Preparation and Electrochemical Characterization of an Enzyme Electrode Based on Catalase Immobilized onto a Multiwall Carbon Nanotube‐Thionine Film

The present study was aimed at investigating the use of a mixture multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and thionine (Th) dye in designing of a thionine‐based electrochemical biosensor containing catalase (Ct) enzyme (MWCNT‐Nafion‐Th/Ct) onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The effects of pH, MWCNT concentration and thionine concentration on electrochemical response were explored for optimum analytical performance. The modified electrode exhibited a pair of well‐defined, quasi‐reversible peaks at formal potential (E^o′) = ‐0.218 ± 0.017 V vs. Ag/AgCl corresponding to the Th_ox/Th_red redox couples in the presence of MWCNT, Nafion, and Ct. The electrochemical parameters, including charge‐transfer coefficient (0.36), and apparent heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant (4.28 ± 0.26 s^?1) were determined. Using differential pulse voltammetry, the prepared enzyme electrode exhibited a linear response to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in the range of 10.0‐100.0 μM with a detection limit 8.7 μM and a sensitivity of 6051.0 μA mM^?1 cm^?2.     

Impedance‐Based DNA Biosensor Employing Molecular Beacon DNA as Probe and Thionine as Charge Neutralizer

In this paper, we present an impedance‐based DNA biosensor using thionine intercalation to amplify DNA hybridization signal. Beacon single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) probe and mercaptoacetic acid were self‐assembled onto a Au electrode by forming Au? S bonds. These beacon ssDNAs were hybridized with the complementary sequences around the loop structure. Then thionine was intercalated into the double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) immobilized on the Au electrode surface. Due to the neutralization of the negative charges of dsDNA by the intercalated thionine, the electronic transfer resistance (R_et) of the DNA modified Au electrode was significantly diminished. Herein, the decreased value of R_et resulted from the thionine intercalating into dsDNA was employed as the hybridization signal. SDS was used to reduce the unspecific adsorption between ssDNA and thionine. Several experimental conditions, including the surface coverage of ssDNA probe on Au electrode, the hybridization temperature and time were all optimized. Moreover, the hybridization reactions of the unstructured linear ssDNA probe and the structured beacon ssDNA probe with their complementary sequences were compared in this work. The sensitivity of the presented DNA biosensor highlighted that the intercalation of thionine into dsDNA was an efficient approach to amplify the hybridization signal using impedance detection technique. Additionally, in this DNA biosensing protocol, beacon ssDNA has a good ability to distinguish target DNA sequences. This results in a higher specificity than using traditional unstructured DNA probe.     

A New Enzyme Immobilization Technique Based on Thionine‐Bovine Serum Albumin Conjugate and Gold Colloidal Nanoparticles for Reagentless Amperometric Biosensor Applications

A novel enzyme immobilization technique based on thionine‐bovine serum albumin conjugate (Th‐BSA) and gold colloidal nanoparticles (nano‐Au) was developed. Thionine was covalently bound onto the BSA film with glutaraldehyde(GA) as cross‐linker to achieve Th‐BSA conjugate. The free amino groups of thionine were then used to attach nano‐Au for the immobilization of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Such nano‐Au/Th‐BSA matrix shows a favorable microenvironment for retaining the native activity of the immobilized HRP and thionine immobilized in this way can effectively shuttle electrons between the electrode and the enzyme. The proposed biosensor displays excellent catalytic activity and rapid response for H₂O₂. The linear range for the determination of H₂O₂ is from 4.9×10^?7 to 1.6×10^?3 M with a detection limit of 2.1×10^?7 M at 3σ and a Michaelies‐Menten constant K value of 0.023 mM.     

Reversed‐phase ion‐pair high‐performance liquid chromatography assay of polyprenyl diphosphate oligomer homologues

A reversed‐phase ion‐pair high‐performance liquid chromatography procedure was developed for the separation of polyprenyl diphosphate oligomer homologues obtained chemically from plant polyprenols. Tetrabutylammonium phosphate was used as the ion‐pair reagent, and the dependence of the separation quality on pH of ion‐pair reagent was investigated for the first time. The procedure is applicable for the control of commercial available polyprenyl monophosphates (the active components of veterinary drugs Phosprenyl and Gamapren) for the possible presence of polyprenyl diphosphate byproducts.     

Naphthocrown‐Strapped Calix[4]pyrroles: Formation of Self‐Assembled Structures by Ion‐Pair Recognition

A new approach to the construction of self‐assembled structures is reported that is based on ion‐pair recognition. Towards this end, the calix[4]pyrrole naphthocrown‐4 hybrid structures 2 and 3 were prepared. These multitopic receptors contain recognition sites for both anions and cations. On the basis of solution‐phase ¹H NMR spectroscopic analysis and solid‐state single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction structural studies, it was established that receptors 2 and 3 are able to bind specific ion pairs with high selectivity via different binding modes. In the case of CsF and CsCl, the ion‐pair complexes formed from receptors 2 and 3 were found to self‐assemble to produce either linear supramolecular polymeric crystalline solids or nanotube‐like cyclic hexamers depending on the specific choice of ion pairs and crystallization solvents. Proton NMR studies provided evidence for solution‐phase self‐association in organic media.     

New Ion‐Pair Based All‐Solid‐State Surfactant Sensitive Sensor for Potentiometric Determination of Cationic Surfactants

Cationic surfactants of different types were determined using a few potentiometric sensors based on ion‐pair complexes (dodecyldimethylbenzylammonium dodecylsulfate, dodecylmethylbenzylammonium dodecylbenzensulfonate, tetrahexadecylammonium dodecylsulfate and Hyamine (benzethonium dodecylsulfate)) as sensing materials. The response of the all‐solid state surfactant sensitive electrode based on a Teflonized graphite conducting substrate, coated with a PVC membrane containing sensing material, was investigated in the solutions of Hyamine and hexadecyltrimethylammonium ion in the concentration range from 1 μM to 10 mM. Potentiometric surfactant cation titration has been performed using sodium dodecylsulfate as titrant and an ion‐pair‐based surfactant sensitive electrode as a potentiometric indicator. Several commercial surfactant products have also been titrated and the results were compared with those obtained with two‐phase standard titration method.     

Ion‐pair cloud‐point extraction: A new method for the determination of water‐soluble vitamins in plasma and urine

A novel, simple, and effective ion‐pair cloud‐point extraction coupled with a gradient high‐performance liquid chromatography method was developed for determination of thiamine (vitamin B₁), niacinamide (vitamin B₃), pyridoxine (vitamin B₆), and riboflavin (vitamin B₂) in plasma and urine samples. The extraction and separation of vitamins were achieved based on an ion‐pair formation approach between these ionizable analytes and 1‐heptanesulfonic acid sodium salt as an ion‐pairing agent. Influential variables on the ion‐pair cloud‐point extraction efficiency, such as the ion‐pairing agent concentration, ionic strength, pH, volume of Triton X‐100, extraction temperature, and incubation time have been fully evaluated and optimized. Water‐soluble vitamins were successfully extracted by 1‐heptanesulfonic acid sodium salt (0.2% w/v) as ion‐pairing agent with Triton X‐100 (4% w/v) as surfactant phase at 50°C for 10 min. The calibration curves showed good linearity (r² > 0.9916) and precision in the concentration ranges of 1‐50 μg/mL for thiamine and niacinamide, 5–100 μg/mL for pyridoxine, and 0.5–20 μg/mL for riboflavin. The recoveries were in the range of 78.0–88.0% with relative standard deviations ranging from 6.2 to 8.2%.     

The Modification of Screen‐Printed Carbon Electrodes with Amino Group and Its Application to Construct a H2O2 Biosensor

Electrooxidation of thionine on screen‐printed carbon electrode gives rise to the modification of the surface with amino groups for the covalent immobilization of enzymes such as horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The biosensor was constructed using multilayer enzymes which covalently immobilized onto the surface of amino groups modified screen‐printed carbon electrode using glutaraldehyde as a bifunctional reagent. The multilayer assemble of HRP has been characterized with the cyclic voltammetry and the faradaic impedance spectroscopy. The H₂O₂ biosensor exhibited a fast response (2 s) and low detection limit (0.5 μM).     

Ion‐Pair‐Based Assemblies Comprising Pyrrole–Pyrazole Hybrids

Modified 3,5‐dipyrrolylpyrazole (DPP) derivatives in their protonated form produce planar [2+2]‐type complexes with trifluoroacetate (TFA) ions. These complexes serve as constituent components of ion‐pair‐based assemblies. An essential strategy for the construction of dimension‐controlled organized structures based on these [2+2]‐type complexes is the introduction of aryl rings bearing long alkyl chains, which enables the formation of 2D patterns at interfaces, supramolecular gels, and mesophases.     

Mechanism of nucleophilic fluorination promoted by bis‐tert‐alcohol‐functionalized crown‐6‐calix[4]arene

Theoretical calculations were performed to elucidate the ability of the recently reported bis‐tert‐alcohol‐functionalized crown‐6‐calix[4]arene (BACCA) molecule to promote nucleophilic fluorination of alkyl mesylates with cesium fluoride reagent. It was found that a similar structure, named BACCAt, can separate the cesium fluoride ion pair in tert‐butanol solution. This separation has a free energy cost, even considering the double hydrogen bonds with the fluoride ion. The solvent has an important effect on the stabilization of this complex, due to interaction with the high dipole moment of the separated ion pair. The observed rate acceleration effect involves a structure with double hydrogen bonds between the BACCAt and the centers of negative charges of the S_N2 transition state. The predicted free energy barrier of 27.3 kcal mol⁻¹ is in excellent agreement with the estimated experimental value of 26.2 kcal mol⁻¹.     

Retention of nucleic acids in ion‐pair reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography depends not only on base composition but also on base sequence

The study on nucleic acid retention in ion‐pair reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography mainly focuses on size‐dependence, however, other factors influencing retention behaviors have not been comprehensively clarified up to date. In this present work, the retention behaviors of oligonucleotides and double‐stranded DNAs were investigated on silica‐based C₁₈ stationary phase by ion‐pair reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. It is found that the retention of oligonucleotides was influenced by base composition and base sequence as well as size, and oligonucleotides prone to self‐dimerization have weaker retention than those not prone to self‐dimerization but with the same base composition. However, homo‐oligonucleotides are suitable for the size‐dependent separation as a special case of oligonucleotides. For double‐stranded DNAs, the retention is also influenced by base composition and base sequence, as well as size. This may be attributed to the interaction of exposed bases in major or minor grooves with the hydrophobic alky chains of stationary phase. In addition, no specific influence of guanine and cytosine content was confirmed on retention of double‐stranded DNAs. Notably, the space effect resulted from the stereostructure of nucleic acids also influences the retention behavior in ion‐pair reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography.     

Biomolecule‐Doped Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Nanocomposite Film for Label‐Free Electrochemical Immunoassay of α‐1‐Fetoprotein

A new electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of α‐1‐fetoprotien (AFP) was developed based on AFP antibody (anti‐AFP)‐functionalized organic/inorganic hybrid nanocomposite membrane. To fabricate such a hybrid composite membrane, 3,4,9,10‐perylenetetracarboxylic acid‐bound thionine molecules (PTCTH) were initially doped into titania colloids (TiO₂), and then gold nanoparticles and anti‐AFP were immobilized onto the composite film in turn. Comparison with the electrode fabricated only with thionine not 3,4,9,10‐perylenetetracarboxylic acid, the immunosensor with PTCTH exhibited high sensitivity and fast electron transfer. The presence of gold nanoparticles provided a good microenvironment for the immobilization of biomolecules, enhanced the surface coverage of protein, and improved the sensitivity of the immunosensor. The modified process was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The surface topography of the membrane was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Under optimal conditions, the proposed immunosensor exhibited a wide linear range from 2.5 to 200.0 ng/mL towards AFP with a detection limit of 0.5 ng/mL (S/N=3). The stability, reproducibility and precision of the immunosensor were acceptable. Comparison with the conventional enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the present method did not require more labeled procedures and washing steps. Significantly, the detection methodology provides a promising approach for other proteins or biosecurities.     

Comparison of Multi‐walled Carbon Nanotubes and Poly(3‐octylthiophene) as Ion‐to‐Electron Transducers in All‐Solid‐State Potassium Ion‐Selective Electrodes

Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were compared with poly(3‐octylthiophene) (POT) as ion‐to‐electron transducer in all‐solid‐state potassium ion‐selective electrodes with valinomycin‐based ion‐selective membranes. MWCNTs and POT were mixed with the other components of the potassium ion‐selective membrane cocktail (valinomycin, KTpClPB, o‐NPOE, PVC, THF) which was then applied on a glassy carbon (GC) substrate to prepare single‐piece ion‐selective electrodes (SPISEs). Results from potentiometric and impedance measurements showed that the MWCNT‐based electrodes have a more reproducuible standard potential and a lower overall impedance than the electrodes based on POT. Both types of electrodes showed similar sensitivity to potassium ions and no redox sensitivity.     

A Highly Stabilizing Silver(I)‐Mediated Base Pair in Parallel‐Stranded DNA

The first parallel‐stranded DNA duplex with Hoogsteen base pairing that readily incorporates an Ag⁺ ion into an internal mispair to form a metal‐mediated base pair has been created. Towards this end, the highly stabilizing 6 FP ‐Ag⁺‐ 6 FP base pair comprising the artificial nucleobase 6‐furylpurine ( 6 FP ) was devised. A combination of temperature‐dependent UV spectroscopy, CD spectroscopy, and DFT calculations was used to confirm the formation of this base pair. The nucleobase 6 FP is capable of forming metal‐mediated base pairs both by the Watson–Crick edge (i.e. in regular antiparallel‐stranded DNA) and by the Hoogsteen edge (i.e. in parallel‐stranded DNA), depending on the oligonucleotide sequence and the experimental conditions. The 6 FP ‐Ag⁺‐ 6 FP base pair within parallel‐stranded DNA is the most strongly stabilizing Ag⁺‐mediated base pair reported to date for any type of nucleic acid, with an increase in melting temperature of almost 15 °C upon the binding of one Ag⁺ ion.     

Conducting Polymer‐Based Solid‐State Ion‐Selective Electrodes

Conducting polymers, i.e., electroactive conjugated polymers, are useful both as ion‐to‐electron transducers and as sensing membranes in solid‐state ion‐selective electrodes. Recent achievements over the last few years have resulted in significant improvements of the analytical performance of solid‐contact ion‐selective electrodes (solid‐contact ISEs) based on conducting polymers as ion‐to‐electron transducer combined with polymeric ion‐selective membranes. A significant amount of research has also been devoted to solid‐state ISEs based on conducting polymers as the sensing membrane. This review gives a brief summary of the progress in the area in recent years.     

Implications of monomer and initiator structure on the dissociative electron‐transfer step of SET‐LRP

The heterolytic dissociation process associated with the activation of Single Electron‐Transfer Living Radical Polymerization is examined through the use of energy profile modeling. Monomer and initiator structure is correlated with the approximate activation barriers, energies of electrostatic ion‐radical pair formation, and stability of ion‐radical pair generated from the counteranion halide leaving group and the radical atom with partial positive charge density induced by its electron‐withdrawing substituent. Energy profiles permit access not just to one, but to all local minima, in the dissociation pathway and the identification of a global minimum. The location and energy of this global minimum allows for the placement of various initiators and dormant propagating macroradicals on the spectrum between stepwise and concerted dissociative electron‐transfer. The barrier for the activation step for alkyl‐halides derived from acrylates, vinyl halides, and styrenes, as well as from initiators bearing electron‐withdrawing groups is decreased in comparison to relatively more electron‐rich alkyl halides. This rate enhancement is explained through the sticky dissociative model wherein electron‐transfer is accelerated by the formation of strong ion‐radical pairs between radicals with partial positive charge density and their counteranion leaving group. Greater electron‐withdrawing capacity of the alkyl halide substituent increases the stability of the ion‐radical pair, reduces its equilibrium bond length, and accelerates electron‐transfer. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 5663–5697, 2008     

On‐line Liquid‐liquid Extraction Coupled to a Reversed Micellar‐mediated Chemiluminescence Detection System: Application to the Determination of Amino/Nitroaromatic Compounds

A simple and fast flow method for the trace level determination of p‐toluidine, 2‐methyl‐5‐nitroaniline, and 2,4‐dinitroaniline in aqueous samples is reported. These amino/nitroaromatics are related to trinitrotoluene (TNT) and appear during the degradation process of the explosive. The chemical principles of ion‐pair formation and liquid‐liquid extraction are applied: In aqueous acidic medium, the protonated analyte [HA]⁺ makes an ion‐pair with the tetrachloroaurate(III) ion, followed by on‐line ion‐pair extraction into the dichloromethane carrier used. After membrane separation, the CH₂Cl₂ containing the ion‐pair, [HA]⁺[AuCl₄]⁻, is mixed with the reversed micellar luminescent reagent of luminol (in 0.3 M Na₂CO₃) prepared from cetyl‐trimethylammonium chloride in CH₂Cl₂‐cyclohexane and the [AuCl₄⁻‐luminol chemiluminescence (CL) output is recorded. The detection limits (S/N> 3) are: p‐toluidine, 1.0 × 10⁻⁴M; 2‐methyl‐5‐nitroaniline, 1.0 × 10⁻⁷ M; 2,4‐dinitroaniline, 1.0 × 10⁻⁷ M, while the calibration curves are linear between 1.0 × 10⁻⁴ — 1.0 × 10⁻² M for all the compounds. Although spectral studies indicated the formation and extraction of a very small amount of the ion‐pair species, the reversed micellar‐mediated CL detection system provides an alternative procedure for the determination of degradation products of the explosive TNT in environmental aqueous samples.     

Reversed‐phase ion‐pair solid‐phase extraction and ion chromatography analysis of pyrrolidinium ionic liquid cations in environmental water samples

A method of reversed‐phase ion‐pair solid‐phase extraction combined with ion chromatography for determination of pyrrolidinium ionic liquid cations (N‐methyl‐N‐ethyl pyrrolidinium, N‐methyl‐N‐propyl pyrrolidinium, and N‐methyl‐N‐butyl pyrrolidinium) in water samples was developed in this study. First, ion‐pair reagent sodium heptanesulfonate was added to the water samples after static, centrifugation and filteration. Then, pyrrolidinium cations in the samples were enriched and purified by a reversed‐phase solid‐phase extraction column, and eluted from the column with methanol aqueous solution as eluent. Finally, the eluate collected was analyzed by ion chromatography. The separation and direct conductivity detection of these pyrrolidinium cations by ion‐exchange column using 1.0 mM methanesulfonic acid (in water)/acetonitrile (97:3, v:v) as mobile phase was achieved within 10 min. By using this method, pyrrolidinium cations in Songhua River and Hulan River were successfully extracted with the recoveries ranging from 74.2 to 97.1% and the enrichment factor assessed as 60. Pyrrolidinium cations with the concentration of 0.001?0.03 mg/L can be enriched and detected in the water samples. The developed method for the determination of pyrrolidinium ionic liquid cations in water samples is simple and reliable, which provides a reference for the study of the potential impact of ionic liquids on the environment.     

Preparation of l‐phenylalanine‐imprinted solid‐phase extraction sorbent by Pickering emulsion polymerization and the selective enrichment of l‐phenylalanine from human urine

A novel l‐ phenylalanine molecularly imprinted solid‐phase extraction sorbent was synthesized by the combination of Pickering emulsion polymerization and ion‐pair dummy template imprinting. Compared to other polymerization methods, the molecularly imprinted polymers thus prepared exhibit a high specific surface, large pore diameter, and appropriate particle size. The key parameters for solid‐phase extraction were optimized, and the result indicated that the molecularly imprinted polymer thus prepared exhibits a good recovery of 98.9% for l‐ phenylalanine. Under the optimized conditions of the procedure, an analytical method for l‐ phenylalanine was well established. By comparing the performance of the molecularly imprinted polymer and a commercial reverse‐phase silica gel, the obtained molecularly imprinted polymer as an solid‐phase extraction sorbent is more suitable, exhibiting high precision (relative standard deviation 3.2%, n = 4) and a low limit of detection (60.0 ± 1.9 nmol·L^?1) for the isolation of l‐ phenylalanine. Based on these results, the combination of the Pickering emulsion polymerization and ion‐pair dummy template imprinting is effective for preparing selective solid‐phase extraction sorbents for the separation of amino acids and organic acids from complex biological samples.     

Solid‐phase extraction and residue determination of glyphosate in apple by ion‐pairing reverse‐phase liquid chromatography with pre‐column derivatization

A new method for glyphosate residue determination in apple has been developed. A SPE cartridge was used to clean up the samples before derivatization. Glyphosate was derivatized with 4‐chloro‐3,5‐dinitrobenzotrifluoride (CNBF) and quantified by reverse ion‐pair liquid chromatography using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as ion‐pair reagent. In pH 9.5 H₃BO₃–Na₂B₄O₇ medium, the reaction of glyphosate with CNBF was complete after 30 min at 60°C. The stability of the derivative on exposure to light at room temperature in methanol–water was demonstrated. The labeled glyphosate was separated on a Kromasil C₁₈ column (250×4.6 mm, 5 μm) at room temperature and UV detection was applied at 360 nm. Separation was achieved within 15 min in gradient elution mode. The correlation coefficient for the method was 0.9998 at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 50 μg/g. The calculated recoveries for glyphosate in apple were from 86.00 to 99.55%, and the relative standard deviations (n = 6) were from 1.43 to 6.32. The limit of detection was 0.01 μg/g for glyphosate in apple.