Non-enzymatic fluorescence sensor based on silicon quantum dots in detecting uric acid and glucose

Recent interest has focused on developing nanomaterials with diverse properties with silicon quantum dots (SiQDs) emerging as a leading candidate due to their excellent optical features, biocompatibility, chemical photostability, and water solubility. This study presents the synthesis and application of fluorescence-based SiQDs for the detection of uric acid and glucose, two important biomarkers for monitoring metabolic diseases. SiQDs were synthesized via a one-pot hydrothermal process, using 3- aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) as a precursor, trisodium citrate as a reducing agent, and ethylenediamine as a capping agent. The optical properties of the SiQDs were characterized by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, revealing an absorption range of 200–400 nm with a peak at 329 nm and maximum emission at 382 nm (excitation at 305 nm). Fourier Transmission Infrared (FTIR) analysis confirmed successful surface functionalization, showing Si–O bending vibrations at 1101 cm−1 and 1001 cm−1. High-resolution transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) analysis showed a uniform, near-spherical morphology, with sizes ranging from 11.81 to 12.95 nm, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated an amorphous structure. For uric acid, fluorescence quenching due to SiQD self-aggregation allowed for detection in the range of 0.004 to 0.100 mg/ml, with a regression equation of y=23346x+3599.2 (R2 =0.980), a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.003 mg/ml, and a limit of quantification (LQD) of 0.061 mg/ml. In the case of glucose detection, the SiQDs exhibited linearity in the concentration range of 0.1 to 0.8 mg/ml, with a regression equation of y=20249x−1682.4 (R2 =0.9804), a LOD of 0.031 mg/ml, and LQD of 0.09 mg/ml. These results demonstrate that SiQDs offer a sensitive, reliable, and promising platform for the optical detection of glucose and uric acid, with potential applications in disease diagnosis and healthcare monitoring.

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