A molecular rotor based dual ratiometric sensor for heparinase

• Published in: Dyes and pigments 2020-10, Vol.181, p.108528, Article 108528
• Main Authors: Mudliar, Niyati H., Dongre, Prabhakar M., Singh, Prabhat K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0143-7208; 1873-3743
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dyepig.2020.108528

Heparinase is a mammalian endoglycosidase which specifically degrades Heparin, the widely used blood-anticoagulant, into smaller fragments and produces therapeutically important low molecular weight Heparin. More importantly, the increased expression of Heparinase was found to correlate with malignancy of tumour and its ability to metastasize. Considering the various crucial biological roles played by Heparinase, it is important to develop detection scheme for Heparinase. However, very few reports exist for detection of Heparinase, especially from the viewpoint of ratiometric detection. Herein, we report a selective and sensitive fluorescence ratiometric sensor for the detection of Heparinase that has been developed by utilizing a fluorescent complex of a molecular rotor dye, Thioflavin T with Heparin. Heparinase specifically degrades Heparin into smaller fragments which leads to the release of the Thioflavin-T aggregates from the surface of Heparin and leads to large modulations in the fluorescence properties of Thioflavin T-Heparin complex. The sensing mechanism has been demonstrated by utilizing a variety of spectroscopic techniques such as ground-state absorption, steady-state and time-resolved emission and circular-dichroism spectroscopy. The sensing scheme provides a simple, sensitive, selective, and label-free approach for detection of Heparinase. Importantly, the sensing scheme involves all commercially available molecules which provides a significant advantage in terms of relief from extreme dependence on time-consuming and tedious synthetic pathways. More importantly, the current sensing scheme also shows response towards Heparinase in serum matrix. A fluorescence ratiometric sensing scheme for Heparinase has been identified which shows a very selective and sensitive response for Heparinase, a Heparin degrading enzyme. [Display omitted] •The sensor works via Heparinase-induced disruption of Thioflavin-T-Heparin complex.•The sensor system displays an advantageous ratiometric response towards Heparinase.•The sensor system is highly selective for Heparinase as compared to other tested enzymes.•The sensor system employs a commercially available probe molecule.•The sensor system also shows good response in serum samples.