Fluorescent Nanomaterials for Biomarker Detection

Fluorescent nanomaterials have emerged as versatile tools for the sensitive and selective detection of biomarkers in biomedical research and clinical diagnostics. Key classes include semiconductor quantum dots, carbon-based dots and metal nanoclusters, each offering high brightness, tunable emission wavelengths and remarkable photostability. Surface functionalisation with recognition elements such as antibodies, enzymes or aptamers enables specific binding to target analytes, triggering fluorescence “turn-on”, “turn-off” or ratiometric responses. Mechanisms such as photoinduced electron transfer, fluorescence resonance energy transfer and intramolecular charge transfer underpin these signal transduction modes. Applications span the detection of small-molecule biomarkers—including neurotransmitters, metabolites and reactive oxygen species—to nucleic acids and protein markers. Integration into microfluidic platforms and creation of portable assays are extending point-of-care potential. Continued advances in biocompatibility, multiplexing capability and in vivo imaging promise to deepen understanding of disease processes and accelerate the development of real-time diagnostics.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of co-doped graphene quantum dots as low-cost, label-free probes for neurotransmitter detection. Boron and sulfur co-doped graphene quantum dots exhibit efficient fluorescence quenching upon interaction with dopamine, achieving a detection limit in the low micromolar range via a photoinduced electron transfer mechanism. Such probes combine simple synthesis with high selectivity and spectral stability under physiological conditions. In a complementary development, a novel intracellular assay has been introduced for real-time monitoring of hydrogen peroxide production in neuronal cells. This method employs a two-reagent system that reacts with hydroxyl radicals to generate a fluorescent product, enabling quantification of oxidative stress in live cells and providing insights into neurodegenerative processes.

Fluorescent Nanomaterials for Biomarker Detection publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in fluorescent nanomaterials for biomarker detection across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Quantum dot: A semiconductor nanoparticle whose size-dependent energy levels produce bright, tunable fluorescence.

Carbon dot: A quasi-spherical carbon nanomaterial exhibiting excitation-dependent photoluminescence and high biocompatibility.

Photoinduced electron transfer (PET): A mechanism in which electron transfer between fluorophore and analyte modulates emission intensity.

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET): A distance-dependent energy transfer between a donor and acceptor fluorophore used for ratiometric sensing.

Ratiometric sensing: A technique measuring the ratio of two emission intensities to correct for environmental variations and improve accuracy.

References

1. Highly sensitive and selective detection of dopamine with boron and sulfur co-doped graphene quantum dots. Scientific Reports (2022).
2. Method for detection of hydrogen peroxide in HT22 cells. Scientific Reports (2017).
3. Fluorescent-Based Neurotransmitter Sensors: Present and Future Perspectives. Biosensors (2023).
4. Gold Nanocluster-Encapsulated Hyperbranched Polyethyleneimine for Selective and Ratiometric Dopamine Analyses by Enhanced Self-Polymerization. Frontiers in Chemistry (2022).