Synthesis of biological quantum dots based on single-strand DNA and its application in melamine detection

By taking TC base-rich single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) as the raw material, a fluorescent biological quantum dots (Bio-dots) probe was prepared in one step through hydrothermal method, where its lifetime was greatly extended in comparison with Carbon quantum dots (CQDs), reaching 10.7 ns. The fluorescent detection of melamine in milk samples was realized by using the base pairing principle. Under the optimal conditions, the linear range of Bio-dots probe fluorescence sensor for melamine detection is 5600 mu M, and the detection limit is (3 sigma) 1.4 mu M. Bio-dots can not only emit photoluminescence, but also detect target molecules as a functional recognition group. As the raw material ssDNA was basically nontoxic and there was no toxic substances participated in its synmanuscript process, this Bio-dots probe was a kind of green and environmentally-friendly photoluminescent functional material. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A fluorescent biological quantum dots (Bio-dots) probe was prepared using TC base-rich single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) as raw material, with an extended lifetime and low detection limit for melamine detection. The probe is considered a green and environmentally-friendly photoluminescent functional material due to the non-toxic nature of the raw material and absence of toxic substances in the synthesis process.