H₂O₂-Induced Persistent Luminescence Signal Enhancement Applied to Biosensing

Persistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs) are innovative materials able to emit light for a long time after the end of their excitation. Thanks to this property, their detection can be separated in time from the excitation, making it possible to obtain images with a high signal-to-noise ratio. This optical property can be of particular interest for the development of in vitro biosensors. Here, we report the unexpected effect of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on the signal intensity of ZnGa2O4:Cr3+ (ZGO) nanoparticles. In the presence of H2O2, the signal intensity of ZGO can be amplified. This signal amplification can be used to detect and quantify H2O2 in various media, using non-functionalized ZGO nanoparticles. This small molecule can be produced by several oxidases when they react with their substrate. Indeed, the quantification of glucose, lactic acid, and uric acid is possible. The limit of detection could be lowered by modifying the nanoparticles synthesis route. These optimized nanoparticles can also be used as new biosensor to detect larger molecules such as antigen, using the appropriate antibody. This unique property, i.e., persistent luminescence signal enhancement induced by H2O2, represents a new way to detect biomolecules which could lead to a very large number of bioassay applications.