Resonant gravimetric immunosensing based on capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducers

High-frequency (40 MHz) and low-frequency (7 MHz) capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducers (CMUT) were fabricated and tested for use in gravimetric detection of biomolecules. The low-frequency CMUT sensors have a gold-coated surface, while the high-frequency sensors have a silicon nitride surface. Both surfaces were functionalized with bovine leukemia virus antigen gp51 acting as the antigen. On addition of an a specific antibody labeled with horseradish peroxidase (HRP), the antigen/antibody complex is formed on the surface and quantified by HRP-catalyzed oxidation of tetramethylbenzidine. It has been found that a considerably smaller quantity of immuno complex is formed on the high frequency sensor surface. In parallel, the loading of the surface of the CMUT was determined via resonance frequency and electromechanical resistance readings. Following the formation of the immuno complexes, the resonance frequencies of the low-frequency and high-frequency sensors decrease by up to 420 and 440 kHz, respectively. Finite element analysis reveals that the loading of the (gold-coated) low frequency sensors is several times larger than that on high frequency sensors. The formation of the protein film with pronounced elasticity and stress on the gold surface case is discussed. We also discuss the adoption of this method for the detection of DNA using a hybridization assay following polymerase chain reaction. Figure

Resonant gravimetric immunosensing with six-channel, 7 MHz capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducer (CMUT). Initial modification by antigen gp51 builds the protein layer with 13.2 GPa elasticity modulus. This increases the resonance frequency of CMUT, which is decreasing after immune complex with antibody is established.     

Terahertz split-ring metamaterials as transducers for chemical sensors based on conducting polymers: a feasibility study with sensing of acidic and basic gases using polyaniline chemosensitive layer

We report on the first application of terahertz metamaterials acting as transducers for chemical sensors based on conducting polymers. In our feasibility study aimed at sensing of gaseous hydrochloric and ammonia, a two-dimensional sensor metamaterial consisting of an array of split-ring resonators on the surface of undoped silicon wafer was prepared. The surface of the resonator was coated with a 150-μm layer of polyaniline. Binding of hydrogen chloride to polyaniline leads to distinct changes in the resonance frequency of the metamaterial. Measurements can be performed both in the reflection and transmission mode. A numerical simulation of the response revealed an increase of both the real and the imaginary components of the dielectric function of the polyaniline film. These changes are attributed to the transition from emaraldine base to emeraldine salt. The results demonstrate a new approach for formation of highly sensitive transducers for chemical sensors.

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In-situ decorated gold nanoparticles on polyaniline with enhanced electrocatalysis toward dopamine

Gold nanoparticles were in-situ decorated on top of a polyaniline film (GNPs–PANI) via the direct electroreduction of the adsorbed AuCl ₄ ^- ions on a glassy carbon electrode that previously was coated with PANI by electropolymerization. The GNPs–PANI composite and the performance of the resultant sensors were investigated in some detail. The sensor was applied to the oxidation of dopamine (DA) with improved catalytic activity. Its catalytic current showed wide linear response toward dopamine ranging from 3 to 115 μM, with a low detection limit of 0.8 μM (S/N=3). In addition, the sensor exhibits easy-operation, fast response to dopamine, as well as excellent reproducibility and stability.

Highly selective piezoelectric sensor for lead(II) based on the lead-catalyzed release of gold nanoparticles from a self-assembled nanosurface

A novel quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor has been developed for highly selective and sensitive detection of Pb²⁺ by exploiting the catalytic effect of Pb²⁺ ions on the leaching of gold nanoparticles from the surface of a QCM sensor. The use of self-assembled gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) strongly enlarges the size of the interface and thus amplifies the analytical response resulting from the loss of mass. This results in a very low detection limit for Pb²⁺ (30 nM). The high selectivity is demonstrated by studying the effect of potentially interfering ions both in the absence and presence of Pb²⁺ ions. This simple and well reproducible sensor was applied to the determination of lead in the spiked drinking water. This work provides a novel strategy for fabricating QCM sensors towards Pb²⁺ in real samples. Figure

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Direct Analysis of Large Living Organism by Megavolt Electrostatic Ionization Mass Spectrometry

A new ambient ionization method allowing the direct chemical analysis of living human body by mass spectrometry (MS) was developed. This MS method, namely Megavolt Electrostatic Ionization Mass Spectrometry, is based on electrostatic charging of a living individual to megavolt (MV) potential, illicit drugs, and explosives on skin/glove, flammable solvent on cloth/tissue paper, and volatile food substances in breath were readily ionized and detected by a mass spectrometer. Figure

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Zundel-Type H-Bonding in Biomolecular Ions

Using quantum chemical calculations and infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy in the fingerprint and X-H stretching regions, we demonstrate here that the all-Ala b ₆ fragment ion features a macrocyclic structure with C₂ symmetry. For this structure, the ionizing proton is equally shared by the Ala(1) and Ala(4) amide oxygens in a Zundel-type symmetric (X…H⁺…X) H-bond. Figure

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Ion Trap Electric Field Characterization Using Slab Coupled Optical Fiber Sensors

This paper presents a method for characterizing electric field profiles of radio frequency (rf) quadrupole ion trap structures using sensors based on slab coupled optical-fiber sensor (SCOS) technology. The all-dielectric and virtually optical fiber-sized SCOS fits within the compact environment required for ion traps and is able to distinguish electric field orientation and amplitude with minimal perturbation. Measurement of the fields offers insight into the functionality of traps, which may not be obtainable solely by performing simulations. The SCOS accurately mapped the well-known field profiles within a commercially available three-dimensional quadrupole ion trap (Paul trap). The results of this test allowed the SCOS to map the more complicated fields within the coaxial ion trap with a high degree of confidence as to the accuracy of the measurement. Figure

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Surface engineering of one-dimensional tin oxide nanostructures for chemical sensors

Nanostructured materials are promising candidates for chemical sensors due to their fascinating physicochemical properties. Among various candidates, tin oxide (SnO₂) has been widely explored in gas sensing elements due to its excellent chemical stability, low cost, ease of fabrication and remarkable reproducibility. We are presenting an overview on recent investigations on 1-dimensional (1D) SnO₂ nanostructures for chemical sensing. In particular, we focus on the performance of devices based on surface engineered SnO₂ nanostructures, and on aspects of morphology, size, and functionality. The synthesis and sensing mechanism of highly selective, sensitive and stable 1D nanostructures for use in chemical sensing are discussed first. This is followed by a discussion of the relationship between the surface properties of the SnO₂ layer and the sensor performance from a thermodynamic point of view. Then, the opportunities and recent progress of chemical sensors fabricated from 1D SnO₂ heterogeneous nanostructures are discussed. Finally, we summarize current challenges in terms of improving the performance of chemical (gas) sensors using such nanostructures and suggest potential applications. Contains 101 references.

Electromechanical biosensors for pathogen detection

Rapid and sensitive detection of pathogen is critical for public health, defense and security. Methods such as culture and immunoassays, though highly selective and accurate, are time-consuming and not sufficient for fast decision-making in many situations. Biosensors have been developed to meet the challenges in pathogen detection. This article reviews the development and application of electromechanical biosensors for pathogen detection. It covers the most commonly used electromechanical biosensor systems, specifically quartz crystal microbalances, cantilever sensors and surface wave acoustic sensors. Sensing principles, immobilization of biorecognition elements, and applications to the detection of pathogens in food and water samples are sequentially discussed.

Polyaniline/gallium doped ZnO heterostructure device via plasma enhanced polymerization technique: Preparation, characterization and electrical properties

The ZnO and gallium-doped ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by simple chemical method and used for the fabrication of p-polyaniline/n-ZnO heterostructures devices in which polyaniline was deposited by plasma-enhanced polymerization. The increment in the crystallite sizes of gallium doped ZnO nanoparticles from ~21.85 nm to ~32.39 nm indicated the incorporation of gallium ion into the ZnO nanoparticles. The surface and structural studies investigated the participation of protonated N atom for the bond formation between polyaniline and gallium-ZnO through partial hydrogen bonding. Compared to a Pt/polyaniline/ZnO diode, the fabricated Pt/polyaniline/gallium-ZnO heterostructure diode exhibited good rectifying behavior with Current–Voltage characteristics of improved saturation current, low ideality factor, and a high barrier height might due to the efficient charge conduction via gallium ion at the junction of the polyaniline/gallium doped-ZnO interface.

Integration of sample pretreatment, μPCR,and detection for a total genetic analysis microsystem

Since the emergence of lab-on-a-chip technology, a variety of chemical and biochemical assays were successfully implemented on microdevice platforms. Among the chip-based applications, genetic analysis based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been extensively developed in order to accomplish the goal of cheap, rapid, high-throughput, and point-of-care DNA testing. We are summarizing here several formats of the miniaturized PCR systems including the integration of units for sample pretreatment and downstream analytical detection. The various sections cover (a) miniaturized PCR systems, (b) integrated sample pretreatment-PCR microsystems, (c) integrated PCR-detection microsystems, and (d) integrated sample pretreatment-PCR-detection microsystems. Respective microdevices were successfully introduced recently in the form of a fully integrated microsystem for genetic analysis with sample-in-answer-out capability. Contains 120 references. Figure

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Polyluminol/hydrogel composites as new electrochemiluminescent-active sensing layers

This paper reports on electrochemiluminescent sensors and biosensors based on polyluminol/hydrogel composite sensing layers using chemical or biological membranes as hydrogel matrices. In this work, luminol is electropolymerized under near-neutral conditions onto screen-printed electrode (SPE)-supported hydrogel films. The working electrode coated with a hydrogel film is soaked in a solution containing monomeric luminol units, allowing the monomeric luminol units to diffuse inside the porous matrix to the electrode surface where they are electropolymerized by cyclic voltammetry (CV). Sensors and enzymatic biosensors for H₂O₂ and choline detection, respectively, have been developed, using choline oxidase (ChOD) as a model enzyme. In this case, hydrogel is used both as the enzymatic immobilization matrix and as a template for the electrosynthesis of polyluminol. The enzyme was immobilized by entrapment in the gel matrix during its formation before electropolymerization of the monomer. Several parameters have been optimized in terms of polymerization conditions, enzyme loading, and average pore size. Using calcium alginate or tetramethoxysilane (TMOS)-based silica as porous matrix, H₂O₂ and choline detection are reported down to micromolar concentrations with three orders of magnitude wide dynamic ranges starting from 4?×?10^?7 M. Polyluminol/hydrogel composites appear as suitable electrochemiluminescence (ECL)-active sensing layers for the design of new reagentless and disposable easy-to-use optical sensors and biosensors, using conventional TMOS-based silica gel or the more original and easier to handle calcium alginate, reported here for the first time in such a configuration, as the biocompatible hydrogel matrix. Figure

Elaboration of electrochemiluminent polyluminol/hydrogel composite sensing layers     

Electromagnetic properties and microwave absorption enhancement of Ba0.85RE0.15Co2Fe16O27-polyaniline composites: RE = Gd,Tb, Ho

The Gd-, Tb-, and Ho-doped W-type hexagonal ferrite Ba_0.85RE_0.15Co₂Fe₁₆O₂₇ was fabricated by a facile route of low-temperature sol–gel self-propagating combustion. Furthermore, a combination of dielectric loss phase polyaniline and magnetic loss phase Ba_0.85RE_0.15Co₂Fe₁₆O₂₇ as the microwave absorber in a core-shell architecture has been synthesized. The effect of different lanthanide ions Gd, Tb, and Ho on their microstructure, static magnetic properties, electromagnetic properties, and microwave reflection loss have been systematically studied. Our results show that the Ho-doped ferrite has the low microstructure parameters (a, c, and V) and high saturation magnetization (Ms) attributed to its ionic radius and magnetic moment. Moreover, it was found that the Ho-doped composite exhibited excellent microwave absorbing property with a minimum reflection loss (RL) of about ?15.1 dB at 9.4 GHz. The reflection loss of composite increases up to almost triple upon the combination of polyaniline and doped ferrite. Such lightweight and highly effective absorbers via combining the organic and inorganic phase into a core-shell architecture are highly desirable for microwave absorber in various applications. Figure

The synthesis and properties of the PANI/REBF composites     

Metal-nanoparticle-involved chemiluminescence and its applications in bioassays

Chemiluminescence-based bioassays have become increasingly important in clinical, pharmaceutical, environmental, and food safety fields owing to their high sensitivity, wide linear range, and simple instrumentation. During the past decade, it has been found that metal nanoparticles can initiate various liquid-phase chemiluminescence reactions as catalysts, reductants, energy acceptors, and nanosized reaction platforms owing to their unique optical, catalytic, and surface properties and chemical reactivity, which are very important for chemiluminescence bioassays based on metal nanoparticles as nanoprobes or a nanointerface. In this article, we summarize recent progress in metal-nanoparticle-initiated liquid-phase chemiluminescence, including reaction systems, mechanisms, and their applications in chemiluminescence-based bioassays, especially for immunoassays, DNA assays, aptamer-based assays, high-performance liquid chromatography or capillary electrophoresis analysis, and flow injection analysis. Figure

Comprehensive summary of metal nanoparticle (NP)-involved chemiluminescence (CL) systems and their applications. CE capillary electrophoresis, HPLC highperformance liquid chromatography     

Higher order structure characterization of protein therapeutics by hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry

Characterization of therapeutic drugs is a crucial step in drug development in the biopharmaceutical industry. Analysis of protein therapeutics is a challenging task because of the complexities associated with large molecular size and 3D structures. Recent advances in hydrogen/deuterium-exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) have provided a means to assess higher-order structure of protein therapeutics in solution. In this review, the principles and procedures of HDX-MS for protein therapeutics characterization are presented, focusing on specific applications of epitope mapping for protein–protein interactions and higher-order structure comparison studies for conformational dynamics of protein therapeutics. Figure

HDX of protein backbone amide hydrogen     

One-pot synthesis of CuInS2 and CuInS2/MS (M=Cd,Zn) core–shell luminescent nanocrystals: a low-temperature and low-cost approach

The single-pot synthesis of highly crystalline and fluorescent chalcopyrite CuInS₂ (CIS) colloidal nanoparticles has been reported by thermal decomposition of metal ethyl xanthate (at ~110 °C) for the first time. The fluorescence emission wavelength can also be readily tuned from the UV to the visible region by merely prolonging the reaction time, as the PL emission may be varied from 550 to 675 nm. The synthesized CIS is subjected to postdeposition treatment with CdS/ZnS in one pot route using cadmium/zinc xanthate at low temperature (~80 °C) to improve the quantum yield of core–shell (CIS/CdS or ZnS) nanocrystallites as compared to CIS core. The stability of core–shell particularly CIS/ZnS system upon continuous laser exposure suggests the formation of surface bonds with superior mechanical stability. This low-cost synthesis of such nontoxic QDs using green chemical routes is a promising approach for the fabrication of optoelectronic and biosensing devices. Graphical Abstract

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Advances in enzyme-free electrochemical sensors for hydrogen peroxide,glucose, and uric acid

Enzyme-free (also called non-enzymatic or direct) electrochemical sensors have been widely used for the determination of hydrogen peroxide, glucose, and uric acid. This review covers the recent progress made in this field. We also discuss the respective sensor materials which have strong effect on the electro-catalytic properties of the electrodes and govern the performance of these sensors. In addition, perspectives and current challenges of enzyme-free electrochemical sensors are outlined. Contains 142 references.

Electrochemical sensing of hydrogen peroxide using metal nanoparticles: a review

We are reviewing the state of electrochemical sensing of H₂O₂ based on the use of metal nanoparticles. The article is divided into subsections on sensors based on nanoparticles made from Ag, Pt, Pd, Cu, bimetallic nanoparticles and other metals. Some sensors display high sensitivity, fast response, and good stability. The review is subdivided into sections on sensors based on heme proteins and on nonenzymatic sensors. We also discussed the challenges of nanoscaled sensors and their future aspects.

Liquid chromatographic enantiomer separation with special focus on zwitterionic chiral ion-exchangers

This article provides a condensed introduction to principles of chiral separation, gives a historic overview of the genesis of the most important concepts regarding chiral stationary phase (CSPs), and summarizes the state of the art in a concise manner. Some recent developments in the field of polysaccharide CSPs are outlined. Finally, the article focusses on the new concept of zwitterionic chiral stationary phases and their application profile and peculiarities. Some other trends in column technology, including sub-2 μm and core–shell CSP particles and the emerging field of (UP)SFC, are briefly discussed. Figure

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