Fluorescence detection of hyaluronidase

We labeled hyaluronan (HA) with two fluorophores, fluorescein amine and rhodamine B amine. These two fluorophores are suitable for a fluorescence (Foerster) resonance energy transfer (FRET) which results in a fluorescein quenching and an enhanced rhodamine emission. Such labeled HA (HA–FRET) is a potential sensor for HA degradation. We studied fluorescence properties of HA–FRET in the absence and presence of hyaluronidase enzyme (HA-ase). The time-resolved fluorescence measurements indicate more than 50% of FRET in the absence of HA-ase. In the presence of HA-ase FRET decreases with time, and relative fluorescence intensities of fluorescein and rhodamine shifts to fluorescein indicating a release of FRET. The kinetics of the digestion process of HA by HA-ase depends on the concentration of the enzyme. We demonstrate that simultaneous measurements of green and red emission of HA–FRET can be used in ratio metric detection of the HA-ase presence and activity. This in turn, can be utilized for the construction of a robust but reliable HA-ase sensing device.

► We describe FRET-based detection of hyaluronidase.
► Spectroscopic evaluation of HA–FRET using steady state/time resolved fluorescence.
► Propose that HA–FRET is a useful substrate for HA-ase sensing.