Development of a Reversible Indicator Displacement Assay Based on the 1-(2-Pyridylazo)-2-naphthol for Colorimetric Determination of Cysteine in Biological Samples and Its Application to Constructing the Paper Test Strips and a Molecular-Scale Set/Reset Memorized Device.

A new colorimetric chemosensor for naked-eye detection and determination of cysteine (Cys) based on indicator displacement assay (IDA) was designed using 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN). The indicator exchange occurred between PAN and Cys by the addition of Cys to the Cu(PAN)2 complex, which is accomplished by an immediate visible color change from magenta to yellow, in the solution phase and paper-based test strips. The proposed method exhibits 0.35 μmol L-1 detection limit and good linearity in the range of 2.25-42.91 μmol L-1. Paper test strips presented a detection limit of 38.0 μmol L-1, fabricating an easy to use test kit for compatible "in-the-field" detection of Cys. The computer image analysis of the paper test strips, obtained from the CMYK color analysis system, showed a linear increase in Y (yellow) intensity with enhancement in the Cys concentration of 50.0-550.0 μmol L-1. Additionally, the absorption and color change obtained in this chemosensor operate as an "INHIBIT" logic gate considering Cu2+ and Cys as inputs. Eventually, based on such a fast, reversible, and reproducible signal, a molecular-scale sequential memory unit was designed displaying "Writing-Reading-Erasing-Reading" and "Multi-Write" behavior. The developed chemosensor presented a satisfactory repeatability, intermediate precision, and successful application for the selective determination of Cys in human biological fluids. Graphical abstract .