Fingerprint-like pattern for recognition of thiols

Biothiols play essential roles in regulating redox balance and their levels in biological systems may aid early diagnosis of disease states. However, finding a rapid and effective method for the simultaneous discrimination of these thiols is always a challenge. Here, we construct a label-free sensor array for the differentiation of various thiols based on DNA/dye/ion ensembles. In this strategy, nine thiols can be efficiently identified by principal component analysis (PCA). Remarkably, the system can determinate chiral compounds (L-Cys and D-Cys) with different concentrations. In addition, the work offers high selectivity for the determination of biothiols in serum samples. The system is simple in design and convenient in operation. Taken together, this DNA-based sensing platform presents a useful thiols discrimination tool with great potential for practical application in biomedical diagnosis.