Direct and single-step sensing of primary ovarian cancers related glycosidases

In the presence of β-galactosidase, the glycoconjugate of p-nitrophenol (PNP) can be rapidly hydrolyzed to the corresponding glucose and PNP. UV–vis absorption spectrum of PNP has a good overlap with the excitation and emission spectra of the exfoliated BPQDs, leading to efficient fluorescence quenching of BPQDs through the inner filter effect (IFE).