Salivary
α-amylase is the most abundant protein
of human
saliva that potentially binds to streptococcus and other bacteria
via specific surface-exposed α-amylase-binding proteins and
plays a significant role in caries development. The detection of α-amylase
in saliva can be used as a bioindicator of caries development. Herein,
a facile strategy has been applied, tailoring the photochemical properties
of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-21H,23H-porphine (TPPOH) and the fullerene C60 complex. The fluorescence
emission of TPPOH is quenched by starch-coated fullerene C60 via charge-transfer
effects, as determined by UV absorption and fluorescence spectroscopic
studies. The starch-coated C60 has been thoroughly characterized via
Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction
(XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), optical
microscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), static water contact
angle measurements, and zeta potential measurements. The analytical
response of the assay showed a linear fluorescent response in α-amylase
concentrations ranging from 0.001–0.1 Units/mL, with an LOD
of 0.001 Units/mL. The applicability of the method was tested using
artificial saliva with quantitative recoveries in the range 95–100%.
The practicability of the procedure was verified by inspecting saliva
samples of real clinical samples covering all age groups. We believe
that the proposed method can serve as an alternative analytical method
for caries detection and risk assessment that would also minimize
the cost of professional preventive measures and treatments.