Biomolecule-stabilized Au nanoclusters as a fluorescence probe for sensitive detection of glucose

In this work, biomolecule-stabilized Au nanoclusters were demonstrated as a novel fluorescence probe for sensitive and selective detection of glucose. The fluorescence of Au nanoclusters was found to be quenched effectively by the enzymatically generated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). By virtue of the specific response, the present assay allowed for the selective determination of glucose in the range of 1.0 x 10(-5) M to 0.5 x 10(-3) M with a detection limit of 5.0 x 10(-6) M. The absorption spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and fluorescence decay studies were then performed to discuss the quenching mechanism. In addition, we demonstrated the application of the present approach in real serum samples, which suggested its great potential for diagnostic purposes. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.