Colorimetric determination of cysteamine based on the aggregation of polyvinylpyrrolidone-stabilized silver nanoparticles

A simple, colorimetric and visual method is described for the determination of cysteamine (CA) using polyvinylpyrrolidone-stabilized silver nanoparticles (PVP-AgNPs) as a colorimetric probe. The sensing method was based on the aggregation of PVP-AgNPs that led to the changes in the color and absorption profile of the probe. The aggregation of PVP-AgNPs in the presence of CA was evidenced by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. A distinct color transition could be observed with the naked eye from pale yellow color of PVP-AgNPs to purple. PVP-AgNPs probe showed an excellent selectivity towards CA versus other interfering biomolecules, cations and anions. Furthermore, the colorimetric probe had a linear response for CA from 0.1 to 1.0 μM concentration range with the limit of detection (LOD) of 4.9 nM. The prepared probe was successfully utilized for the determination of CA in blood serum as biological samples. [Display omitted] •Simple and visual detection of cysteamine was developed using polyvinylpyrrolidone-stabilized silver nanoparticles.•The colorimetric probe showed high sensitivity towards cysteamine with a limit of detection of 2.1 nM.•The sensing system has provided great potential for the detection of cysteamine in serum samples.