Enhanced oxidase-like activity of g-C3N4 nanosheets supported Pd nanosheets for ratiometric fluorescence detection of acetylcholinesterase activity and its inhibitor

The undesirable enzymatic activity of nanozymes under near neutral pH condition and the traditional single signal output always restrict the analytical application of nanozyme-based biosensors. Herein, graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets supported palladium nanosheets composite (Pd/g-C3N4) with both oxidase-like activity and fluorescent property is synthesized. Notably, Pd/g-C3N4 exhibits enhanced oxidase-like activity compared to Pd NSs under pH 7.4. By combining Pd/g-C3N4 with o-phenylenediamine (OPD), a ratiometric fluorescence assay for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity detection is developed. Pd/g-C3N4 can catalyze oxidation of nonfluorescent OPD to fluorescent oxidized OPD (oxOPD, Em = 565 nm), which can quench fluorescence of g-C3N4 supporter (Em = 441 nm) through fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). However, in presence of AChE, acetylthiocholine can be hydrolyzed into thiocholine, which will block the oxidase-like activity of Pd/g-C3N4 and then hamper the FRET process. This ratiometric fluorescence assay is also viable to screen AChE inhibitor. This work will guide design of ratiometric fluorescence assay based on nanozymes with improved enzymatic activity. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.

Automated summary

In this study, a composite material of Pd/g-C3N4 with oxidase-like activity and fluorescent property is synthesized, and a ratiometric fluorescence assay for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity detection is developed. This method can also be used for screening AChE inhibitors.