This study developed fluorescent carbon dot (CD)-based molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) sensors for cardiac troponin I (cTnI) detection. Two nanomaterials, carbon nitride dots (CNDs) and gamma-carbon dots (γ-CDs), were synthesized and characterized using MicroRaman spectroscopy, FTIR, UV-Vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy to assess their structural properties. The CDs were integrated with MIPs to create selective biosensors, leveraging their fluorescence for biomarker recognition.
Specificity testing using bovine hemoglobin (BHb) as an economical model protein confirmed the MIP platforms’ selective binding capacity. The sensors demonstrated clinically relevant sensitivity in serum samples, highlighting their potential for cardiovascular diagnostics. This work establishes CD-MIP hybrids as cost-effective tools combining molecular imprinting selectivity with nanomaterial advantages.
Future directions include developing magnetic CDs for integrated biomarker separation/detection to enable point-of-care myocardial infarction testing. This technology shows promise for early cardiac event diagnosis and personalized medicine.