Highly sensitive SERS probe for mercury(II) using cyclodextrin-protected silver nanoparticles functionalized with methimazole

We have developed a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) probe for the determination of mercury(II) using methimazole-functionalized and cyclodextrin-coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). These AgNPs in pH 10 solution containing sodium chloride exhibit strong SERS at 502 cm^?1. Its intensity strongly decreases in the presence of Hg(II). This effect serves as the basis for a new method for the rapid, fast and selective determination of trace Hg(II). The analytical range is from 0.50 μg L^?1 to 150 μg L^?1, and the limit of detection is 0.10 μg L^?1. The influence of 11 metal ions commonly encountered in environmental water samples was found to be quite small. The method was applied to the determination of Hg(II) in spiked water samples and gave recoveries ranging from 98.5 to 105.2 % and with relative standard deviations of <3.5 % (n?=?5). The total analysis time is <10 min for a single sample.

Dipyrrolylquinoxaline-bridged hydrazones: a new class of chemosensors for copper(II)

Novel 2,3-bis(1H-pyrrol-2-yl)quinoxaline-functionalized hydrazones were prepared and characterized as new chemosensors for copper(II) ion. The binding properties of the compounds 4, 5, 6 and 7 for cations were examined by UV–vis, fluorescence spectroscopy, and linear sweep voltammetric experiments (LSV). The results indicate that a 1:1 stoichiometric complex is formed between compound 4 (or 5, 6, 7) and copper(II) ion, and the association constant is 1.3?×?10⁵ M^?1 for 4, 2.1?×?10⁶ M^?1 for 5, 4.1?×?10⁵ M^?1 for 6 and 8.0?×?10⁵ M^?1 for 7, respectively. The recognition mechanism between compound 4 (or 5, 6, 7) and metal ion was discussed based on their electrochemical properties, absorbance changes, and the fluorescence quenching effect when they interact with each other. Control experiments revealed that compound 4 (or 5, 6, 7) has a highly selective response to copper (II) ion.     

Highly sensitive fluorescent sensor for copper (II) based on amplified fluorescence quenching of a water-soluble NIR emitting conjugated polymer

We have synthesized the near-infrared water-soluble conjugated polymer poly[2,5-di(propyloxysulfonate)-1,4-phenylene-ethynylene-9,10-anthrylene (referred to as PPEASO3). Its fluorescence (at wavelengths between 650 and 800?nm following photoexcitation at 550?nm) is efficiently quenched by Cu(II) ions, while other physiologically relevant metal ions do not cause significant quenching at the same concentrations. Under optimum conditions, fluorescence intensity is inversely proportional to the concentration of Cu (II). The calibration curve displays two linear regions over the range of 0–3.2?×?10^?7 mol L^?1 and 3.2?×?10^?7 mol L^?1 to 1.0?×?10^?4 mol L^?1 of Cu(II), respectively. The long-wavelength excitation and emission can substantially reduce interferences by the autofluorescence and light scattering of biological matter under UV excitation. The method was successfully applied to the determination of Cu(II) in synthetic and tea samples.

Determination of lead(II) in aqueous solution using carbon nanotubes paste electrodes modified with Amberlite IR-120

A new composite electrode is described for anodic stripping voltammetry determination of Pb(II) at trace level in aqueous solution. The electrode is based on the use of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and Amberlite IR-120. The anodic stripping voltammograms depend, to a large extent, on the composition of the modified electrode and the preconcentration conditions. Under optimum conditions, the anodic peak current at around ?0.57 V is linearly related to the concentration of Pb(II) in the range from 9.6?×?10^?8 to 1.7?×?10^?6 mol L^?1 (R?=?0.998). The detection limit is 2.1?×?10^?8 mol L^?1, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) at 0.24?×?10^?6 mol L^?1 is 1.7% (n?=?6). The modified electrode was applied to the determination of Pb(II) using the standard addition method; the results showed average relative recoveries of 95% for the samples analysed.

Voltammetric behavior and quantitative determination of ambazone concentrations in urine and in a pharmaceutical formulation

The use of square wave adsorptive stripping voltammetry (SWAdSV) in conjunction with a cyclic renewable silver amalgam film electrode (Hg(Ag)FE) for the analytical determination of ambazone in urine samples and pharmaceutical formulations is described. A single reduction peak in Britton-Robinson buffer at pH 4.0 was detected at about ?1.4 V versus Ag/AgCl. Mechanistic studies have shown that the compound can act as an electrocatalyst. The method was validated. The analytical curve was linear in the concentration range from 1.0×10^?9 to 1.0×10^?7 mol L^?1. The detection and quantification limits were found to be 3.0×10^?10 mol L^?1 and 1.0×10^?9 mol L^?1, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied to ambazone determination in real samples.      

Magnetic nanoparticles grafted with β-cyclodextrin for solid-phase extraction of 5-hydroxy-3-indole acetic acid

We describe the synthesis of ß-cyclodextrin modified magnetic nanoparticles (CD-mNPs) as a material for solid-phase extraction of the cancer biomarker 5-hydroxy-indole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA) from urine. The CD-mNPs were characterized by TEM, FTIR, and XRD, and the kinetics and adsorption isotherms were studied. The strong interaction between the CD-mNPs and 5-HIAA is the main driving force for recognition and extraction, while the magnetic core of the NPs allows their separation from the sample matrix. Recovery of 5-HIAA from the adsorbent using an adequate solvent regenerated the adsorbent for further use. 5-HIAA was then quantified by fluorometry of its complex with ß-CD. The method works in the 1?×?10^?7 to 1?×?10^?5 mol L^?1 (R² 0.9982–0.9996) concentration range, and the limits of detection (3σ) and quantification (10 σ) of the method are 1.2?×?10^?8 mol L^?1 and 4.01?×?10^?8 mol L^?1 5-HIAA, respectively. The recovery of 5-HIAA from urine samples spiked with 5-HIAA in three concentrations (1.4?×?10^?6, 4.50?×?10^?6 and 1.0?×?10^?5 mol L^?1) are within 63?±?3 %.

Synthesis of p-aminothiophenol-embedded gold/silver core-shell nanostructures as novel SERS tags for biosensing applications

We describe a novel surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) tag that is based on Au/Ag core-shell nanostructures embedded with p-aminothiophenol. The Au/Ag core-shell sandwich nanostructures demonstrate bright and dark stripe structure and possess very strong SERS activity. Under optimum conditions, the maximum SERS signal was obtained with a 10?nm thick Ag nanoshell, and the enhancement factor is 3.4?×?10⁴ at 1077?cm^?1. After conjugation to the antibody of muramidase releasing protein (MRP), the Au/Ag core-shell nanostructures were successfully applied to an SERS-based detection scheme for MRP based on a sandwich type of immunoassay.

A highly selective colorimetric sensor for Hg2+ based on a copper (II) complex of thiosemicarbazone in aqueous solutions

By applying an indirect strategy, a new copper (Ⅱ) complex of a thiosemicarbazone L has been successfully developed as a colorimetric chemosensor for the sensitive detection of mercury (Ⅱ) ions. In the presence of copper (Ⅱ) ions, the colorless solution of L became yellow; however, upon the addition of traces of mercury (Ⅱ) ions, the yellow color faded to colorless immediately. Other ions, including Fe3+ , Ag+ , Ca2+ , Zn2+ , Pb2+ , Cd2+ , Ni2+ , Co2+ , Cr3+ and Mg2+ had a negligible influence on the probe behavior. The detection limits were 5.0×10 -6 M and 3.0×10 -7 M of Hg2+ using the visual color changes and UV-vis changes respectively. Test strips based on Cu-L were fabricated, which could act as a convenient and efficient Hg2+ test kits.     

Molecular imprinting polymer electrosensor based on gold nanoparticles for theophylline recognition and determination

An electrochemical sensor for theophylline (ThPh) was prepared by electropolymerizing o-phenylenediamine on a glassy carbon electrode in the presence of ThPh via cyclic voltammetry, followed by deposition of gold nanoparticles using a potentiostatic method. The effects of pH, ratio between template molecule and monomer, number of cycles for electropolymerization, and of the solution for extraction were optimized. The current of the electro-active model system hexacyanoferrate(III) and hexacyanoferrate(IV) decreased linearly with successive addition of ThPh in the concentration range between 4.0?×?10^?7?~?1.5?×?10^?5 mol·L^?1 and 2.4?×?10^?4?~?3.4?×?10^?3 mol·L^?1, with a detection limit of 1.0?×?10^?7 mol·L^?1. The sensor has an excellent recognition capability for ThPh compared to structurally related molecules, can be regenerated and is stable.

Determination of L-cysteine base on the reversion of fluorescence quenching of calcein by copper(II) ion

We report on a simple and sensitive method for the determination of L-cysteine (Cys). It is based on a redox reaction between the non-fluorescent Cu(II)-calcein complex and Cys which results in fluorescence recovery of calcein. When Cys is added to a solution of the Cu(II)-calcein complex, Cu(II) is reduced to Cu(I), and calcein is released to form a strongly fluorescent complex with Zn(II). The effect was used to develop a fluorescence enhancement method for the determination of Cys. Under the optimum conditions, the increase in signal intensity is linear in the range from 3.0?×?10^?7 to 1.2?×?10^?5?mol?L^?1, with a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.9978. The limit of detection (3σ) is 4.0?×?10^?8?mol?L^?1. The relative standard deviation (RSD) in the determination of 11 samples containing 5.0?×?10^?6?mol?L^?1 of Cys was 3.5%. There is little interference by common ions and other amino acids. The method, which is simple, rapid, and sensitive, was successfully applied to the determination of Cys in human serum samples.

LC-ED with an Acetylene Black–Dihexadecyl Hydrogen Phosphate Composite Film-Modified Electrode for in Vivo Analysis of Thiols in Rat Striatal Microdialysate

Liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (LC-ED), coupled with in vivo microdialysis sampling, has been used for analysis of thiols. An acetylene black–dihexadecyl hydrogen phosphate (AB–DHP) composite film-modified electrode was used as working electrode. The AB–DHP-modified electrode enabled efficient electrocatalytic oxidation of l-cysteine (l-Cys) and glutathione (GSH) with relatively high sensitivity, stability, and longevity. The peak currents of l-Cys and GSH were linear in the concentrations ranges 2.0 × 10^?7–2.0 × 10^?4 and 3.0 × 10^?7–5.0 × 10^?4 mol L^?1, respectively, with calculated detection limits (S/N = 3) of 1.0 × 10^?7 and 2.0 × 10^?7 mol L^?1, respectively. The method has been successfully used to measure the amounts of l-Cys and GSH in striatal microdialysate of freely moving rats.     

Voltammetric detection of guanosine and adenosine using a carbon paste electrode modified with 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethylsulfate

A novel kind of carbon paste electrode (CPE) was prepared by mixing graphite powder, liquid paraffin and the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethylsulfate. The resulting electrode was used for the simultaneous determination of guanosine and adenosine by differential pulse voltammetry. Compared to a conventional CPE, the oxidation peak currents are largely increased, and the oxidation peak potentials are negatively shifted. The electrochemical responses to guanosine and adenosine were investigated. Under optimized conditions, the calibration curves are linear in the concentration range from 1.0?×?10^-6?mol?L^-1 to 1.6?×?10^-4?mol?L^-1 for guanosine, and from 1.0?×?10^-6?mol?L^-1 to 2.7?×?10^-4?mol?L^-1 for adenosine at pH 3.5. Substances potentially interfering in the biological matrix do no interfere. The method was successfully applied to detect adenosine and guanosine in human urine without sample treatments.

Method for determination of fluoroquinolones based on the plasmonic interaction between their fluorescent terbium complexes and silver nanoparticles

We report on a fluorometric method for the determination of the fluoroquinolones levofloxacin (LEV) and moxifloxacin (MOXI). It is based on the Tb(III)-sensitized luminescence that is plasmonically enhanced by silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). The emission of the Tb(III) complexes has maximum at 545?nm after excitation at 284?nm and is strongly enhanced in the presence of the colloidal Ag NPs. Under optimum experimental conditions, luminescence intensity increases linearly with the concentration in the range from 4.16?×?10^-17-3.59?×?10^-15?M of LEV, and from 4.98?×?10^-17-2.49?×?10^-15?M for MOXI with correlation coefficients of 0.9996 and 0.9996, respectively. The limits of detection are 7.19?×?10^-18?M and 8.47?×?10^-18?M, respectively, and the relative standard deviations are 1.3 and 1.5% for 5 replicate measurements at 6.08?×?10^-14?M of LEV and 5.48?×?10^-14?M of MOXI. The method was successfully applied to the determination of LEV and MOXI in pharmaceutical samples, in urine and in serum.

Ionophore Properties of Schiff Base Compounds as Ion Sensing Molecules for Fabricating Cu(II) Ion-Selective Electrodes

Bis(2-hydroxybenzaldehyde)-1,2-diaminoethane (L^I), bis(2-hydroxybenzaldehyde)-1,3-diaminopropane (L^II) and bis(2-hydroxybenzaldehyde)-4,4'-methylendianiline (L^III) were examined as ionophores for fabrication of polyvinylchloride (PVC) membrane Cu(II) ion-selective potentiometric sensors. The optimum composition (%) for the sensors was: 5 L^I, 30 PVC, 6 sodium tetraphenylborate (NaTPB), 59 ortho-nitrophenyloctyl ether (NPOE); 4 L^II, 30 PVC, 5 NaTPB, 61 dibutyl phthalate; 6 L^III, 30 PVC, 5 NaTPB, 59 NPOE. The linear response range of the electrodes was 5 × 10^–4–0.05 (L^I), 5 × 10^–4–0.1 (L^II) and 1 × 10^–6–0.01 M (L^III), and the corresponding detection limits were 4 × 10^–4, 4 × 10^–4 and 2 × 10^–7 M, respectively. The sensors were showed rapid response time (≈10 s). Their responses were independent on pH in the range 2.5–5.0 (L^I), 3.2–4.7 (L^II) and 4.0–5.0 (L^III). The selectivity of the prepared electrodes towards copper ions over some mono-, di- and trivalent metal ions was evaluated. The sensors were used as indicator electrode in potentiometric titration of copper ions in aqueous solutions.     

Selective solid-phase extraction of trace mercury(II) using a silica gel modified with diethylenetriamine and thiourea

We describe a solid phase extractor for selective separation and preconcentration of Hg(II) ion. It was prepared by immobilizing the adduct of diethylenetriamine and thiourea on silica gel. The effects of solution acidity, preconcentration time, sample flow rate and volume were optimized. The results show that Hg(II) can be selectively extracted from acidic solutions and in presence of common other metal ions. The adsorbent is stable, can be reused more than 10 times, and the maximum adsorption capacity is 23 mg g^?1. Hg(II) was quantified by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The method has a detection limit of 23 ng L^?1, and the relative standard deviation is <2 %. The procedure was validated by analyzing two standard materials (river sediment and hair powder), and was successfully applied to the preconcentration of Hg(II) in real samples.

Photoelectrochemical determination of Hg(II) via dual signal amplification involving SPR enhancement and a folding-based DNA probe

The authors describe a highly sensitive and selective photoelectrochemical (PEC) assay for mercury(II) ions. It is based on a dual signal amplification strategy. The first enhancement results from the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of Au@Ag nanoparticles (NPs) absorbed on MoS₂ nanosheets. Here, the injection of hot electrons of Au@Ag NPs into MoS₂ nanosheets produces a strong photocurrent, while background signals are strongly reduced. The second enhancement results from the use of a thymine rich ct-DNA aptamer attached to the Au@Ag-MoS₂ nanohybrid. The DNA specifically binds Hg(II) ions to form thymine-Hg(II)-thymine (T-Hg-T) complexes. This leads to the formation of a hairpin-shaped dsDNA structure. The use of a CdSe quantum dot label at the terminal end of the ct-DNA further facilitates electron–hole separation. The photocurrent of the detector is measured as a function of Hg(II) concentration at a bias voltage of 0.1 V and under irradiation of 430 nm light. Due to the two-fold amplification strategy presented here, the linear range extends from 10 pmol·L^?1 to 100 nmol·L^?1, with a detection limit of 5 pmol·L^?1 (at S/N?=?3).

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Graphical Abstract The injection of hot electrons of Au@Ag into MoS₂ produces a strong photocurrent, and the formation of thymine-Hg(II)-thymine further facilitates electron–hole separation by CdSe. This dual signal amplification strategy is used to detect Hg(II) ions via a photoelectrochemical assay.

     

Synthesis, spectroscopic studies of new water-soluble Co(II) and Cu(II) macrocyclic complexes of 4,15-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-2,4,6,13,15,17-hexaazatricyclodocosane: their interaction studies with calf thymus DNA and guanosine 5′ monophosphate

New water soluble Co(II) 1, Ni(II) 2 and Cu(II) 3 complexes of 4,15-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-2,4,6,13,15,17-hexaazatricyclodocosane Co(II) were synthesized and characterized by various techniques, viz. elemental analysis, conductivity measurements, infrared, electronic, ESI-MS, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. Molar conductance measurements in aqueous solution showed that complexes 1, 2 and 3 are ionic in nature. On the basis of spectroscopic data, a square planar geometry was assigned to the complexes involving four N-atoms of the two cyclohexane moieties. Interaction studies of 1 and 3 with CT-DNA were carried using UV/Visible absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectrophotometry, cyclic voltammetry and viscosity measurements. Absorption spectral traces reveal 27.7 and 23.3% hyperchromism for complexes 1 and 3, respectively indicative of strong binding to CT-DNA. These results were authenticated by fluorescence quenching experiments and viscosity measurements. The intrinsic binding constants K _b of 1 and 3 are 2.94 × 10⁴ and 2.71 × 10⁴ M^?1, respectively. Early transition metals show preference for O6 position while later ones copper and cobalt prefer N7 position of DNA base guanine. To validate this hypothesis, interaction studies of copper (II) and cobalt (II) complexes were carried out with 5′GMP, which revealed electrostatic interactions are more favored along with hydrogen bonding than coordinate covalent interaction to N7 position of guanine.     

Determination of cadmium(II) using glassy carbon electrodes modified with cupferron, ß-naphthol, and multiwalled carbon nanotubes

We report on a simple and reliable method for the determination of trace cadmium ion using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with cupferron, ß-naphthol and MWCNTs. The operational mechanism consists of several steps: first, the ligand cupferron on the modified electrode reacts with Cd²⁺ ion to form a chelate compound. Next, this chelate is adsorbed by the carrier ß-naphthol following the principle of organic co-precipitation. Finally, the coprecipitated complex is detected by the GCE. This scheme is interesting because it combines preconcentration and electrochemical detection. Two linear responses are obtained, one in the concentration range of 5.0?×?10^?11 to 1.6?×?10^?8 M, the other in the range of 1.6?×?10^?8 to 1.42?×?10^?6 M, with a lower detection limit of 1.6?×?10^?11 M. This modified GCE does not suffer from significant interferences by Cu(II), Hg(II), Ag(I), Fe(III), Pb(II), Cr(III), Zn(II), NO^3?, Cl^?, SO ₄ ^2? ions and EDTA. The response of the electrode remained constant for at least 3 weeks of successive operation. The method presented here provides a new way for the simultaneous separation, enrichment, and electrochemical detection of trace cadmium ion.

Highly sensitive sensor for detection of NADH based on catalytic growth of Au nanoparticles on glassy carbon electrode

In this work, an electrochemical dihydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) sensor based on the catalytic growth of Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) on glassy carbon electrode was developed. Catalyzed by Au NPs immobilized on pretreated glassy carbon electrode, the reduction of AuCl₄ ^? in the presence of hydroquinone and cetyltrimethyl ammonium chloride led to the formation of enlarged Au NPs on the electrode surface. Spectrophotometry and high-resolution scanning electronic microscope (SEM) analysis of the sensor morphologies before and after biocatalytic reaction revealed a diameter growth of the nanoparticles. The catalytic growth of Au NPs on electrode surface remarkably facilitated the electron transfer and improved the performance of the sensor. Under optimal conditions, NADH could be detected in the range from 1.25?×?10^?6 to 3.08?×?10^?4 M, and the detection limit was 2.5?×?10^?7 M. The advantages of the proposed sensor, such as high precision and sensitivity, fast response, low cost, and good storage stability, made it suitable for on-line detection of NADH in complex biological systems and contaminant degradation processes.

Anodic stripping voltammetric determination of silver ion at a carbon paste electrode modified with carbon nanotubes

A carbon paste electrode (CPE) was modified with multi-wall carbon nanotubes and successfully applied to the determination of silver ion by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry. Compared to a conventional CPE, a remarkably improved peak current response and sensitivity is observed. The analytical procedure consisted of an open circuit accumulation step for 2?min in ?0.4?V, this followed by an anodic potential scan between +0.2 and?+?0.6?V to obtain the voltammetric peak. The oxidation peak current is proportional to the concentration of silver ion in the range from 1.0?×?10^?8 to 1.0?×?10^?5?mol?L^?1, with a detection limit of 1.8?×?10^?9?mol?L^?1 after an accumulation time of 120?s. The relative standard deviation for 7 successive determinations of Ag(I) at 0.1???M concentration is 1.99%. The procedure was validated by determining Ag(I) in natural waters.