Nano Lett. 2026 Feb 13. doi: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.5c06239. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

β-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB), a key ketone body and metabolic biomarker, enables personalized ketogenic-diet management and metabolic-disease monitoring through rapid, noninvasive salivary detection. We present an NADH-responsive semiconducting polymer dot (Pdot) biosensor utilizing enzymatic catalysis of BHB to convert NAD+ into NADH. This conversion triggers an intramolecular D-π-A electron transfer between triphenylamine (TPA) donors and NADH acceptors within the Pdots. Upon UV excitation, the intrinsic fluorescence of DPA-PFCN Pdots at 650 nm is quenched, while NADH fluorescence at 470 nm is concurrently enhanced. This yields a ratiometric signal (I470/I650) that exhibits an exponential correlation with BHB concentration across physiologically relevant ranges. Both solution- and paper-based assay formats facilitate rapid, low-cost analysis. We further demonstrate dynamic monitoring of salivary BHB in healthy volunteers via smartphone-based imaging. This ratiometric Pdot fluorescence sensor provides precise, real-time, noninvasive BHB detection suitable for early metabolic-disease screening and personalized dietary management.

PMID:41686130 | DOI:10.1021/acs.nanolett.5c06239

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