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Bacteria-targeting BSA-stabilized SiC nanoparticles as a fluorescent nanoprobe for forensic identification of saliva

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Abstract

Forensic saliva identification represents an increasingly useful auxiliary means of crime investigations, particularly in sex crimes. Salivary bacteria detection techniques have been shown to be viable methods for identifying the presence of saliva. A one-pot method is described for the fabrication of bovine serum albumin-stabilized SiC nanoparticles (SiC@BSA NPs). The SiC@BSA NPs were conjugated to antibacterial peptide GH12 to allow for fluorometric detection and imaging of bacteria in saliva. More specifically, the nanoprobe, with fluorescence excitation/emission maxima at 320/410 nm, was used to detect the oral bacteria S. salivarius levels. The detection limit is 25 cfu·mL−1, and the assay can be performed within 40 min. The nanoprobe was also used to detect bacteria in forensic body fluids including blood, urine, and semen. In all cases, positive results were obtained with (mixed) samples containing saliva, while other saliva samples without saliva showed negative results. Fluorescent images of S. salivarius cells were obtained by implementing a high-content image analysis system. These results suggest that this new nanoprobe can be applied to screen for forensic saliva stains.

Schematic representation of the preparation of SiC@BSA-GH12 nanoprobe for fluorometric detection and imaging of S. salivarius in saliva.

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Acknowledgements

This study was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81571855 and 81772025).

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Author notes

  1. Xingmei Li and Yanjun Ding contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China

    Xingmei Li, Yanjun Ding, Jiang Ling, Wenyan Yao, Lagabaiyla Zha, Yunfeng Chang, Yong Wang & Jifeng Cai

  2. Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China

    Na Li

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  1. Xingmei Li
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  2. Yanjun Ding
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  3. Jiang Ling
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  4. Wenyan Yao
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  5. Lagabaiyla Zha
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  6. Na Li
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  7. Yunfeng Chang
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  8. Yong Wang
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  9. Jifeng Cai
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Correspondence to Jifeng Cai.

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Li, X., Ding, Y., Ling, J. et al. Bacteria-targeting BSA-stabilized SiC nanoparticles as a fluorescent nanoprobe for forensic identification of saliva. Microchim Acta 186, 756 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00604-019-3890-y

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