Multi-carbon dots and aptamer based signal amplification ratiometric fluorescence probe for protein tyrosine kinase 7 detection

Background Protein tyrosine kinase 7 (PTK 7) is a membrane receptor, which can be found in various kinds of cancers. In view of this, detection of PTK 7 in the peripheral circulation would be an effective way for the early diagnosis of cancer. Results In this work, a multi-carbon dots and aptamer-based signal amplification ratiometric fluorescence probe was developed. The fluorescence of the aptamer-modified y-CDs and b-CDs were respectively chosen as the detection signal and interior label. The fluorescence of y-CDs was quenched by Fe3O4 and cDNA (complement to aptamer) compound without PTK 7, but recovered by the addition of PTK 7. Then, the free aptamer was cut by DNase I, which amplified the detection signal. The ratiometric fluorescence sensor for PTK 7 was established with the LOD of 0.016 ng mL−1. Conclusions Summary, a multi-carbon dots and aptamer-based signal amplification ratiometric fluorescence probe was developed for the detection of protein tyrosine kinase 7. The developed probe was applied to PTK 7 detection in MCF-7 cells and human serum with satisfying results, thus indicating that this probe has huge potential in clinical practice.