Rapid detection of Cu2+ by a paper-based microfluidic device coated with bovine serum albumin (BSA)–Au nanoclusters

Abstract

In this work, bovine serum albumin (BSA)–Au nanoclusters were used to coat a paper-based microfluidic device. This device acted as a Cu²⁺ biosensor that showed fluorescence quenching on detection of copper ions. The detection limit of this sensor could be adjusted by altering the water absorbing capacity of the device. Qualitative and semi-quantitative results could be obtained visually without the aid of any advanced instruments. This sensor could test Cu²⁺ rapidly with high specificity and sensitivity, which would be useful for point-of-care testing (POCT).