Improvement of Hydrogen Peroxide and Glucose Detection in Serum using Persistent Luminescent Nanoparticles: Impact of Synthesis Parameters and Particle Size

In this study, we report the preparation of a library of nanoparticles doped with chromium (ZGO) through two distinct syntheses conducted at 120°C for 12 hours or 24 hours, followed by a calcination at 500°C or 750°C. Using centrifugation, and starting from polydisperse samples, we demonstrated the ability to achieve different sizes in a monodisperse manner. Furthermore, our research revealed that ZGO react differently with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) based on their size, synthesis duration, and calcination temperature. We observed the most significant amplification of persistent luminescence for particles prepared at 120°C for 12 hours and calcinated at 500°C, with a size of 100 nm, in the presence of 100 mM H2O2. This study enabled the detection of H2O2 in serum, with a detection limit of up to 2.1 µM. Additionally, we designed a glucose test for based on the responsiveness of ZGO PLNPs to H2O2. Using glucose oxidase, the glucose detection limit in serum was established around 0.13 µM, with a detection range between 0 ‐ 5 µM. These findings could open new avenues to further control the size, synthesis, calcination temperature, and persistent luminescence of PLNPs, thus enhancing their utility in the development of new in vitro biosensors.