Determination of lysozyme at the nanogram level in chicken egg white using Resonance Rayleigh-scattering method with Cd-doped ZnSe quantum dots as probe

A new method for the determination of lysozyme with high sensitivity based on Resonance Rayleigh scattering (RRS) by using Cd doped ZnSe quantum dots (QDs) as a probe was proposed in this experiment. Cd doped ZnSe QDs capped with glutathione were prepared in the water phase. Further, the RRS spectrum, transmission electron microscope, and absorption spectrum of the QDs–lysozyme system have been characterized. In addition, the effects of several factors on scattering intensities were investigated, including pH value of solution, amount of QDs, mixing sequence of each reagent and the coexisting substances. Moreover, the possible mechanism for the RRS enhancement of Cd doped ZnSe QDs–lysozyme system was preliminary discussed. The RRS method for the determination of lysozyme has good sensitivity with the detection limits 6.5 × 10−10 g mL−1. The contents of lysozyme were determined with recoveries of 97.1–101.6% and relativity standard deviation of 2.5–3.1%, respectively. It proved that the method established in our study is very sensitive, rapid, convenient and tolerant for the determination of lysozyme in synthetically and chicken egg white.