Fluorescent nanocellulosic hydrogels based on graphene quantum dots for sensing laccase

- Fluorescent hydrogels were constructed by combining nanocellulose and graphene quantum dots.
- The resulting hydrogels exhibited fluorescence quenching in presence of laccase.
- Equilibrium in the optical signal of S,N-graphene quantum dots in presence of laccase was achieved faster within hydrogels.
- The proposed method to determine laccase using fluorescent hydrogels was successfully applied in shampoo.

A novel low-cost fluorimetric platform based on sulfur, nitrogen-codoped graphene quantum dots immersed into nanocellulosic hydrogels is designed and applied in detecting the laccase enzyme. Although most of methods for detecting laccase are based on their catalytic activity, which is strongly dependent on environmental parameters, we report a sensitive and selective method based on the fluorescence response of hydrogels containing graphene quantum dots (GQDs) acting as luminophore towards laccase. The easily-prepared gel matrix not only improves the fluorescence signal of GQDs by avoiding their self-quenching but also stabilizes their fluorescence signal and improves their sensitivity towards laccase. Noncovalent interactions between the sensor and the analyte are believed to be causing this significant quenching without peak-shifts of GQD fluorescence via energy transfer. The selective extraction of laccase was proved in different shampoos as complex matrices achieving a detection limit of 0.048 U mL−1 and recoveries of 86.2-94.1%. As the unusual properties of nanocellulose and GQDs, the fluorescent sensor is simple, eco-friendly and cost-efficient. This straightforward strategy is able to detect and stabilize laccase, being an added-value for storage and recycling enzymes.

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