Selective Detection of Neurotoxin by Photoluminescent Peptide Nanotubes

Abstract

Photoluminescent peptide nanotubes undergo a drastic quenching of their emission within a few seconds of exposure to paraoxon, a nitro-functionalized neurotoxin. The photoluminescence quenching occurs due to the interruption of cascaded energy transfer from peptide nanotubes to lanthanide ions. The assay platform provides high selectivity toward paraoxon, among other organophosphates, nitro-group compounds, and common organic chemicals; this capability is attributed to the role of the diphenylalanine nanotubes as a host matrix for lanthanide complexes.