Epitope imprinted polymer embedded CdTe quantum dots as a highly selective fluorescent receptor for recognition of cytochrome c in biological samples

In this work, to improve the sensitivity and selectivity of the molecular imprinting sensor [1] detection of protein, fluorescence nanoparticles [2] and epitope approach [3] was utilized. Nanopeptide, separated from cytochrome c (Cyt C), was selected as a template molecule to prepare the molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) film, and it could bind with the cavities of the MIP. High sensitivity of MIP@CdTe QDs toward Cyt C molecules were observed based on the fluorescence quenching of QDs. The fluorescence of MIP-coated QDs was stronger quenched by the template versus that of non-imprinted polymer (NIP)-coated QDs, which indicated the composites could recognize the corresponding template. Besides, the prepared sensors could well against the interferences from various biomolecules and be successfully used for the assay of Cyt C in human biological samples, exhibiting excellent specificity. This fluorescence behavior is used for well testing of Cyt C with the detection limit and linear range of μM. The recoveries of the material to Cyt C in real samples were obtained in the range of 98.0–102.0%. In brief, this fluorescent artificial receptor functioned as a simple and selective sensing system for Cyt C recognition