Ratiometric fluorescence chemodosimeter for mercuric ions through the Hg(II)-mediated propargyl amide to oxazole transformation

A coumarin-based alkyne was developed as a fluorescent chemodosimeter for the selective detection of mercuric ion. The probe showed a highly selective and ratiometric response toward Hg(II) ion over other metal ions with a micromolar level of limit of detection.     

Field-portable ratiometric fluorescence imaging of dual-color label-free carbon dots for uranyl ions detection with cellphone-based optical platform

Under the public spotlight, uranyl (UO₂²⁺) ions has attracted considerable attention for the extreme radioactive and chemical toxicity to ourselves and our environment. Herein, we present a simple and effective ratiometric fluorescence imaging method for the visualizing and quantitative detection UO₂²⁺ ions by cellphone-based optical platform. The sensing solution was prepared by mixing label-free red carbon dots (r-CDs) and blue carbon dots (b-CDs) together with a fixed photoluminescence intensity ratio of 4:1. When UO₂²⁺ ions were added, the fluorescence of r-CDs can be selectively quenched, while the fluorescence of b-CDs remains stable without spectral changes. With the gradually increase the amounts of UO₂²⁺ ions, the different response of dual-color CDs resulted in a signification color evolution from deep red to dark purple under the ultraviolet (UV) light illumination. Then, a cellphone-based optical platform was constructed for directly imaging the color change of the samples, and the built-in Colorpicker APP quickly output the red, green and blue (RGB) channel values of these images within one second. Interesting, there was a linear relationship between the ratio of red and blue (R/B) channel values and UO₂²⁺ ions concentration from 0 μmol/L to 30.0 μmol/L (R² = 0.92804) with the detection limit of ∼8.15 μmol/L (signal-to-noise ratio of 3). In addition, the optical platform has also been applied to the quantification of UO₂²⁺ ions in tap water and river water sample. With the advantage of low-cost, portable, easy to operation, we anticipate that this method would greatly improve the accessibility of UO₂²⁺ ions detection even in resource-limited areas.     

Field-portable ratiometric fluorescence imaging of dual-color label-free carbon dots for uranyl ions detection with cellphone-based optical platform

Under the public spotlight, uranyl (UO₂²⁺) ions has attracted considerable attention for the extreme radioactive and chemical toxicity to ourselves and our environment. Herein, we present a simple and effective ratiometric fluorescence imaging method for the visualizing and quantitative detection UO₂²⁺ ions by cellphone-based optical platform. The sensing solution was prepared by mixing label-free red carbon dots (r-CDs) and blue carbon dots (b-CDs) together with a fixed photoluminescence intensity ratio of 4:1. When UO₂²⁺ ions were added, the fluorescence of r-CDs can be selectively quenched, while the fluorescence of b-CDs remains stable without spectral changes. With the gradually increase the amounts of UO₂²⁺ ions, the different response of dual-color CDs resulted in a signification color evolution from deep red to dark purple under the ultraviolet (UV) light illumination. Then, a cellphone-based optical platform was constructed for directly imaging the color change of the samples, and the built-in Colorpicker APP quickly output the red, green and blue (RGB) channel values of these images within one second. Interesting, there was a linear relationship between the ratio of red and blue (R/B) channel values and UO₂²⁺ ions concentration from 0 μmol/L to 30.0 μmol/L (R² = 0.92804) with the detection limit of ~8.15 μmol/L (signal-to-noise ratio of 3). In addition, the optical platform has also been applied to the quantification of UO₂²⁺ ions in tap water and river water sample. With the advantage of low-cost, portable, easy to operation, we anticipate that this method would greatly improve the accessibility of UO₂²⁺ ions detection even in resource-limited areas.     

Ratiometric two-photon excited photoluminescence of quantum dots triggered by near-infrared-light for real-time detection of nitric oxide release in situ

Probe-donor integrated nanocomposites were developed from conjugating silica-coated Mn²⁺:ZnS quantum dots (QDs) with MoS₂ QDs and photosensitive nitric oxide (NO) donors (Fe₄S₃(NO)₇⁻, RBS). Under excitation with near-infrared (NIR) light at 808 nm, the Mn²⁺:ZnS@SiO₂/MoS₂-RBS nanocomposites showed the dual-emissive two-photon excited photoluminescence (TPEPL) that induced RBS photolysis to release NO in situ. NO caused TPEPL quenching of Mn²⁺:ZnS QDs, but it produced almost no impact on the TPEPL of MoS₂ QDs. Hence, the nanocomposites were developed as a novel QDs-based ratiometric TPEPL probe for real-time detection of NO release in situ. The ratiometric TPEPL intensity is nearly linear (R² = 0.9901) with NO concentration in the range of 0.01∼0.8 μM, which corresponds to the range of NO release time (0∼15 min). The detection limit was calculated to be approximately 4 nM of NO. Experimental results confirmed that this novel ratiometric TPEPL probe possessed high selectivity and sensitivity for the detection of NO against potential competitors, and especially showed high detection performance for NIR-light triggered NO release in tumor intracellular microenvironments. These results would promote the development of versatile probe-donor integrated systems, also providing a facile and efficient strategy to real-time detect the highly controllable drug release in situ, especially in physiological microenvironments.     

Detection of influenza A virus based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer from quantum dots to carbon nanotubes

In this paper, a simple and sensitive approach for H5N1 DNA detection was described based on the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) from quantum dots (QDs) to carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a QDs-ssDNA/oxCNTs system, in which the QDs (CdTe) modified with ssDNA were used as donors. In the initial stage, with the strong interaction between ssDNA and oxCNTs, QDs fluorescence was effectively quenched. Upon the recognition of the target, the effective competitive bindings of it to QDs-ssDNA occurred, which decreased the interactions between the QDs-ssDNA and oxCNTs, leading to the recovery of the QDs fluorescence. The recovered fluorescence of QDs was linearly proportional to the concentration of the target in the range of 0.01–20 μM with a detection limit of 9.39 nM. Moreover, even a single-base mismatched target with the same concentration of target DNA can only recover a limited low fluorescence of QDs, illustrating the good anti-interference performance of this QDs-ssDNA/oxCNTs system. This FRET platform in the QDs-ssDNA/oxCNTs system was facilitated to the simple, sensitive and quantitative detection of virus nucleic acids and could have a wide range of applications in molecular diagnosis.     

Visual and fluorescent detection of acetamiprid based on the inner filter effect of gold nanoparticles on ratiometric fluorescence quantum dots

In this work, we develop a simple and rapid sensing method for the visual and fluorescent detection of acetamiprid (AC) based on the inner-filter effect (IFE) of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on ratiometric fluorescent quantum dots (RF-QDs). The RF-QDs based dual-emission nanosensor was fabricated by assembling green emissive QDs (QDs_539 nm, λ_em = 539 nm) on the surface of red emissive QDs (QDs_661 nm, λ_em = 661 nm)-doped silica microspheres. The photoluminescence (PL) intensity of RF-QDs could be quenched by AuNPs based on IFE. Acetamiprid can adsorb on the surface of AuNPs due to its cyano group that has good affinity with gold, which could induce the aggregation of AuNPs accompanying color change from red to blue. Thus, the IFE of AuNPs on RF-QDs was weakened and the PL intensity of RF-QDs was recovered accordingly. Under the optimized conditions, the PL intensity of the RF-QDs/AuNPs system was proportional to the concentration of AC in the range of 0.025–5.0 μg mL⁻¹, with a detection limit of 16.8 μg L⁻¹. The established method had been used for AC detection in environmental and agricultural samples with satisfactory results.     

A novel silica-coated multiwall carbon nanotube with CdTe quantum dots nanocomposite

A novel silica-coated multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNTs) with CdTe quantum dots nanocomposite was synthesized in this paper. Here, we show the in situ growth of crystalline CdTe quantum dots on the surfaces of oxidized MWNTs. The approach proposed herein differs from previous attempts to synthesize nanotube assemblies in that we mix the oxidized MWNTs into CdCl₂ solution of CdTe nanocrystals synthesized in aqueous solution. Reinforced the QD–MWNTs heterostructures with silica coating, this method is not invasive and does not introduce defects to the structure of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and it ensures high stability in a range of organic solvents. Furthermore, a narrow SiO₂ layer on the MWNT–CdTe heterostructures can eliminate the biological toxicity of quantum dots and carbon nanotubes. This is not only a breakthrough in the synthesis of one-dimensional nanostructures, but also taking new elements into bio-nanotechnology.     

Immune fluorescence test strips based on quantum dots for rapid and quantitative detection of carcino-embryonic antigen

A QDs-based immune fl uorescence test strips was built up for carcino-embryonic antigen detection to realize cancers POCT diagnostic, with a sensitivity of 0.72 ng/mL in 25 min.     

Fluorescence enhancement of CdTe/CdS quantum dots by coupling of glyphosate and its application for sensitive detection of copper ion

A novel fluorescent probe for Cu²⁺ determination based on the fluorescence quenching of glyphosate (Glyp)-functionalized quantum dots (QDs) was firstly reported. Glyp had been used to modify the surface of QDs to form Glyp-functionalized QDs following the capping of thioglycolic acid on the core–shell CdTe/CdS QDs. Under the optimal conditions, the response was linearly proportional to the concentration of Cu²⁺ between 2.4 × 10⁻² μg mL⁻¹ and 28 μg mL⁻¹, with a detection limit of 1.3 × 10⁻³ μg mL⁻¹ (3δ). The Glyp-functionalized QDs fluorescent probe offers good sensitivity and selectivity for detecting Cu²⁺. The fluorescent probe was successfully used for the determination of Cu²⁺ in environmental samples. The mechanism of reaction was also discussed.     

Functionalized cadmium sulfide quantum dots as fluorescence probe for silver ion determination

CdS quantum dots (QDs) modified with l-cysteine has been prepared by one step. They are water-soluble and biocompatible. To improve CdS QDs stability and interaction between silver ion and functionalized CdS QDs in aqueous solution, some amounts of fresh l-cysteine were added to functionalized CdS solution. Based on the characteristic fluorescence enhancement of CdS QDs at 545 nm by silver ions in the presence of some amounts of fresh l-cysteine, simultaneously, a gradual red shift of fluorescence emission bands of CdS QDs from 545 to 558 nm was observed. A simple, rapid, sensitive and specific detection method for silver ion was proposed. Under optimum conditions, the fluorescence intensity of CdS QDs is linearly proportional to silver concentration from 2.0 × 10⁻⁸ to 1.0 × 10⁻⁶ mol/L with a detection limit of 5.0 × 10⁻⁹ mol/L. In comparison with single organic fluorophores, functionalized CdS quantum dots are brighter, more stable against photobleaching, and don’t suffer from blinking. Furthermore, owing to the fluorescence enhancement effect of CdS QDs by silver ion, the proposed method showed lower detection blank and higher sensitivity. Possible fluorescence enhancement mechanism was also studied.     

A potential visual fluorescence probe for ultratrace arsenic (III) detection by using glutathione-capped CdTe quantum dots

The interaction between mercaptoacetic acid (MA)-capped CdTe QDs, MA-capped CdTe/ZnS QDs or glutathione (GSH)-capped CdTe QDs with As(III) was studied using fluorescence spectrometry. As (III) has a high-affinity to reduced-GSH to form As(SG)₃, and the emission of the GSH-capped CdTe QDs (λ_em. = 612 nm) is quenched effectively. Thus, a novel fluorescence spectrometric method was developed for As (III) determination by using GSH-CdTe QDs. Under optimal conditions, the quenched fluorescence intensity (F₀/F) increased linearly with the concentration of As (III) ranging from 5.0 × 10⁻⁶ to 25 × 10⁻⁵ mol L⁻¹. The limit of detection (3σ) for As (III) was found to be 2 × 10⁻⁸ mol L⁻¹. This method is potentially useful in visual detection of As (III) under irradiation of the ultraviolet light.     

Thiourea functionalized CdSe/CdS quantum dots as a fluorescent sensor for mercury ion detection

CdSe/CdS quantum dots(QDs) functionalized by thiourea(TU) were synthesized and used as a fluorescent sensor for mercury ion detection.The TU-functionalized QDs were prepared by bonding TU via electrostatic interaction to the core/shell CdSe/CdS QDs after capping with thioglycolic acid(TGA).It was observed that the fluorescence of the functionalized QDs was quenched upon the addition of Hg~(2+).The quantitative detection of Hg~(2+) with this fluorescent sensor could be conducted based on the linear relationship between the extent of quenching and the concentration of Hg~(2+) added in the range of1-300 μg L~(-1).A detection limit of 0.56 μg L~(-1) was achieved.The sensor showed superior selectivity for Hg~(2+) and was successfully applied to the determination of mercury in environmental samples with satisfactory results.     

基于锰掺杂量子点的噁喹酸荧光共振能量转移检测研究

基于噁喹酸对锰掺杂硫化锌量子点的荧光猝灭作用,建立了一种噁喹酸荧光共振能量转移检测方法.噁喹酸对量子点的荧光猝灭是由于生成了新的复合物而造成的静态猝灭,二者相互作用过程中焓变ΔH ＜ 0,熵变ΔS ＜ 0,分子间作用力为氢键或范德华力.在0～65 μg/L线性范围内,噁喹酸质量浓度与量子点荧光抑制率呈现良好的线性关系(...     

Determination of silver ion based on the redshift of emission wavelength of quantum dots functionalized with rhodanine

A simple and selective method for the determination of silver ions was developed by utilizing the red- shift in emission wavelength of the core-shell CdSe/Cd5 quantum dots （QDs） functionalized with rhodanine upon the addition of Ag＋. A linear relationship was observed between the shift and the increase in concentration of Ag＋ in the range of 0.0125-12.5 μmol/L. The mechanism of the red-shift was investigated and suggested that the coordination between Ag＋ and rhodanine on the QDs surface caused an increase of particle size, which resulted in the red-shift of the QDs＇ emission wavelength. A detection limit of 2 nmol/L was achieved. The developed method showed superior selectivity and was successfully applied to the determination of silver in environmental samples.     

Fabrication of l-cysteine-capped CdTe quantum dots based ratiometric fluorescence nanosensor for onsite visual determination of trace TNT explosive

New strategies for onsite determination of trace 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) explosives have become a research hotspot for homeland security needs against terrorism and environmental concerns. Herein, we designed a ratiometric fluorescence nanohybrid comprising 3-mercaptopropionic acid-capped green-emitting CdTe quantum dots (gQDs) encapsulated into SiO₂ sphere and l-cysteine (Lcys)-capped red-emitting CdTe QDs (rQDs) conjugated onto SiO₂ surface. The surface Lcys can be used as not only the stabilizer of the rQDs but also the primary amine provider which can react with TNT to form Meisenheimer complexes. Without any additional surface modification procedure, the fluorescence of rQDs equipped with Lcys was selectively quenched by TNT because electrons of the rQDs transferred to TNT molecules due to the formation of Meisenheimer complexes. Meanwhile, the embedded gQDs always remained constant. Upon exposure to increasing amounts of TNT, the fluorescence of rQDs could be gradually quenched and consequently the logarithm of the dual emission intensity ratios exhibited a good linear negative correlation with TNT concentration over a range of 10 nM–8 μM with a low detection limit of 3.3 nM. One can perform onsite visual determination of TNT with high resolution because the ratiometric fluorescence nanosensing system exhibited obvious fluorescence color changes. This sensing strategy has been successfully applied in real samples and already integrated in a filter paper-based assay, which enables potential fields use application featuring easy handling and cost-effectiveness.     

Quantitative detection of antibody based on single-molecule counting by total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy with quantum dot labeling

We presented a sensitive method to quantify antibody based on single-molecule counting by total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy with quantum dot labeling. In this method, the biotinylated monoclonal anti-human IgG molecules were immobilized on the silanized glass substrate surface. By the strong biotin-streptavidin affinity, streptavidin-coated quantum dots were labeled to the target molecules as fluorescent probe. Then, images of fluorescent spots in the evanescent wave field were obtained by a high-sensitivity electron multiplying charge-coupled device. Finally, the number of fluorescent spots corresponding to single molecules in the subframe images was counted, one by one. The linear range of 8.0 × 10⁻¹⁴ to 5.0 × 10⁻¹² mol L⁻¹ was obtained between the number of single molecules and the sample concentration.     

The green synthesis of carbon quantum dots and applications for sulcotrione detection and anti-pathogen activities

In this study, we synthesized simple, cheap, and stable nitrogen (N)-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) from Moringa oleifera roots. The N-CQDs exhibited an intense blue fluorescence and a quantum yield (QY) of up to 43.4%. When excited at 350 nm, the highest generated wavelength was observed at 445 nm. These N-CQDs were then successfully used to detect sulcotrione (limit of detection = 2 μg/mL); the method was reliable and exhibited good feasibility for measurements in real samples. When the N-CQDs concentration was 11.0 μL/mL, inhibitory rates against the pathogens, Corynespora cassiicola and Phytophtora nicotianae were 82.8% and 75.3%, respectively. To investigate N-CQDs safety for plant growth, different concentrations were investigated using sorghum seedlings, with N-CQDs exhibiting very low toxicity toward plant growth. Thus, these findings provide a basis for the development of N-CQDs as green pesticides.     

A highly selective turn-on ATP fluorescence sensor based on unmodified cysteamine capped CdS quantum dots

Unmodified cysteamine capped nanocrystalline cadmium sulfide quantum dots (Cys-CdS QDs) were demonstrated as a selective turn-on fluorescence sensor for sensing adenosine-5′-triphosphate (ATP) in aqueous solution for the first time. The fluorescence intensity of the Cys-CdS QDs was significantly enhanced in the presence of ATP. In addition, the fluorescence intensity of the Cys-CdS QDs increased when increasing ATP concentrations. On the other hand, other phosphate metabolites and other tested common anions did not significantly alter the fluorescence intensity of the Cys-CdS QDs. In addition, this sensor showed excellent discrimination of pyrophosphate (PPi) from ATP detection. The proposed sensor could efficiently be used for ATP sensing at very low concentration with LOD of 17 μM with the linear working concentration range of 20–80 μM. The feasibility of the proposed sensor for determining ATP in urine samples was also studied, and satisfactory results were obtained.     

水溶性CdTe量子点的合成及其用于荧光猝灭法测定肌红蛋白

以3-巯基丙酸为稳定剂,合成了具有特殊光学性质的水溶性CdTe量子点,其最大发射波长位于544 nm.利用荧光光谱、紫外可见光谱及圆二色光谱法系统的研究了CdTe量子点与肌红蛋白(Mb)二者结合前后体系光谱的变化,从而证实了CdTe量子点与Mb之间静电结合反应的特征.在pH 7.0的PBS缓冲液中,用CdTe量子点作为荧光探针研究了肌红蛋白与量子点的相互作用,并基于肌红蛋白对CdTe量子点有显著的荧光猝灭作用,建立了肌红蛋白的快速检测方法.在最佳实验条件下,该体系荧光强度的猝灭程度(△F)与肌红蛋白质量浓度呈良好的线性关系,线性范围为0.3～24 μg/mL,检出限为0.13 μg/mL.该方法已对合成样品中肌红蛋白进行检测,并用于人体尿样中肌红蛋白的测定.     

Determination of arsenic based on quenching of CdS quantum dots fluorescence using the gas-diffusion flow injection method

A sequential injection analysis system for determination of arsenic based on hydride generation and fluorescence quenching of mercaptoacetic acid capped cadmium sulfide quantum dots (CdS-MAA QDs) is described. The generated arsine diffused across the PTFE membrane in a gas-diffusion unit and subsequently interacted with CdS-MAA QDs. The parameters affecting the arsine generation and the fluorescence quenching of QDs were studied. Under the optimum conditions, it was observed that a increase in the concentration of As(III) corresponded well to a decrease in fluorescence intensity according to the Stern-Volmer relationship. The extent of quenching was dependent on the concentration of arsenic in the range of 0.08-3.20 mmol L⁻¹, with the detection limit of 0.07 mg L⁻¹. The precision (%RSD) from eight replicates of the determination of As(III) 1.0 mg L⁻¹ was found to be 1.4%. The proposed method was applied to the determination of arsenic in ground water samples with satisfactory recoveries.