A sensitive fluorescence anisotropy method for detection of lead (II) ion by a G-quadruplex-inducible DNA aptamer

Sensitive and selective detection of Pb²⁺ is of great importance to both human health and environmental protection. Here we propose a novel fluorescence anisotropy (FA) approach for sensing Pb²⁺ in homogeneous solution by a G-rich thrombin binding aptamer (TBA). The TBA labeled with 6-carboxytetramethylrhodamine (TMR) at the seventh thymine nucleotide was used as a fluorescent probe for signaling Pb²⁺. It was found that the aptamer probe had a high FA in the absence of Pb²⁺. This is because the rotation of TMR is restricted by intramolecular interaction with the adjacent guanine bases, which results in photoinduced electron transfer (PET). When the aptamer probe binds to Pb²⁺ to form G-quadruplex, the intramolecular interaction should be eliminated, resulting in faster rotation of the fluorophore TMR in solution. Therefore, FA of aptamer probe is expected to decrease significantly upon binding to Pb²⁺. Indeed, we observed a decrease in FA of aptamer probe upon Pb²⁺ binding. Circular dichroism, fluorescence spectra, and fluorescence lifetime measurement were used to verify the reliability and reasonability of the sensing mechanism. By monitoring the FA change of the aptamer probe, we were able to real-time detect binding between the TBA probe and Pb²⁺. Moreover, the aptamer probe was exploited as a recognition element for quantification of Pb²⁺ in homogeneous solution. The change in FA showed a linear response to Pb²⁺ from 10 nM to 2.0 μM, with 1.0 nM limit of detection. In addition, this sensing system exhibited good selectivity for Pb²⁺ over other metal ions. The method is simple, quick and inherits the advantages of aptamer and FA.     

Catalytic gold nanoparticles for fluorescent detection of mercury(II) and lead(II) ions

In this study, we developed a fluorescence assay for the highly sensitive and selective detection of Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions using a gold nanoparticle (Au NP)-based probe. The Hg–Au and Pb–Au alloys that formed on the Au NP surfaces allowed the Au NPs to exhibit peroxidase-mimicking catalytic activity in the H₂O₂-mediated oxidation of Amplex UltraRed (AUR). The fluorescence of the AUR oxidation product increased upon increasing the concentration of either Hg²⁺ or Pb²⁺ ions. By controlling the pH values of 5 mM tris–acetate buffers at 7.0 and 9.0, this H₂O₂–AUR–Au NP probe detected Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions, respectively, both with limits of detection (signal-to-noise ratio: 3) of 4.0 nM. The fluorescence intensity of the AUR oxidation product was proportional to the concentrations of Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions over ranges 0.05–1 μM (R² = 0.993) and 0.05–5 μM (R² = 0.996), respectively. The H₂O₂–AUR–Au NP probe was highly selective for Hg²⁺ (>100-fold) and Pb²⁺ (>300-fold) ions in the presence of other tested metal ions. We validated the practicality of this simple, selective, and sensitive H₂O₂–AUR–Au NP probe through determination of the concentrations of Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions in a lake water sample and of Pb²⁺ ions in a blood sample. To the best of our knowledge, this system is the first example of Au NPs being used as enzyme-mimics for the fluorescence detection of Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions.     

Application of Cupferron‐lead(II) Complex for the Electrochemical Determination of dsDNA

Based on the interaction of cupferron and lead(II) complex [Cup‐Pb(II)] with double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) a new voltammetric method for the detection of DNA was described in this paper. In pH 4.0 HAc‐hexamine buffer solution, [Cup‐Pb(II)] complex showed a sensitive second order derivative polarographic reductive peak at ‐0.554 V (vs. SCE). After the addition of dsDNA into [Cup‐Pb(II)] mixture solution the reductive peak current decreased with the positive shift of reductive peak potential, which was the typical characteristic of intercalation mode. Under the optimum conditions, the decrease of reductive peak current was directly proportional to the dsDNA concentration in the range from 1.0 to 25.0 mg/L with the linear regression equation as ΔIp″ (nA) = 129.30 + 62.51 C (mg/L) (n = 13, γ = 0.991). The detection limit of 0.90 mg/L (3σ) and the relative standard derivation (RSD) of 2.43% for 10 parallel determinations of 10.0 mg/L dsDNA were found. The method was successfully applied to synthetic samples with good results, and the stoichiometry of dsDNA with [Cup‐Pb(II)] complex was calculated by the voltammetic data with the binding number as 2 and the binding constant as 2.82 × 10⁹.     

A piezogravimetric sensor platform for sensitive detection of lead (II) ions in water based on calix[4]resorcinarene macrocycles: Synthesis,characterization and detection

The heavy metal ions detection is a foremost concern in water sources, the conventional detection methods are either time consuming or expensive, thus the need of fast, low-cost and accurate sensing methods is growing. Based on this direction, this paper describes the synthesis of newly enantiomeric calix[4]resorcinarenes, namely: C-dec-9-enylcalix[4]resorcinarene-O-(S-)-α-methylbenzylamine (Compound B) and C-dec-9-enylcalix[4]resorcinarene-O-(R+)-α-methylbenzylamine (Compound C), the two macrocycles were the subject of comparative characterization studies using (FTIR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, TG-DSC-MS, and P-XRD). The realization of modified quartz resonator-gold electrodes, and its introductory employment in the assembly of a novel QCM-I (Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Impedance measurements) based chemosensor for the detection of lead ions in the aqueous solutions is reported for the first time to the best of our knowledge, moreover both Calix-QCM based sensors presented good linearity, acceptable sensitivities, and wide linear ranges, as well as lower detection limits in the order of 0.45 and 0.30 ppm for compounds B and C, consecutively.     

G‐Quadruplex‐Linked Supersandwich DNA Structure for Electrochemical Amplified Detection of Thrombin

In this paper, a novel strategy of electrochemical amplified detection of thrombin based on G‐quadruplex‐linked supersandwich structure was described. In the presence of K⁺ and hemin, the original hairpin DNA sequence activated an autonomous cross‐opening process to build up hemin/G‐quadruplex structure and can hybridize to form supersandwich structure containing multiple signal labels. With the addition of thrombin, it conjugated with its aptamer, leading to a remarkably descended signal. The supersandwich‐amplified electrochemical sensor system was highly sensitive in the concentration range from 10^?6 to 10^?10 M with a detection limit of 10 pM and also demonstrated excellent selectivity. The amplifying supersandwich structure with multiple labels can be implemented as a versatile sensing platform for analyzing other DNA in the presence of the appropriate probe.     

Fluorescence detection of mercury(II) and lead(II) ions using aptamer/reporter conjugates

We have developed a fluorescence technique for the detection of Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions using polythymine (T₃₃)/benzothiazolium-4-quinolinium dimer derivative (TOTO-3) and polyguanine (G₃₃)/terbium ions (Tb³⁺) conjugates, respectively. Hg²⁺ ions induce T₃₃ to form folded structures, leading to increased fluorescence of the T₃₃/TOTO-3 conjugates. Because Pb²⁺ ions compete with Tb³⁺ ions to form complexes with G₃₃, the extent of formation of the G₃₃-Tb³⁺ complexes decreases upon increasing the Pb²⁺ concentration, leading to decreased fluorescence at 545 nm when excited at 290 nm. To minimize interference from Hg²⁺ ions during the detection of Pb²⁺ ions, we conducted two-step fluorescence measurements; prior to addition of the G₃₃/Tb³⁺ probe, we recorded the fluorescence of a mixture of the T₃₃/TOTO-3 conjugates and Hg²⁺ ions. The fluorescence signal obtained was linear with respect to the Hg²⁺ concentration over the range 25.0-500 nM (R² = 0.99); for Pb²⁺ ions, it was linear over the range 3.0-50 nM (R² = 0.98). The limits of detection (at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3) for Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions were 10.0 and 1.0 nM, respectively. Relative to other techniques for the detection of Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions in soil and water samples, our present approach is simpler, faster, and more cost-effective.     

Two new lead(II) nitrite complexes,crystal structure of [Pb(phen)2(NO2)2] an eight-coordinate lead(II) complex

Two new lead(II) complexes containing nitrite, [Pb(L)₂(NO₂)₂], L?=?1,10-phenanthroline (phen) or 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy), have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structure of [Pb(phen)₂(NO₂)₂] shows monomeric units. The coordination number is eight (four from “phen” ligands and four nitrite anions), weak interaction of lead(II) with oxygen atoms of adjacent molecules produce dimer units in the solid state. The arrangement of ligands exhibits a coordination hole around the lead(II), occupied possibly by a stereoactive lone pair of electrons on lead(II), and the coordination around lead is hemidirected. There is a π–π stacking interaction between the parallel aromatic rings that may help to increase the “gap” around lead(II).     

Bucky-gel coated glassy carbon electrodes, for voltammetric detection of femtomolar leveled lead ions

Femtomolar (fM) leveled lead ions were electrochemically detected using a bucky-gel coated glassy carbon electrode and differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry. The bucky-gel was composed of dithizone, ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate), and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The fabrication of the bucky-gel coated electrode was optimized. The modified electrode was characterized with voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and chronoamperometry. After the accumulation of lead ions into the bucky-gel modified electrode at −1.2 V vs. saturated calomel electrode (SCE) for 5 min in a pH 4.4 sodium acetate-acetate acid buffer solution, differential pulse anodic stripping voltammograms of the accumulated lead show an anodic wave at −0.58 V. The anodic peak current is detectable for lead ions in the concentration range from 1.0 μM down to 500 fM. The detection limit is calculated to be 100 fM. The proposed method was successfully applied for the detection of lead ions in lake water.     

Solution behaviour of lead(II) carboxylates in organic solvents

The solution behaviour has been studied of a series of even chain length lead(II) carboxylates (octanoate to octadecanoate) and the odd chain length lead(II) heptadecanoate in a variety of non-complexing organic solvents and in alcohols. In agreement with previous studies, solubility increases dramatically above a certain temperature, which depends on solute concentration, chain length and solvent. This solution temperature is also affected by traces of water. These results are complemented by studies using vapour pressure osmometry, dynamic light scattering, ¹H and ¹³NMR spectroscopy. The results in water-free systems are consistent with the formation of rather ill-defined, polydisperse aggregates, which increase in size with concentration and decrease with temperature. These show similar local structure to lamellar mesophases in the pure lead(II) carboxylates, and are suggested to be formed by solvent induced swelling and break-up of these mesophases. In the presence of water, a more ordered structure is formed, in which a few water molecules are suggested to be bound to the lead(II) carboxylate headgroup.     

Reusable split-aptamer-based biosensor for rapid detection of cocaine in serum by using an all-fiber evanescent wave optical biosensing platform

A rapid, facile, and sensitive assay of cocaine in biological fluids is important to prevent illegal abuse of drugs. A two-step structure-switching aptasensor has been developed for cocaine detection based on evanescent wave optical biosensing platform. In the proposed biosensing platform, two tailored aptamer probes were used to construct the molecular structure switching. In the existence of cocaine, two fragments of cocaine aptamer formed a three-way junction quickly, and the fluorophore group of one fragment was effectively quenched by the quencher group of the other one. The tail of the three-way junction hybridized with the cDNA sequences immobilized on the optical fiber biosensor. Fluorescence was excited by evanescent wave, and the fluorescence signal was proportional to cocaine concentration. Cocaine was detected in 450 s (300 s for incubation and 150 s for detection and regeneration) with a limit of detection (LOD) of 165.2 nM. The proposed aptasensor was evaluated in human serum samples, and it exhibited good recovery, precision, and accuracy without complicated sample pretreatments.     

A novel aptasensor based on 3D-inorganic hybrid composite as immobilized substrate for sensitive detection of platelet-derived growth factor

A novel electrochemical detection approach for platelet-derived growth factor(PDGF) via "sandwich"structure is reported in this paper. 3D-4MgCO_3 Mg(OH)_2 4H_2O-Au NPs inorganic hybrid composite was utilized as immobilized substrate for sensitive PDGF detection and Pt-Au bimetallic nanoparticles were labelled on PDGF aptamer to indirectly detect PDGF for the first time. The proposed aptasensor exhibited a high catalytic efficiency towards reduction of H_2O_2, hence the sensitive detection of PDGF was achieved.Results showed that the aptasensor exhibited excellent linear response to PDGF, in the range of 0.1 pg/m L–10 ng/m L(4 fmol/L–400 pmol/L), with detection limit of 0.03 pg/m L(1.2 fmol/L).     

Polyethyleneimine Methylenephosphonic Acid for the Solid-Phase Sorption of Lead(II)

Abstract

In the first part of this work, polyethyleneimine methylenephosphonic acid (PEIMPA) was used as an effective sorbent for solid-phase extraction of Pb(II) ions from an aqueous solution. Conditions for effective sorption are optimized with respect to different experimental parameters in a batch process. The results showed that the amount of extraction decreases with solution pH in the range between 3.5 and 5.8. The sorption capacity is 609 mg·g^?1. The second part of the study focuses on the recovery of Pb(II) from a synthesized binary solution of Pb(II)–Zn(II) and from real Zn(II)-electrolyzed wastewaters. The presence of Cd(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Fe(III), Ni(II), and Zn(II) in large concentrations has a significantly negative effect on extraction properties.     

Hierarchical Porous Tubular Biochar Based Sensor for Detection of Trace Lead (II)

Hierarchical porous tubular biochar (PTBC) was prepared by selectively removing lignin simply according to reverse the pyrolysis sequence of cellulose. The properties of the PTBC sample were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, Raman spectra, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrochemical performances of PTBC modified on the screen-printing electrode illustrated excellent detection of lead ions (lead (II)) in water with the linear range (0.5–120 μg/L) and the detection limit (0.02 μg/L) by in-situ bismuth film square wave anode stripping voltammetry.     

Application of lead film electrode for simultaneous adsorptive stripping voltammetric determination of Ni(II) and Co(II) as their nioxime complexes

An adsorptive stripping voltammetric (AdSV) procedure for simultaneous determination of Ni(II) and Co(II) in the presence of nioxime as a complexing agent at an in situ plated lead film electrode was described. The Co(II) signal was enhanced by exploitation of the catalytic process in the presence of nitrite. Ni(II) and Co(II) signals are better separated than in the case of bismuth film electrodes. Calibration graphs for an accumulation time of 120 s are linear from 1 × 10⁻⁹ to 1 × 10⁻⁷ mol L⁻¹ and from 1 × 10⁻¹⁰ to 5 × 10⁻⁹ mol L⁻¹ for Ni(II) and Co(II), respectively. The proposed procedure was applied for Ni(II) and Co(II) determination in water certified reference materials.     

State of the art: Lateral flow assay (LFA) biosensor for on-site rapid detection

We summarized the principle of LFAs, three main elements for the LFAs (recognition molecule, signal transduction element, the targets) and different optimal experimental conditions in the recent LFA-related studies to give detailed overview of the LFA development.     

Tridentate N-donor palladium(II) complexes as efficient coordinating quadruplex DNA binders

Fifteen complexes of palladium, platinum, and copper, featuring five different N‐donor tridentate (terpyridine‐like) ligands, were prepared with the aim of testing their G‐quadruplex–DNA binding properties. The fluorescence resonance energy transfer melting assay indicated a striking positive effect of palladium on G‐quadruplex DNA stabilization compared with platinum and copper, as well as an influence of the structure of the organic ligand. Putative binding modes (noncoordinative π stacking and base coordination) of palladium and platinum complexes were investigated by ESI‐MS and UV/Vis spectroscopy experiments, which all revealed a greater ability of palladium complexes to coordinate DNA bases. In contrast, platinum compounds tend to predominantly bind to quadruplex DNA in their aqua form by noncoordinative interactions. Remarkably, complexes of [Pd(ttpy)] and [Pd(tMebip)] (ttpy=tolylterpyridine, tMebip=2,2′‐(4‐p‐tolylpyridine‐2,6‐diyl)bis(1‐methyl‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazole)) coordinate efficiently G‐quadruplex structures at room temperature in less than 1 h, and are more efficient than their platinum counterparts for inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. Altogether, these results demonstrate that both the affinity for G‐quadruplex DNA and the binding mode of metal complexes can be modulated by modifying either the metal or the organic ligand.     

Intercalation and formation of complexes in the system of lead(II) iodide-ammonia

Interaction between lead(II) iodide and ammonia was studied with the help of an X-ray in situ analysis, DTA-TG analysis, DSC measurements and IR spectroscopy. A two-stage mechanism of the reaction was defined. At the first stage of the reaction two phases with trigonal symmetry and a phase with monoclinic symmetry are developed. At the second stage of the reaction the structure changes lead to formation of a compound with orthorhombic symmetry. The results were discussed along with the data of thermal analysis and IR spectroscopy. The value of enthalpy of formation for the compound PbI₂(NH₃)₄ was determined.     

Unreported coordination behaviour of a bis(semicarbazone) ligand in a lead(II) complex

A novel lead(II) complex with the Schiff base benzil bis(semicarbazone), [Pb(LH₂)₂(NO₃)]NO₃ · 1/2H₂O, has been synthesised and structurally characterized as well as the free ligand. The coordination number of Pb(II) is seven provided by two neutral ligand molecules and one nitrato group. The most interesting characteristic of this complex is the different behaviour observed in the two bis(semicarbazone) molecules. One of them is a N₂O₂ chelate ligand, whereas the other one is bonded to the lead ion only through one of the semicarbazone branches. The seventh position in the lead coordination sphere is provided by one oxygen atom from a nitrato ligand.     

Fluorescence turn-on chemodosimeter for rapid detection of mercury (II) ions in aqueous solution and blood from mice with toxicosis

The heavy metal mercury (Hg) is a threat to the health of people and wildlife in many environments. Among various chemical forms, Hg²⁺ salts are usually more toxic than their counterparts because of their greater solubility in water; thus, they are more readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract into circulation. Therefore, new chemical receptors for detecting Hg²⁺ ions in circulation are needed. In this study, we developed a rhodamine-based turn-on fluorescence probe to monitor Hg²⁺ in aqueous solution and in blood of mice with toxicosis. The chemodosimeter responds to Hg²⁺ ions stoichiometrically, rapidly, and irreversibly at room temperature as a result of a chemical reaction that produces strongly fluorescent oxadiazole. The new fluorescent probe shows good fluorescence response, with high sensitivity and selectivity, toward Hg²⁺ ions in aqueous solution and in blood from mice with toxicosis and facilitates the naked-eye detection of Hg²⁺ ions.     

Signal enhancement of electrochemical DNA biosensors for the detection of trace heavy metals

Heavy-metal pollution has attracted intensive attention from the public because of the severe threats of heavy metals to the ecosystem and human health. Ultralow concentration of heavy metals in aquatic environment leads to the urgent needs of sensitive approaches for heavy-metal detection. Electrochemical DNA biosensors present outstanding superiority in convenience, selectivity, and sensitivity compared with conventional methods. To achieve the ultralow detection limit, efforts have been made to implement signal enhancement strategies to develop electrochemical DNA biosensors with enhanced sensing performance. This review focuses on the recent progress in signal enhancement strategies applied to electrochemical DNA biosensors for heavy-metal-ion detection including nicking enzyme–assisted amplification, the utilization of core–shell nanoparticles, and nanocomposites modification.