Surface plasmon-enhanced aptamer-based fluorescence detection of cocaine using hybrid nanostructure of cadmium-free ZnSe/In2S3 core/shell quantum dots and gold nanoparticles

Cocaine abuse remains a global public health problem and contributing factor to various social problems. In this work, we report on the development of novel amphiphilic polymer (A-polym)-functionalized cadmium-free ZnSe/In2S3 core/shell quantum dots (QDs)-cationic cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-capped gold nanoparticle (AuNP) fluorescence nanoprobe for cocaine. QDs were synthesized using classic organometallic synthetic route group II – VI semiconductor was surface-capped with organophosphorous-based ligands organic-based stabilizers. A-polym, an anhydride-capped backbone nucleophilic agent, used as capping agent coat stabilize surface. The A-polym-coated electrostatically linked cationic nanoparticles (AuNPs) form A-polym-QDs-AuNP nanohybrid. electrostatic interaction between CTAB-AuNPs quenched emission bound QDs. An MNS 4.1 anticocaine thiolated DNA aptamer (Aptm) adsorbed surface Aptm-A-polym-QDs-AuNP nanoprobe. Upon cocaine nanoprobe, remarkably enhanced based localized plasmon resonance-induced signal. general, functioned fluorophore reporter, CTAB-AuNP amplifier Aptm receptor. Under optimum reaction conditions, selectively quantitatively detected detection limit 0.8 nM. Selectivity achieved against other drugs metabolites. efficacy detect in adulterated samples successfully achieved.