Branched polyethylenimine-functionalized carbon dots as sensitive and selective fluorescent probes for N-acetylcysteine via an off–on mechanism

• DOI: 10.1039/c7an01136a
• Publication Date: 2017-08-21T14:33:27Z
• Authors: Hui Liu; Rong Sheng Li; Jun Zhou; Cheng Zhi Huang
• Keywords: Polyethylenimine; Carbon fibers

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) plays an important role in optimizing the protective ability of cells as well treatment some chronic clinical conditions. Unfortunately, current methods for determining NAC based on fluorescence assay strategies remain poorly investigated. In this study, a new method highly sensitive and selective detection was developed. The employed (FL) signal branched polyethylenimine-functionalized carbon dots (PEI-CDs) via off-on mechanism. system formation cupric amine complexes by reaction Cu2+ ions with surface amino groups PEI-CDs. FL PEI-CDs at 460.0 nm upon exciting 360.0 quenched result electron transfer between Upon addition to Cu2+-CD solution, occurred from mercapto group Cu2+, leading Cu+ species dissociation complexes. As result, turned since single excited electrons cannot be transferred limit 0.56 μM, while linear response ranged 5.56 μM 277.8 μM.