A combination of a graphene quantum dots–cationic red dye donor–acceptor pair and cucurbit[7]uril as a supramolecular sensor for ultrasensitive detection of cancer biomarkers spermine and spermidine

Abstract

The supramolecular sensing assembly is highly selective to SP and SPD, and showed nominal interference from other biogenic amines, amino acids, various metal ions, and anions. The limits of detection (LODs) were 0.1 ppb and 0.9 ppb for spermine and spermidine, respectively. The potential for the real-world application of this sensing assembly was demonstrated by spiking SP and SPD in human urine and blood serum with a high %recovery.