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Research Article

Development of a highly sensitive fluorescent probe using Delonix regia (Gulmohar) tree pod shell for precise sarcosine detection in human urine samples: advancing prostate cancer diagnosis

, , , , , , , & ORCID Icon show all
Received 17 Oct 2023, Accepted 10 Jan 2024, Published online: 23 Jan 2024
 

Abstract

We designed a highly sensitive fluorescent sensor for the early detection of sarcosine, a potential biomarker for prostate cancer. This sensor was based on surface-cobalt-doped fluorescent carbon quantum dots (Co-CD) using a FRET-based photoluminescent sensing platform. Blue luminescent carbon quantum dots (CQD) were synthesised through a hydrothermal approach, utilizing Delonix regia tree pod shells. Cobalt was employed to functionalize the CQD, enhancing the quantum-entrapped effects and minimizing surface flaws. To optimize Co-CD preparation, we employed a Box-Behnken design (BBD), and response surface methodology (RSM) based on single-factor experiments. The Co-CD was then used as a fluorescent probe for selective Cu2+ detection, with Cu2+ quenching Co-CD fluorescence through an energy transfer process, referred to as ‘turn-off’. When sarcosine was introduced, the fluorescence intensity of Co-CD was restored, creating a ‘turn-on’ response. The sensor exhibited a Cu2+ detection limit (LOD) of 2.4 µM with a linear range of 0 μM to 10 µM. The sarcosine detection in phosphate buffer saline (PBS, pH 7.4) resulted in an LOD of 1.54 μM and a linear range of 0 to 10 µM. Importantly, the sensor demonstrated its suitability for clinical analysis by detecting sarcosine in human urine. In summary, our rapid and highly sensitive sensor offers a novel approach for the detection of sarcosine in real samples, facilitating early prostate cancer diagnosis.

Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Acknowledgements

The H. R. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Shirpur, Dist. Dhule, Maharashtra, India - 425 405 has our sincere gratitude to provide the facilities that were required. We appreciate high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and SEM-EDX studies STIC Cochin India different and other crucial characterization tools.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

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