A novel photoelectrochemical immunosensor by integration of nanobody and TiO2 nanotubes for sensitive detection of serum cystatin C

Cystatin C (CysC) is a sensitive marker for the estimation of the glomerular filtration rate and the clinical diagnosis of different diseases. In this paper, CysC-specific nanobodies (Nbs) were isolated from a phage display nanobody library. A simple and sensitive photoelectrochemical immunosensor based on TiO₂ nanotube arrays (TNAs) was proposed for the sensitive detection of CysC. The TiO₂ nanotube arrays deposited by electrochemical anodization displayed a high and stable photocurrent response under irradiation. After coupling CysC-specific nanobody to TNA (Nb/TNA), the proposed immunosensor for CysC can be utilized for tracking the photocurrent change of Nb/TNA caused by immunoreactions between CysC and the immobilized CysC-specific Nb. This allowed for the determination of CysC with a calibration range from 0.72 pM to 7.19 nM. The variation of the photocurrent was in a linear relationship with the logarithm of the CysC concentration in the range of 0.72 pM–3.6 nM. The immunosensor had a correlation coefficient of 0.97 and a detection limit of 0.14 pM at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. The proposed immunosensor showed satisfactory intra- and inter-assay accuracy, high selectivity and good stability. As a result, this proposed strategy would offer a novel and simple approach for the detection of immunoreactions, provide new insights in popularizing the diagnosis of CysC, and extend the application of TiO₂ nanotubes.     

Composite film of carbon nanotubes and chitosan for preparation of amperometric hydrogen peroxide biosensor

A new amperometric biosensor for hydrogen peroxide was developed based on cross-linking horseradish peroxidase (HRP) by glutaraldehyde with multiwall carbon nanotubes/chitosan (MWNTs/chitosan) composite film coated on a glassy carbon electrode. MWNTs were firstly dissolved in a chitosan solution. Then the morphology of MWNTs/chitosan composite film was characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that MWNTs were well soluble in chitosan and robust films could be formed on the surface. HRP was cross-linked by glutaraldehyde with MWNTs/chitosan film to prepare a hydrogen peroxide biosensor. The enzyme electrode exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity and rapid response for H₂O₂ in the absence of a mediator. The linear range of detection towards H₂O₂ (applied potential: −0.2 V) was from 1.67 × 10⁻⁵ to 7.40 × 10⁻⁴ M with correction coefficient of 0.998. The biosensor had good repeatability and stability for the determination of H₂O₂. There were no interferences from ascorbic acid, glucose, citrate acid and lactic acid.     

Photoelectrochemical water splitting and simultaneous photoelectrocatalytic degradation of organic pollutant on highly smooth and ordered TiO2 nanotube arrays

The photoelectrochemical water splitting and simultaneous photoelectrocatalytic degradation of organic pollutant were achieved on TiO₂ nanotube electrodes with double purposes of environmental protection and renewable energy production under illumination of simulated solar light. The TiO₂ nanotube arrays (TiO₂ NTs) were fabricated by a two-step anodization method. The TiO₂ NTs prepared in two-step anodization process (2-step TiO₂ NTs) showed much better surface smoothness and tube orderliness than TiO₂ NTs prepared in one-step anodization process (1-step TiO₂ NTs). In the photoelectrochemical water splitting and simultaneous photoelectrocatalytic decomposition process, the 2-step TiO₂ NTs electrode showed both highest photo-conversion efficiency of 1.25% and effective photodecomposition efficiency with existing of methylene blue (MB) as sacrificial agent and as pollutant target. Those results implied that the highly ordered nanostructures provided direct pathway and uniform electric field distribution for effective charges transfer, as well as superior capabilities of light harvesting.     

Electrochemical DNA biosensor for the detection of short DNA species of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia by using methylene blue

A novel assay for the voltammetric detection of 18-bases DNA sequences relating to Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML, Type b3a2) using methylene blue (MB) as the hybridization indicator was reported. DNA was covalently attached onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) through amines of the DNA bases using N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide (NHS) and N-(3-dimethylamion)propyl-N′-ethyl carbodiimidehydrochloride (EDC). The covalently immobilized single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) could selectively hybridize with its complementary DNA (cDNA) in solution to form double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) on the surface. A significant increase of the peak current for methylene blue upon the hybridization of immobilized ssDNA with cDNA in the solution was observed. This peak current change was used to monitor the recognition of CML DNA sequence. This electrochemical approach is sequence specific as indicated by the control experiments in which no peak current change was observed if a non-complementary DNA sequence was used. Factors, such as DNA target concentration and hybridization conditions determining the sensitivity of the electrochemical assay were investigated. Under optimal conditions, this sensor has a good calibration range between 1.25 × 10⁻⁷ and 6.75 × 10⁻⁷ M, with CML DNA sequence detection limit of 5.9 × 10⁻⁸ M.     

A nano-porous CeO(2)/Chitosan composite film as the immobilization matrix for colorectal cancer DNA sequence-selective electrochemical biosensor

CeO₂/Chitosan (CHIT) composite matrix was firstly developed for the single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) probe immobilization and the fabrication of DNA biosensor related to the colorectal cancer gene. Such matrix combined the advantages of CeO₂ and chitosan, with good biocompatibility, nontoxicity and excellent electronic conductivity, showing the enhanced loading of ssDNA probe on the surface of electrode. The preparation method is quite simple and inexpensive. The hybridization detection was accomplished by using methylene blue (MB), an electroactive lable, as the indicator. The differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was employed to record the signal response of MB and determine the amount of colorectal cancer target DNA sequence. The experimental conditions were optimized. The established biosensor has high detection sensitivity, a relatively wide linear range from 1.59 × 10⁻¹¹ to 1.16 × 10⁻⁷ mol L⁻¹ and the ability to discriminate completely complementary target sequence and four-base-mismatched sequence.     

A novel H(2)O(2) amperometric biosensor based on gold nanoparticles/self-doped polyaniline nanofibers

A new kind of gold nanoparticles/self-doped polyaniline nanofibers (Au/SPAN) with grooves has been prepared for the immobilization of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) on the surface of glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The ratio of gold in the composite nanofibers was up to 64%, which could promote the conductivity and biocompatibility of SPAN and increase the immobilized amount of HRP molecules greatly. The electrode exhibits enhanced electrocatalytic activity in the reduction of H₂O₂ in the presence of the mediator hydroquinone (HQ). The effects of concentration of HQ, solution pH and the working potential on the current response of the modified electrode toward H₂O₂ were optimized to obtain the maximal sensitivity. The proposed biosensor exhibited a good linear response in the range from 10 to 2000 μM with a detection limit of 1.6 μM (S/N = 3) under the optimum conditions. The response showed Michaelis–Menten behavior at larger H₂O₂ concentrations, and the apparent Michaelis–Menten constant K_m was estimated to be 2.21 mM. The detection of H₂O₂ concentration in real sample showed acceptable accuracy with the traditional potassium permanganate titration.     

A novel amperometric sensor for the detection of difenidol hydrochloride based on the modification of Ru(bpy)3 on a glassy carbon electrode

An amperometric sensor for the detection of difenidol, a tertiary amine-containing analyte, was proposed. Ruthenium(II) tris(bipyridine)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes/Nafion composite film was suggested to modify the glassy carbon electrode. The modified electrode was shown to be an excellent amperometric sensor for the detection of difenidol hydrochloride. The linear range is from 1.0 × 10⁻⁶ to 3.3 × 10⁻⁵ M with a correlation coefficient of 0.998. The limit of detection was 5 × 10⁻⁷ M, which was obtained through experimental determination based on a signal-to-noise ratio of three. The sensor was employed to the determination of the active ingredients in the tablets containing difenidol hydrochloride.     

Bilayer lipid membrane biosensor with enhanced stability for amperometric determination of hydrogen peroxide

In this paper, a polydopamine (PDA) film is electropolymerized on the surface of bilayer lipid membrane (BLM) which is immobilized with horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The coverage of the PDA film on HRP/BLM electrode is monitored by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The electrocatalytic reduction of H₂O₂ at the PDA/HRP/BLM electrode is studied by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV). The biosensor has a fast response to H₂O₂ of less than 5 s and an excellent linear relationship is obtained in the concentration range from 2.5 × 10⁻⁷ to 3.1 × 10⁻³ mol L⁻¹, with a detection limit of 1.0 × 10⁻⁷ mol L⁻¹ (S/N = 3). The response current of BLM/HRP/PDA biosensor retains 84% of its original response after being stored in 0.1 mol L⁻¹ pH 7.0 PBS at 4 °C for 3 weeks. The selectivity, repeatability, and storage stability of PDA/HRP/BLM biosensor are greatly enhanced by the coverage of polydopamine film on BLM.     

温度控制TiO2纳米管及管/线复合阵列的制备

以含有NH4F的乙二醇溶液为电解液,在宽温度范围内(10~70℃)对纯Ti表面进行阳极氧化,制得形貌可控的TiO2纳米结构。利用场发射扫描电子显微镜(FESEM)和透射电镜(TEM)对纳米TiO2的形貌进行表征。结果表明,随着电解液温度的变化,纳米TiO2的形貌得到控制,可形成TiO2纳米管阵列及纳米管阵列/纳米线复合结构,温度40~50℃为转折温区。     

TiN纳米管的制备及其作为SERS基底的应用

采用阳极氧化法在钛片表面制备TiO₂纳米管阵列,并经氨气氮化得到TiN纳米管阵列,通过XRD、SEM、XPS、UV-Vis对基底的组成、形貌和光学性能进行了表征,并以罗丹明6G（R6G）为探针分子,对TiN基底的SERS活性进行检测。结果显示,TiO₂纳米管经800℃以上高温可转化为TiN纳米管,纳米管直径在100~200 nm,排列规整有序。氮化后的样品在500~600 nm处出现TiN的等离子体共振吸收峰,该基底显示出较高的SERS活性,对R6G分子的检测极限可达~10^-7 mol·L^-1,增强因子达~10⁵。     

基于铜基底的TiO2纳米管阵列储锂性能

研究了基于铜基底的TiO₂纳米管阵列直接作为锂离子电池电极的储锂性能。以铜基底上生长的Cu(OH)₂纳米棒阵列为模板, 采用自牺牲模板法, 通过外向包覆与内向刻蚀, 制备了非晶态的TiO₂纳米管阵列, 然后将其在500℃下退火处理4 h, 获得锐钛矿型TiO₂纳米管阵列。采用X射线衍射、场发射扫描电镜、透射电镜、热重分析对样品进行表征;采用恒电流充放电、循环伏安和交流阻抗谱测试对退火前后TiO₂纳米管阵列的电化学性能进行研究。结果表明:与非晶态的TiO₂纳米管阵列相比, 锐钛矿型TiO₂纳米管阵列吸附水的含量低, 结晶度高, 电荷迁移阻力小, 锂离子扩散系数大, 结构稳定, 具有更好的循环性能和倍率性能;在0.2 C下, 其首次放电比容量为353 mAh·g^-1, 经过40次循环后的放电比容量仍为243 mAh·g^-1, 在8C下的放电比容量为90 mAh·g^-1。     

阴离子改性甘油溶液中TiO2纳米管阵列的制备和表征

本文采用电化学阳极氧化法以含氟的甘油和水混合溶液为电解液在纯钛表面制备了一层排列规整的TiO2纳米管阵列,研究了电解液中额外添加3种2价阴离子、不同的电解时间及不同的添加物浓度等因素对所获得的TiO2纳米管阵列形貌的影响。结果表明,在改性电解液中制备的TiO2纳米管阵列的长度均超过了未改性的电解液中制备的,并随着氧化时间的增长,纳米管管口直径增大,管壁变薄;同时添加的(NH4)2TiF6浓度在0.025~0.1 mol.L-1范围内均可获得管长更长且形貌较好的TiO2纳米管阵列。     

基于铜基底的TiO2纳米管阵列储锂性能

研究了基于铜基底的TiO2纳米管阵列直接作为锂离子电池电极的储锂性能。以铜基底上生长的Cu(OH)2纳米棒阵列为模板,采用自牺牲模板法,通过外向包覆与内向刻蚀,制备了非晶态的TiO2纳米管阵列,然后将其在500℃下退火处理4 h,获得锐钛矿型TiO2纳米管阵列。采用X射线衍射、场发射扫描电镜、透射电镜、热重分析对样品进行表征;采用恒电流充放电、循环伏安和交流阻抗谱测试对退火前后TiO2纳米管阵列的电化学性能进行研究。结果表明:与非晶态的TiO2纳米管阵列相比,锐钛矿型TiO2纳米管阵列吸附水的含量低,结晶度高,电荷迁移阻力小,锂离子扩散系数大,结构稳定,具有更好的循环性能和倍率性能;在0.2C下,其首次放电比容量为353 mAh·g-1,经过40次循环后的放电比容量仍为243 mAh·g-1,在8C下的放电比容量为90 mAh·g-1。     

The evolution of morphology of ordered porous TiO2 films fabricated from sol-gel method assisted ZnO nanorod template

Ordered porous TiO₂ films, including TiO₂ nanotube arrays, are fabricated by a sol-gel dip-coating approach via ZnO nanorod templates obtained from aqueous solution approach. The results indicate that the morphologies of ordered porous TiO₂ films have been great affected by the sol-gel dip-coating cycle number. Open-ended TiO₂ nanotube arrays can be obtained in optimum dip-coating cycle numbers. The TiO₂ nanotubes with the inner diameter matching well with the diameters of ZnO nanorods, are well assembled and separate each other. When the cycle number is less than this optimum value, no intact porous TiO₂ film can be obtained. As the cycle number is larger than this optimum value, an ordered porous TiO₂ film with many throughout holes is formed. The evolutive mechanism of ordered porous TiO₂ films is proposed.     

Fabrication and Characterization of LaF3/Titania Nanotube Array Electrode for Determination of Fluoride Using a Headspace Single-Drop Microextraction System

LaF₃/titania nanotube array (TNAs) electrodes were fabricated by electrodeposition of LaF₃ on synthesized TNAs. The electrode was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). The electrode exhibited excellent response to fluoride ion. The linear calibration range achieved four orders of magnitude of F^- concentration (10^?6–10^?2 mg/ml) and the sensitivity of the electrode is higher than that of ordinary fluoride ion selective electrodes (mode PF-1). The limit of detection (LOD) was estimated to be 4.39 × 10^?7 mg/ml (S/N = 3). The novel electrode was applied to the determination of trace fluoride ions in tap water and toothpaste. Finally, a headspace single-drop microextraction (SDME) system coupled with LaF₃/TNAs electrode was successfully applied to determine fluoride in milk samples. The results are satisfactory with an average relative standard deviation (RSD %) of 0.51% and recovery from 96.3% to 107.3%.     

水热处理锐钛矿TiO2纳米管阵列及其增强的光电催化活性

在含氟溶液中,通过电化学阳极氧化钛片成功制备了高度有序的TiO2纳米管阵列,先在450℃下煅烧使其晶化为锐钛矿相,再在不同温度下水热处理了这些锐钛矿阵列。用XRD、SEM和XPS表征了所制备的样品。通过在氙灯光照下光电催化降解对氯苯酚水溶液来检测样品的活性。以对苯二甲酸作为探测分子,用荧光光谱检测了在氙灯光光照下样品表面产生的羟基自由基(.OH)。通过线性伏安扫描的间隙光照实验,测定了样品的光电流响应。结果表明后水热处理对锐钛矿TiO2纳米管阵列的结晶度和形貌没有影响,但光电催化活性明显增强,而不同温度处理的样品的活性差别不大。水热处理后的TiO2纳米管阵列的光电催化活性增强的原因是,水热后TiO2纳米管阵列表面羟基含量明显增加,使得其在光电催化过程中生成的.OH增加。     

Enhancement of ethanol electrooxidation on plasmonic Au/TiO2 nanotube arrays

Novel electrocatalysts Au/TiO₂ nanotube arrays (Au/TiO₂NTs) were prepared by loading low-content(1.9 at.%) of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) onto highly ordered TiO₂ nanotube arrays (TiO₂NTs). Ethanol electrooxidation indicates that visible-light (λ > 400 nm) irradiation can significantly enhance the activity as well as resistpoisoning of Au/TiO₂NTs electrocatalysts that are activated by plasmon resonance. Au/TiO₂NTs catalysts calcinated at 300 °C display the highest performance due to the strong synergistic interactions between TiO₂ and Au NPs. The combination of visible-light irradiation with a controllable potential offers a new strategyfor enhancing the performance of anodes in direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC).     

A sensitive mediator-free tyrosinase biosensor based on an inorganic-organic hybrid titania sol-gel matrix

A novel inorganic-organic hybrid titania sol-gel nanocomposite film was prepared to fabricate a sensitive tyrosinase biosensor for the amperometric detection of trace phenolic compounds without additional electron mediators. Acetylacetone worked as a complexing ligand to chelate with Ti atom in the synthesis process, and the pH of the titania solution could be adjusted to the value which was optimum for retaining tyrosinase activity and such a membrane was stably attached on to the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). This titania matrix could supply a good environment for enzyme loading, which resulted in a high sensitivity of 15.78 μA μM⁻¹ cm⁻² for monitoring phenols with a detection limit of 1×10⁻⁸ M at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. The TiO₂ sol-gel derived biosensor exhibited a fast response less than 10 s and a good stability for more than 2 months.     

A novel tyrosinase biosensor based on hydroxyapatite-chitosan nanocomposite for the detection of phenolic compounds

A novel tyrosinase biosensor based on hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nano-HA)-chitosan nanocomposite has been developed for the detection of phenolic compounds. The uniform and size controlled nano-HA was synthesized by hydrothermal method, and its morphological characterization was examined by transmission electron microscope (TEM). Tyrosinase was then immobilized on a nano-HA-chitosan nanocomposite-modified gold electrode. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry were used to characterize the sensing film. The prepared biosensor was applied to determine phenolic compounds by monitoring the reduction signal of the biocatalytically produced quinone species at −0.2 V (vs. saturated calomel electrode). The effects of the pH, temperature and applied potential on the biosensor performance were investigated, and experimental conditions were optimized. The biosensor exhibited a linear response to catechol over a wide concentration range from 10 nM to 7 μM, with a high sensitivity of 2.11 × 10³ μA mM⁻¹ cm⁻², and a limit of detection down to 5 nM (based on S/N = 3). The apparent Michaelis-Menten constants of the enzyme electrode were estimated to be 3.16, 1.31 and 3.52 μM for catechol, phenol and m-cresol, respectively. Moreover, the stability and reproducibility of this biosensor were evaluated with satisfactory results.