Fluorescent recognition of deoxyribonucleic acids by a quantum dot/meso-tetrakis(N-methylpyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin complex based on a photo induced electron-transfer mechanism

We have developed a new fluorescent probe of thioglycolic acid (TGA)-capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs) complexed with a model drug, meso-tetrakis(N-methylpyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin (TMPyP) for detecting deoxyribonucleic acids (DNAs). This probe operates with an “Off–On” mode: TMPyP quenches the photoluminescence (PL) of QDs via a photo induced electron-transfer (PIET) process; the presence of DNA can break the QD/TMPyP complexation, interrupting the PIET process, and switch on the PL of QDs. Sensitive detection of DNA with the detection limit of 0.16 nM and a linear detection range of 0.25–6.0 nM are achieved. Importantly, this probe can be used to distinguish the binding modes of DNA–TMPyP interactions, exhibiting the DNA sequence-dependent PL recovery behaviors. The obtained binding constant for poly(dA)·poly(dT) is ∼3.30 × 10⁷ L mol⁻¹, which is approximately one order of magnitude larger than those for native DNAs and poly(dG)·poly(dC). Furthermore, the thymine bases preferential of the TMPyP–DNA interaction is proved by this probe.     

油溶性CuInS2/ZnS量子点的制备及其温敏性聚丙烯酰胺胶束介导的水相转移

采用非热注法成功制备了高质量的油溶性CuInS₂/ZnS核壳量子点, 量子点的荧光发射峰在可见光到近红外范围内可调(550~800 nm), 且荧光量子产率最高达80%。本文进一步利用具有温敏特性的聚丙烯酰胺胶束作相转移剂, 成功地将油溶性的CuInS₂/ZnS核壳量子点转移入水相。水相中自组装形成的CuInS₂/ZnS量子点-胶束复合物不仅具有良好的荧光性质, 而且胶束原有的灵敏的热响应性被保留。这些研究初步表明, 无镉的低毒的CuInS₂/ZnS量子点可作为纳米胶束的荧光示踪探针。     

油溶性CuInS2/ZnS量子点的制备及其温敏性聚丙烯酰胺胶束介导的水相转移

采用非热注法成功制备了高质量的油溶性CuInS2/ZnS核壳量子点,量子点的荧光发射峰在可见光到近红外范围内可调(550～800 nm),且荧光量子产率最高达80%。本文进一步利用具有温敏特性的聚丙烯酰胺胶束作相转移剂,成功地将油溶性的CuInS2/ZnS核壳量子点转移入水相。水相中自组装形成的CuInS2/ZnS量子点-胶束复合物不仅具有良好的荧光性质,而且胶束原有的灵敏的热响应性被保留。这些研究初步表明,无镉的低毒的CuInS2/ZnS量子点可作为纳米胶束的荧光示踪探针。     

Near‐Infrared Emission from Tin–Lead (Sn–Pb) Alloyed Perovskite Quantum Dots by Sodium Doping

Phase‐stable CsSn_xPb_1?xI₃ perovskite quantum dots (QDs) hold great promise for optoelectronic applications owing to their strong response in the near‐infrared region. Unfortunately, optimal utilization of their potential is limited by the severe photoluminescence (PL) quenching, leading to extremely low quantum yields (QYs) of approximately 0.3 %. The ultra‐low sodium (Na) doping presented herein is found to be effective in improving PL QYs of these alloyed QDs without alerting their favourable electronic structure. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies suggest the formation of a stronger chemical interaction between I^? and Sn²⁺ ions upon Na doping, which potentially helps to stabilize Sn²⁺ and suppresses the formation of I vacancy defects. The optimized PL QY of the Na‐doped QDs reaches up to around 28 %, almost two orders of magnitude enhancement compared with the pristine one.     

Synthesis of cysteamine-coated CdTe quantum dots and its application in mercury (II) detection

High-quality cysteamine-coated CdTe quantum dots (CA-CdTe QDs) were successfully synthesized in aqueous phase by a facile one-pot method. Through hydroxylamine hydrochloride-promoted kinetic growth strategy, water-soluble CA-CdTe QDs could be obtained conveniently in a conical flask by a stepwise addition of raw materials. The photoluminescence quantum yield (PL QY) of the obtained QDs reached 9.2% at the emission peak of 520 nm. The optical property and the morphology of the QDs were characterized by UV–vis absorption spectra, photoluminescence spectra (PL) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) respectively. Furthermore, the fluorescence of the resultant QDs was quenched by copper (II) (Cu²⁺) and mercury (II) (Hg²⁺) meanwhile. It is worthy of note that to separately detect Hg²⁺, cyanide ion could be used to eliminate the interference of Cu²⁺. Under the optimal conditions, the response was linearly proportional to the logarithm of Hg²⁺ concentration over the range of 0.08–3.33 μM with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.07 μM.     

Monitoring of the insecticide trichlorfon by phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance (31P NMR) spectroscopy

Trichlorfon is an organophosphorus insecticide, which is extensively being used for protection of fruit crops. Trichlorfon is a thermal labile compound, which cannot be easily determined by gas chromatography (GC) and has no suitable group for sensitive detection by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In this study, a ³¹P nuclear magnetic resonance (³¹P NMR) has been described for monitoring of trichlorfon without any separation step. The quantitative works of ³¹P NMR spectroscopy has been performed in the presence of an internal standard (hexamethylphosphoramide). Limit of detection (LOD) for this method has been found to be 55 mg L⁻¹, without any sample preparation, and the linear working range was 150-5500 mg L⁻¹. Relative standard deviation (R.S.D.%) of the method for three replicates within and between days was obtained ≤9%. The average recovery efficiency was approximately 99-112%. This method was applied for monitoring trichlorfon in a commercial insecticide sample and tomato sample.     

A novel phosphorus oxide quantum dots as an emissive nanomaterial for inorganic ions screening and bioimaging

In this work, a novel blue-green fluorescence phosphorous oxide quantum dots (PO QDs) was synthesized by solvothermal method in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) solution without any protection treatment during synthesis. Upon excitation at 400 nm, PO QDs emitted blue-green fluorescence with quantum yield of 0.28. PO QDs exhibited the high inertness to air or moisture, the excellent water solubility, and stable emission intensity in a wide pH range and in high ionic strength solution. Interestingly, PO QDs could give the positive optical response to iron ions (Fe³⁺) and iodine ion (I⁻). The photoluminescence (PL) of PO QDs could be directly quenched by Fe³⁺. While I⁻ quenched the PO QDs PL by means of Ag⁺-mediated PO QDs system via the internal filtration effects (IFE) induced by the formation of AgI. Moreover, the biocompatibility and low toxicity of PO QDs verified in bean sprout and Hela cells indicated the promising application of PO QDs in medicine related fields. Furthermore, PO QDs could also be utilized in luminescent composite film for various application scenarios     

温度对聚酰胺-胺树形分子模板法制备CdS量子点的影响

为了研究温度对聚酰胺-胺(PAMAM)树形分子的模板法制备硫化镉(CdS)量子点的影响, 以4.5代(G4.5, 64个甲酯端基)PAMAM树形分子为模板, 在－10～30 ℃的温度范围内制备了分散良好的CdS量子点. 用透射电子显微镜(TEM)表征了CdS量子点的形貌、尺寸; 用紫外-可见光谱(UV-Vis)和光致发光光谱(PL)表征了CdS量子点的光学性能. 发现在相同条件下, 制备温度从－10 ℃升高到30 ℃, CdS量子点粒径从1.8 nm增大到3.4 nm, 其中在10 ℃时制备的量子点的尺寸分布最窄; CdS量子点的吸收和发射光谱均随温度增大而红移, 其中10 ℃时制备的量子点的室温光致发光效率最高. 这表明制备温度决定了树形分子的配位基团与Cd^2＋的分离速度, 并影响了CdS量子点的成核和生长过程, 从而最终决定了CdS量子点的尺寸及尺寸分布、光致发光颜色和发光效率.     

Doped zinc sulfide quantum dots based phosphorescence turn-off/on probe for detecting histidine in biological fluid

We report a turn-on phosphorescence probe for detection of histidine based on Co²⁺-adsorbed N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) capped Mn: ZnS quantum dots (QDs) which is directly synthesized by the hydrothermal method. The phosphorescence of NAC-Mn: ZnS QDs is effectively quenched by Co²⁺ attributing to the adsorption of Co²⁺ onto the surface of QDs with a concomitant in suppressing the recombination process of hole and electron of QDs. The phosphorescence of Co²⁺-adsorbed NAC-Mn: ZnS QDs can be recovered by binding of Co²⁺ with histidine. The quenching and regeneration of the phosphorescence of NAC-Mn: ZnS QDs have been studied in detail. The as-prepared QDs-based probe is applied to determine histidine with a linear range of 1.25–30 μM and a detection limit of 0.74 μM. The relative standard deviation for eleven repeat detections of 20 μM histidine is 0.65%. Co²⁺-adsorbed NAC-Mn: ZnS QDs show high sensitivity and good selectivity to histidine over other amino acids, metal ions and co-existing substances. The proposed QDs probe has been successfully applied to determination of histidine in human urine samples with good recoveries of 98.5–103%.     

Detection of thrombin using electrogenerated chemiluminescence based on Ru(bpy)3(2+)-doped silica nanoparticle aptasensor via target protein-induced strand displacement

A sensitive and selective aptasensor using tri(2,2′-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II)-doped silica nanoparticles (Ru(bpy)₃²⁺-doped SNPs) as DNA tags for detection of thrombin is developed based on the target protein-induced strand displacement of the DNA probe. For the proposed aptasensor, the aptamer was assembled on the surface of the Au electrode through Au-S binding. The hybridization event between the DNA probe labeled by the Ru(bpy)₃²⁺-doped SNPs and the aptamer was evaluated by electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) measurements. Then, the DNA probe was displaced by thrombin and the binding event between the thrombin and the aptamer was monitored by ECL measurements again. The difference of ECL intensity (ΔI_ECL) of the two events could be used to quantify the thrombin. Other proteins, such as bovine serum albumin and bovine hemoglobin, had almost negligible ΔI_ECL. Under the optimal conditions, the ΔI_ECL was linearly related to the concentration of the thrombin in the range of 10 fM to 10 pM and the detection limit was down to 1.0 fM since SNPs containing a large number of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ molecules were labeled on the DNA probe.     

Electronic state of Fe used as Mössbauer probe in the perovskites LaMO3 (M=Ni and Cu)

For the first time a comparative study of rhombohedral LaNiO₃ and LaCuO₃ oxides, using ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer probe spectroscopy (1% atomic rate), has been carried out. In spite of the fact that both oxides are characterized by similar crystal structure and metallic properties, the behavior of ⁵⁷Fe probe atoms in such lattices appears essentially different. In the case of LaNi_0.99Fe_0.01O₃, the observed isomer shift (δ) value corresponds to Fe³⁺ (3d⁵) cations in high-spin state located in an oxygen octahedral surrounding. In contrast, for the LaCu_0.99Fe_0.01O₃, the obtained δ value is comparable to that characterizing the formally tetravalent high-spin Fe⁴⁺(3d⁴) cations in octahedral coordination within Fe(IV) perovskite-like ferrates. To explain such a difference, an approach based on the qualitative energy diagrams analysis and the calculations within the cluster configuration interaction method have been developed. It was shown that in the case of LaNi_0.99Fe_0.01O₃, electronic state of nickel is dominated by the d⁷ configuration corresponding to the formal ionic “Ni³⁺-O²⁻” state. On the other hand, in the case of LaCu_0.99Fe_0.01O₃ a large amount of charge is transferred via Cu-O bonds from the O:2p bands to the Cu:3d orbitals and the ground state is dominated by the d⁹L configuration (“Cu²⁺−O” state). The dominant d⁹L ground state for the (CuO₆) sublattice induces in the environment of the ⁵⁷Fe probe cations a charge transfer Fe³⁺+O⁻(L)→Fe⁴⁺+O²⁻, which transforms “Fe³⁺” into “Fe⁴⁺” state. The analysis of the isomer shift value for the formally “Fe⁴⁺” ions in perovskite-like oxides clearly proved a drastic influence of the 4s iron orbitals population on the Fe−O bonds character.     

An improved method for ratiometric fluorescence detection of pH and Cd using fluorescein isothiocyanate–quantum dots conjugates

In this study, thioglycolic acid capped-CdTe quantum dots (QDs) were modified by polyethylenimine (PEI), and then combined with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) to fabricate FITC–CdTe conjugates. The self-assembly of FITC, CdTe and PEI was ascribed to electrostatic interactions in aqueous solution. The resulting conjugates were developed toward two routes. In route one, ratiometric photoluminescence (PL) intensity of conjugates (I_FITC/I_QDs) was almost linear toward pH from 5.3 to 8.7, and a ratiometric PL sensor of pH was favorable obtained. In route two, firstly added S²⁻ induced remarkable quenching of QDs PL peak (at the “OFF” state), which was restored due to following addition of Cd²⁺ (at the “ON” state). In the conjugates, successive introduction of S²⁻ and Cd²⁺ hardly influenced on FITC PL peaks. According to this PL “OFF-ON” mode, a ratiometric PL method for the detection of Cd²⁺ was achieved. Experimental results confirmed that the I_FITC/I_QDs exhibited near linear proportion toward Cd²⁺ concentration in the range from 0.1 to 15 μM, and the limit of detection was 12 nM. Interferential experiments adequately testified that the proposed sensors of pH and Cd²⁺ were practicable in real samples and complex systems. In comparison with conventional analytical techniques, the ratiometric PL method was simple, rapid, economic and highly selective.     

A ratiometric and exclusively selective Cu fluorescent probe based on internal charge transfer (ICT)

A new ratiometric and exclusively selective fluorescent probe N-butyl-4,5-di[N-(phenyl)-2-(amino)-acetamino]-1,8-naphthalimide (1) was designed and synthesized on the basis of the mechanism of internal charge transfer (ICT). The probe 1 showed exclusively selectivity for Cu^II in the presence of a variety of other metal ions in aqueous ethanol solutions and the binding mode of probe 1 with Cu^II was 1:1 metal-ligand complex. Fluorescent emission spectra of probe 1 in the presence of Cu^II showed a 50 nm blue shift, which is from 521 nm to 471 nm. Furthermore, probe 1 shows the same fluorescent change with the Cu^II in living cells.     

Naked-eye colorimetric analysis of Hg2+ with bi-color CdTe quantum dots multilayer films

A novel direct quantificational method through naked-eye colorimetric analysis of Hg²⁺ was constructed based on different degree of the fluorescence quenching of bi-color quantum dots (QDs) multilayer films (2-QDMF). The functional multilayer films were assembled by layer-by-layer (LBL) deposition of oppositely charged CdTe QDs and poly(dimethyldiallylemmonium chloride) (PDDA). Then the outermost layer of 2-QDMF was cross-linked to bovine serum albumin (BSA), polyethylene glycol (PEG) or glutathione (GSH). It was found that when BSA modified quartz slides were immersed into solutions containing Hg²⁺ and Cu²⁺ respectively, the 2-QDMF can be quenched by Hg²⁺, but not by Cu²⁺. Under the optimization conditions, the quenched photoluminescence (PL) intensities of multilayer films were almost linearly proportional to the concentration of Hg²⁺ in the range of 1.0 × 10⁻⁸ to 1.0 × 10⁻⁶ mol L⁻¹ and the detection limit was 4.5 × 10⁻⁹ mol L⁻¹. The proposed method is intuitional and convenient, which can be applied to the determination of trace Hg²⁺ in the artificial water sample with satisfactory results.     

Versatile Tri(pyrazolyl)phosphanes as Phosphorus Precursors for the Synthesis of Highly Emitting InP/ZnS Quantum Dots

Tri(pyrazolyl)phosphanes ( 5 ^R1,R2) are utilized as an alternative, cheap and low‐toxic phosphorus source for the convenient synthesis of InP/ZnS quantum dots (QDs). From these precursors, remarkably long‐term stable stock solutions (>6 months) of P(OLA)₃ (OLAH=oleylamine) are generated from which the respective pyrazoles are conveniently recovered. P(OLA)₃ acts simultaneously as phosphorus source and reducing agent in the synthesis of highly emitting InP/ZnS core/shell QDs. These QDs are characterized by a spectral range between 530–620 nm and photoluminescence quantum yields (PL QYs) between 51–62 %. A proof‐of‐concept white light‐emitting diode (LED) applying the InP/ZnS QDs as a color‐conversion layer was built to demonstrate their applicability and processibility.     

Synthesis and spectral characterization of some complexes of platinum(II) containing η-methyleugenol

Several complexes of the formula trans-[Pt(Meug)(Am)Cl₂], Meug: methyleugenol (4-allyl-1,2-dimethoxybenzene), a η²-coordinated olefin, and Am: ammine, methylamine, diethylamine, o-toluidine, m-toluidine, p-toluidine, o-anisidine, m-anisidine and p-anisidine have been prepared. UV, IR, Raman, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and 2D NMR spectra of the complexes were recorded and analyzed.     

Method development and validation for trifluoroacetic acid determination by capillary electrophoresis in combination with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (CE-C4D)

A method was developed to determine traces of trifluoroacetic acid as impurity in synthetic or semi-synthetic drugs as antibiotics, macropeptides, etc. Capillary electrophoresis in combination with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (CE-C⁴D) was used due to lack of UV absorbance property of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). The optimized method took less than 1 min with good linearity (R² = 0.9995) for trifluoroacetic acid concentration from 2 to 100 ppm. It also has a good repeatability expressed by the relative standard deviation (% RSD) which is 1.2 and 2.1% for intraday and interday precision, respectively, at 50 ppm TFA, and good sensitivity with 0.34 ppm, 1.2 ppm LOD and LOQ, respectively. In addition, the content of TFA in synthetic drug, was determined using the validated method which gave good linearity (R² = 0.9996) for trifluoroacetic acid spiked into drug in a concentration range of 2-80 ppm, with good intraday repeatability of 2.0%.The analysis is performed in a background electrolyte composed of 20 mM morpholinoethane-sulfonic acid (Mes) and 20 mM l-histidine (l-His) pH 6.1. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was added as flow modifier in a concentration (0.2 mM) lower than the critical micellar concentration. Ammonium formate 6 ppm was used as internal standard. The applied voltage was 30 kV in reverse polarity. A fused silica capillary with 75 μm internal diameter and total length 47 cm (31 cm to C⁴D detector and 37 cm to DAD detector) was used.     

Auger Ionization Beats Photo‐Oxidation of Semiconductor Quantum Dots: Extended Stability of Single‐Molecule Photoluminescence

Despite the bright and tuneable photoluminescence (PL) of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), the PL instability induced by Auger recombination and oxidation poses a major challenge in single‐molecule applications of QDs. The incomplete information about Auger recombination and oxidation is an obstacle in the resolution of this challenge. Here, we report for the first time that Auger‐ionized QDs beat self‐sensitized oxidation and the non‐digitized PL intensity loss. Although high‐intensity photoactivation insistently induces PL blinking, the transient escape of QDs into the ultrafast Auger recombination cycle prevents generation of singlet oxygen (¹O₂) and preserves the PL intensity. By the detection of the NIR phosphorescence of ¹O₂ and evaluation of the photostability of single QDs in aerobic, anaerobic, and ¹O₂ scavenger‐enriched environments, we disclose relations of Auger ionization and ¹O₂‐mediated oxidation to the PL stability of single QDs, which will be useful during the formulation of QD‐based single‐molecule imaging tools and single‐photon devices.     

Near-Infrared Emission from Tin–Lead (Sn–Pb) Alloyed Perovskite Quantum Dots by Sodium Doping

Phase-stable CsSn_xPb_1−xI₃ perovskite quantum dots (QDs) hold great promise for optoelectronic applications owing to their strong response in the near-infrared region. Unfortunately, optimal utilization of their potential is limited by the severe photoluminescence (PL) quenching, leading to extremely low quantum yields (QYs) of approximately 0.3 %. The ultra-low sodium (Na) doping presented herein is found to be effective in improving PL QYs of these alloyed QDs without alerting their favourable electronic structure. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies suggest the formation of a stronger chemical interaction between I⁻ and Sn²⁺ ions upon Na doping, which potentially helps to stabilize Sn²⁺ and suppresses the formation of I vacancy defects. The optimized PL QY of the Na-doped QDs reaches up to around 28 %, almost two orders of magnitude enhancement compared with the pristine one.     

The structure of 1-formyl-3-phenyl-Δ-pyrazoline in the gas phase (DFT calculations), in solution (NMR) and in the solid state (X-ray crystallography)

The molecular structure of 1-formyl-3-phenyl-Δ²-pyrazoline was determined by X-ray crystallography (triclinic, P-1). The geometry thus obtained was compared with that obtained by DFT calculations. The GIAO method was used to calculate absolute shieldings, which agree conveniently with those measured by ¹³C and ¹⁵N NMR. The title compound appears to be an essentially planar molecule.