Dual recognition strategy for ultra-sensitive fluorescent detection of Hg2+ at femto-molar level based on aptamer functionalized sulfur quantum dots

Abstract

In the present study, a dual recognition strategy for ultrasensitive detection of Hg2+ was successfully developed for the first time based on aptamer functionalized sulfur quantum dots (Apt-SQDs). The developed Apt-SQDs not only retained the good fluorescence properties of quantum dots but also overcame the problem of poor selectivity of SQDs for heavy metal ions. This system used the dual recognition strategy, including the combination of Sx2− and Hg2+ and T-Hg2+-T structures to excellently identify and capture Hg2+, and an ultrahigh sensitivity fluorescent aptasensor was fabricated. The fluorescent aptasensor had a good response to Hg2+ at concentrations ranging of 10−15 to 10−7 M with an ultralow limit of detection of 0.3 fM, and the response to other metal ions was far less than that to Hg2+. It was successfully applied to detect Hg2+ in nearby environmental water samples (tap water, lake water and river water) with a good recovery rate. Moreover, portable test papers that would be useful for Hg2+ monitoring in environmental water were designed. The dual recognition strategy not only achieves ultrasensitive fluorescent detection of Hg2+ but also provides a new insight into the further expansion of the application of SQDs.

Keywords

• Dual recognition strategy
• Sulfur quantum dots
• Aptamer
• Mercury ions
• Ultrasensitive