Assay for uric acid level in rat striatum by a reagentless biosensor based on functionalized multi-wall carbon nanotubes with tin oxide

A novel reagentless amperometric uric acid biosensor based on functionalized multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with tin oxide (SnO₂) nanoparticles has been developed. This was successfully applied to assay uric acid levels from an in vivo microdialysis sampling. Compared with unfunctionalized or traditional carboxylic acid (–COOH)-functionalized MWCNTs, the MWCNTs–SnO₂ electrode exhibited higher electrocatalytic oxidation to uric acid. Here, MWCNTs–SnO₂ may act as an efficient promoter, and the system exhibited a linear dependence on the uric acid concentration over the range from 1.0 × 10^–7 to 5.0 × 10^–4 mol L^–1. In addition, there was little ascorbic acid interference. The high sensitivity of the MWCNTs–SnO₂ modified enzyme electrode enabled the monitoring of trace levels of uric acid in dialysate samples in rat striatum.     

La掺杂ZnS量子点的制备及其表征

ZnS量子点的发光强度较弱,用水相合成技术掺杂一定浓度的La3+可以增强其发光性能。本文以实验用N-乙酰-L-半胱氨酸作保护剂,Zn(Ac)2作锌源,Na2S作硫源、La(Ac)3作镧源合成La掺杂的ZnS量子点,并通过透射电镜(TEM)和X-射线粉末衍射(XRD)对其物相进行了表征。紫外-可见(UV-Vis)及荧光(PL)光谱性质亦进行了表征。     

Characterizing mixed phosphonic acid ligand capping on CdSe/ZnS quantum dots using ligand exchange and NMR spectroscopy

The ligand capping of phosphonic acid functionalized CdSe/ZnS core–shell quantum dots (QDs) was investigated with a combination of solution and solid‐state ³¹P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Two phosphonic acid ligands were used in the synthesis of the QDs, tetradecylphosphonic acid and ethylphosphonic acid. Both alkyl phosphonic acids showed broad liquid and solid‐state ³¹P NMR resonances for the bound ligands, indicative of heterogeneous binding to the QD surface. In order to quantify the two ligand populations on the surface, ligand exchange facilitated by phenylphosphonic acid resulted in the displacement of the ethylphosphonic acid and tetradecylphosphonic acid and allowed for quantification of the free ligands using ³¹P liquid‐state NMR. After washing away the free ligand, two broad resonances were observed in the liquids' ³¹P NMR corresponding to the alkyl and aromatic phosphonic acids. The washed samples were analyzed via solid‐state ³¹P NMR, which confirmed the ligand populations on the surface following the ligand exchange process. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of bovine serum albumin imprinted Mn:ZnS quantum dots

A novel bovine serum albumin（BSA） imprinted Mn-doped ZnS quantum dots（Mn:ZnS QDs） is firstly reported.The molecular imprinted polymer（MIP） functionalized Mn:ZnS QDs（Mn:ZnS@SiO₂@MIP） include the preparation of Mn:ZnS QDs,the coating of silica on the surface of Mn:ZnS QDs,and the functional polymerization by sol-gel reaction using 3-aminophenylboronic acid as the functional and cross-linking monomer in the presence of BSA（Mn:ZnS@SiO₂@MIP-BSA）,and then the elution of the imprinted BSA on the surface of Mn:ZnS@SiO₂ QDs.The results showed that the phosphorescence of Mn:ZnS@SiO₂@MIP is stronger quenched by BSA than that of non-imprinted one（Mn:ZnS@SiO₂@NIP）,indicating that the selectivity of the imprinted Mn:ZnS quantum dots toward BSA is superior to that of non-imprinted one.     

Uniform-dispersed ZnS quantum dots loading on graphene as a promising anode for potassium-ion batteries

The potassium-ion batteries(PIBs) have become the promising energy storage devices due to their relatively moderate cost and plenteous potassium resources.Whereas,the main drawback of PIBs is unsatisfacto ry electrochemical perfo rmance induced by the larger ionic radius of potassium ion.Herein,we report a well-designed,uniform-dispersed,and morphology-controllable zinc sulfide(ZnS) quantum dots loading on graphene as an anode in the PIBs.The directed uniform dispersion of the in-situ growing ZnS quantum dots(～2.8 nm in size) on graphene can mitigate the volume effect during the insertionextraction process and shorten the migration path of potassium ions.As a result,the battery exhibits superior cycling stability(350.4 mAh/g over 200 cycles at 0.1 A/g) and rate performance(98.8 mAh/g at2.0 A/g).We believe the design of active material with quantum dot-minimized size provides a novel route into PIBs and contributes to eliminating the major electrode failure issues of the system.     

Disposable luminol copolymer-based biosensor for uric acid in urine

A new electrochemiluminescent (ECL) disposable biosensor for uric acid was manufactured by immobilization in a double-layer design of luminol as a copolymer with 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and the enzyme uricase in chitosan on gold screen-printed cells. The good mechanical and improved electroluminescent characteristics of the new copolymer poly(luminol–TMB) make it possible to determine uric acid by measuring the growing ECL emission with the analyte concentration. The combination of enzymatic selectivity with ECL sensitivity results in a disposable analytical device with a linear range for uric acid from 1.5 × 10⁻⁶ to 1.0 × 10⁻⁴ M, a limit of detection of 4.4 × 10⁻⁷ M and a precision of 13.1% (1.0 × 10⁻⁵ M, n = 10) as relative standard deviation. Satisfactory results were obtained for uric acid determination in 24 h-urine samples compared to a reference procedure. This uric acid biosensor can be used as a low-cost alternative to conventional methods.     

Hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid determination in waste water using a reversible reagentless biosensor

During the reversible reaction between peroxidase (HRP) and peroxides, several peroxidase intermediate species, showing different molecular absorption spectra, are formed which can be used for their determination. On this basis, a reversible reagentless optical biosensor based on HRP for hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid determinations has been developed. The biosensor (which can be used for at least 3 months and/or more than 200 measurements) is prepared by HRP entrapment in a polyacrylamide gel matrix. A mathematical model (in which optical, kinetic and transport aspects are considered) relating the measured absorbance with the analyte concentration is also presented. Both peroxides show similar responses in the sensor film. Under the recommended working conditions, the biosensor shows linear response ranges from 6 × 10⁻⁷ to 1.0 × 10⁻⁴ M using FIA mode, and from 2 × 10⁻⁷ to 1.5 × 10⁻⁵ M using continuous mode for both peroxides; the precision, expressed as R.S.D., is about 4%. This biosensor has been applied for peroxide determination in waste water samples previously treated with peroxides.     

Enhanced chemiluminescence from reactions between CdTe/CdS/ZnS quantum dots and periodate

A novel chemiluminescence (CL) performance of CdTe/CdS/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) with periodate (KIO₄) was studied. Effects of concentration and pH on the CL system were investigated. Electron spin resonance (ESR) and the effects of radical scavenger analysis were employed for identification of intermediate species. The CL spectra for this system showed only one maximum emission peak centered around 620 nm, which was similar with photoluminescence (PL) spectra of CdTe/CdS/ZnS QDs. The CL of CdTe/CdS/ZnS QDs was induced by direct chemical oxidation and the possible mechanism could be explained by radiative recombination of injected holes and electrons. This investigation not only provided new sight into the optical characteristics of CdTe/CdS/ZnS QDs, but also broadened their potential optical utilizations.     

Controllable synthesis of ZnS/PMMA nanocomposite hybrids generated from functionalized ZnS quantum dots nanocrystals

We reported controllable synthesis of ZnS nanocrystal-polymer transparent hybrids by using polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) as a polymer matrix. In a typical run, the appropriate amounts of zinc chloride (ZnCl₂) and sodium sulfide (Na₂S) in the presence of 2-mercaptoethanol (ME) as the organic ligand were well dispersed in H₂O/dimethylformamide solution without any aggregation. In addition, the Mn-doped ZnS nanocrystals (NCs) were synthesized with similar method. Then, ZnS-PMMA hybrids were obtained via free radical polymerization in situ by using ZnS NCs functionalized with methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS). FT-IR characterization indicates the formation of robust bonding between ZnS NCs and the organic ligand. The TEM images show that ZnS NCs are well dispersed in PMMA matrix, and particle size of as-prepared ZnS NCs is about 2.6 nm, in agreement with the computing results of Brus’s model and Debye–Scherrer formula. The photoluminescence measurements present that ZnS NCs, Mn-doped ZnS NCs, and ZnS/PMMA hybrid show good optical properties.     

Determination of abscisic acid based on the fluorescent quenching of quantum dots

The quenching mechanism of the fluorescence of quantum dots by abscisic acid has been systematically investigated.The quenching constant KSV = 5.1 × 1011 / M was obtained under the optimized condition.On the basis of that,a very sensitive method for the determination of abscisic acid has been developed.The linear equation was F0/F = 0.9309 + 0.5072 C(pmol/L) and its linear range was 0.2-3.0 pmol/L with a correlation coefficient of 0.9939.The limit of detection was 0.09 pmol/L.     

Luminescence and stability of aqueous thioalkyl acid capped CdSe/ZnS quantum dots correlated to ligand ionization.

The spectroscopic properties of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) were observed to change as a function of thioalkyl acid ligand. Experiments were performed using 2, 3, 6, and 11-carbon linear thioalkyl acids, as well as mercaptosuccinic acid (MSA) and dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA). Bathochromic shifts of up to 14 nm in the emission spectra of QDs capped with these ligands were observed. Similarly, hypsochromic or bathochromic shifts up to 7 nm were observed for a specific ligand in acidic or basic solution, respectively. These shifts could be correlated to the number of ionized ligands and the ability of the ligands to act as hole acceptors. It was also found that differences in quantum yield between the ligands were primarily due to variations in radiative decay rate and not nonradiative decay rate. This indicated that different degrees of QD surface passivation were not responsible for the differences, and that the radiative system must be considered as the sum of the ligands and the QD nanocrystal. The stability of QDs capped with mercaptoacetic acid, MSA, and DHLA towards aggregation at low pH was found to correlate with the pK(a) of the ligands. Spectral shifts were also observed during aggregation. Overall, the luminescence of thioalkyl acid capped QDs appears to be a complex function of dielectric constant, electrostatic or hole-acceptor interactions with ionized ligands, and, to a lesser extent, passivation.     

Immobilization of uricase within polystyrene using polymaleimidostyrene as a stabilizer and its application to uric acid sensor

A novel amperometric uric acid (UA) sensor has been developed by coating the surface of a gold electrode with a polystyrene (PS) membrane formed by 30 μL of a 30 mg mL⁻¹ PS chloroform solution combined with 30 μL of a 5 mg mL⁻¹ polymaleimidostyrene (PMS) solution as a dispersant for enzyme, uricase; this membrane has been successfully employed as an immobilization support for uricase. In the PS membrane, PMS forms micelle-like structures containing uricase in an active state. This immobilized uricase membrane permits the permeation of oxygen, which is consumed by the uricase reaction. A good linear relationship is obtained over the concentration range of 5-105 μM. The concentration of uric acid was determined at a negative potential based on the decrease in the reduction current of oxygen and the interference of l-ascorbic acid can be completely eliminated.     

核-壳结构CdSe/ZnS量子点的制备、硫醇修饰及其光学性能

采用高温有机相包覆技术制备了CdSe/ZnS核壳结构量子点材料,考察了包覆量对量子点材料的光学性能的影响,研究了含脂肪链和芳香基的双硫醇分子1,4-苯二甲硫醇和1,8-辛二硫醇对于具有核-壳结构的CdSe/ZnS量子点材料的修饰作用,考察了修饰作用对于量子点的量子效率和荧光强度等光学性能的影响.实验结果表明:随着硫化锌包覆量的增加,量子点的量子效率及其荧光发射强度明显提高;硫醇的修饰能显著增强量子点的发光强度,随着硫醇浓度的增加,其发光性能增强,但是达到一定程度后,光学性能基本不随硫醇浓度的变化而变化.根据固体核磁共振等实验结果推测:硫醇分子可能部分替代了量子点体系中的正三辛基氧膦配体,稳定了量子点体系,对量子点起修饰保护作用,从而提高了量子点的光学性能.     

Fabrication of dissolved O2 metric uric acid biosensor using uricase epoxy resin biocomposite membrane

Uricase purified from 20-day-old leaves of cowpea was immobilized on to epoxy resin membrane with 80% retention of initial activity of free enzyme and a conjugation yield of 0.056 mg/cm². The uricase epoxy resin bioconjugate membrane was mounted over the sensing part of the combined electrode of ‘Aqualytic’ dissolved O₂ (DO) meter to construct a uric acid biosensor. The biosensor measures the depletion of dissolved O₂ during the oxidation of uric acid by immobilized uricase, which is directly proportional to uric acid concentration. The biosensor showed optimum response within 10-12 s at a pH 8.5 and 35 °C. A linear relationship was found between uric acid concentration from 0.025 to 0.1 mM and O₂ (mg/l) consumed. The biosensor was employed for measurement of uric acid in serum. The mean value of uric acid in serum was 4.92 mg/dl in apparently healthy males and 3.11 mg/dl in apparently healthy females. The mean analytic recoveries of added uric acid in reaction mixture (8.9 and 9.8 mg/dl) were 93.6 ± 2.34 and 87.18 ± 3.17% respectively. The within and between batch CVs were <6.5 and <5.0%, respectively. The serum uric acid values obtained by present method and standard enzymic colorimetric method, showed a good correlation (r = 0.996) and regression equation being y = 0.984x + 0.0674. Among the various metabolites tested only, glucose (11%), urea (38%), NaCl (25%) and cholesterol (13%) and ascorbic acid (56%) caused decrease, while, MgSO₄ and CaCl₂ had no effect on immobilized enzyme. The enzyme electrode showed only 32% decrease during its use for 100 times over a period of 60 days at 4 °C.     

Use of CdSe/ZnS core-shell quantum dots as energy transfer donors in sensing glucose

In the present work, CdSe/ZnS core-shell quantum dots were synthesized and conjugated with enzymes, glucose oxidase (GOD) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The complex of enzyme-conjugated QDs was used as QD-FRET-based probes to sense glucose. The QDs were used as an electron donor, whereas GOD and HRP were used as acceptors for the oxidation/reduction reactions involved in oxidizing glucose to gluconic acid. Electron transfer between the redox enzymes and the electrochemical reduction of H₂O₂ (or O₂) occurred rapidly, resulting in an increase of the turnover rate of the electron exchange between the substrates (e.g. glucose, H₂O₂ and O₂) and the enzymes (GOD, HRP), as well as between the QDs and the enzymes. The transfer of non-radiative energy from the QDs to the enzymes resulted in the fluorescence quenching of the QDs, corresponding to the increase in the concentration of glucose. The linear detection ranges of glucose concentrations were 0–5.0 g/l (R = 0.992) for the volume ratios of 10/5/5, 0.2–5.0 g/l (R = 0.985) for the volume ratios of 10/5/3 and 1.0–5.0 g/l (R = 0.982) for the volume ratios of 10/5/0. Temperature (29–37 °C), pH (6–10) and some ions (NH₄⁺, NO₃⁻, Na⁺, Cl⁻) had no interference effect on the glucose measurement.     

ZnS量子点的合成及荧光特性

采用液相沉淀法,用不同的硫源或金属离子螯合剂,从三个途径合成了不同粒径的ZnS量子点,并用透射电子显微镜,X-射线粉末衍射仪所合成的量子点进行了表征,用荧光分光光度计研究了量子点的荧光性质。结果表明,所合成的ZnS量子点为分散性好、纯度高且具有良好荧光特性的球形微粒。     

Study on the interaction of CdTe quantum dots with coumaric acid and caffeic acid based on fluorescence reversible tune

This paper describes the synthesis of CdTe quantum dots (QDs) together capped by glutathione and thioglycolic acid (GSH and TGA) in aqueous solution. The narrow photoluminescence (fwhm ≤ 40 nm) CdTe QDs, whose emission spans most of the visible spectrum from green through red, has a quantum yield (QY) of 68% at room temperature. GSH/TGA-CdTe QDs are characterized by various experimental techniques such as optical absorption, photoluminescence and AFM measurements. Coumaric acid and caffeic acid is able to quench the fluorescence of GSH/TGA-CdTe QDs, and the fluorescence intensity is linearly proportional to the concentration of quenchers. The addition of bovine serum albumin (BSA) restores the fluorescence intensity of GSH/TGA-CdTe QDs-coumaric acid system and GSH/TGA-CdTe QDs-caffeic acid system. The fluorescence recovery was due to the interaction of BSA with coumaric acid and caffeic acid, leading to the freeing of the GSH/TGA-CdTe QDs. The fluorescence quenching mechanism of GSH/TGA-CdTe QDs was discussed. The binding constant and thermodynamics parameters of BSA-coumaric acid and BSA-caffeic acid during the binding process were calculated in the paper.     

A quercetin-modified biosensor for amperometric determination of uric acid in the presence of ascorbic acid

The present work reports a quercetin-modified wax-impregnated graphite electrode (Qu/WGE) prepared through an electrochemical oxidation procedure in quercetin-containing phosphate buffer solution (PBS), for the purpose of detecting uric acid (UA) in the presence of ascorbic acid (AA). During modification quercetin was oxidized to the corresponding quinonic structure, and in the blank buffer solution the electrodeposited film exhibits a voltammetric response anticipated for the surface-immobilized quercetin. Retarding effect of the film towards the reaction of anionic species was found; therefore the pH of sample solutions was selected to ensure the analyte in molecular form. At suitable pHs the Qu/WGE shows excellent electrocatalytic effect towards the oxidation of both AA and UA, and separates the voltammetric signal of UA from AA by about 280 mV, allowing simultaneous detection of these two species. A linear relation between the peak current and concentration was obtained for UA in the range of 1-50 μM in the presence of 0.5 mM AA, with a detection limit 1.0 μM (S/N = 3). This sensor was stable, reproducible and outstanding for long-term use.     

碳点的性质及其在生物传感器领域的应用

碳点(carbon dots,CDs)作为一种具有优良生物相容性、低毒性和表面功能可调的新型碳基纳米材料,在生物传感领域具有极大的应用潜力.本文对碳点的生物效应、发光性质及其发光机理进行了简述,并根据传感机制的不同,将CDs在生物传感领域的应用分为荧光(fluorescence,FL)传感器、电致发光(electroc...     

Immobilization of uricase in layer-by-layer films used in amperometric biosensors for uric acid

The layer-by-layer technique was exploited to immobilize the enzyme uricase onto indium tin oxide substrates coated with a layer of Prussian Blue. Uricase layers were alternated with either poly(ethylene imine) or poly(diallyldimethylammoniumchloride), and the resulting films were used as amperometric biosensors for uric acid. Biosensors with optimum performance had a limit of detection of 0.15 μA μmol l⁻¹ cm⁻² with a linear response between 0.1 and 0.6 μM of uric acid, which is sufficient for use in clinical tests. Bioactivity was preserved for weeks, and there was negligible influence from interferents, as detection was carried out at 0.0 V vs saturated calomel electrode. This paper is dedicated to the memory of Francisco C. Nart.