DNA-Gated N-CDs@SiO2 Nanoparticles-Based Biosensor for MUC1 Detection

The ultrasensitive detection of mucin1 (MUC1), a typical breast cancer marker, is of great significance for the diagnosis of breast cancer. Here, a biosensor based on DNA-gated nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots-loaded hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DNA-gated N-CDs@SiO2 NPs) for highly sensitive detection of MUC1 were reported. The preparation process and properties of DNA-gated N-CDs@SiO2 NPs were characterized in detail. Results of experiments of detection of MUC1 and cell imaging indicate that the biosensor with MUC1-specific DNA sequence is beneficial for selective detection of MUC1 by MUC1-triggered unlocking of DNA gate and controlled release of N-CDs. The biosensor exhibits satisfactory results with a low detection limit of 10 nM and good specificity, as well as MUC1-positive cell imaging performance, demonstrating the potential for MUC1 detection, which provides a new method for early screening and diagnosis of breast cancer diseases.