Interaction of a Jaundice Marker Molecule with a Redox-Modulatory Nano-Hybrid: A Combined Electrochemical and Spectroscopic Study toward the Development of a Theranostic Tool

Abstract

This study explores a combined electrochemical and spectroscopic approach to investigate the degradation of bilirubin, a molecular marker of jaundice in humans using a biocompatible nanohybrid (citrate-functionalized Mn₃ O₄ nanohybrid; C-Mn₃ O₄ NH). The approach is aimed at the development of a facile theranostic tool for treatment, detection, and prognosis of jaundice. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) studies on bilirubin, C-Mn₃ O₄ NH, a model carrier protein, and its complex with bilirubin reveal the efficacy of the nanohybrid for both degradation and detection of bilirubin. Furthermore, spectroscopic studies depict that distal electron transfer to be the probable mechanism behind the observed bilirubin degradation in physiological milieu.

Keywords: citrate functionalized Mn3O4 nanohybrid; electrochemical sensor; jaundice; redox modulation; theranostics.