Colorimetric Sensor Based on the Oxidase-Mimic Supramolecular Catalyst for Selective and Sensitive Biomolecular Detection

We have engineered a colorimetric sensor capable of selective and sensitive detection of amino acids. This sensor employs a supramolecular copper-dependent oxidase mimic as the probe, stemming from our prior research. The oxidase mimic is constructed through the self-assembly of commercially available guanosine monophosphate (GMP), Fmoc-lysine, and Cu 2+ . It catalyzes the formation of a red product with a maximum absorbance at 510 nm. The changes in color and absorbance are responsive to both the concentrations and types of amino acids present. This effect is most pronounced in the presence of histidine, with a detection limit (LOD) of 6.4 nM. Furthermore, the catalytic probe can distinguish histidine from histamine and imidazole propionate, as well as 1-methyl-histidine from 3-methyl-histidine, based on their distinct coordination capacities with copper. This underscores the high selectivity of the sensing platform. Both theoretical simulations and experimental results (including UV–vis spectra, fluorescence, and EPR) indicate that the amino acids may engage in copper center coordination, thereby impeding O 2 access to copper─a pivotal aspect of the oxidase catalysis. This sensing platform, characteristic of its swift response, simple fabrication, and exceptional sensitivity and selectivity, can also be applied to detect other biological analytes such as nucleotides. It holds potential for use in environmental and biochemical analyses.