A turn-off fluorimetric -aptasensor for early detection of apoptosis inside the cells

Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc. 2023 Nov 5:300:122933. doi: 10.1016/j.saa.2023.122933. Epub 2023 May 29.

Abstract

To detect cytochrome c (Cyt c) as an important biomarker of apoptosis inside the cells, a simple, label-free, fluorometric detection method has been presented. For this purpose, an aptamer/gold nanocluster probe (Aptamer@AuNCs) was produced which could specifically bind to Cyt c leading to fluorescence quenching of AuNCs. The developed aptasensor showed two linear ranges of 1-80 μM and 100-1000 μM and a detection limit of 0.77 μM and 297.5 μM, respectively. This platform was successfully used to assay Cyt c release inside the apoptotic cells and their cell lysate. Aptamer@AuNC due to its enzyme-like properties could replace antibodies in Cyt c detection by conventional blotting techniques.

Keywords: Apoptosis; Aptasensor; Cytochrome c; Gold nanoclusters; Western blotting.

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide*
  • Biosensing Techniques* / methods
  • Cytochromes c
  • Fluorometry / methods
  • Gold
  • Limit of Detection
  • Metal Nanoparticles*

Substances

  • Aptamers, Nucleotide
  • Cytochromes c
  • Gold