Piezoelectric atrazine sensor based on a molecularly imprinted film of titanium dioxide

We have developed a piezoelectric sensor for the determination of atrazine. It is based on the modification of a molecularly imprinted film of TiO₂ that was placed on a quartz crystal via a surface sol?Cgel process. The resulting sensor exhibits high selectivity for atrazine, a re-usability that is better than that of other sensors, a response time of 3?min, a wider linear range (0.0005?C8?mM), and a lower detection limit (0.1???M). The analytical application of the atrazine sensor confirms the feasibility of atrazine determination.

Nanomolar amperometric sensing of hydrogen peroxide using a graphite pencil electrode modified with palladium nanoparticles

We report on a simple and rapid method for the preparation of a disposable palladium nanoparticle-modified graphite pencil electrode (PdNP-GPE) for sensing hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The bare and PdNP-modified GPEs were characterized by cyclic voltammetry and SEM. The two electrodes displayed distinct electrocatalytic activities in response to the electrochemical reduction of H₂O₂. The amperometric detection limits were 45 nM and 0.58 mM, respectively, for the PdNP-GPE and bare-GPE, at an S/N of 3. The electrodes can be prepared simply and at low cost, and represent a promising tool for sensing H₂O₂.

Synthesis of multi-branched gold nanoparticles by reduction of tetrachloroauric acid with Tris base, and their application to SERS and cellular imaging

A biosensor for hydrogen peroxide was constructed by immobilizing horseradish peroxidase on chitosan-wrapped NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The electron mediator carboxyferrocene was also immobilized on the surface of the GCE. UV?Cvis spectra, Fourier transform IR spectra, scanning electron microscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectra were acquired to characterize the biosensor. The experimental conditions were studied and optimized. The biosensor responds linearly to H₂O₂ in the range from 1.0?×?10^?5 to 2.0?×?10^?3?M and with a detection limit of 2.0?×?10^?6?M (at S/N?=?3).

Lanthanoid complexes with thenoyltrifluoroacetone and 4-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-tetraacetic acid tetraethyl ester: synergistic extraction and separation

The solvent extraction of fourteen lanthanoid ions with thenoyltrifluoroacetone (HTTA) in combination with tetraethyl 4-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-tetraacetic acid tetraethyl ester (S) from a perchlorate medium at constant ionic strength was investigated. The extracted species were identified as the Ln(TTA)₃·S complexes by slope analysis. Equilibrium constants, parameters for extraction, and the synergistic and separation factors between two adjacent Ln(III) ions were determined.

New synthesis of gold nanocorals using a diazonium compound,and their application to an electrochemiluminescent assay of hydrogen peroxide

The reaction of hydrogen tetracholoroaurate, sodium borohydride and the diazonium compound prepared from 4-aminobenzoic acid results in the formation of gold nanocorals (Au-NCs) for the first time. Scanning electron microscopy images and transmission electron microscopy images show that the Au-NCs are composed of nanowires with a diameter of 5.3 nm. A glassy carbon electrode modified with Au-NCs is found to trigger intense electrochemiluminescence of the luminol/H₂O₂ system at a potential of ?0.13 V. The effect was exploited to determine H₂O₂ in the 0.1 to 100 μM concentration range with a 30 nM detection limit.

Enhancement of the chemiluminescence of permanganate-formaldehyde system by gold/silver nanoalloys and its application to trace determination of melamine

We have examined the specificity of electrosynthesized poly-o-phenylenediamine as a kind of material molecularly imprinted with metal chelates. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were prepared in situ by an electrochemical method. The EDTA chelate complexes of Cu(II), Zn(II), Fe(III) and Cd(II) ions were used as templates of the MIPs deposited on a gold electrode of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). The binding ability and specificity of the MIPs were investigated via the frequency response of the QCM to the adsorption of the template chelates and their analogs. Linear relationships are observed between the frequency shift and the concentration of the template chelates over a typical range of ~10^?6 to ~10^?4?mol·L^?1. The results reveal good binding specificity of such MIPs for their templates over structurally related analogs, but the selectivity coefficients are less significant than that for enantiomers. The results also suggest no significant correlation between binding specificity and the ionic (or atomic) radius of the investigated metal ions. The observed specificity is qualitatively attributed to the overall conformational difference of the metal-EDTA complexes resulting from their difference in both ionic radius and electronic structures.

A study on the direct electrochemistry and electrocatalysis of microperoxidase-11 immobilized on a porous network-like gold film: Sensing of hydrogen peroxide

We have prepared porous and network-like nanofilms of gold by galvanic replacement of a layer of copper particles acting as a template. The films were first characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, and then modified with cysteamine so to enable the covalent immobilization of the enzyme microperoxidase-11. The immobilized enzyme undergoes direct electron transfer to the underlying electrodes, and the electrode displays high electrocatalytic activity towards the reduction of oxygen and hydrogen peroxide, respectively, owing to the largely enhanced electroactive surface of the porous gold film. The detection limit of H₂O₂ is 0.4 μM (3 S/N).

ITO electrode modified by a gold ion implantation technique for direct electrocatalytic sensing of hydrogen peroxide

We report on a non-enzymatic amperometric sensor for hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). It was fabricated by electrodeposition of multi-wall carbon nanotubes and polyaniline along with platinum nanoparticles on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode. The modification was probed by scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The resulting sensor exhibits a high sensitivity (748.4?μA·mM^?1·cm^?2), a wide linear range (7.0?μM–2.5?mM), a low detection limit (2.0?μM) (S/N?=?3), a short response time (>5?s), and long-term stability, and is not interfered by common species. It was successfully applied to determine H₂O₂ in disinfectants.

Extraction behavior of copper(II) ion with a hydrophobic amino-functionalized ionic liquid

We have prepared the hydrophobic amino-functionalized ionic liquid (IL) 1-(2-aminoethyl)-3-butylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate and investigated its extraction behavior for copper(II) ion as a model cation. The IL, due to the presence of an amino group, is capable of complexing Cu(II) in a ratio of 6:1. The parameters affecting the extraction efficiency were optimized. The IL-based liquid–liquid microextraction was successfully applied to the analysis of Cu(II) in an environmental water standard reference material. The results are promising in terms of liquid–liquid microextraction, separation, and preconcentration of Cu(II).

Fluorescence-based immunoassay for human chorionic gonadotropin based on polyfluorene-coated silica nanoparticles and polyaniline-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles

We report on an ultrasensitive fluorescence immunoassay for human chorionic gonadotrophin antigen (hCG). It is based on the use of silica nanoparticles coated with a copolymer (prepared from a fluorene, a phenylenediamine, and divinylbenzene; PF@SiO₂) that acts as a fluorescent label for the secondary monoclonal antibody to β-hCG antigen. In parallel, Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were coated with polyaniline, and these magnetic particles (Fe₃O₄@PANI) served as a solid support for the primary monoclonal antibody to β-hCG antigen. The PF@SiO₂ exhibited strong fluorescence and good dispersibility in water. A fluorescence sandwich immunoassay was developed that enables hCG concentrations to be determined in the 0.01–100 ng·mL^?1 concentration range, with a detection limit of 3 pg·mL^?1.

Direct Detection of Solid Inorganic Mercury Salts at Ambient Pressure by Electron-Capture and Reaction-Assisted HePI Mass Spectrometry

Solid HgCl₂ is readily detected at ambient conditions by electron capture in a HePI-MS source. The captured electron occupies the empty 6 s orbital of the Hg atom. The resulting radical-anion HgCl₂ ^?? can exist as three “flexomers” of different Cl-Hg-Cl angle. The facile in-source formation of HgCl₂ ^?? and the adduct [HgCl₃]^–- is exploited to detect other solid Hg compounds by exposing them to an external chloride source, such as HCl, NaCl, or vapors emanating from solid TiCl₃. In situ oxidation of Hg₂Cl₂ with H₂O₂ generated signals for HgCl₂ ^?? and [HgCl₃] ^–, suggesting that oxidation makes Hg 6 s orbital available for electron capture.

Electrochemical immunoassay for subgroup J of avian leukosis viruses using a glassy carbon electrode modified with a film of poly (3-thiophene boronic acid), gold nanoparticles, graphene and immobilized antibody

We have modified a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with a film of poly(3-thiophene boronic acid), gold nanoparticles and graphene, and an antibody (Ab) was immobilized on its surface through the covalent bond formed between the boronic acid group and the glycosyl groups of the Ab. Subgroup J of avian leukosis viruses (ALV-J) were electrochemically determined with the help of this electrode. There is a linear relationship between the electron transfer resistance (R _et) and the concentration of ALV-J in the range from 527 to 3,162 TCID₅₀?mL^?1 (where TCID₅₀ is the 50?% tissue culture infective dose). The detection limit is 210 TCID₅₀?mL^?1 (at an S/N of 3), and the correlation coefficient (R) is 0.9964. The electrochemical immunoassay showed good selectivity, stability and reproducibility.

Fluorescent sensing of nitrite at nanomolar level using functionalized mesoporous silica

Aminopyrene was covalently anchored onto mesoporous silica through serial post-grafting to obtain a fluorescent solid that can be used as a sensing material for the determination of nitrite. The latter, in acidic medium, reacts with the secondary amino groups on the material to form a non-fluorescent nitroso derivative. Based on the fluorescence quenching caused by this specific reaction, a method was developed for the determination of nitrite at nanomolar levels. The range for detection of nitrite in 1.5?mol.L^?1 HCl is linear between 1.50?nM to 0.45???M and 0.45???M to 2.22???M, the detection limit being 1.10?nM and 0.307???M respectively at an S/N of 3.

Sensitive electrochemical sensor for hydrogen peroxide using Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles as a mimic for peroxidase

A sensor for hydrogen peroxide is described that is based on an indium tin oxide electrode modified with Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles which act as a mimic for the enzyme peroxidase and greatly improve the analytical performance of the sensor. The amperometric current is linearly related to the concentration of H₂O₂ in the range from 0.2 mM to 2 mM, the regression equation is y?=?-0.5–1.82x, the correlation coefficient is 0.998 (n?=?3), and the detection limit is 0.01 mM (S/N?=?3). The sensor exhibits favorable selectivity and excellent stability.

Hydrogen peroxide sensor based on a stainless steel electrode coated with multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified with magnetite nanoparticles

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were decorated with magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles and then used to modify a stainless steel electrode. The Fe₃O₄/MWCNTs composite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction patterns. Electrochemical properties of the modified electrode revealed a substantial catalytic activity for the reduction of hydrogen peroxide. The relationship between peak current and the concentration of hydrogen peroxide was linear in the range from 0.06?mmol?L^?1 to 0.36?mmol?L^?1, and the lowest detectable concentration is 0.01?mmol·L^?1 (S/N?=?3). The modified stainless steel electrode displays excellent stability.

Synthesis and application of head-to-head-type styrene dimers bearing two fluoroalkyl end-groups

Head-to-head-type styrene and substituted styrene dimers bearing two fluoroalkyl end-groups have been efficiently synthesized by a simple reaction of perfluoroalkyl iodide with styrene under radical conditions as a mixture of meso and racemic forms. The meso form obtained from the mixture by recrystallization gave a crystal suitable for X-ray diffraction study and the crystal structure was found to be based on π-stacking of benzene rings and aggregation of fluoroalkyl chains. Dynamic light scattering measurements showed that meso-styrene dimers bearing two fluoroalkyl end-groups can form the nanometer size-controlled self-assemblies through the intermolecular π-stacking of benzene rings and aggregation of end-capped fluoroalkyl groups in methanol.

Pd(0) and Pd(II) derivatives with heteroannularly bridged chiral ferrocenyl diphosphine ligands - A stereochemical analysis

The ligands (S_c, S_p)-1-diphenylphosphino-2,1′-(1-dicyclohexylphosphinopropanediyl)ferrocene, (S_c, S_p)-PP^CyPF, and (S_c, S_p)-1-diphenylphosphino-2,1′-(1-diphenylphosphinopropanediyl)ferrocene, (S_c, S_p)-PP^PhPF, have been used in the synthesis of the new Pd(0) and Pd(II) derivatives [Pd(PP^CyPF)(DMFU)] (1) (DMFU = dimethylfumarate), [Pd(PP^CyPF)(MA)] (2) (MA = maleic anhydride), [Pd(η³-2-Me-C₃H₄)(PP)]OTf (PP = PP^CyPF, 3; PP^PhPF, 4) (OTf = triflate), [PdRR′(PP)] (R = Me, R′ = Cl, PP = PP^CyPF, 5, PP^PhPF, 6; R = R′ = Me, PP = PP^CyPF, 7, PP^PhPF, 8; R = R′ = C₆F₅, PP = PP^CyPF, 9, PP^PhPF, 10). The molecular structure of 7 has been determined by X-ray diffraction. In the cases of complexes 1-4 two isomers are formed depending on the orientation of the ancillary ligand with respect to the ferrocenyl core. The stereochemistry of these complexes has been determined. In complex 6 the two possible isomers are obtained whereas in complex 5 the derivative with the Me group trans to PPh₂ is selectively formed. Restricted rotation of the pentafluorophenyl groups with respect to the Pd-C bond has been found in 9 and 10. In all derivatives the conformation of the ferrocenyl ligand is the same as that seen by X-ray diffraction and deduced from NMR data.     

Electrochemical detection of in situ DNA damage induced by enzyme-catalyzed Fenton reaction. Part II in hydrophobic room temperature ionic liquid

A hydrophobic room temperature ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM][PF₆]), was applied as nonaqueous solvent for the generation of hydroxy radical (?OH) through glucose oxidase-catalyzed Fenton reaction. The enzyme catalyzes the oxidation of glucose, and the produced H₂O₂ further reacts with transition metal ions, generating hydroxyl radicals. They attacked DNA and led its damage. This was detected by square wave voltammetry (SWV) of the electroactive indicator Co(bpy) ₃ ³⁺ . It bound more strongly to intact DNA, and the SWV peak currents decreased at the potential of 0.064?V when DNA was damaged. The experimental results testified that the antioxidants, ascorbic acid, aloe-emodin and rutin, inhibited oxidative DNA damage by hydroxyl radicals. The method is promising for rapid, sensitive, and inexpensive detection of DNA damage.

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.