Development of a highly sensitive fluorescent probe using Delonix regia (Gulmohar) tree pod shell for precise sarcosine detection in human urine samples: advancing prostate cancer diagnosis.

We designed a highly sensitive fluorescent sensor for the early detection of sarcosine, a potential biomarker for prostate cancer. This sensor was based on surface-cobalt-doped fluorescent carbon quantum dots (Co-CD) using a FRET-based photoluminescent sensing platform. Blue luminescent carbon quantum dots (CQD) were synthesised through a hydrothermal approach, utilizing Delonix regia tree pod shells. Cobalt was employed to functionalize the CQD, enhancing the quantum-entrapped effects and minimizing surface flaws. To optimize Co-CD preparation, we employed a Box-Behnken design (BBD), and response surface methodology (RSM) based on single-factor experiments. The Co-CD was then used as a fluorescent probe for selective Cu2+ detection, with Cu2+ quenching Co-CD fluorescence through an energy transfer process, referred to as 'turn-off'. When sarcosine was introduced, the fluorescence intensity of Co-CD was restored, creating a 'turn-on' response. The sensor exhibited a Cu2+ detection limit (LOD) of 2.4 µM with a linear range of 0 µM to 10 µM. The sarcosine detection in phosphate buffer saline (PBS, pH 7.4) resulted in an LOD of 1.54 µM and a linear range of 0 to 10 µM. Importantly, the sensor demonstrated its suitability for clinical analysis by detecting sarcosine in human urine. In summary, our rapid and highly sensitive sensor offers a novel approach for the detection of sarcosine in real samples, facilitating early prostate cancer diagnosis.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Graphene-based nanocomposites for sensitivity enhancement of surface plasmon resonance sensor for biological and chemical sensing: A review.

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) offers exceptional advantages such as label-free, in-situ and real-time measurement ability that facilitates the study of molecular or chemical binding events. Besides, SPR lacks in the detection of various binding events, particularly involving low molecular weight molecules. This drawback ultimately resulted in the development of several sensitivity enhancement methodologies and their application in the various area. Among graphene materials, graphene-based nanocomposites stands out owing to its significant properties such as strong adsorption of molecules, signal amplification by optical, high carrier mobility, electronic bridging, ease of fabrication and therefore, have established as an important sensitivity enhancement substrate for SPR. Also, graphene-based nanocomposites could amplify the signal generated by plasmon material and increase the sensitivity of molecular detection up to femto to atto molar level. This review focuses on the current important developments made in the potential research avenue of SPR and fiber optics based SPR for chemical and biological sensing. Latest trends and challenges in engineering and applications of graphene-based nanocomposites enhanced sensors for detecting minute and low concentration biological and chemical analytes are reviewed comprehensively. This review may aid in futuristic designing approaches and application of grapheneous sensor platforms for sensitive plasmonic nano-sensors.