Peptide-Functionalized ZnSe:Mn Quantum Dots as Fluorescent Probes for Accurate Localization of Hidden Dental Lesion Sites

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is considered the primary bacteria responsiblefor dental caries, and specific recognition and fluorescence labelingcan achieve accurate detection and early diagnosis of oral diseasessuch as dental caries. However, due to the weak stability of traditionalimaging probes in solution and a lack of specific recognition functions,there are still significant challenges in fluorescent imaging detectionof dental caries lesions. Herein, we report a peptide-QDs compositefluorescent probe that can achieve high-performance imaging of S. mutans and enable early diagnosis of the susceptiblesites and hidden early carious lesions of dental caries. This fluorescentprobe has high fluorescence stability, good biocompatibility, andlow biotoxicity in physiological environments. It can specificallyrecognize and fluorescently label S. mutans , responsible for early dental caries, accuratelylocating dental lesion sites. Combined with visible fluorescence analysis,it is more convenient to screen for hidden dental lesions that mightotherwise be ignored. Due to its low synthesis cost, stable storage,and simple imaging method, the peptide-QDs composite fluorescent probecan be widely used in routine dental examinations for accurate screeningof dental diseases.

Automated summary

In this study, a peptide-QDs composite fluorescent probe was developed for high-performance imaging and early diagnosis of dental caries caused by the primary bacteria S. mutans. The probe exhibited high fluorescence stability, good biocompatibility, and low biotoxicity in physiological environments. It enabled specific recognition and fluorescence labeling of S. mutans, accurately locating early carious lesions and susceptible sites. Combined with visible fluorescence analysis, it provided a more convenient screening method for hidden dental lesions. The peptide-QDs composite fluorescent probe can be widely used in routine dental examinations for accurate screening of dental diseases due to its low synthesis cost, stable storage, and simple imaging method.