Simultaneous Denatured/Undenatured Albumin Colorimetric Sensing Achieved by Surface-Enhanced Photochromic Phenomena

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K05525
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 34020:Analytical chemistry-related
• Research Institution: Yamaguchi University
• Principal Investigator: Adachi Kenta 山口大学, 大学院創成科学研究科, 准教授 (80535245)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: フォトクロミズム / アルブミン / アミノ酸 / ナノ粒子 / センシング / 比色分析 / 吸着 / 分析化学

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Tungsten oxide (WO3) and molybdenum oxide (MoO3) are metal oxide semiconductors that exhibit photochromic phenomena under UV irradiation, ranging from colorless to blue. In this study, the surface-enhanced photochromic phenomena of various α-amino acids adsorbed on WO3 and MoO3 nanoparticles in aqueous systems were investigated by UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. Derivatization of the α-amino acids is not required, and eventually, highly accurate quantification is possible by photochromatic coloring with WO3 and MoO3 under UV light. The UV irradiation was not necessary for the derivatization of α-amino acids. The naked eye can confirm the detection process during UV irradiation. Thus, a simple and unique approach for highly sensitive "label-free" colorimetric sensing of α-amino acids is proposed. Furthermore, human serum albumin was added to WO3 or MoO3 nanoparticle aqueous solutions to characterize their photochromic properties.

Free Research Field

分析化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

昨今の急速な高齢化社会の進展と生活習慣病の増加を鑑みるに『生体試料中のタンパク質、そしてその基本構成単位であるα-アミノ酸を、選択的、かつ高感度に測定できる簡便・安価な新規分析法の開発』は、生体分析化学分野における喫緊の重要課題の一つである。本研究では、酸化タングステン、および酸化モリブデン微粒子の表面増強フォトクロミズムを用いたラベルフリーでのタンパク質、およびα-アミノ酸検出に関する定性・定量的な知見を得ることができた。