, the work not only provides an avenue for the controllable synthesis of GQDs, but also expands the application of GQDs prepared by top-down method to DA sensor.

Label-free fluorescent sensor for sensitive detection of ctDNA based on water stabilized CsPbBr3 nanosheet

The detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), as a practical liquid biopsy technique, was of great significance for the study of cancer diagnosis and prognosis. However, reported methods for detection ctDNA still have some limitations, such as tedious process and high cost. In this study, CsPbBr3 nanosheet (CsPbBr3 NS) with high water stability was prepared by etching, and its fluorescence intensity could be stably stored for 1 year. The Ti3C2Tx possessed high quenching efficiency for CsPbBr3 NS and the HOMO-LUMO orbital study revealed that the PET mechanism was responsible for fluorescence quenching. And the Ti3C2Tx showed stronger affinity towards single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), as compared with double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). The probe ssDNA could be adsorbed on the surface of Ti3C2Tx through π-π stacking. After the targets were recognized by probe ssDNA to form dsDNA, its affinity with Ti3C2Tx decreased and the active site of Ti3C2Tx recovered, causing a high quenching efficiency on CsPbBr3 NS. Based on this, a label-free fluorescent biosensor was designed for the sensitive detection of ctDNA (EGFR 19 Dels for non-small cell lung cancer, NSCLC). Under the optimal experimental conditions, this biosensor exhibited a detection limit of 180 fM and a linear range of 50 pM–350 pM with amplification of magnetic beads through strand displacement reaction. In addition, this sensor was applied to the detection of ctDNA in serum samples and cells lysates. This method for ctDNA detection was expected to have great potential for biomarker detection in the field of liquid biopsy.

MOF-on-MOF heterostructure boosting AIE sensing and triggered structural collapse for histamine detection

We explored a novel preparation method for MOF-on-MOF heterostructured material (Zn-BTEC@ZIF-8). This prepared heterostructured material acts as a container, capable of adsorbing tetracycline hydrochloride molecules into its backbone through hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions. This phenomenon triggers an aggregation induced emission (AIE) effect, leading to the formation of luminescent bodies. The coordination between histamine and MOF was found to collapse the originally stabilized MOF-on-MOF structure. This collapse causes the splitting of the initially stabilized MOF-on-MOF structure from the aggregated state into fragments, resulting in the quenching of fluorescence in the fluorophore. Remarkably, the fluorescence quenching efficiency of this composite surpasses that of single-layer metal−organic framework (MOF) zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) or zinc-based MOF of pyromellitic acid (Zn-BTEC), enabling more sensitive detection of histamine. In this investigation, we constructed a label-free fluorescent sensor specifically designed for the detection of histamine, capitalizing on the AIE effect inherent in MOF-on-MOF architecture and the presence of tetracycline hydrochloride (Tet). The sensor demonstrates a rapid, straightforward, and stable response, allowing for histamine detection within 20 min. Notably, the sensor covers a detection range of 2–400 mg L−1, achieving a low detection limit of 1.458 mg L−1 The practical application of this sensor for quantitative detection of histamine in river water and various fish species exhibited robust performance, ensuring reliability and accuracy in real samples. Its potential application in food safety and environmental monitoring is evident, making it a valuable tool for addressing histamine-related challenges in these domains.

A simple aptamer-dye fluorescence sensor for detecting Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and its metabolite in urban sewage.

This work developed an aptamer-dye complex as a label-free ratiometric fluorescence sensor for rapid analysis of THC and its metabolite in sewage samples. Integrated with a portable fluorescence capture device, this sensor exhibited excellent sensitivity with visualization of as low as 0.6 μM THC via naked-eye observation, and THC analysis can be accomplished within 4 min, which would be a complementary tool for quantifying THC in sewage samples to estimate cannabis consumption.

Functionalized Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) based Label-Free Optical Fluorescence Sensor for CD59 Antigen Detection and Cellular Bioimaging

Functionalized Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) based Label-Free Optical Fluorescence Sensor for CD59 Antigen Detection and Cellular Bioimaging

Rapid Testing of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Its Metabolite On-Site Using a Label-Free Ratiometric Fluorescence Assay on a Smartphone.

Excessive consumption of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) severely endangers human health and has raised public safety concerns. However, its quantification by readily rapid tools with simplicity and low cost is still challenging. Herein, we found that a G-rich THC aptamer (THC1.2) can tightly bind to thioflavin T (ThT) with strong fluorescence, which would be specifically quenched in the presence of THC. Based on that, a label-free ratiometric fluorescent sensor for the sensing of THC and its metabolite (THC-COOH) based on THC1.2/ThT as a color emitter and red CdTe quantum dots as reference fluorescence was constructed. Notably, a transition of the fluorescent color of the ratiometric probe from green to red can be instantly observed upon the increased concentration of THC and THC-COOH. Furthermore, a portable smartphone-based fluorescence device integrated with a self-programmed Python program was fabricated and used to accomplish on-site monitoring of THC and THC-COOH within 5 min. Under optimized conditions, this ratiometric fluorescent sensor allowed for an instant response toward THC and its metabolite with considerable limits of detection of 97 and 254 nM, respectively. The established sensor has been successfully applied to urine and saliva samples and exhibited satisfactory recoveries (88-116%). This ratiometric fluorescent sensor can be used for the simultaneous detection of THC and THC-COOH with the advantages of rapidness, low cost, ease of operation, and portability, providing a promising strategy for on-site detection and facilitating law enforcement regulation and roadside control of THC.

An ultrasensitive label-free fluorescent aptamer sensor based on pH-gated release coumarin for detect HER2

Evaluation of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) molecular markers is a very suitable option for early diagnosis of breast cancer. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have large porosity and surface interactions such as π-π stacking, electrostatics, hydrogen bonding, and coordination. Here, we integrated the HER2 aptamer and fluorescent probe coumarin (COU) with zeolite imidazolic acid framework-8 (ZIF-8) to construct a label-free fluorescent aptamer sensor with pH-gated release of COU. In the presence of the target-HER2, the aptamer adsorbed on the surface of ZIF-8@COU specifically recognizes and falls off the HER2 protein, exposing a portion of the pore size of ZIF-8@COU while reducing the negative charge on the sensor surface, under alkaline hydrolysis conditions, a large number of COU fluorescent molecules can be produced and released in the detection system.The aptamer fluorescence sensor has good detection performance, sensitivity and low background interference, the detection linearity range of HER2 protein is 0.05–10 ng/mL, the detection limit is 0.0005 ng/mL, and it has good recovery rate for the serum detection of clinical breast cancer patients. Therefore, this sensor has high potential in detecting and monitoring HER2 levels for the care and clinical diagnosis of breast cancer patients.

A label-free fluorescent aptamer sensor for testosterone based on SYBR Green I.

Testosterone is a steroid hormone that plays an indispensable role in the normal metabolism of organisms. However, exogenous testosterone, even as low as nmol L-1, will harm the human body due to accumulation. In this study, we developed an unlabeled fluorescent sensor for testosterone based on SYBR Green I. SYBR Green I is a fluorescent dye that can be embedded into the G-quadruplex of the testosterone aptamer T5. The fluorescence quenching effect is utilized to achieve quantitative detection, which occurs by the competition between testosterone and SYBR Green I for the T5 aptamer binding sites. In this work, we optimized the detection conditions to make the fluorescent sensor more sensitive and verify the specificity, linear range, and detection ability in the buffer and real water samples. The sensor's LOD and LOQ values were 0.27 nmol L-1 and 0.91 nmol L-1, respectively, while the detection range was linear from 0.91 nmol L-1 to 2000 nmol L-1. According to the results, the sensor shows high specificity and good performance even in real sample detection such as tap water and river water, providing an alternative method for the quantitative detection of testosterone in the environment, which is more convenient and efficient.

A label-free fluorescent sensor for rapid and sensitive detection of ctDNA based on fluorescent PDA nanoparticles.

Technological advances in the detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) have made new options available for diagnosis, classification, biological studies, and treatment selection. However, effective and practical methods for analyzing this emerging class of biomarkers are still lacking. In this work, a fluorescent biosensor was designed for the label-free detection of ctDNA (EGFR 19 del for non-small cell lung cancer, NSCLC). The biosensor was based on the fact that MnO2 nanosheets (MnO2 NSs) have stronger affinity towards single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), as compared with double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). As a high-performance nanoenzyme, MnO2 NSs could oxidize dopamine (DA) into fluorescent polydopamine nanoparticles (FL-PDA NPs), which could be used as a fluorescence signal. The probe ssDNA could be adsorbed on the surface of MnO2 NSs through π-π stacking, and the active site would be masked, causing a lower fluorescence. After the targets were recognized by probe ssDNA to form dsDNA, its affinity for MnO2 NSs decreased and the active site recovered, causing a restored fluorescence. It was verified that Mn ions, •OH radicals and electron transfer were the important factors in the catalytic oxidation of DA. Under the optimal experimental conditions, this biosensor exhibited a detection limit of 380 pM and a linear range of 25-125 nM, providing reliable readout in a short time (45 min). This sensor exhibited outstanding specificity, stability and reproducibility. In addition, this sensor was applied to the detection of ctDNA in serum samples and cell lysates. It is demonstrated that FL-PDA NPs can be used as a fluorescence signal for easy, rapid and label-free detection of ctDNA without any other amplification strategies, and the proposed strategy has great potential for biomarker detection in the field of liquid biopsy.

Multi-Responsive Sensor Based on Porous Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Frameworks for Selective Sensing of Ions and Dopamine Molecules.

Hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs), as an emerging porous material, have attracted increasing research interest in fluorescence sensing due to their inherent fluorescence emission units with unique physicochemical properties. Herein, based on the organic building block 3,3',5,5'-tetrakis-(4-carboxyphenyl)-1,1'-biphenyl (H4TCBP), the porous material HOF-TCBP was successfully synthesized using hydrogen bond self-assembly in a DMF solution. The fluorescence properties of the HOF-TCBP solution showed that when the concentration was high, excimers were easily formed, the PL emission was red-shifted, and the fluorescence intensity became weaker. HOF-TCBP showed good sensitivity and selectivity to metal ions Fe3+, Cr3+, and anion Cr2O72-. In addition, HOF-TCBP can serve as a label-free fluorescent sensor material for the sensitive and selective detection of dopamine (DA). HOF-based DA sensing is actually easy, low-cost, simple to operate, and highly selective for many potential interfering substances, and it has been successfully applied to the detection of DA in biological samples with satisfactory recoveries (101.1-104.9%). To our knowledge, this is the first report of HOF materials for efficient detection of the neurotransmitter dopamine in biological fluids. In short, this work widely broadens the application of HOF materials as fluorescent sensors for the sensing of ions and biological disease markers.

Label-Free Fluorescent Determination of Lead (II) Using DNAzyme and Thiazole Orange

A simple and label-free fluorescent sensor based upon a specific DNAzyme (8–17 DNAzyme) and thiazole orange (TO) for monitoring Pb2+ in water samples was described. The 8–17 DNAzyme was formed by an enzyme strand (17E) and a partially complementary substrate strand (17DS). Thiazole orange, the DNA intercalator, was nonfluorescent in aqueous solution while it intercalates into the 8–17 DNAzyme with a duplex structure resulting in strong fluorescence. In the presence of Pb2+, the 17E was activated and cleaved the 17DS into two at the ribonucleoside adenosine (rA) position, leading to the disruption of the duplex structure. This Pb2+-induced conformational change led to the quenching of the fluorescence of thiazole orange, thus forming the basis for the label-free biosensor. Under the optimized conditions, the developed protocol exhibited sensitive determination of Pb2+ with a detection limit of 0.73 nM and a linear range from 10 to 150 nM. The label-free fluorescent approach exhibited excellent selectivity, strong selectivity, and satisfactory analysis of a drinking water standard reference material and spiked river and tap water samples. Taking the advantage of the structure-switching 8–17 DNAzyme and the fluorescent intercalator of nucleic acids, this label-free sensor provides a new approach for routine screening of heavy metals based upon the DNAzyme.

A label-free T4 polynucleotide kinase fluorescence sensor based on split dimeric G-quadruplex and ligation-induced dimeric G-quadruplex/thioflavin T conformation

The phosphorylation process of DNA by T4 polynucleotide kinase (T4 PNK) plays a crucial role in DNA recombination, DNA replication, and DNA repair. Traditional monomeric G-quadruplex (G4) systems are always activated by single cation such as K+ or Na+. The conformation transformation caused by the coexistence of multiple cations may interfere with the signal readout and limit their applications in physiological system. In view of the stability of dimeric G4 in multiple cation solution, we reported a label-free T4 PNK fluorescence sensor based on split dimeric G4 and ligation-induced dimeric G4/thioflavin T (ThT) conformation. The dimeric G4 was divided into two independent pieces of one normal monomeric G4 and the other monomeric G4 fragment phosphorylated by T4 PNK in order to decrease the background signal. With the introduction of template DNA, DNA ligase, and invasive DNA, the dimeric G4 could be generated and liberated to combine with ThT to show obvious fluorescence signal. Using our strategy, the linear range from 0.005 to 0.5 U mL-1, and the detection limit of 0.0021 U mL-1 could be achieved without the consideration of interference caused by the coexistence of multiple cations. Additionally, research in real sample determination and inhibition effect investigations indicated its further potential application value in biochemical process research and clinic diagnostics.

CuFe2O4 magnetic particles assisted construction of a label-free fluorescent sensor for detection of Escherichia coli

An economical and label-free fluorescent sensor was developed for the selective detection of Escherichia coli (E. coli) based on the competitive reduction of Cu2+ in CuFe2O4 magnetic particles (MPs) by E. coli and o-phenylenediamine (OPD). Cu2+ in CuFe2O4 MPs can oxidize OPD to generate 2,3-diaminophenazine (OPDox) with fluorescent property. The presence of E. coli can weaken the oxidative ability of CuFe2O4 MPs toward OPD owing to the copper reductase activity of NADH dehydrogenase-2 (NDH-2) in E. coli. NDH-2 can reduce Cu2+ to Cu+, thereby inhibiting the OPD oxidation and resulting in the decrease of the fluorescence of the system. Under the optimum conditions, the fluorescent sensor exhibited a wide linear response to E. coli in the concentration range of 103 – 106 cfu mL−1, and the detection limit was calculated to be 5.8 × 102 cfu mL−1. Furthermore, the feasibility of the sensor was verified by successful detection of E. coli in popsicle and swimming pool water samples. More importantly, the sensor utilized the magnetic property of CuFe2O4 MPs to realize the phase separation, thus averting the interference of other impurities in the sample matrix.

Label-free fluorescent aptasensor based on exonuclease I for the determination of ochratoxin A

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a common foodmycotoxin that is widely distributed and highly toxic. The establishment of a sensitive, stable, and rapid OTA detection method is important to protect human health and food safety. In this study, a label-free aptamer fluorescent sensor was developed for the rapid determination of OTA by optimizing the concentration of fluorescent dyes, the addition of exonuclease I, and the reaction time. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the fluorescence intensity of SYBR Gold showed a linear relationship with the OTA concentration in the range of 5–500 ng/mL with a correlation coefficient of 0.9966 and a detection limit of 1.49 ng/mL, indicating good selectivity. The method was applied to determine OTA in red wine, with recovery rates ranging from 89.0% to 113.6% and relative standard deviations ranging from 4.3% to 6.2%. Compared with other aptamer-based OTA detection methods, the proposed method has higher sensitivity and selectivity and lower cost. Thus, the proposed method has good application prospects in OTA determination.

Single-tube isothermal label-free fluorescent sensor for pathogen detection based on genetic signatures.

We report on a single-tube biosensor for real-time detection of bacterial pathogens with multiplex capabilities. The biosensor consists of two DNA probes, which bind to the complementary fragment of a bacterial RNA to form a three-way junction (3WJ) nucleic acid structure. One of the probes encodes a fluorescent light-up RNA aptamer under T7 promoter. It allows for generation of multiple aptamer copies due to elongation and transcription of the 3WJ structure in the presence of the complementary target. The aptamer coordinates and thereby enhances fluorescence of a cognate fluorogenic dye, allowing for fluorescent detection of the RNA target. Multiple aptamer copies can be produced from a single target-dependent 3WJ structure allowing for amplification and visual observation of the signal. The limit of detection depended on the assay time and was found to be 1.7 nM or 0.6 nM for 30-min or 60-min assay, respectively, when N-methylmesoporphyrin IX (NMM) was used as a fluorescent indicator. The sensor is excellent in analyzing folded RNA targets and differentiating between closely related sequences due to the multicomponent character of the target-interrogating probe. Response to unamplified samples of total bacterial RNA from Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex or Escherichia coli was observed with excellent selectivity within 30 min under isothermal conditions at 50°C in a one-tube one-step assay. Several bacterial species can be detected in multiplex by utilizing biosensors with the template strands encoding different light-up aptamers. The isothermal one-tube-one-step format of the assay and the possibility to monitor the signal visually makes it amenable to use in a point-of-care scenario.

Label-Free Fluorescent Nanofilm Sensor Based on Surface Plasmon Coupled Emission: In Situ Monitoring the Growth of Metal-Organic Frameworks.

We have proposed a universal label-free fluorescent nanofilm sensor based on surface plasmon coupled emission (SPCE). A metal-dye-dielectric (MDD) structure was fabricated to mediate the label-free monitoring based on SPCE. The nonfluorescent dielectric film smartly borrowed the fluorescence signal from the bottom dye layer and led to a new SPCE response through the adjacent metal film. The fluorescence emission angle and polarization strongly depended on the thickness of the nonfluorescent dielectric film on the MDD structure. As a demonstration, the growth of a two-dimensional zeolitic imidazolate framework film (ZIF-L) was in situ monitored in the liquid phase by MDD-SPCE for the first time. The label-free fluorescent sensors are facilely prepared by a spin coating technique, with the potential to be widely spread for in situ studies, especially toward nanomaterial growth processes.

Near-infrared carbon dots for cell imaging and detecting ciprofloxacin by label-free fluorescence sensor based on aptamer.

A label-free fluorescence sensor based on near-infrared carbon dots (NIR-CDs) and aptamer is described for the highly sensitive and selective detection of ciprofloxacin (CIP). NIR-CDs were synthesized from polyethyleneimine and reduced glutathione by one-step hydrothermal method. The electrostatic interaction between the positively charged carbon dots and the negatively charged aptamer resulted in fluorescence quenching. After the addition of CIP, the specific binding between CIP aptamer and CIP was stronger, resulting in fluorescence recovery. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the recovered fluorescence intensity has a linear relationship with the concentration of CIP in the range 0.5-800ng/mL, and the detection limit is 0.167ng/mL. The prepared carbon dots have excellent optical properties and biocompatibility, and due to their emission characteristics in the near-infrared window, they can be used for biological imaging, which has also been confirmed in the experiment. The feasibility of the label-free fluorescence sensor for the detection of CIP is also proved by confocal fluorescence imaging. The detection results of CIP determination in milk by this sensor are satisfactory, indicating that the developed sensor has great application potential.

Redox-controlled synthesis of fluorescent polydopamine nanoparticles for label-free detection of glutathione

In this paper, fluorescent polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA NPs) are synthesized by a simple, and environment-friendly method with the aid of the CoOOH nanosheets. The proposed synthetic strategy with the merit of convenient, effective and ecofriendly, which offer a novel design for the preparation of fluorescent PDA NPs. Remarkably, the obtained fluorescent PDA NPs exhibit excellent chemical stability and photostability. However, when GSH were present, the fluorescence intensity of PDA NPs could be decreased through the reduction of GSH on CoOOH nanosheets, thus the as-prepared PDA NPs were successfully utilized as a label-free nanoprobe for sensitively and selectively sensing GSH. Under optimal conditions, the fluorometric signal is linear ranging from 10 μM to 500 μM GSH concentration with a detection limit of 3.25 μM. The detection platform also showed good potential application value in human serum samples with satisfactory recoveries. • A simple, and environment-friendly method approach for the preparing of fluorescent PDA NPs through chemical oxidation of dopamine by using CoOOH nanosheets. • A convenient, effective and label-free fluorescence sensor for glutathione was established via redox-controlled the fluorescence intensity of PDA NPs. • The proposed redox-regulated preparation of fluorescent PDA NPs strategy holds a promising in glutathione-related basic research and disease diagnosis. Glutathione (GSH) plays critical roles in biological processes, which mainly maintain cellular redox homeostasis and resist oxidative damage, often be used as an important examination index for early human diseases. In this paper, fluorescent polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA NPs) are synthesized by a simple, and environment-friendly method with the aid of the CoOOH nanosheets. The proposed synthetic strategy with the merit of convenient, effective and ecofriendly, which offer a novel design for the preparation of fluorescent PDA NPs. Remarkably, the obtained fluorescent PDA NPs exhibit excellent chemical stability and photostability. However, when GSH were present, the fluorescence intensity of PDA NPs could be decreased through the reduction of GSH on CoOOH nanosheets, thus the as-prepared PDA NPs were successfully utilized as a label-free nanoprobe for sensitively and selectively sensing GSH. Under optimal conditions, the fluorometric signal is linear ranging from 10 μM to 500 μM GSH concentration with a detection limit of 3.25 μM. The detection platform also showed good potential application value in human serum samples with satisfactory recoveries.

Redox-regulated synthesis of fluorescent polydopamine nanoparticles for detection of butyrylcholinesterase activity

Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) is an enzyme which is relevant to a variety of diseases, and often serve as a common biomarker of health. In this work, a novel fluorescence sensor based on redox-regulated synthesis of polydopamine nanoparticles (PDANPs) has been developed for simple and sensitive sensing BChE activity. A facile and rapid one-step approach for the preparation of fluorescent PDANPs uses potassium permanganate to oxidize dopamine. We demonstrated that the fluorescence intensity of PDANPs is dependent on the dose of potassium permanganate. Butyrylcholinesterase catalyzes the hydrolysis of butyrylthiocholine iodide (BTCh) to produce thiolcholine (TCh) which in a redox reaction with potassium permanganate prevents the formation of fluorescent PDANP. As a result, the activity of BChE can be determined in line with changes in the fluorescence of PDANPs. Based on this finding, a convenient and label-free fluorescence sensor for BChE activity was established via redox-control of the fluorescence intensity of PDANPs. A dynamic response range for BChE is acquired within 0.5 ∼ 200 U/L along with a detection limit of 0.047 U/L. Importantly, the proposed method achieves practical application toward BChE in human sera. Moreover, its satisfying performance for screening of inhibitors was also proved. Hence, the proposed sensor holds great potential for cholinesterase-related biomedical investigation.