Synthesis of L-tyrosine-capped ZnSe quantum dots and its application to hypochlorite determination in water

In this study, a new sensitised spectrofluorometric method was presented as a probe sensor for hypochlorite analysis in oral and tap water samples. By capping L-tyrosine (Tyr) on ZnSe nanoparticles, stable quantum dots (QDs) were obtained. In comparison with Tyr, the fluorescence (FL) emission of Tyr-capped ZnSe is enhanced and shifted to greater wavelength, which causes to enhance the sensitivity for the determination of hypochlorite. Based on the FL quenching of the Tyr-capped ZnSe QDs, hypochlorite concentration was detected at buffering pH of 7 in the range of 5.15 × 10^?5?2.57 × 10^?2 g L^?1. Relative standard deviation and detection limit were found to be 0.83% and 2.06 × 10^?5 g L^?1, respectively. In comparison with the other methods of hypochlorite determination, this method is simple, fast and inexpensive, with low sample volume consumption. It also exhibits a good selectivity.     

Electrophoretic properties of complexes between DNA and the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide

We use agarose gel electrophoresis to characterize how the monovalent catioinic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) compacts double-stranded DNA, which is detected as a reduction in electrophoretic DNA velocity. The velocity reaches a plateau at a ratio R = 1.8 of CTAB to DNA-phosphate charges, i.e., above the neutralization point, and the complexes retain a net negative charge at least up to R = 200. Condensation experiments on a mixture of two DNA sizes show that the complexes formed contain only one condensed DNA molecule each. These CTAB-DNA globules were further characterized by time-resolved measurements of their velocity inside the gel, which showed that CTAB does not dissociate during the migration but possibly upon entry into the gel. Using the Ogston-model for electrophoresis of spherical particles, the measured in-gel velocity of the globule is quantitatively consistent with CTAB having two opposite effects, reduction of both the electrophoretic charge and DNA coil size. In the case of CTAB the two effects nearly cancel, which can explain why opposite velocity shifts (globule faster than uncomplexed DNA) have been observed with some catioinic condensation agents. Dissociation of the complexes by addition of anionic surfactants was also studied. The DNA release from the globule was complete at a mixing ratio between anionic and cationic surfactants equal to 1, in agreement with equilibrium studies. Circular DNA retained its supercoiling, and this demonstrates a lack of DNA nicking in the compaction-release cycle which is important in DNA transfection and purification applications.     

基于PbS量子点和金纳米颗粒的可卡因适体传感器的研究

本文采用水热法合成了硫化铅量子点,将其与壳聚糖混合后修饰在玻碳电极上,利用PbS与巯基之间的强烈的键和作用,直接将所合成的带巯基的与可卡因适体互补的DNA固定到电极上,将金纳米颗粒标记在可卡因适体作为示踪物检测可卡因,研制了一种新型的用于快速测定可卡因的适体传感器.该适体传感器与不同浓度的可卡因培育时,可卡因适体与可卡...     

A sensitive sensor for anthraquinone anticancer drugs and hsDNA based on CdTe/CdS quantum dots fluorescence reversible control

Based on CdTe/CdS quantum dots (CdTe/CdS QDs) fluorescence (FL) reversible control, a new and sensitive FL sensor for determination of anthraquinone (AQ) anticancer drugs (adriamycin and daunorubicin) and herring sperm DNA (hsDNA) was developed. Under the experimental conditions, FL of CdTe/CdS QDs can be effectively quenched by AQ anticancer drugs due to the binding of AQ anticancer drugs on the surface of CdTe/CdS QDs and photoinduced electron transfer (PET) process from CdTe/CdS QDs to AQ anticancer drugs. Addition of hsDNA afterwards brought the restoration of CdTe/CdS QDs FL intensity, as AQ anticancer drugs peeled off from the surface of CdTe/CdS QDs and embedded into hsDNA double helix structure. The liner ranges and the detection limits of FL quenching methods for two AQ anticancer drugs were 0.33-9 μg mL⁻¹ and 0.09 μg mL⁻¹ for ADM and 0.15-9 μg mL⁻¹ and 0.04 μg mL⁻¹ for DNR, respectively. The restored FL intensity was proportional to concentration of hsDNA in the range of 1.38-28 μg mL⁻¹and the detection limit for hsDNA was 0.41 μg mL⁻¹. It was applied to the determination of AQ anticancer drugs in human serum and urine samples with satisfactory results. The reaction mechanism of CdTe/CdS QDs FL reversible control was studied.     

Three-dimensional porous reduced graphene oxide decorated with MoS2 quantum dots for electrochemical determination of hydrogen peroxide

Three-dimensional (3D) graphene-based nanomaterials have shown wide applications in electrochemical fields such as biosensors. In this study, we displayed a simple fabrication of 3D structural reduced graphene oxide (3D structural RGO) decorated with molybdenum disulfide quantum dots (MoS₂QDs) through a three-step reaction process. With its abundant raw materials, this strategy is economic and non-toxic. Various characterization techniques were utilized to characterize the morphologies of the synthesized MoS₂QDs, graphene oxide (GO), and 3D structural RGO-MoS₂QDs composites. Simultaneously, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was applied to characterize the structure and properties of composites. In order to understand the effects of the reaction period on the structure of 3D structural RGO-MoS₂QDs, a series of samples with various reaction periods were prepared for morphological characterization. Finally, the fabricated 3D structural RGO-MoS₂QDs composites were used to modify a glassy carbon electrode as an electrochemical non-enzymatic hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) sensor. The obtained results indicate that the fabricated electrochemical H₂O₂ sensor exhibits a wide detection range (0.01–5.57 mM), low detection limit (1.90 μM), good anti-interference performance, and long-time stability (18 days).     

A new hydrogen cyanide chemiresistor gas sensor based on graphene quantum dots

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs), synthesised via controlled carbonisation of citric acid, were reduced by hydrazine hydrate and then used as hydrogen cyanide (HCN) gas sensors. Checking of the reduction step by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques revealed that most of the oxygen-containing functional groups were removed from the GQDs. It was observed the reduction process is necessary for sensitising of GQDs for HCN gas. The electrical resistance of the reduced GQDs was increased as a result of their exposure to HCN gas. Accepting a p-type semiconducting characteristic for GQD material, the above-mentioned behaviour suggested electron donation from HCN to GQD. The sensor response to HCN gas was reversible, suggesting a reversible adsorption/desorption phenomenon of HCN to the GQDs. The response as well as the recovery time of the sensor was different depending on the HCN concentration tested. The developed sensor showed linear HCN response from 1 to 100 ppm. The detection limit of the sensor was estimated to be 0.6 ppm (S/N). Relative standard deviation f HCN determination by the developed sensor was calculated to be 5.7% (n = 4, [HCN] = 50 ppm). The sensor response was did not vary significantly within 6 months.     

Preparation and formaldehyde sensitive properties of N-GQDs/SnO2 nanocomposite

Graphene quantum dots(GQDs) have both the properties of graphene and semiconductor quantum dots,and exhibit stronger quantum confinement effect and boundary effect than graphene.In addition,the band gap of GQDs will transform to non-zero from 0 eV of graphene by surface functionalization,which can be dispersed in common solvents and compounded with solid materials.In this work,the SnO₂ nanosheets were prepared by hydrothermal method.As the sensitizer,nitrogen-doped graphene quantum do...     

Multiplex electrochemiluminescence DNA sensor for determination of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus based on multicolor quantum dots and Au nanoparticles

In this work, a novel multiplex electrochemiluminescence (ECL) DNA sensor has been developed for determination of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) based on multicolor CdTe quantum dots (CdTe QDs) and Au nanoparticles (Au NPs). The electrochemically synthesized graphene nanosheets (GNs) were selected as conducting bridge to anchor CdTe QDs₅₅₁-capture DNA_HBV and CdTe QDs₆₀₇-capture DNA_HCV on the glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Then, different concentrations of target DNA_HBV and target DNA_HCV were introduced to hybrid with complementary CdTe QDs-capture DNA. Au NPs-probe DNA_HBV and Au NPs-probe DNA_HCV were modified to the above composite film via hybrid with the unreacted complementary CdTe QDs-capture DNA. Au NPs could quench the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) intensity of CdTe QDs due to the inner filter effect. Therefore, the determination of target DNA_HBV and target DNA_HCV could be achieved by monitoring the ECL DNA sensor based on Au NPs-probe DNA/target DNA/CdTe QDs-capture DNA/GNs/GCE composite film. Under the optimum conditions, the ECL intensity of CdTe QDs₅₅₁ and CdTe QDs₆₀₇ and the concentration of target DNA_HBV and target DNA_HCV have good linear relationship in the range of 0.0005–0.5 nmol L⁻¹ and 0.001–1.0 nmol L⁻¹ respectively, and the limit of detection were 0.082 pmol L⁻¹ and 0.34 pmol L⁻¹ respectively (S/N = 3). The DNA sensor showed good sensitivity, selectivity, reproducibility and acceptable stability. The proposed DNA sensor has been employed for the determination of target DNA_HBV and target DNA_HCV in human serum samples with satisfactory results.     

A novel optical nanoprobe for trypsin detection and inhibitor screening based on Mn-doped ZnSe quantum dots

In this paper, a novel optical nanoprobe (Mn:ZnSe d-dots-Arg₆) for trypsin detection and its inhibitor screening has been constructed successfully based on the fluorescence quenching and recovery of Mn:ZnSe d-dots. Mn:ZnSe d-dots would aggregate in the presence of positively charged Arg₆ (six arginine residues) due to electrostatic interactions that result in the fluorescence quenching. Arg₆ can be hydrolyzed into small fragments in the presence of trypsin, and accordingly, the aggregation of Mn:ZnSe d-dots can be prohibited, which lead to the fluorescence recovery. Experimental results show that the recovery in fluorescence intensity is linearly proportional to the concentration of trypsin within the range of 0.1–12.0 μg mL⁻¹ with a detection limit of 40 ng mL⁻¹ under the optimized experimental conditions. We also prove the feasibility of fluorescence recovery of Mn:ZnSe d-dots for trypsin detection through the resonance light scattering (RLS) technique. Additionally, the optical nanoprobe can be employed for screening the inhibitors of trypsin. The optical nanoprobe was successfully applied for the determination of trypsin in human serum and urine samples with good accuracy and satisfactory recovery.     

Effect of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide on the migration of polyaromatic hydrocarbons in capillary electrokinetic chromatography

The separation of different ring numbered polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was accomplished by using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) in capillary electrokinetic chromatography. In order to increase the solubilities and selectivities of PAHs, acetonitrile (ACN) was used as an organic modifier. Under the optimised conditions, 11 aromatic compounds were separated within 14.5 min in a running electrolyte containing 10 mM phosphate, 30 mM CTAB, and 40% ACN at pH 6.0. The effects of CTAB and ACN concentrations, voltage and pH on the resolution were investigated. Reproducibilities of migration times range between 0.55 and 1.27 R.S.D.% and peak areas between 1.02 and 7.23 R.S.D.%. Limit of detections (LODs) range between 0.09 and 2.24 μg ml⁻¹. This new and fast separation method of PAHs was applied to cooked oil sample.     

A sensitive and reliable rutin electrochemical sensor based on palladium phthalocyanine-MWCNTs-Nafion nanocomposite

Fabrication of multicomponent nanocomposites as electrode-modified materials is an effective strategy to design highly active electrochemical sensors. Here, we present a facile strategy to fabricate the palladium phthalocyanine-multiwalled carbon nanotube (PdPc-MWCNTs) nanocomposite for the sensitive detection of rutin. Results showed that the prepared nanocomposites exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity toward rutin due to the synergetic effects of PdPc and MWCNTs (excellent electric conductivity and catalytic activity) and the homogeneous dispersibility of Nafion. Under the optimized conditions, the developed sensor exhibited a linear response range from 0.10 to 51 μM for rutin with a low detectable limit of 75 nM and a fast response less than 3.0 s. The proposed method might offer a possibility for electrochemical analysis of rutin in Chinese medical analysis or serum monitoring owing to its low cost, simplicity, high sensitivity, good stability, and few interferences against common coexisting ions in real samples.     

Simple and sensitive assay for nucleic acids by use of the resonance light-scattering technique with copper phthalocyanine tetrasulfonic acid in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide

On the basis of enhancement of resonance light scattering (RLS) of copper phthalocyanine tetrasulfonic acid (CuTSPc) by nucleic acids and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTMAB) under suitable conditions, a new RLS method for determination of nucleic acids in aqueous solutions has been developed. At pH 9.80–10.95 and ionic strength 0.01 mol L^–1 (NaCl), the interaction of copper phthalocyanine tetrasulfonic acid with nucleic acids in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide results in enhanced RLS signals at 282.0 nm, 383.6 nm, and 616.2 nm in the enhanced regions. It was found that the enhanced RLS intensity at 383.6 nm was proportional to the concentration of nucleic acids within suitable ranges. The limits of detection were 10.6 ng mL^–1 for fish sperm DNA and 32.4 ng mL^–1 for calf thymus DNA when the concentration of copper phthalocyanine tetrasulfonic acid was 2.0×10^–6 mol L^–1. This method is rapid, simple and sensitive. In addition, the reagents used are relatively inexpensive, stable, and easily synthesised. The method can be applied to the determination of nucleic acids in the presence of coexisting substances, and we have applied it to the determination of DNA in synthetic samples, with satisfactory results.     

“Turn-off” fluorescent data array sensor based on double quantum dots coupled with chemometrics for highly sensitive and selective detection of multicomponent pesticides

As a popular detection model, the fluorescence “turn-off” sensor based on quantum dots (QDs) has already been successfully employed in the detections of many materials, especially in the researches on the interactions between pesticides. However, the previous studies are mainly focused on simple single track or the comparison based on similar concentration of drugs. In this work, a new detection method based on the fluorescence “turn-off” model with water-soluble ZnCdSe and CdSe QDs simultaneously as the fluorescent probes is established to detect various pesticides. The fluorescence of the two QDs can be quenched by different pesticides with varying degrees, which leads to the differences in positions and intensities of two peaks. By combining with chemometrics methods, all the pesticides can be qualitative and quantitative respectively even in real samples with the limit of detection was 2 × 10⁻⁸ mol L⁻¹ and a recognition rate of 100%. This work is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report on the detection of pesticides based on the fluorescence quenching phenomenon of double quantum dots combined with chemometrics methods. What's more, the excellent selectivity of the system has been verified in different mediums such as mixed ion disruption, waste water, tea and water extraction liquid drugs.     

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.     

A Novel One‐Pot Synthesis of UV‐Blue ZnSe Nanocrystals in Aqueous Solution

Described herein is a novel one‐pot aqueous synthesis of ZnSe nanocrystals has featuring the utilization of Na₂SeO₃ and Zn(AC)₂×2H₂O as Se and Zn source, glutathione (GSH) as stabilizing agent and reducing agent. By this approach, the UV‐blue ZnSe QDs with quantum yield (QYs) up to 19% have been synthesized with a molar ratio of Se/Zn/GSH at 1:4:8.5 under aqueous conditions at 110 °C. XRD and TEM show the ZnSe QDs are zinc cubic structure particles with an average diameter of 3–5 nm.     

Application of ZnO quantum dots dotted carbon nanotube for sensitive electrochemiluminescence immunoassay based on simply electrochemical reduced Pt/Au alloy and a disposable device

We report on a disposable microdevice suitable for sandwich-type electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection of prostate specific antigen (PSA). The method is making use of ZnO quantum dots dotted carbon nanotube (ZnO@CNT) and simply electrochemical reduced Pt/Au alloy. The latter was selected as immunosensing probe to modify screen-printed carbon electrode, due to its excellent electrical property. For further ultrasensitive, low-potential and stable ECL detection, ZnO@CNT composite was first synthesized using a facile solvothermal method, and employed as signal amplification label. In this work, two working electrodes in one device were used for one determination to obtain more exact results based on screen-print technique. Taking advantage of dual-amplification effects of the Pt/Au and ZnO@CNT, this immunosensor could detect the PSA quantitatively, in the range of 0.001–500 ng mL⁻¹, with a low detection limit of 0.61 pg mL⁻¹. The resulting versatile immunosensor possesses high sensitivity, satisfactory reproducibility and regeneration. This simple and specific strategy has vast potential to be used in other biological assays.     

A biocompatible electrochemical sensor based on PtNi alloy nanoparticles-coupled N-GQDs for in situ monitoring of dopamine in glioma cells

We report the design and construction of enzyme-free sensor using platinum–nickel (PtNi) bimetallic alloy nanoparticle-conjugated nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) for the highly specific in situ monitoring of dopamine (DA) secreted by glioma cells (C6). PtNi@N-GQDs nanocomposites were synthesized using a simple ultrasonication method. The resulting hybrid material was an excellent electrocatalyst for the redox activity of DA owing to the combined properties of PtNi alloys and highly conductive N-GQDs. The PtNi@N-GQDs-based sensing platform demonstrated substantial sensing ability with a detection range of 0.0125–952 μM, a sensitivity of 0.279 μA/μM/cm², and a limit of detection of 0.005 μM (S/N = 3). The sensing performance of PtNi@N-GQDs was highly stable, selective, and reproducible. We successfully showed the practical application of the PtNi@N-GQDs sensor by quantifying DA in the blood serum and human urine samples. Finally, we used the PtNi@N-GQDs biocompatible platform to quantify DA released from C6 cells.     

Voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of gold electrodes modified with CdTe quantum dots and their conjugates with nickel tetraamino phthalocyanine

This work reports on the synthesis of conjugates of cadmium telluride quantum dots (CdTe-QDs) caped with thioglycolic acid and peripherally substituted nickel tetraamino phthalocyanine (NiTAPc) complex. The conjugates are characterized using cyclic (CV) and differential pulse (DPV) voltammetries, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and time correlated single photon counting. CV and DPV show that NiTAPc stabilizes the CdTe QDs against oxidation to metallic products.