L-Methionine and D-Methionine Capped Fluorescent Silicon Quantum Dots Based Probes for Turn on Sensing of Glutathione - A Comparative Study.

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC), a prevalent type of oral cancer originates in squamous cells that develop due to tobacco use, excess alcohol consumption, human papillomavirus infection, chronic irritation and weakened immune system. When detected early, survival rates of OSCC can be increased to more than 85%. Hence its early detection is crucial for appropriate management. Oxidative stress has a vital role in pathogenesis of various cancers including OSCC. Early detection of OSCC can be done by exploring serum Glutathione (GSH); an oxidative stress biomarker. Herein, we have developed two Silicon quantum dots (SiQDs); (L-methionine capped Silicon quantum dots (LSiQDs) and D-methionine capped Silicon quantum dots (DSiQDs)) and their fluorescence was quenched with Cu. The obtained Cu@LSiQDs and Cu@DSiQDs were then explored and compared for sensing GSH. Both the SiQDs were checked for selectivity and interference studies using coexisting biomolecules extended for sensing GSH from real samples. Moreover, a paper strip assay was also developed and compared.