An efficient method for detection of Epirubicin via Gelatin-CdTe/ZnS QDs as a nano-bioconjugated fluorescent sensor

Analytical methods that are sensitive, rapid, and accurate now make it possible to determine bioactive compounds. Here, we have developed a method for detecting Epirubicin (as an anti-cancer model drug) using a fluorescence probe. Although modified quantum dots via polymers have shown satisfactory performance during detection, we increased the available methods for Epirubicin detection. This paper presents a new fluorescence nanosensor based on CdTe/ZnS quantum dots modified with gelatin protein (Gel). The structure of the prepared nanosensor was confirmed by various analysis methods such as FT-IR, TGA, and TEM. In addition, the fluorescence intensity response of Gel-CdTe/ZnS QDs to Epirubicin is investigated. Based on the obtained results, the nanosensor was constructed, and the fluorescence quenching of the nano-biosensor in the presence of EPI was explained using the typical Stern-Volmer equation. The best linear quenching equation for entitled nanosensor in the presence of Epirubicin is F0/F = 0.0518Q + ‏1.35 (R2 = 0.99). In addition, the detection limit of Epirubicin was around 0.06 × 10−6 mol/L at 25 °C. According to our findings, this method could be a reliable and applicable approach for the detection of Epirubicin in commercial samples as well.