Progress on the development of DNA-mediated metal nanomaterials for environmental and biological analysis

This review summarized the recent progress on the synthesis, morphologies and properties of DNA-mediated metal nanomaterials including nanoparticles and nanoclusters. Moreover, their applications to environmental and biological analysis were introduced with the developing prospect in analytical chemistry.     

Quantitative proteomics for cancer biomarker discovery

The mass spectrometry (MS)-based quantitative proteomics is powerful to discover disease biomarkers that can provide diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic targets, and it also can address important problems in clinical and translational medical research. The current status of MS-based quantification strategy and technical advances of several main quantitative assays (two-dimensional (2-D) gel-based methods, stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture (SILAC), isotope-coded affinity tag (ICAT), the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ), 1?O labeling, absolute quantitation and label-free quantitation) have been summarized and reviewed. At present, except 2-D gel-based methods, several stable isotope labeling quantitative techniques, including SILAC, ICAT and iTRAQ, etc, have been widely applied in identification of differential expression of proteins, post-translational modifications and protein-protein interactions in order to look for novel candidate cancer biomarkers from different physiological states of cells, body fluids or tissue samples. Also, the advantages and challenges of different quantitative proteomic approaches are discussed in identification and validation of candidate targets.     

Three‐Dimensional Characterization of Noble‐Metal Nanoparticles and their Assemblies by Electron Tomography

New developments in the field of nanomaterials drive the need for quantitative characterization techniques that yield information down to the atomic scale. In this Review, we focus on the three‐dimensional investigations of metal nanoparticles and their assemblies by electron tomography. This technique has become a versatile tool to understand the connection between the properties and structure or composition of nanomaterials. The different steps of an electron tomography experiment are discussed and we show how quantitative three‐dimensional information can be obtained even at the atomic scale.     

基于稳定同位素标记的蛋白质组学定量方法研究进展

定量蛋白质组学已经成为后基因时代的重要研究方向之一。目前该领域的研究主要采用无标记定量方法和稳定同位素标记定量法。其中,基于稳定同位素标记的蛋白质组定量方法发展非常迅速,已为生命科学研究提供了重要的技术支撑。本文分析了基于稳定同位素标记的蛋白质组学定量方法,包括相对定量方法和绝对定量方法,并对其发展进行了展望。     

金属锗酸盐微纳米材料的研究进展

金属锗酸盐微纳米材料是一类非常重要的功能材料,展现出特殊的物理与化学性质,近年来已引起国内外学者浓厚的研究兴趣。迄今为止,人们已经利用多种合成方法制备了不同尺寸和形貌的锗酸盐微纳米材料。本文综述了目前这些材料制备方面的研究现状,简单比较了各种方法的优缺点;介绍了金属锗酸盐微纳米材料在光催化、重金属离子吸附、电化学传感、锂离子电池负极材料和光学器件等领域的应用,并展望了可能的发展趋势。     

模板及其在纳米材料合成领域的应用

模板法是合成纳米材料的重要方法之一.本文综述了模板的分类、制备方法、性能以及在纳米材料合成领域中的应用,并对模板合成的未来发展进行了展望。     

核酸工具酶辅助的金属稳定同位素标记方法在生物分析中的应用

本文主要概述了近年来核酸工具酶辅助的基于金属稳定同位素标记的电感耦合等离子体质谱(ICP-MS)检测方法在生物分析中的发展和应用,简要介绍了该方法在蛋白质、核酸及一些生物小分子检测中的应用。最后对核酸工具酶辅助的基于金属稳定同位素标记的电感耦合等离子体质谱(ICP-MS)检测方法的发展前景做了展望。     

Playing tag with quantitative proteomics

There is steady need for new proteomic strategies on quantitative measurements that provide essential components for detailing dynamic changes in many cellular functions and processes. Stable isotope labeling is a rapidly evolving field, which can be used either after protein extraction with chemical labeling, or in cell culture with metabolic incorporation. In this review, we explore the most frequently utilized quantitation techniques with particular attention paid to chemical labeling using different isotopic tags, including a recent labeling strategy—soluble polymer-based isotopic labeling (SoPIL)—that achieves efficient labeling in homogeneous conditions. Special care should be devoted to the selection of appropriate quantitation approaches according to the needs of the sample and overall experimental design. We evaluate recent advances in quantitative proteomics using stable isotope labeling and their applications to current insightful biological inquiries. Figure Chemical modules of isotopic tags for quantitative proteomics.     

Layered photocatalytic nanomaterials for environmental applications

The increasing pollution and human demand for a cleaner environment have made achieving the environmental sustainability a current research focus. As a “green” technology, semiconductor photocatalysis is of great significance to the environmental purification. Benefiting from the unique anisotropic crystal structure and electronic properties, layered photocatalytic nanomaterials show great potential for efficient photocatalytic environmental treatment. This review comprehensively summarizes the recent progress on layered photocatalytic nanomaterials for oxidation or reduction of pollutants in water and air along with the basic understanding of related mechanisms and developments in this field. First, the existing diversified layered photocatalysts are classified, and their different synthesis and modification strategies are discussed in detail to provide a comprehensive view of the material design that affects their photocatalytic performance. Subsequently, the extensive applications of the above-mentioned layered photocatalytic nanomaterials in environmental fields are systematically summarized, including photooxidation of water and air pollutants, and photoreduction of heavy metal pollutants, NO₃^?, BrO₃^? and CO₂. Finally, based on the current research achievements in layered photocatalysts for environmental remediation, the future development direction and challenges are proposed.     

The progress of microwave-assisted hydrothermal method in the synthesis of functional nanomaterials

Developing simple, rapid, and environmentally friendly synthetic methodologies for the preparation of functional nanomaterials is of great importance for broadening and improving their potential applications. In comparison with other methods, the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method possesses and combines the merits of microwave and hydrothermal methods, which can achieve the high temperature and high pressure for a short time from several minutes to several hours in a closed reaction system. In this review, the synthesis of various types of functional nanomaterials such as metals oxides, metal composite oxides, inorganic biomaterials (hydroxyapatite and calcium carbonate), and metal sulfides via the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method is summarized. The special properties and applications of functional nanomaterials by the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method are compared with others methods. The future developments of this promising method are put forward.     

Recent Progress in Two-Dimensional Antimicrobial Nanomaterials

Nowadays, microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, are regarded as new environmental pollutants and pose serious threats to public health. Yet, traditional disinfection approaches for bacteria and viruses are generally ineffective. Furthermore, they exhibit the disadvantages of high-energy consumption, environmental pollution, high cost, and toxic byproduct generation. In this respect, nanomaterials display promising antimicrobial capabilities due to their unique properties and provide solutions to the abovementioned issues. Herein, recent progress in the development of 2D nanomaterials displaying antimicrobial capabilities is highlighted. The structures, morphologies, and performances of essential metal, graphene, and nitride-based 2D antibacterial nanomaterials are summarized in detail. In addition, possible antimicrobial mechanisms and the relationship between structure and antimicrobial efficiency are elaborated.     

One‐dimensional Nanomaterial Electrocatalysts for CO2 Fixation

Electroreduction of CO₂ into valuable molecules or fuels is a sustainable pathway for CO₂ reduction as well as energy storage. However, the premature development stage of electrocatalysts with high activity, selectivity, and durability still remains a significant bottleneck that hinders this field. One‐dimensional (1D) nanomaterials, including nanorods, nanotubes, nanoribbons, nanowires, and nanofibers, are generally considered as high‐activity and stable electromaterials, due to their unique uniform structures, orientated electronic and mass transport, and rigid tolerance to stress variation. During the past several years, 1D nanomaterials and nanostructures have been extensively studied due to their potentials in serving as CO₂ electroreduction catalysts. In this minireview, recent studies and advances in 1D nanomaterials for CO₂ eletroreduction are summarized, from the viewpoints of both computational and experimental aspects. Based on the composition, the 1D nanomaterials are studied in four categories, including metals, transition‐metal oxides/nitrides, transition‐metal chalcogenides, and carbon‐based materials. Different parameters in tuning 1D materials are also summarized and discussed, such as the crystal facets, grain boundaries, heteroatoms doping, additives and the electrochemical tuning effects. Finally, the challenges and prospects in this direction will be discussed.     

Molecular and quantitative aspects of the chemistry of fulvic acid and its interactions with metal ions and organic chemicals : Part II. The fluorescence spectroscopy approach

Information in the literature on the use of fluorescence spectroscopy for the study of the chemistry of fulvic acid and its interactions with metal ions and organic chemicals is discussed. Basic principles, instrumentation, procedures, methodology and limitations of the fluorescence technique and the fluorescence polarization method are briefly summarized. This is followed by an extended discussion on the direct information that fluorescence spectra can furnish on the properties and nature of fluorescing structures in fulvic acids. The effects of molecular parameters and environmental factors (molecular weight, concentration, pH, ionic strength, temperature and redox potential) on the fluorescence behaviour of fulvic acids are discussed. Particular attention is devoted to the indirect information that fluorescence quenching and fluorescence polarization studies provide on molecular and quantitative aspects of the chemistry of fulvic acid in solution, especially in relation to molecular conformation and binding with metal ions and organic chemicals. The potential advantage of this non-separative, non-destructive technique for the study of environmental samples such as fulvic acids is emphasized.     

Electroanalytical methods based on bimetallic nanomaterials for determination of pesticides: Past,present, and future

The excessive use of pesticides in agricultural or non-agricultural fields causes the emergence of environmental and human health problems. Therefore, there is a need to develop simple, fast, sensitive, selective, and low-cost methods for analyzing pesticides from different matrices. Although many analysis methods have been developed to determine pesticides, nanomaterial-based electroanalytical methods offer numerous advantages such as rapid and low cost of analysis, low sample volume requirement, field deployability, and miniaturization to improve the performance of the developed methods. Among different nanomaterials, bimetallic nanomaterials such as gold, platinum, palladium, nickel, and iron-based nanomaterials in combination with other metals have been extensively used as electrode modification agents due to their electrocatalytic characteristics and the synergistic effect of two metals. In this review, firstly, the basic information of pesticides and bimetallic nanomaterials was summarized. Properties, synthesize, and architectures of bimetallic nanomaterials and their nanocomposites were explained in detail. Current applications and utilization of bimetallic nanomaterials for pesticides detection were reviewed by selected studies with working range, the limit of detection, sensitivity, analytical application, and some experimental conditions. In conclusion, the current challenges and future trends for analyzing pesticides based on electroanalytical methods combined with bimetallic nanomaterials were highlighted.     

Ecotoxicity and analysis of nanomaterials in the aquatic environment

Nanotechnology is a major innovative scientific and economic growth area. However nanomaterial residues may have a detrimental effect on human health and the environment. To date there is a lack of quantitative ecotoxicity data, and recently there has been great scientific concern about the possible adverse effects that may be associated with manufactured nanomaterials. Nanomaterials are in the 1- to 100-nm size range and can be composed of many different base materials (carbon, silicon and metals, such as gold, cadmium and selenium) and they have different shapes. Particles in the nanometer size range do occur both in nature and as a result of existing industrial processes. Nevertheless, new engineered nanomaterials and nanostructures are different because they are being fabricated from the “bottom up”. Nanomaterial properties differ compared with those of the parent compounds because about 40–50% of the atoms in nanoparticles (NPs) are on the surface, resulting in greater reactivity than bulk materials. Therefore, it is expected that NPs will have different biological effects than parent compounds. In addition, release of manufactured NPs into the aquatic environment is largely an unknown. The surface properties and the very small size of NPs and nanotubes provide surfaces that may bind and transport toxic chemical pollutants, as well as possibly being toxic in their own right by generating reactive radicals. This review addresses hazards associated and ecotoxicological data on nanomaterials in the aquatic environment. Main weaknesses in ecotoxicological approaches, controversies and future needs are discussed. A brief discussion on the scarce number of analytical methods available to determinate nanomaterials in environmental samples is included.     

Trends in the sample preparation and analysis of nanomaterials as environmental contaminants

Much research on the use of nanomaterials in different applications is being conducted in areas such as water treatment, catalysis, oil processing, medicine, food, sensors, energy storage, building materials, constructions, and others. Nanoparticles are ultra-small particles with exceptional properties, but some nanoparticles and nanomaterials may exhibit harmful properties when leaked into the environment. Due to the lack of analytical methods for the detection and analysis of nanoparticles in complex matrices, not much is known about the potential risks associated with nanomaterials. Therefore, more knowledge is needed of the sampling and analysis of nanomaterials (NMs) as environmental contaminants. This review is undertaken to identify and assess key characteristics in potential sampling and analysis methods for identifying and quantifying the occurrence of NMs in numerous types of environmental media. To select suitable sampling and analysis methods, information on NM sources and transformation in environmental media is essential and thus is also discussed. This provides more information about the negative impacts of NMs on the environment. Challenges and future perspectives on the determination of NMs are also discussed.     

基于二维凝胶电泳的蛋白质定量分析技术

基于2DE的蛋白质定量分析技术通过对不同样品蛋白质表达差异的比较,定量地解析了蛋白质的动态变化,为了解和阐明细胞蛋白质功能及活动机制等提供了重要信息。本文简单介绍了传统2DE 的“一个样品一块胶”模式的定量分析技术,指出其因为耗时、繁琐及重复性较差等,在常规2DE定量分析应用中受到了制约;阐述了近年来发展的“多样品共分离”模式的定量技术,包括荧光胶内差示电泳(DIGE)、“不同胶曝光”以及稳定同位素标记技术,这类技术因有效克服了传统技术的局限性,由此提高了定量分析的能力;分别对每种蛋白质定量技术及其优缺点作了比较和评述,并对2DE定量分析技术的未来发展方向做出了展望。     

稀土硫化物的合成及应用研究进展

稀土硫化物作为环保颜料和热电材料被广泛研究和应用,已成为材料科学领域的研究热点之一。目前主要可通过直接合成法、微波法、还原法这三种方法来合成稀土硫化物。总结了稀土硫化物制备方法的研究进展,讨论了其优缺点。同时讨论了一些稀土硫化物的热电性质和作为颜料的应用。结合本课题组在稀土硫化物方面的研究工作,对稀土硫化物的制备方法和应用的发展方向进行了展望。     

蛋白质组学定量的技术与方法研究进展

蛋白质组学是一门在整体水平上研究细胞内蛋白质组成及其活动规律的新兴学科。定量蛋白质组学是指通过某种方法或技术，对生物样品(细胞、组织或体液等)在某些过程中蛋白质的含量进行比较分析。近几年来，定量蛋白质组的技术发展很快，稳定同位素标记技术的提出，为准确定量在细胞或组织体系中发挥重要功能的低丰度蛋白质提供了一个理想的方法。本文综述了蛋白质组定量分析技术及其最新的研究进展。