In-depth Chiral Sensing Capability of C-Dots in Biomimetic Protein-Based Hydrogel: A Probe for Chiral Recognition Applications

Abstract

In-depth chiral molecule recognition is a challenging and highly sought-after area in biomedical and bioelectronics research. Traditionally, chirality detection is carried out by analysing body fluids such as blood, saliva, or urine; however, opportunities for real in vivo chiral recognition remain limited. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) hydrogels (B-Gel) offer significant potential for mimicking the extracellular environment, making them a promising platform for such applications. In this study, we present a simple yet effective approach for in-depth chiral recognition by creating an in vivo–like environment using a BSA-based hydrogel. Chiral carbon dots (C-Dots) were incorporated into the hydrogel as selective chiral sensing probes, enabling recognition through specific interactions between the chiral moieties of the target molecules and the chiral C-Dots. The chiral recognition capability was evaluated using both optical and electrical measurements, revealing that homochiral pairs exhibited significantly stronger affinities compared to heterochiral pairs. Real-time ion sensitivity measurements were performed to monitor current changes as a function of chiral molecule concentration. Furthermore, the deep-tissue chiral sensing capability of the chiral C-Dots embedded in B-Gel was confirmed via I-V measurements using electrodes placed directly within the gel. Overall, this work introduces a promising chiral sensing platform capable of in vivo-like chiral recognition, paving the way for advanced biomedical and bioelectronics applications.