Enzyme-free colorimetric sensing of glucose using L-cysteine functionalized silver nanoparticles

The study demonstrates an efficient, simple and on-site viable approach for sensitive determination of blood glucose using colorimetric sensing approach. The devised colorimetric sensor works based on cysteine functionalized silver nanoparticles. The as-synthesized Ag NPs were elaborately characterized using advanced analytical techniques such as ultra-violet visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The detection of glucose was carried under ambient air conditions where change in the optical characteristics of Ag NPs and subsequent interaction between glucose and functional moiety (i.e. surface bind cysteine) of Ag NPs was considered as the signal response. This interaction led to direct detection of glucose in the concentration range between 0.01 to 0.17 mu M with limit of detection up to 1 x 10(-4) mu M. It is worthwhile mentioning that success of the assay lies in application of the developed colorimetric sensor in real blood glucose measurements, which also proved its capability for field based analysis. In addition its simple design, low cost, and more reliability signifies the usefulness of colorimetric sensor and it can be extended monitor other biologically important molecules.