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Nanotechnology

Breakthrough in Nanotechnology: Researchers Develop Highly Selective Dopamine Sensor

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at Chandigarh University have successfully developed a highly selective fluorescent nanosensor for detecting dopamine in complex biological systems. This breakthrough addresses a significant challenge in the field of nanotechnology, where the real-time and selective detection of dopamine has remained a critical issue due to its low physiological concentrations and interference from similar biomolecules. The novel sensor, based on bentonite-supported Cu-based bimetallic nanoparticles, demonstrates superior fluorescence enhancement upon interaction with dopamine, achieving a detection limit as low as 5.13 nM and a high binding constant.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers developed a highly selective fluorescent nanosensor for detecting dopamine, addressing a significant challenge in the field of nanotechnology.
  • The nanosensor, based on bentonite-supported Cu-based bimetallic nanoparticles, was synthesized via a green route using Lawsonia inermis extract.
  • The phytogenic synthesis facilitated the reduction and stabilization of the nanoparticles, yielding well-dispersed crystalline domains anchored uniformly on the bentonite layered sheets.
  • Comprehensive characterization through PXRD, FTIR, TEM, UV-Vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed the formation and functional integration of the nanoparticles.
  • The sensor (D1) exhibited superior fluorescence enhancement upon interaction with DA, achieving a detection limit as low as 5.13 nM and a high binding constant (K = 1.47 x 10 M ^{-1}).
  • The sensor demonstrated excellent selectivity, with negligible response to common interfering agents, and displayed a robust reversible on-off fluorescence behavior upon sequential addition and removal of DA using EDTA.
  • This research has been peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Fluorescence.

Statistics:

  • Detection limit: 5.13 nM
  • Binding constant: 1.47 x 10 ^{-9} M ^^{-1}
  • Sensor type: B/nZVCu-Ni probe (D1)
  • Size of nanoparticles: 10-13 nm
  • Interference agents: Ascorbic acid, uric acid
  • Binding reversibility: 95%

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Researchers at Chandigarh University Report New Data on Nanoparticles (A Green Synthesised B/nZVCu-M On-Off Fluorescence Sensor for Dopamine Detection and its Reusability). Nanotechnology Weekly. September 15, 2025; p 4021.
  • Sushmita Gajurel, University Center for Research and Development, Chandigarh University, Mohali, 140413, India (contact information)
  • Dipanwita Basak, Aseem Vashisht, and Hemaprobha Saikia (additional authors)
  • Springer|plenum Publishers, 233 Spring St, New York, NY 10013, USA (publisher contact information)

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