Ag_2S/ZnS复合纳米球的制备及可见光催化性能

采用水热反应体系,结合离子交换法制备了多孔Ag_2S/ZnS纳米球,以甲基橙(MO)溶液为模拟污染物对其进行了可见光光催化降解研究.与ZnS相比,Ag_2S的加入提高了材料催化降解甲基橙的能力,其中Ag_(0.4)Zn_(0.8)S催化降解效果最好.光催化活性的增强主要归因于光诱导下ZnS和Ag_2S之间有效的界面电荷转移(IFCT).     

N,B, Si-tridoped mesoporous TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> with high surface area and excellent visible-light photocatalytic activity

N, B, Si-tridoped mesoporous TiO₂, together with N-doped, N, B-codoped and N, Si-codoped TiO₂, was prepared by a modified sol–gel method. The samples were characterized by wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXRD), N₂ adsorption–desorption, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, UV–visible adsorbance spectra (UV–vis) and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS). The N, B, Si-tridoped mesoporous TiO₂ showed small crystallite size, large specific surface area (350 m²/g), uniform pore distribution (3.2 nm) and strong absorption in the visible light region. The photocatalytic activities of the samples were evaluated by the photodegradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) aqueous solution. The N, B, Si-tridoping sample exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity compared with other synthesized photocatalysts. The high activity could be attributed to the strong absorption in the visible light region, large specific surface area, small crystallite size, large amount of surface hydroxyl groups, and mesoporosity.     

Diagnosing the miR-141 prostate cancer biomarker using nucleic acid-functionalized CdSe/ZnS QDs and telomerase

The microRNA, miR-141, is a promising biomarker for prostate cancer. We implement here a two-step sensing platform for the sensitive detection of miR-141. The first step involves the use of semiconductor CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) modified by FRET quencher-functionalized nucleic acids, that include the recognition sequence for miR-141 and a telomerase primer sequence for the second step of the analytical platform. Subjecting the probe-modified QDs to miR-141, in the presence of duplex specific nuclease, DSN, leads to the formation of a miR-141/probe duplex and to its DSN-mediated cleavage, while regenerating the miR-141. The DSN-induced cleavage of the quencher units leads to the activation of the fluorescence of the QDs, thus allowing the optical detection of miR-141 with a sensitivity corresponding to 1.0 × 10^–12 M. The nucleic acid residues associated with the QDs after cleavage of the probe nucleic acids by DSN act as primers for telomerase. The subsequent telomerase/dNTPs-stimulated elongation of the primer units forms G-quadruplex telomer chains. Incorporation of hemin in the resulting G-quadruplex telomer chains yields horseradish peroxidase-mimicking DNAzyme units, that catalyze the generation of chemiluminescence in the presence of luminol/H₂O₂. The resulting chemiluminescence intensities provide a readout signal for miR-141, DL = 2.8 × 10^–13 M. The first step of the sensing platform is non-selective toward miR-141 and the resulting fluorescence may be considered only as an indicator for the existence of miR-141. The second step in the sensing protocol, involving telomerase, provides a selective chemiluminescence signal for the existence of miR-141. The two-step sensing platform is implemented for the analysis of miR-141 in serum samples from healthy individuals and prostate cancer carriers. Impressive discrimination between healthy individuals and prostate cancer carriers is demonstrated.     

Two-dimensional copper oxide/zinc oxide nanoflakes with three-dimensional flower-like heterostructure enhanced with electrocatalytic activity toward nimesulide detection

The strategy of building two-dimensional (2D) metal oxide nanoflakes has inspired several innovations in different fields of application on account of its tremendous significance. It includes ultrathin planar surface, large charge carrier mobility, and tunable band structures, providing unprecedented features for sensing. Moreover, the intercalation of 2D dimensions to 3D superstructures will result in improved and dual advantages of both 2D/3D. The construction of 2D/3D copper oxide zinc oxide nanocomposite as electrode material for specific detection of nimesulide (NMS) is herein reported. The conversion of 2D CZ nanoflakes to 3D CZ microflowers was possibly achieved via the self-assembly process. This simple and cost-effective development of the CZ composite was characterized for evaluating the physical, chemical, and morphological properties. The highly crystalline nature of CZ was observed from powder X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. The formation of 2D nanoflakes of CZ was strongly confirmed from field emission scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images. To verify the strong attachments, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy spectra were analyzed. Electrochemical sensing of NMS at CZ fabricated glassy carbon electrode reflects higher electrocatalytic activity with a linear range of NMS addition from 0.299 μM to 319.15 μM. The lower detection limit was about 0.005 μM with a sensitivity of 7.152 μAμM^?1 cm². The CZ nanocomposite will be more applicable for sensing several drugs with enriched active sites, higher conductivity, and large surface area raised from low-cost metal oxides when compared with highly conducting materials.     

Controlling the activity of quorum sensing autoinducers with light

Bacteria use a communication system, called quorum sensing (QS), to organize into communities and synchronize gene expression to promote virulence and secure survival. Here we report on a proof-of-principle for externally interfering with this bacterial communication system, using light. By employing photoswitchable small molecules, we were able to photocontrol the QS-related bioluminescence in an Escherichia coli reporter strain, and the expression of target QS genes and pyocyanin production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.     

Reaction of a diaryldigermyne with ethylene

Reaction of the stable digermyne BbtGeGeBbt (Bbt = 2,6-[CH(SiMe₃)₂]₂-4-[C(SiMe₃)₃]-C₆H₂) with ethylene initially afforded the corresponding 1,2-digermacyclobutene. Depending on the reaction conditions applied, further reaction of this 1,2-digermacyclobutene with ethylene furnished two different reaction products: a 1,4-digermabicyclo[2.2.0]hexane or a bis(germiranyl)ethane. Combined experimental and theoretical results suggested that the 1,4-digermabicyclo[2.2.0]hexane and the bis(germiranyl)ethane are the thermodynamic and kinetic reaction products, respectively. A reaction mechanism in agreement with these results was proposed.     

Extending N-heterocyclic carbene ligands into the third dimension: a new type of hybrid phosphazane/NHC system

A simple, “click” synthetic approach to a new type of hybrid phosph(III)azane/NHC system is described. The presence of the phosphazane P₂N₂ ring unit, with P atoms flanking the NCN fragment and with this ring perpendicular to the binding site of the NHC, provides unique opportunities for modifying the electronic and steric character of these carbenes.     

Platinum/mesoporous WO3 as a carbon-free electrocatalyst with enhanced electrochemical activity for methanol oxidation

A new type of carbon-free electrode catalyst, Pt/mesoporous WO3 composite, has been prepared and its electrochemical activity for methanol oxidation has been investigated. The mesoporous tungsten trioxide support was synthesized by a replicating route and the mesoporous composties with Pt loaded were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen sorption, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), line scan voltammetry (LSV) and chronoamperometry (CA) were adopted to characterize the electrochemical activities of the composites. The mesoporous WO3 showed high surface area, ordered pore structure, and nanosized wall thickness of about 6-7 nm. When a certain amount of Pt nanoparticles were dispersed in the pore structure of mesoporous WO3, the resultant mesostructured Pt/WO3 composites exhibit high electro-catalytic activity toward methanol oxidation. The overall electro-catalytic activities of 20 wt % Pt/WO3 composites are significantly higher than that of commercial 20 wt % Pt/C catalyst and are comparable to the 20 wt % PtRu/C catalyst in the potential region of 0.5-0.7 V. The enhanced electro-catalytic activity is attributed to be resulted from the assistant catalytic effect and the mesoporous structure of WO3 supports.     

Simple electrochemical sensing of attomolar proteins using fabricated complexes with enhanced surface binding avidity

Various strategies have been proposed for the detection of disease protein biomarkers; however, most methods are too expensive, cumbersome or limited in sensitivity for clinical use. Here, we report that a fabricated complex can be used as a powerful tool to detect trace proteins in complex samples. In this strategy, a DNA–protein complex that comprises of one target molecule and two or more deoxyribozyme-containing probes can exhibit autonomous cleavage behavior on the surface of the substrate DNA modified electrode. In the meantime, the complex can remove the cleaved DNA fragment from the electrode surface by taking advantage of the proximity effect. The proposed approach allows one-step and highly sensitive detection of a variety of targets based on the changes of the direct electrochemical readout. Moreover, this method may also have considerable advantages over the commonly reported DNA amplification-assisted immunoassays, particularly in terms of assay simplicity and cost, which may hold great potential for application in resource-constrained regions.     

Electrospun nanofibers of TiO2/CdS heteroarchitectures with enhanced photocatalytic activity by visible light

Herein, we have demonstrated that the electrospun nanofibers of TiO(2)/CdS heteroarchitectures could be fabricated through combining electrospinning technique with hydrothermal process. The configuration, crystal structure, and element composition of the as-prepared TiO(2)/CdS heteroarchitectures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), resonant Raman spectrometer, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results indicated that the high-density hexagonal wurtzite CdS crystalline particles of ca. 6-40 nm in diameter were uniformly and closely grown on anatase TiO(2) nanofibers. Especially, the light-absorption properties as well as photocatalytic characteristics of pure TiO(2) nanofibers and TiO(2)/CdS heteroarchitectures with different amount loading of CdS were also investigated. The absorption of TiO(2)/CdS heteroarchitectures was extended to the visible due to effective immobilization of sensitizing agent CdS on TiO(2). In contrast with the pure TiO(2) nanofibers, the TiO(2)/CdS heteroarchitectures showed excellent photocatalytic activity by using rhodamine B dye as a model organic substrate under visible-light irradiation. It was worth noting that the cooperative photocatalytic mechanism of the TiO(2)/CdS heteroarchitectures was also discussed.     

Preparation of TiO2/ZnS core/sheath heterostructure nanotubes via a wet chemical method and their photocatalytic activity

TiO₂/ZnS core/sheath heterostructure nanotubes are prepared via a simple wet chemical method at room temperature. The samples are characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-vis absorption spectrum. Their photocatalytic activity for degradation of methyl orange under UV illumination is valuated. It is found that the ZnS layer changes with the concentration of precursors. The photocatalytic activity of the TiO₂/ZnS depends not only on the structure of the support (TiO₂ nanotubes) but also on the specific interaction between ZnS and support.     

De novo design and synthesis of dipyridopurinone derivatives as visible-light photocatalysts in productive guanylation reactions

Described here is the de novo design and synthesis of a series of 6H-dipyrido[1,2-e:2′,1′-i]purin-6-ones (DPs) as a new class of visible-light photoredox catalysts (PCs). The synthesized DP1–5 showed their λ_Abs(max) values in 433–477 nm, excited state redox potentials in 1.15–0.69 eV and −1.41 to −1.77 eV (vs. SCE), respectively. As a representative, DP4 enables the productive guanylation of various amines, including 1°, 2°, and 3°-alkyl primary amines, secondary amines, aryl and heteroaryl amines, amino-nitrile, amino acids and peptides as well as propynylamines and α-amino esters giving diversities in biologically important guanidines and cyclic guanidines. The photocatalytic efficacy of DP4 in the guanylation overmatched commonly used Ir and Ru polypyridyl complexes, and some organic PCs. Other salient merits of this method include broad substrate scope and functional group tolerance, gram-scale synthesis, and versatile late-stage derivatizations that led to a derivative 81 exhibiting 60-fold better anticancer activity against Ramos cells with the IC₅₀ of 0.086 μM than that of clinical drug ibrutinib (5.1 μM).

A novel visible-light photocatalyst was designed and its photocatalytic efficacy in the guanylation of amines overmatched common metal-core and organic photocatalysts.     

Exploiting parameter space in MOFs: a 20-fold enhancement of phosphate-ester hydrolysis with UiO-66-NH2

The hydrolysis of nerve agents is of primary concern due to the severe toxicity of these agents. Using a MOF-based catalyst (UiO-66), we have previously demonstrated that the hydrolysis can occur with relatively fast half-lives of 50 minutes. However, these rates are still prohibitively slow to be efficiently utilized for some practical applications (e.g., decontamination wipes used to clean exposed clothing/skin/vehicles). We thus turned our attention to derivatives of UiO-66 in order to probe the importance of functional groups on the hydrolysis rate. Three UiO-66 derivatives were explored; UiO-66-NO₂ and UiO-66-(OH)₂ showed little to no change in hydrolysis rate. However, UiO-66-NH₂ showed a 20 fold increase in hydrolysis rate over the parent UiO-66 MOF. Half-lives of 1 minute were observed with this MOF. In order to probe the role of the amino moiety, we turned our attention to UiO-67, UiO-67-NMe₂ and UiO-67-NH₂. In these MOFs, the amino moiety is in close proximity to the zirconium node. We observed that UiO-67-NH₂ is a faster catalyst than UiO-67 and UiO-67-NMe₂. We conclude that the role of the amino moiety is to act as a proton-transfer agent during the catalytic cycle and not to hydrogen bond or to form a phosphorane intermediate.     

Calcium ions tune the zinc-sequestering properties and antimicrobial activity of human S100A12

Human S100A12 is a host-defense protein expressed and released by neutrophils that contributes to innate immunity. Apo S100A12 is a 21 kDa antiparallel homodimer that harbors two Ca(ii)-binding EF-hand domains per subunit and exhibits two His₃Asp motifs for chelating transition metal ions at the homodimer interface. In this work, we present results from metal-binding studies and microbiology assays designed to ascertain whether Ca(ii) ions modulate the Zn(ii)-binding properties of S100A12 and further evaluate the antimicrobial properties of this protein. Our metal-depletion studies reveal that Ca(ii) ions enhance the ability of S100A12 to sequester Zn(ii) from microbial growth media. We report that human S100A12 has antifungal activity against Candida albicans, C. krusei, C. glabrata and C. tropicalis, all of which cause human disease. This antifungal activity is Ca(ii)-dependent and requires the His₃Asp metal-binding sites. We expand upon prior studies of the antibacterial activity of S100A12 and report Ca(ii)-dependent and strain-selective behavior. S100A12 exhibits in vitro growth inhibitory activity against Listeria monocytogenes. In contrast, S100A12 has negligible effect on the growth of Escherichia coli K-12 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. Loss of functional ZnuABC, a high-affinity Zn(ii) import system, increases the susceptibility of E. coli and P. aeruginosa to S100A12, indicating that S100A12 deprives these mutant strains of Zn(ii). To evaluate the Zn(ii)-binding sites of S100A12 in solution, we present studies using Co(ii) as a spectroscopic probe and chromophoric small-molecule chelators in Zn(ii) competition titrations. We confirm that S100A12 binds Zn(ii) with a 2 : 1 stoichiometry, and our data indicate sub-nanomolar affinity binding. Taken together, these data support a model whereby S100A12 uses Ca(ii) ions to tune its Zn(ii)-chelating properties and antimicrobial activity.     

Facile one-pot hydrothermal synthesis of B/N-codoped TiO2 hollow spheres with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity and photoelectrochemical property

B/N-codoped TiO₂ hollow spheres (B/N-THs) were synthesized by facile one-pot hydrothermal method. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N₂ adsorption-desorption isotherms, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectrum (DRS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The B/N-THs have large surface areas (up to 172.1 m² g⁻¹). The photocatalytic activities of as-prepared THs were evaluated by degradation of Reactive Brilliant Red dye X-3B solution under visible light irradiation. The results showed that B/N-THs exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity due to their high surface area and synergetic effect of B/N-codoped. A photocurrent–time spectrum was examined by anodic photocurrent response to characterize the electron-transferring efficiency in the process of photocatalysis reaction.     

Aerosol-spraying preparation of a mesoporous hollow spherical BiFeO3 visible photocatalyst with enhanced activity and durability

A facile aerosol-spraying approach was developed to prepare mesoporous BiFeO(3) hollow spheres with enhanced activity and durability in visible photocatalysis.     

Ratiometric detection of pH fluctuation in mitochondria with a new fluorescein/cyanine hybrid sensor

The homeostasis of mitochondrial pH (pH_m) is crucial in cell physiology. Developing small-molecular fluorescent sensors for the ratiometric detection of pH_m fluctuation is highly demanded yet challenging. A ratiometric pH sensor, Mito-pH, was constructed by integrating a pH-sensitive FITC fluorophore with a pH-insensitive hemicyanine group. The hemicyanine group also acts as the mitochondria targeting group due to its lipophilic cationic nature. Besides its ability to target mitochondria, this sensor provides two ratiometric pH sensing modes, the dual excitation/dual emission mode (D_ex/D_em) and dual excitation (D_ex) mode, and its linear and reversible ratiometric response range from pH 6.15 to 8.38 makes this sensor suitable for the practical tracking of pH_m fluctuation in live cells. With this sensor, stimulated pH_m fluctuation has been successfully tracked in a ratiometric manner via both fluorescence imaging and flow cytometry.     

Regulating signal enhancement with coordination-coupled deprotonation of a hydrazone switch

Proton relay plays an important role in many biocatalytic pathways. In order to mimic such processes in the context of molecular switches, we developed coordination-coupled deprotonation (CCD) driven signaling and signal enhancement sequences. This was accomplished by using the zinc(ii)-initiated CCD of a hydrazone switch to instigate an acid catalyzed imine bond hydrolysis that separates a quencher from a fluorophore thus leading to emission amplification. Because CCD is a reversible process, we were able to show that the catalysis can be regulated and turned “on” and “off” using a metalation/demetalation cycle.     

New synthesis of excellent visible-light TiO2−xNx photocatalyst using a very simple method

An excellent visible-light-responsive (from 400 to 550 nm) TiO_2−xN_x photocatalyst was prepared by a simple wet method. Hydrazine was used as a new nitrogen resource in this paper. Self-made amorphous titanium dioxide precursor powders were dipped into hydrazine hydrate, and calcined at low temperature (110 °C) in the air. The TiO_2−xN_x was successfully synthesized, following by spontaneous combustion. The photocatalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), transmission electron microscope (TEM), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectrometer (DRS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Analysis of XPS indicated that N atoms were incorporated into the lattice of the titania crystal during the combustion of hydrazine on the surface of TiO₂. Ethylene was selected as a target pollutant under visible-light excitation to evaluate the activity of this photocatalyst. The newly prepared TiO_2−xN_x photocatalyst with strong photocatalytic activity and high photochemical stability under visible-light irradiation was firstly demonstrated in the experiment.     

Z-机制磷酸银/钨酸铋复合物的构建及其可见光催化降解有机污染物(英文)

环境危害不仅对人类健康构成巨大威胁,而且也阻碍了经济社会的快速发展.光催化剂通过利用太阳能来降解污染物为环境问题提供一条理想的途径.光催化剂的制备应该考虑以下几点:(1)对可见光响应;(2)高量子效率和稳定性;(3)安全、廉价、无毒的原材料.早期的一些催化剂如二氧化钛、氧化锌、硫化锌、锗酸锌和磷酸铋等在紫外线照射下表现出优秀的光催化活性.但是紫外光是稀有的,而且对人体健康有害.近年来,对宽带隙半导体的改性如掺杂、贵金属沉积、构建异质结或固溶体催化剂取得了有效进展.遗憾的是,受限于材料的固有属性,有限的改进仍然不能满足实际应用的需求.因此,探索高效稳定的可见光驱动的光催化剂依然是十分有意义的.磷酸银在可见光下表现出超强的光催化降解有机污染物和产氧的能力,但是磷酸银容易受到光腐蚀,光催化活性和稳定性很难维持.另外,磷酸银导带上的电子电势较正,这将导致其很难在光催化过程中被利用.而磷酸银导带上电子的积累会抑制其内部电子空穴对的分离,从而对磷酸银的光催化活性和稳定性造成不利影响.本文选择钨酸铋纳米片与磷酸银复合去抑制电子空穴对的复合和进一步提高磷酸银的活性和稳定性.样品的粉末X射线衍射、能谱和X光电子能谱的分析证实了磷酸银/钨酸铋复合物已经被成功合成.稳态荧光光谱证实了磷酸银/钨酸铋复合物的构建可以作为一种有效抑制电子和空穴对复合的手段.通过对样品进行光催化降解次甲基蓝的实验,我们发现磷酸银/钨酸铋复合材料展现出比磷酸银和钨酸铋更强的光催化活性.其中,磷酸银/钨酸铋光催化降解次甲基蓝的速率为0.61385 min~(-1),这是磷酸银(0.47179 min~(-1))和钨酸铋(0.10270 min~(-1))活性的1.3和6.0倍.同时,磷酸银/钨酸铋表现出耐久的稳定性,在连续五次光降解过程中几乎没有明显的活性损失.进一步通过对磷酸银/钨酸铋复合材料进行光催化活性成分的捕获实验,我们发现空穴、超氧负离子自由基和羟基自由基都发挥了一定的作用.最后,我们讨论了光催化机制,Z-机制光催化机制被认为是合理的.