A near-infrared light-controlled, ultrasensitive one-step photoelectrochemical detection of dual cell apoptosis indicators in living cancer cells

Here, a near-infrared (NIR) light-controlled, ultrasensitive one-step photoelectrochemical (PEC) strategy was constructed to simultaneously detect cell apoptosis indicators, phosphatidylserine (Pho) and sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Sat), on living cancer cells. Using NIR light as excitation, the signal probe methylene blue (Tag(kinetic)) could be released, leading to a gradually decreased photocurrent signalI(kinetic); meanwhile, the photocurrentI(stable)of the signal probe carbon quantum dots (Tag(stable)) remained stable. The simultaneous detection of Pho and Sat could be achieved based on rapid one-step PEC detection under single NIR light with the assistance of a smart signal decryption strategy withI(kinetic)andI(stable). Importantly, this proposal provides more effective drug candidates with milder pharmaceutical effect but improved safety.