Determination of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde in air by HPLC with fluorescence detection

Summary Sensitive detection of atmospheric formaldehyde and acetaldehyde can be achieved by use of silica-gel cartridges impregnated with 2-diphenylacetyl-1,3-indandione-1-hydrazone (DAIH) to form fluorescent DAI hydrazones. The hydrazones are extracted with acetonitrile and separated by reversed-phase HPLC with fluorimetric detection. The low detection limits achieved (0.25 ppb CH₂O or CH₃CHO for sampling periods of 1 h) means that the sensitivity of the method is better than that of the classical dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) method. Several experimental conditions, such as collection and reaction efficiency, interference by ozone and storage stability of blank and sampled cartridges have been investigated. There were no significant differences between ambient concentrations of CH₂O and CH₃CHO measured concurrently with the DAIH and DNPH techniques (10–20% in the 0–5 ppb range).     

A promising dehydrogenase-based bioanode for a glucose biosensor and glucose/O2 biofuel cell

A new type of dehydrogenase-based amperometric glucose biosensor was constructed using glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) which was immobilized on the edge-plane pyrolytic graphite (EPPG) electrode modified with poly(phenosafranin)-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (PPS-SWCNTs). The PPS-SWCNT-modified EPPG electrode was prepared by electropolymerization of phenosafranin on the EPPG electrode which had been previously coated with SWCNTs. The performance of the GDH/PPS-SWCNT/EPPG bioanode was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry and amperometry in the presence of glucose. The GDH/PPS-SWCNT/EPPG electrode possesses promising characteristics as a glucose sensor: a wide linear dynamic range of 50 to 700 μM, low detection limit of 0.3 μM, fast response time (1-2 s), high sensitivity (96.5 μA cm(-2) mM(-1)), and anti-interference and anti-fouling abilities. Moreover, the performance of the GDH/PPS-SWCNT/EPPG bioanode was tested in a glucose/O(2) biofuel cell. The maximum power density delivered by the assembled glucose/O(2) biofuel cell could reach 64.0 μW cm(-2) at a cell voltage of 0.3 V with 40 mM glucose.     

Detection of traces of formaldehyde in pure air by gas chromatography and helium ionization detection

The sensitive helium ionization detector (HID) was used for the direct determination of ppm to ppb levels of formaldehyde in air. Two methods to generate formaldehyde in an air stream were evaluated. The first method utilized a paraformaldehyde permeation tube and the second utilized a motor driven syringe and a dilute solution of formaldehyde. The two methods were evaluated using gas chromatography with HID and spectrophotometry. The paraformaldehyde permeation tube generates only about 60% of the theoretical value, while the motor driven syringe was accurate for levels below 2 ppm; however, at a concentration of 13 ppm or above, oligomers or other chemical forms of CH2O are formed to decrease the concentration of gaseous CH2O produced.     

A novel electrochemical biosensor for detection of cholesterol

We report on a highly sensitive electrochemical biosensor for determination of cholesterol. The biosensor was fabricated by co-immobilizing bi-enzymes, cholesterol oxidase (ChOx), and horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Voltammetric technique such as cyclic voltammetry and impedance experiment were used to study the characterization of modified electrode step by step. The developed sensor is cheap, disposable, portable and exhibits higher sensitivity. The biosensor expressed a wide linear range up to 300 mg dL^–1 in a physiological condition (pH 7.0), with a correlation coefficient of 0.9969. A sensitivity of 13.28 μA mg^–1 dL cm^?2 which makes it very promising for the clinical determination of cholesterol.     

Direct selective detection of genomic DNA from coliform using a fiber optic biosensor

Fiber optic biosensors operated in a total internal reflection format were prepared based on covalent immobilization of 25mer lacZ single-stranded nucleic acid probe. Genomic DNA from Escherichia coli was extracted and then sheared by sonication to prepare fragments of approximately 300mer length. Other targets included a 25mer fully complementary lacZ sequence, 100mer polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products containing the lacZ sequence at various locations, and non-complementary DNA including genomic samples from salmon sperm. Non-selective adsorption of non-complementary oligonucleotides (ncDNA) was found to occur at a significantly faster rate than hybridization of complementary oligomers (cDNA) in all cases. The presence of ncDNA oligonucleotides did not inhibit selective interactions between immobilized DNA and cDNA in solution. The presence of high concentrations of non-complementary genomic DNA had little effect on extent or speed of hybridization of complementary oligonucleotides. Detection of genomic fragments containing the lacZ sequence was possible in as little as 20 s by observation of the steady-state fluorescence intensity increase or by time-dependent rate of fluorescence intensity changes.     

A novel amperometric biosensor for the detection of nitrophenol

We report on a novel amperometric biosensor for detecting phenolic compounds based on the co-immobilization of horseradish-peroxidase (HRP) and methylene blue (MB) with chitosan on Au-modified TiO₂ nanotube arrays. The titania nanotube arrays were directly grown on a Ti substrate using anodic oxidation first; a gold thin film was then coated onto the TiO₂ nanotubes by an argon plasma technique. The morphology and composition of the fabricated Au-modified TiO₂ nanotube arrays were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Cyclic voltammetry and amperometry were used to study the proposed electrochemical biosensor. The effect of pH, applied electrode potential and the concentration of H₂O₂ on the sensitivity of the biosensor have been systemically investigated. The performance of the proposed biosensor was tested using seven different phenolic compounds, showing very high sensitivity; in particular, the linearity of the biosensor for the detection of 3-nitrophenol was observed from 3 × 10⁻⁷ to 1.2 × 10⁻⁴ M with a detection limit of 9 × 10⁻⁸ M (based on the S/N = 3).     

A novel dendritic surfactant for enhanced microcystin-LR detection by double amplification in a quartz crystal microbalance biosensor

Enhanced sensitivity for the hepatotoxin microcystin-LR (MC-LR) was achieved in a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) system via double amplification. For primary amplification, an innovative interface on the QCM was obtained as a matrix by the vesicle layer formed by our synthetic dendritic surfactant, bis (amidoethyl-carbamoylethyl) octadecylamine (C18N3). The vesicle matrix was then functionalised by an optimised concentration of monoclonal antibodies against MC-LR (anti-MC-LR) to detect the analyte. The results showed that a detection limit of 100 ng/mL was achieved by primary amplification. To achieve higher sensitivity, secondary amplification was implemented with anti-MC-LR gold nanoparticle (AuNPs) conjugates as probes, which lowered the detection limit for MC-LR to 1 ng/mL (the maximum concentration recommended by the World Health Organization [WHO] in drinking water for humans). The QCM immunosensor reported here has advantages such as high sensitivity, portability, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness for MC-LR detection. It would be uniquely superior compared with current MC-LR detection techniques for on-the-spot water detection. Furthermore, the methodology described here is also potentially significant in many fields for the routine monitoring of environmental and food safety.     

A sensitive microwave cavity spectrometer: Direct detection of formaldehyde in automobile exhaust

A newly constructed sensitive microwave cavity spectrometer of the Stark-dc-voltage sweep type has revealed that formaldehyde in concentrations as small as 0.2 ppm can be directly detected by using the 7₂₅ ← 7₂₆ rotational line. The cavity resonator is operated in the rectangular TE_1,0,20 mode. A sample of automobile-engine exhaust showed a strong spectrum indicating a concentration of 24 ppm of formaldehyde.     

Polyethyleneimine-AuNPs-copper protoporphyrin nanocomposite: a novel biosensor for sensitive detection of hydrogen peroxide in human serum

Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry - The detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is essential due to its extensive application in bio-medical and environment. Herein, we synthesized a novel...     

Spectrophotometric determination of formaldehyde in air

A spectrophotometric method for the determination of formaldehyde in air is described, based on the colour reaction of formaldehyde, p-aminoazobenzene and sulphur dioxide in hydrochloric acid medium. Beer's law is obeyed at 505 nm in the range 2-12 mug of formaldehyde per 25ml of final solution (0.08-0.48 ppm). Optimum conditions for colour development, and possible interferences, have been studied.     

分光光度法测定空气中甲醛不确定度评定

采用分光光度法测定空气中甲醛,对测定结果的不确定度进行评定。采用酚试剂分光光度法测定空气中甲醛,分析测定过程中的各项不确定度来源,包括样品采集、标准工作溶液配制、标准工作曲线拟合、测定仪器以及重复测定等引入的不确定度,计算合成不确定度,最后获得相对扩展不确定度。当空气中甲醛质量浓度为0.0244~0.2218 mg/m^3时,测定结果在95%置信区间时的相对扩展不确定度为0.1172(k=2)。不确定度主要来源于A类不确定度和系列标准工作溶液制备、标准工作曲线拟合、水中甲醛溶液标准物质的稀释引入的不确定度。     

Real-time measurement of endosomal acidification by a novel genetically encoded biosensor

Genetically encoded fluorescent proteins are optimal reporters when used to monitor cellular processes as they can be targeted to any subcellular region by fusion to a protein of interest. Here, we present the pH-sensitive fluorescent protein E¹GFP which is ideally suited to monitor pH changes in dynamic intracellular structures in real time with high spatio temporal resolution. E¹GFP is a ratiometric pH indicator by emission with a pK close to 6.0. We describe an application of this novel pH reporter in the measurement of pH changes along the endo-lysosomal pathway. By fusing E¹GFP to the HIV-Tat protein which is endowed with cell-penetrating properties, we were able to monitor multi-step endocytosis from the initial cell-surface binding through to the intracellular endocytic network in real time. This represents a framework for the application of E¹GFP to the in situ detection of pH changes involved in dynamic biological phenomena. Figure The green fluorecent protein variant, E1GFP, is a ratiometric pH-indicator by emission with a pK close to 6.0 and is therefore particularly suitable for pH detection below neutrality. Upon excitation of the neutral state of the chromophore (~400-410 nm), E1GFP emission properties are strongly dependent on the environmental pH. We describe an application of this novel pH-reporter in the measurement of pH changes along the endo-lysosomal pathway. By fusing E1GFP to the HIV-Tat protein, which is endowed with cell-penetrating properties, we were able to monitor in real-time multi-step endocytosis from the initial cell-surface binding through to the intracellular endocytic network. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

A novel colorimetric PCR-based biosensor for detection and quantification of hepatitis B virus

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can cause viral infection that attacks the liver and it is a major global health problem that put people at a high risk of death from cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer. HBV has infected one third of the worldwide population, and 350 million people suffer from chronic HBV infection. For these reasons, development of an accurate, sensitive and expedient detection method for diagnosing, monitoring and assessing therapeutic response of HBV is very necessary and urgent for public health and disease control. Here we report a new strategy for detection of viral load quantitation of HBV based on colorimetric polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with DNAzyme-containing probe. The special DNAzyme adopting a G-quadruplex structure exhibited peroxidase-like activity in the presence of hemin to report colorimetric signal. This method has shown a broad range of linearity and high sensitivity. This study builds important foundation to achieve the specific and accurate detection level of HBV DNA with a low-cost and effective method in helping diagnosing, preventing and protecting human health form HBV generally all over the world and especially in developing countries.     

Sensitive detection of organophosphates in river water by means of a piezoelectric biosensor

A highly sensitive piezoelectric biosensor has been developed for detection of cholinesterase inhibitors. The inhibitor benzoylecgonine-1,8-diamino-3,4-dioxaoctane (BZE-DADOO) was immobilized on a monolayer of 11-mercaptomonoundecanoic acid (MUA) self-assembled on the gold surface of the sensor. The binding of high-molecular-weight cholinesterase to the immobilized cocaine derivative was monitored with a mass sensitive piezoelectric quartz crystal (quartz crystal nanobalance; QCN). In the presence of an inhibiting substance in the sample, the binding of cholinesterase to the immobilized inhibitor was reduced. The decrease of the rate of mass change was proportional to the concentration of free inhibitor in the sample. This way the affinity sensor followed anti-cholinesterase toxicity and the enzyme activity of ChE was not addressed. A assay for detection of organophosphates (OP) was optimized. Regeneration of the sensor surface was achieved with 1 mol L^–1 formic acid, which enabled 40 measurements with one sensor. All assays were carried out in a flow-through arrangement. The total measurement time (binding+regeneration) was 25 min and the detection limit for different OP (paraoxon, diisopropylfluorophosphate, chlorpyriphos, and chlorfenvinphos) was down to 10^–10 mol L^–1 (0.02 g L^–1). This sensor was used for determination of organophosphate (diisopropylfluorophosphate) levels in river water samples.Dedicated to the memory of Wilhelm Fresenius     

Simultaneous measurements of formaldehyde and ozone in air by annular denuder-HPLC techniques

Summary A denuder sampling method combined with HPLC analysis for the simultaneous determination of formaldehyde and ozone in ambient air is described. It is based on the reactions of CH₂O and O₃ with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) and 4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol (eugenol)_respectively, both acting as coatings of two annular denuders connected in series. Formaldehyde released from the ozonolysis of eugenol is quantitatively collected on a third downstream DNPH-coated denuder. The two DNPH denuders are then extracted and analyzed as hydrazone derivative by HPLC with UV absorbance detection.The stoichiometric factor of the eugenol-ozone reaction was found to be 2.0±0.1 moles of O₃ per mole of CH₂O. The limits of detection are 0.8gm^–3 CH₂O and 3gm^–3 O₃ for 100l air sampled, corresponding to 1-h sampling at 1.7l min^–1.     

Direct measurements of the reaction H + CH2O → H2 + HCO behind shock waves by means of Vis–UV detection of formaldehyde

The combination of sensitive detection of formaldehyde by 174 nm absorption and use of ethyl iodide as a hydrogen atom source allowed direct measurements of the reaction H + CH₂O → H₂ + HCO behind shock waves. The rate constant was determined for temperatures from 1510 to 1960 K to be k₂ = 6.6 × 10¹⁴ exp(?40.6 kJ mol^?1/RT) cm³ mol^?1 s^?1 (Δ log k₂ = ± 0.22) Considering the low uncertainty in k₂, which accounts both for experimental and mechanism‐induced contributions, this result supports the upper range of previously reported, largely scattered high temperature rate constants. Vis–UV light of 174 nm was generated by a microwave N₂ discharge lamp. At typical reflected shock wave conditions of 1750 K and 1.3 atm, as low as 33 ppm formaldehyde could be detected. High temperature absorption cross sections of CH₂O and other selected species have been determined. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 34: 374–386, 2002     

Direct determination of sulfite in food samples by a biosensor based on plant tissue homogenate

In the work described here, a biosensor was developed for the determination of sulfite in food. Malva vulgaris tissue homogenate containing sulfite oxidase enzyme was used as the biological material. M. vulgaris tissue homogenate was crosslinked with gelatin using glutaraldehyde and fixed on a pretreated Teflon membrane. Sulfite was enzymatically converted to sulfate in the presence of the dissolved oxygen, which was monitored amperometrically. Sulfite determination was carried out by standard curves, which were obtained by the measurement of consumed oxygen level related to sulfite concentration. Several operational parameters had been investigated: the amounts of plant tissue homogenate and gelatin, percentage of glutaraldehyde, optimum pH and temperature. Also, some characterization studies were done. There was linearity in the range between 0.2 and 1.8 mM at 35 °C and pH 7.5. The results of real sample analysis obtained with the biosensor agreed well with the enzymatic reference method using spectrophotometric detection.     

空气中甲醛的乙酰丙酮分光光度快速测定方法

对乙酰丙酮分光光度法测定甲醛的实验条件进行了改进。方法的检出限为0.024μg mL,线性范围为0.05～2.0μg mL,相关系数为0.9996,测定空气中甲醛的最低质量密度为0.008mg m3。改进后的方法可用于空气中微量甲醛的快速检测。     

A biosensor for monitoring formaldehyde using a new lipophilic tetrathiafulvalene-tetracyanoquinodimethane salt and a polyurethane membrane

The fabrication and application of an end-column amperometric detection (AD) system with a carbon electrode for capillary-column liquid chromatography (CLC) were described. This new amperometric detector showed good sensitivity and stability in detecting the thiocompounds and other analytes with CLC. In order to obtain the better separation and detection performance for analytes, several operational parameters had been investigated: the working potentials, pH and flow rate. Under the optimum conditions, the method could effectively separate and determine cysteine (Cys), glutathione (GSH), dopamine (DA) and 6-thiopurine (6-TP). Good repeatability for retention time was obtained with a relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) value of 0.5%. The linear range covered over three orders of magnitude and the limits of detection were 8 fmol for cysteine, 20 fmol for glutathione, 8 fmol for dopamine and 20 fmol for 6-thiopurine. This method was successfully applied in determination of urinary sample with characteristics of simplicity, high sensitivity and good repeatability.