Application of 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic diimide microfibers as a fluorescent sensing platform for biomolecular detection

In this paper, we report on the use of 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic diimide microfibers (PDIMs) as an effective fluorescent sensing platform for DNA detection for the first time. This sensing system exhibits a detection limit as low as 15 nmol L−1 and has a high selectivity down to single-base mismatch. The general concept used in this approach is based on adsorption of fluorescently labeled single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) probe by PDIM due to the strong π–π stacking between unpaired DNA bases and PDIM. As a result, the fluorophore is brought into close proximity of PDIM, leading to substantial fluorescence quenching. In the presence of the target, the specific hybridization of the probe with its complementary DNA sequence generates a double stranded DNA (dsDNA) which detaches from PDIM, leading to fluorescence recovery. Its generality of this sensing platform for protein detection is also demonstrated.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► 3,4,9,10-Perylenetetracarboxylic diimide microfibers (PDIMs) can be prepared by sonication.
► PDIMs can serve as a fluorescent sensing platform for DNA and thrombin detection.
► The suggested method has high sensitivity and selectivity down to single-base mismatch.
► A detection limit as low as 15 nM was obtained for DNA detection.