Hydroxypropyl β-Cyclodextrin-Functionalized MoO₃ Quantum Dots as a Multifunctional Probe for PGE2 Detection, Bioimaging, and Oxidative Stress Management in Inflammatory Diseases

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is an important biomarker for cancers and chronic inflammation-associated diseases. While PGE2 plays a crucial role in the inflammatory response, chronically elevated PGE2 levels may contribute to disease onset and oxidative stress. Herein, hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin (HPbCD)-functionalized MoO 3 quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized with a hydrophilic exterior and hydrophobic core. The QDs were characterized for their physicochemical, bioimaging, and biocompatible nature. The QDs exhibited potential reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and bioimaging in Caenorhabditis elegans . Further, the QD’s high binding affinity-based nanomolar detection of PGE2 (2–40 nM) was performed at physiological pH. The detection mechanism was investigated using Stern–Volmer and Lineweaver–Burk equations, where K q (8.9 × 10 15 and 2.85 × 10 14 L/mol/s) and K b 1.1 × 10 7 M –1 with 1:1 binding interaction. The energetically favorable and spontaneous binding of PGE2 to MoCD QDs suggested strong host–guest inclusion-based detection of PGE2. The biosensor performance was tested with a potent interferent and validated in clinical serum samples. The developed biocompatible nanoquantum probe with triad applications, including oxidative stress management, bioimaging, and ultrasensitive detection of PGE2, is envisaged to be a valuable tool in molecular diagnosis in treatment of inflammation.