Alkaline N-GQDs fluorescent probe for the ultrasensitive detection of creatinine

Creatinine (Crn) is an important excretory product of the human body. Medical laboratory technology has improved over years and brought many advancements in clinical diagnostics equipment, and testing techniques and made the tests more efficient. Yet, the quantitative analysis of Crn is still carried out by the classical Jaffe's reaction (using Picric acid (PA) with NaOH) method. Since PA is hazardous to human health, alternative solutions such as; nanoparticles and surface-modified nanoparticles can be used. Exploring the optoelectronic properties of carbon-based quantum dots for biomolecule sensing is of current interest among researchers. Nitrogen functionalized graphene quantum dots (Alk-NGQDs) measured featured Crn easier and reduced the time taken for the test carried out in laboratories. The synthesized Alk-NGQDs optical, structural, morphological properties, surface and compositions are studied through XPS, HRTEM, XRD, FTIR, and spectroscopic techniques. Alk-NGQDs at alkaline conditions (pH 9.5) form a stable complex with Crn through intermolecular charge transfer (ICT). The fluorescence titration method is used to sense Crn in commercial Crn samples and human blood serum. To understand the efficacy of sensing creatinine using Alk-NGQDs, working concentration, fluorescence quantum yield, the limit of detection, and quenching constant are calculated using the Stern-Volmer plot. The emission property of Alk-NGQDs is aimed to bring an alternative to the traditional colorimetric Jaffe's reaction.