Peptide-Based Rapid and Selective Detection of Mercury in Aqueous Samples with Micro-Volume Glass Capillary Fluorometer
Mercury, a toxic heavy metal produced through both natural and anthropogenic processes, is found in all of Earth’s major systems. Mercury’s bioaccumulation characteristics in the human body have a significant impact on the liver, kidneys, brain, and muscles. In order to detect Hg<sup>2+</su...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-11-01
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| Series: | Biosensors |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6374/14/11/530 |
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| Summary: | Mercury, a toxic heavy metal produced through both natural and anthropogenic processes, is found in all of Earth’s major systems. Mercury’s bioaccumulation characteristics in the human body have a significant impact on the liver, kidneys, brain, and muscles. In order to detect Hg<sup>2+</sup> ions, a highly sensitive and specific fluorescent biosensor has been developed using a novel, modified seven amino acid peptide, FY7. The tyrosine ring in the FY7 peptide sequence forms a 2:1 complex with Hg<sup>2+</sup> ions that are present in the water-based sample. As a result, the peptide’s fluorescence emission decreases with higher concentrations of Hg<sup>2+</sup>. The FY7 peptide’s performance was tested in the presence of Hg<sup>2+</sup> ions and other metal ions, revealing its sensitivity and stability despite high concentrations. Conformational changes to the FY7 structure were confirmed by FTIR studies. Simultaneously, we designed a miniaturized setup to support an in-house-developed micro-volume capillary container for volume fluorometry measurements. We compared and verified the results from the micro-volume system with those from the commercial setup. The micro-volume capillary system accommodated only 2.9 µL of sample volume, allowing for rapid, sensitive, and selective detection of toxic mercury (II) ions as low as 0.02 µM. |
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| ISSN: | 2079-6374 |