Fluorescent Detection of Amino Acids in Biological Systems
Summary
Fluorescent detection of amino acids enables sensitive and selective monitoring of these fundamental biomolecules within complex biological environments. Techniques range from small-molecule fluorophores and metal-nanocluster probes to semiconductor quantum dots and genetically encoded reporters. Detection strategies typically rely on changes in fluorescence intensity, wavelength or lifetime upon specific interaction with target residues—often through mechanisms such as chelation, energy or electron transfer, or conformational switching. These methods facilitate real-time, non-invasive assays of amino acid distributions in physiological fluids, live cells and tissues, offering insight into metabolic pathways, disease biomarkers and pharmacological processes. Advances in nanomaterials have yielded turn-on sensors with submicromolar limits of detection and high selectivity, while whole-cell fluorescent constructs afford dynamic readouts of intracellular amino acid flux. Ongoing developments aim to improve biocompatibility, photostability and multiplexing capabilities, expanding applications in diagnostics, drug screening and environmental monitoring. The integration of fluorescent probes with microfluidic platforms and imaging modalities continues to drive the global significance of amino acid sensing in both fundamental research and translational contexts.
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Fluorescent Detection of Amino Acids in Biological Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in fluorescent detection of amino acids in biological systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Fluorescence: Emission of light by a substance that has absorbed electromagnetic radiation, typically at a longer wavelength.
Fluorophore: A molecular moiety that can re-emit light upon excitation.
Turn-on sensor: A probe whose fluorescence signal increases upon target binding or interaction.
Quantum dot: A semiconductor nanocrystal exhibiting size-dependent fluorescence with high brightness and photostability.
Chelation: Formation of a complex between a metal ion and a ligand, often altering photophysical properties.
References
- Fluorescence Sensors for the Detection of L-Histidine Based on Silver Nanoclusters Modulated by Copper Ions. Molecules (2024).
- Illuminating Histidine-Deficient Intracellular Environments: A Novel Whole-Cell Microbial Fluorescence Sensor. Chemosensors (2023).
- Evaluation of the Direct Interaction between Amino Acids and Glutathione-Coated CdTe Quantum Dots and Application in Urinalysis for Histidine Determination. Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society (2021).
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