Ultrasensitive detection of glutathione based on liquid crystals in the presence of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase

Glutathione (GSH) is of significance in human pathology due to its many cellular functions. γ-Glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) plays a key role in the balance of GSH by breaking down extracellular GSH. In this study, we proposed a novel strategy for sensitive and selective detection of GSH based on LC sensing platform coupled with its inhibition of γ-GT. The γ-GT cleavable surfactant, dodecyl N-ethanamide N, N, N-trimethylammonium bromide (DAA), was synthesized and utilized to decorate the aqueous/LC interface. A black optical image of LCs was observed due to formation of the self-assembled DAA monolayer at the interface. Subsequently, the optical response of LCs returned to bright appearance after transferring γ-GT to the DAA-laden interface because DAA could be enzymatically hydrolyzed by γ-GT and the monolayer was disrupted. Interestingly, LCs remained dark images after the DAA-decorated interface in contact with the pre-incubated GSH and γ-GT. The detection limit of GSH reached 1 pg/mL, which demonstrates high competitiveness with the current assays. The detection mechanism of GSH was explained by Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) measurements and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. This work presents an appealing route to achieve ultrasensitive detection of GSH according to its hydrolysis by γ-GT and the as-prepared simple and robust LC-based sensing platform has potentials in the diagnosis of GSH-related diseases (e.g. cancer, liver damage, and malignant neoplasms).