Rapid and sensitive discriminating determination of acetylcholinesterase activity in amniotic fluid with a choline sensor

A ratiometric fluorescence strategy based on inner filter effect for Cu2+-mediated detection of acetylcholinesterase

A novel ratiometric fluorescence strategy for detection of acetylcholestinerase (AChE) is proposed based on carbon nitride quantum dots (g-CNQD) and the complex (PA) formed between phenylboronic acid (PBA) and alizarin red S (ARS). PA showed fluorescence at 598 nm and quenched the fluorescence of g-CNQD at 438 nm. Through UV-visible absorption, fluorescence, and fluorescence lifetime measurements, the quenching effect was demonstrated as inner filter effect (IFE). When Cu²⁺ was added, the coordination of ARS and Cu²⁺ decreased the fluorescence of PA at 598 nm and recovered that of g-CNQD at 438 nm. In the presence of AChE it catalyzed the hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine (ATCh) to produce thiocholine (TCh) which competed with ARS for binding to Cu²⁺; thus, the fluorescence at 598 nm increased and that at 438 nm decreased again. Under the mediation of Cu²⁺, the fluorescence ratio F₅₉₈/F₄₃₈ of PA-CNQD probe had good linear relationship with AChE concentration in the range 0.5-15 mU/mL with a detection limit of 0.36 mU/mL. The method was successfully applied to the determination of AChE in human serum and the screening of inhibitors.

Potentiometric biosensors for cholinesterase inhibitor analysis based on mediatorless bioelectrocatalysis

A potentiometric method for cholinesterase inhibitor analysis based on mediatorless bioelectrocatalysis has been developed. The method includes coimmobilization of three enzymes, butyrylcholinesterase, choline oxidase and peroxidase, on composite carbon electrodes. Catalytic hydrolysis of butyrylcholine and subsequent catalytic oxidation of choline result in the formation of hydrogen peroxide leads to a shift in the electrode potential. The detection limit for trichlorfon analysis is 2 x 10(-13) M. Electrodes remain stable for at least 4 weeks when stored at 277 K.