Fluorescence detection of adenosine-5′-triphosphate and alkaline phosphatase based on the generation of CdS quantum dots

We have developed an analytical method to detect adenosine-5′-triphosphate (ATP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) based on the generation of CdS quantum dots (QDs). We demonstrated that Cd²⁺ cation reacts with S²⁻ anion to generate fluorescent CdS QDs in the presence of some certain amount of ATP. With increase in the ATP concentration, the fluorescence intensity of CdS QDs was also enhanced. ATP can be converted into adenosine by the dephosphorylation of ALP, so that the generation of CdS QDs would be inhibited in the presence of ALP. Therefore, this novel analysis system could be applied to assay ATP and ALP based on the growth of fluorescent CdS QDs.     

Control of particle size distribution of CdS quantum dots in gel matrix

A novel sol-gel process has been developed to prepare nano-sized CdS quantum dots to improve the nonlinear optical properties. A bifunctional ligand, 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane H₂N(CH₂)₃Si(OC₂H₅)₃, was used to disperse the Cd²⁺ ions in the gel solution. The CdO and CdS particles were observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The size of CdS microcrystallites with concentrations up to 13 wt.% in SiO₂ gel matrix was found to be in the range of 2–4 nm with a very sharp size distribution. A well-defined absorption edge was observed in the absorption spectrum.     

Dual-functional photocatalysis boosted by electrostatic assembly of porphyrinic metal-organic framework heterojunction composites with CdS quantum dots

Photocatalytic dual-functional reaction under visible light irradiation represents a sustainable development strategy. In detail, H₂ production coupled with benzylamine oxidation can remarkably lower the cost by replacing sacrificial agents. In this work, Cd S quantum dots(Cd S QDs) were successfully loaded onto the surface of a porphyrinic metal-organic framework(Pd-PCN-222) by the electrostatic selfassembly at room temperature. The consequent Pd-PCN-222/CdS heterojunction composites...     

Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution by Oleic Acid‐Capped CdS,CdSe, and CdS0.75Se0.25 Alloy Nanocrystals

Photocatalytic generation of hydrogen by using oleic acid‐capped CdS, CdSe, and CdS_0.75Se_0.25 alloy nanocrystals (quantum dots) has been investigated under visible‐light irradiation by employing Na₂S and Na₂SO₃ as hole scavengers. Highly photostable CdS_0.75Se_0.25 alloy nanocrystals gave the highest hydrogen evolution rate (1466 μmol h^?1 g^?1), which was about three times higher than that of CdS and seven times higher than that of CdSe.     

Reverse micelle-derived Cu-doped Zn1−xCdxS quantum dots and their core/shell structure

Reverse micelle chemistry-derived Cu-doped Zn_1?xCd_xS quantum dots (QDs) with the composition (x) of 0, 0.5, 1 are reported. The Cu emission was found to be dependent on the host composition of QDs. While a dim green/orange emission was observed from ZnS:Cu QDs, a relatively strong red emission could be obtained from CdS:Cu and Zn_0.5Cd_0.5S:Cu QDs. Luminescent properties of undoped QDs versus Cu-doped ones and quantum yields of alloyed ZnCdS versus CdS QDs are compared and discussed. To enhance Cu-related red emission of CdS:Cu and Zn_0.5Cd_0.5S:Cu core QDs, core/shell structured QDs with a wider band gap of ZnS shell are also demonstrated.     

PAMAM树形分子模板法原位合成发紫光CdS量子点的研究

半导体纳米粒子由于具有明显的量子尺寸效应,被形象地称为量子点(quantum dots)。量子点的发射波长可以通过改变粒子尺寸进行调节,并且由于是多电子体系发光,其荧光寿命较长,量子产率和光学稳定性能均优于荧光染料,可望成为新一代的发光材料和荧光探针[1,2]。为此,制备尺寸可控、荧光量子产率高、水溶性的半导体量子点成为很多科研人员的研究目标。树形分子科学的发展,为纳米材料的合成开辟了一条崭新的道路。人们利用树形分子独特的结构特征,将其作为纳米反应器和纳米容器,合成了尺寸均匀、分散性好的Ag、Cu、Pt、Pd等纳米簇[3￣7]。1998…     

A Förster Resonance Energy Transfer Ratiometric Probe Based on Quantum Dot-Cresyl Violet for Imaging Hydrogen Sulfide in Living Cells

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has been confirmed as a significant endogenous gaseous signaling molecule involved in various physiological processes. In order to monitor H₂S in living cells, a Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) ratiometric probe based on quantum dot-cresyl violet was developed. In this work, the quantum dot nanospheres via a facile ultrasonication emulsion strategy, and the mixture chloroform solution containing hydrophobic quantum dots and COOH-functionalized amphiphilic polymer were successfully transferred into the oil-in-water micelle. The negatively charged quantum dot nanospheres with quantum dots embedded in the polymer matrixes were successfully fabricated after the evaporation of chloroform. And then, these quantum dot nanospheres were condensed with positively charged cresyl violet-azide (CV-N₃) via electrostatic interaction to obtain the complexes (QDS-N₃). The as-prepared QDS-N₃ complexes were monodispersed nanospheres with an average diameter of about 120 nm. These complexes were taken up by the cell through endocytosis, and they were still stable even in wide pH range. In addition, the QDS-N₃ complexes exhibited no cellular toxicity which was verified by MTT assay. In this ratiometric probe, CV-N₃ as a FRET acceptor was conjugated to quantum dot nanospheres. The quantum dots emitted at 591 nm and served as the FRET donor; once the aryl azide on the CV-N₃ was reduced by H₂S to aniline, the probe emitted at 620 nm. The ratiometric probe allowed the elimination of interference of excitation intensity, intracellular environment and other factors. Furthermore, this method also offered a general protocol for preparing nanosensors for monitoring various small molecular in living cells.     

Label-free Photoelectrochemical Aptasensor for the Determination of Carcinoembryonic Antigen Using a Cadmum Sulfide Quantum Dot Sensitized Titanium (IV) Oxide Nanotube Electrode

A label-free photoelectrochemical aptasensor for the sensitive and selective determination of carcinoembryonic antigen was constructed based on a CdS quantum dot sensitized TiO₂ nanotube electrode. TiO₂ nanotubes with highly ordered structure and more active sites than bulk TiO₂ were prepared with an electrochemical anodic oxidation process. The CdS quantum dots were immobilized on the TiO₂ nanotubes using poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) as a bridge. Due to the energy level match between TiO₂ and CdS, the CdS quantum dots/TiO₂ nanotubes electrode exhibits excellent photoelectrochemical performance. The large surface area of the electrode also allows for capturing large numbers of aptamers. The fine photoelectrochemical performance and the large surface area of the electrode greatly enhanced the detection sensitivity. Under the optimal conditions, the prepared photoelectrochemical aptasensor presents desirable analytical properties for the determination of carcinoembryonic antigen in the range of 0.05 to 10?ng?mL^?1 with a detection limit of 0.014?ng?mL^?1. The application of the designed protocol was investigated by analyzing carcinoembryonic antigen in human serum samples with recoveries from 80.0 to 115.0%. This simple and sensitive method provides an alternative tool to standard biochemical assays.     

Sensing during In Situ Growth of Mn‐Doped ZnS QDs: A Phosphorescent Sensor for Detection of H2S in Biological Samples

Monitoring the in situ growth of Mn‐doped ZnS quantum dots is shown to be a route to selectively detect H₂S, an important endogenously produced signalling molecule. The use of Mn²⁺ as a dopant resulted in orange phosphorescence, making it possible to avoid the background fluorescence from biological surroundings that can occur at other wavelengths. The choice of ZnS QDs as the host material ensured selectivity, since only sulfide can precipitate Zn²⁺ and Mn²⁺ from aqueous solution.     

Light conversion efficiency of flower like structure TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> thin film solar cells

Flower like structure TiO₂ thin films have been grown onto ITO coated glass substrates by sol–gel method. TiO₂ nano flowers have been sensitized using CdS quantum dots prepared using simple precursors by chemical method. The assembly of CdS quantum dots with TiO₂ nano flower has been used as photo-electrode in quantum dot sensitized solar cells. The surface morphology has been studied using scanning electron microscope; it shows that the film exhibits flower like structure. The absorption spectra reveals that the absorption edge of CdS quantum dot sensitized TiO₂ nano flower shifts towards longer wavelength side when compared to the absorption edge of TiO₂ nano flower. The efficiency of the fabricated CdS quantum dot sensitized TiO₂ nano flower based solar cell is 0.66%.     

Fabrication of Hemoglobin/Ionic Liquid Modified Carbon Paste Electrode Based on the Electrodeposition of Gold Nanoparticles/CdS Quantum Dots and Its Electrochemical Application

A novel H₂O₂ amperometric biosensor based on the electrodeposition of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and CdS quantum dots (CdS QDs) onto a carbon paste electrode (CPE) and immobilizing hemoglobin (Hb) with ionic liquid (IL), is presented in this article. The modification process of the electrode was monitored by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Due to synergistic effects of AuNPs, CdS QDs and IL, the biosensor exhibited high stability and good bioelectrocatalytic ability to H₂O₂ with a linear concentration range from 10 to 750 µM and a detection limit of 4.35 µM (S/N=3).     

Quantum dots co-sensitized solar cells: a new assembly process of CdS/CdSe linked to mesoscopic TiO2-nano-SiO2 hybrid film

A green and simple method was found to prepare CdS/CdSe co-sensitized photoelectrodes for the quantum dots sensitized solar cells application. All the assembly processes of CdS and CdSe quantum dots (QDs) were carried out in aqueous solution. CdS and CdSe QDs were sequentially assembled onto TiO₂-nano-SiO₂ hybrid film by two steps. Firstly, CdS QDs were deposited in situ over TiO₂-nano-SiO₂ hybrid film by the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) process in water. Secondly, using 3-mercaptopropionic acid (3-MPA) as a linker molecule, the pre-prepared colloidal CdSe QDs (~3.0 nm) dissolved in water was linked onto the TiO₂-nano-SiO₂ hybrid film by the self-assembled monolayer technique with the mode of dropwise. The mode is simple and advantageous to saving materials and time. The results show that the photovoltaic performance of the cells is enhanced with the increase of SILAR cycles for TiO₂-nano-SiO₂/CdS photoelectrode. The power conversion efficiency of 2.15 % was achieved using the co-sensitization photoelectrode prepared by using 6 SILAR cycles of CdS plus CdSe (TiO₂-nano-SiO₂/CdS(6)/CdSe) under the illumination of one sun (AM1.5, 100 mW/cm²).     

Fluorescence ELISA for sensitive detection of ochratoxin A based on glucose oxidase-mediated fluorescence quenching of CdTe QDs

The present study described a novel fluorescence enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) used to detect ochratoxin A (OTA) by using the glucose oxidase (GOx)-mediated fluorescence quenching of mercaptopropionic acid-capped CdTe quantum dots (MPA-QDs), in which GOx was used as an alternative to horseradish peroxidase (HRP) for the oxidization of glucose into hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and gluconic acid. The MPA-QDs were used as a fluorescent signal output, whose fluorescence variation was extremely sensitive to the presence of H₂O₂ or hydrogen ions in the solution. Under the optimized conditions, the proposed fluorescence ELISA demonstrated a good linear detection of OTA in corn extract from 2.4 pg mL⁻¹ to 625 pg mL⁻¹ with a limit of detection of 2.2 pg mL⁻¹, which was approximately 15-fold lower than that of conventional HRP-based ELISA. Our developed fluorescence immunoassay was also similar to HRP-based ELISA in terms of selectivity, accuracy, and reproducibility. In summary, this study was the first to use the GOx-mediated fluorescence quenching of QDs in immunoassay to detect OTA, offering a new possibility for the analysis of other mycotoxins and biomolecules.     

锰掺杂硒硫化镉光阳极的制备与光电性能

将适量Se加入到Na2S甲醇水溶液中反应生成Na₂SSe₂阴离子前驱体, 以Cd(NO₃)2、Mn(CH3COO)2为阳离子前驱体, 通过连续离子层吸附反应(SILAR)分别制备出CdSSe₂/TiO₂或 MN²⁺掺杂的Mn-CdSSe₂/TiO₂量子点敏化光阳极。采用拉曼光谱、X射线光电子能谱和能量色散X射线能谱分析确定阴离子前驱体和量子点的价键结构和组成;通过紫外可见吸光光谱表征量子点的光吸收性能;利用J-V曲线和IPCE分别对CdS、CdSSe₂和Mn-CdSSe₂量子点敏化的TiO₂光阳极的光电性能进行了表征。实验结果表明, 采用 0.12 mol·L^-1 Se和0.5 mol·L^-1 Na2S制备的阴离子前驱体、0. 5 mol·L^-1 Cd²⁺和 0.3 mol·L^-1 MN²⁺阳离子前驱体, 通过SILAR法制备的Mn-CdSSe₂/TiO₂光阳极, 能量转换效率比CdSSe₂/TiO₂和CdS/TiO₂光阳极分别提高了90%和247%。     

Efficient and Direct Functionalization of Allylic sp3 C−H Bonds with Concomitant CO2 Reduction

Solar-driven CO₂ reduction integrated with C−C/C−X bond-forming organic synthesis represents a substantially untapped opportunity to simultaneously tackle carbon neutrality and create an atom-/redox-economical chemical synthesis. Herein, we demonstrate the first cooperative photoredox catalysis of efficient and tunable CO₂ reduction to syngas, paired with direct alkylation/arylation of unactivated allylic sp³ C−H bonds for accessing allylic C−C products, over SiO₂-supported single Ni atoms-decorated CdS quantum dots (QDs). Our protocol not only bypasses additional oxidant/reductant and pre-functionalization of organic substrates, affording a broad of allylic C−C products with moderate to excellent yields, but also produces syngas with tunable CO/H₂ ratios (1 : 2–5 : 1). Such win-win coupling catalysis highlights the high atom-, step- and redox-economy, and good durability, illuminating the tantalizing possibility of a renewable sunlight-driven chemical feedstocks manufacturing industry.     

Manganese-doped ZnS quantum dots as a phosphorescent probe for use in the bi-enzymatic determination of organophosphorus pesticides

We present a sensitive and selective method for the determination of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) based on the inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). It is making use of quantum dots QDs of the type Mn: ZnS that display long-lived phosphorescence emission and act as optical probes for hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). In this assay, acetylcholine (ACh) is first hydrolyzed by AChE, and the enzyme choline oxidase (ChOx) further oxidizes choline under the formation of H₂O₂ which quenches the phosphorescence of the QDs. If, however, OPs are added to the solution, the rate of enzymatic hydrolysis by AChE is retarded. This reduces the rate of production of H₂O₂ and results in a reduced quenching efficiency. The slow decay time of the phosphorescence of the QDs also allows time-resolved luminescence intensity to be measured. This can eliminate background fluorescence from the sample and therefore improves analytical accuracy and the signal-to-noise ratio. Under optimized conditions, there is a linear relationship between luminescence intensity and the concentration of paraoxon in the 1 pM to 1 μM range, with an ~0.1 pM limit of detection which is much lower than that of most existing methods. The phosphorescent probe was applied to determine OPs in spiked real samples. Figure

We present a sensitive and selective method for the determination of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) based on the inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). It is making use of quantum dots QDs of the type Mn-doped ZnS that display long-lived phosphorescence emission and act as optical probes for hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂).     

锰掺杂硒硫化镉光阳极的制备与光电性能

将适量Se加入到Na₂S甲醇水溶液中反应生成Na₂SSe₂阴离子前驱体, 以Cd(NO₃)₂、Mn(CH₃COO)₂为阳离子前驱体, 通过连续离子层吸附反应(SILAR)分别制备出CdSSe₂/TiO₂或 Mn²⁺掺杂的Mn-CdSSe₂/TiO₂量子点敏化光阳极。采用拉曼光谱、X射线光电子能谱和能量色散X射线能谱分析确定阴离子前驱体和量子点的价键结构和组成;通过紫外可见吸光光谱表征量子点的光吸收性能;利用J-V曲线和IPCE分别对CdS、CdSSe₂和Mn-CdSSe₂量子点敏化的TiO₂光阳极的光电性能进行了表征。实验结果表明, 采用 0.12 mol·L^-1 Se和0.5 mol·L^-1 Na₂S制备的阴离子前驱体、0.5 mol·L^-1 Cd²⁺和 0.3 mol·L^-1 Mn²⁺阳离子前驱体, 通过SILAR法制备的Mn-CdSSe₂/TiO₂光阳极, 能量转换效率比CdSSe₂/TiO₂和CdS/TiO₂光阳极分别提高了90%和247%。     

Porous phosphate heterostructures containing CdS quantum dots: assembly, characterization and photoluminescence

The synthesis and characterization of cadmium sulphide (CdS) quantum dots, conjugated in a porous phosphate heterostructure functionalized with aminopropyl groups is described. The resulting material has fluorescence properties with maximum emission intensity at 575 nm. The fluorescent materials are not soluble in water and exhibit high stability in aqueous solution in the pH ranges from 2 to 9. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the qualitative elemental composition of the synthesized materials and X-ray photoelectron spectra showed a surface S/Cd atomic ratio of 1.09. SEM images show that the materials are amorphous, possessing porous with sizes of several tens nanometres, homogeneous and exhibit a layered morphology. The adsorption–desorption analysis by N₂ at 77 K showed the accessibility of the CdS quantum dots onto the pores of the structure. The CdS quantum dots were stabilized by mercaptopropionic acid and bounded to the host materials by amine groups.     

Quantum dot–NBD–liposome luminescent probes for monitoring phospholipase A2 activity

In this paper we describe the fabrication and characterization of new liposome encapsulated quantum dot–fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based probes for monitoring the enzymatic activity of phospholipase A_2. To fabricate the probes, luminescent CdSe/ZnS quantum dots capped with trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) ligands were incorporated into the lipid bilayer of unilamellar liposomes with an average diameter of approximately 100 nm. Incorporating TOPO capped quantum dots in liposomes enabled their use in aqueous solution while maintaining their hydrophobicity and excellent photophysical properties. The phospholipid bilayer was labeled with the fluorophore NBD C₆-HPC (2-(6-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino)hexanoyl-1-hexa decanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine). The luminescent quantum dots acted as FRET donors and the NBD dye molecules acted as FRET acceptors. The probe response was based on FRET interactions between the quantum dots and the NBD dye molecules. The NBD dye molecules were cleaved and released to the solution in the presence of the enzyme phospholipase A_2. This led to an increase of the luminescence of the quantum dots and to a corresponding decrease in the fluorescence of the NBD molecules, because of a decrease in FRET efficiency between the quantum dots and the NBD dye molecules. Because the quantum dots were not attached covalently to the phospholipids, they did not hinder the enzyme activity as a result of steric effects. The probes were able to detect amounts of phospholipase A₂ as low as 0.0075 U mL^?1 and to monitor enzyme activity in real time. The probes were also used to screen phospholipase A₂ inhibitors. For example, we found that the inhibition efficiency of MJ33 (1-hexadecyl-3-(trifluoroethyl)-sn-glycero-2-phosphomethanol) was higher than that of OBAA (3-(4-octadecyl)benzoylacrylic acid).     

Visible Light Induced Generation of Hydrogen from H2S in CdS-Dispersions,Hole Transfer Catalysis by RuO2

Illumination of US-dispersions by visible light in solutions containing H₂S or sulfide ions leads to efficient generation of hydrogen and sulfur. Very small quantities of RuO₂ deposited on the CdS-particles improve markedly the quantum yield of H₂-formation for which the optimum value obtained so far is ? = 0.35 ± 0.1. The effect of RuO₂ is attributed to catalysis of hole transfer from the valence band of CdS to H₂S or sulfide in solution.