High-performance porphyrin-like graphene quantum dots for immuno-sensing of Salmonella typhi

The extraordinary optical properties of porphyrins have inspired their applications in various fields. Herein, we introduce iron porphyrin bio-mimicked graphene quantum dots (Fe–N-GQDs) as a novel paramagnetic and fluorescent label. The Fe–N-GQD was prepared by the mechanochemical mixing of Fe, N, and C sources followed by pyrolysis at high-temperature and next, the solvothermal treatment was performed. The Fe–N sites in graphene matrix, the structural alterations during the solvothermal treatment, the optical properties, and paramagnetic behaviour were studied using FTIR, Raman and X-ray spectroscopies, and Vibrating sample magnetometer. The structural studies revealed that under solvothermal condition, Fe–N doped graphene sheets cut into ultra-small Fe–N-GQDs containing well-dispersed particles with an average diameter of about 2.5 nm. As a result of Fe–N doping, the photoluminescence quantum yield was enhanced to 86% and strong paramagnetic behaviour was observed. Due to the rich oxygen-containing groups at Fe–N-GQDs surface, it has proper sites for bio-conjugation. The bioconjugated Fe–N-GQDs serve as donors in a prominent fluorescence resonance energy transfer system, while graphene oxide acts as an acceptor. The proposed immunosensor was successfully applied for the detection of Salmonella Typhi Vi antigen in real human serum in the concentration range from 1 pg/mL to 1 μg/mL with the detection limit of 1 pg/mL.