In-depth chiral sensing capability of C-dots in a 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-gels) 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 in-depth chiral sensing capability of the chiral C-dots embedded in the 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 bioelectronic applications.