Anticancer Photodynamic Therapy Properties of Sulfur‐Doped Graphene Quantum Dot and Methylene Blue Preparations in MCF‐7 Breast Cancer Cell Culture

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a field with many applications including chemotherapy. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) exhibit a variety of unique properties and can be used in PDT to generate singlet oxygen that destroys pathogenic bacteria and cancer cells. The PDT agent, methylene blue (MB), like GQDs, has been successfully exploited to destroy bacteria and cancer cells by increasing reactive oxygen species generation. Recently, combinations of GQDs and MB have been shown to destroy pathogenic bacteria via increased singlet oxygen generation. Here, we performed a spectrophotometric assay to detect and measure the uptake of GQDs, MB and several GQD‐MB combinations in MCF‐7 breast cancer cells. Then, we used a cell counting method to evaluate the cytotoxicity of GQDs, MB and a 1:1 GQD:MB preparation. Singlet oxygen generation in cells was then detected and measured using singlet oxygen sensor green. The dye, H₂DCFDA, was used to measure reactive oxygen species production. We found that GQD and MB uptake into MCF‐7 cells occurred, but that MB, followed by 1:1 GQD:MB, caused superior cytotoxicity and singlet oxygen and reactive oxygen species generation. Our results suggest that methylene blue's effect against MCF‐7 cells is not potentiated by GQDs, either in light or dark conditions.     

Anodic stripping voltammetric determination of copper (II) ions at a graphene quantum dot-modified pencil graphite electrode

A simple and sensitive electrochemical sensor based on graphene quantum dot-modified pencil graphite electrode (GQD/PGE) was fabricated and used for highly selective and sensitive determination of copper (II) ions in nanomolar concentration by square wave adsorptive stripping voltammetric method. The sensing mechanism could be attributed to the formation of a complex between Cu²⁺ ions and oxygen-containing groups in GQDs which result in an increased SWV signal in comparison with the bare electrode. Optimization of various experimental parameters such as pre-concentration time, pre-concentration potential, pH, and buffer type which influence the performance of the sensor, was investigated. Under optimized condition, GQD-modified electrode has been used for the analysis of Cu²⁺ in the concentration range from 50 pM to 4 nM and a lower detection limit of 12 pM with good stability, repeatability, and selectivity. Finally, the practical applicability of GQD-PGE was confirmed via measuring trace amount of Cu (II) in water samples. The GQD/PGE surface could be regenerated by exerting more positive potentials than the stripping potential of the Cu (II) ion and then used for another deposition.     

Development of a Highly Sensitive and Selective Bismuth Optical Sensor Based on (2E,4E)-5-(2,4-Dinitrophenyl Amino)penta-2,4-dienal

Abstract

An optical sensor based on (2E,4E)-5-(2,4-dinitrophenyl amino)penta-2,4-dienal as ionophore has been developed for the determination of bismuth(III) ions in aqueous solutions. This proposed membrane works on the basis of a cation-exchange mechanism and shows a significant absorbance signal change on exposure to 1 M HCl solution of pH 0.0 containing bismuth ions. The optode membrane shows a reproducible and reversible response toward bismuth in the concentration range 0.2 to 60.5 ppm with a detection limit of 0.095 ppm. This sensor has been used for determination of bismuth in real samples.     

Separation of Spectroscopically Uniform Nanographenes

Excitation‐dependent photoluminescence (PL) is a well‐known property of graphene quantum dots (GQDs). For the development of carbon‐based photofunctional materials, GQDs possessing uniform PL properties are in high demand. A protocol has been established to separate spectroscopically uniform lipophilic GQD‐ 1 a from a mixture of GQD‐ 1 mainly composed of GQD‐ 1 a and GQD‐ 1 b . The mixture of GQD‐ 1 was synthesized through the reaction of p‐methoxybenzylamine with GQD‐ 2 prepared from graphite by common oxidative exfoliation. Size‐exclusion chromatography gave rise to GQD‐ 1 a and GQD‐ 1 b , with diameters of 19.8 and 4.9 nm, respectively. Large GQD‐ 1 a showed that the PL was fairly independent of the excitation wavelengths, whereas the PL of small GQD‐ 1 b was dependent on excitation. The excitation‐dependent nature is most likely to be associated with the structures of sp² domains on the graphene surfaces. The large sp²‐conjugated surface of GQD‐ 1 a is likely to possess well‐developed and large sp² domains, the band gaps of which do not significantly vary. The small sp²‐conjugated surface of GQD‐ 1 b produces small sp²‐conjugated domains that generate band gaps differing with domain sizes.     

Unilamellar Vesicles from Amphiphilic Graphene Quantum Dots

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have attracted considerable interest due to their unique physicochemical properties and various applications. For the first time it is shown that GQDs surface‐functionalized with hydrocarbon chains (i.e., amphiphilic GQDs) self‐assemble into unilamellar spherical vesicles in aqueous solution. The amphiphilic GQD vesicles exhibit multicolor luminescence that can be readily exploited for membrane studies by fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy. The GQD vesicles were used for microscopic analysis of membrane interactions and disruption by the peptide beta‐amyloid.     

Chemical Functionalisation and Photoluminescence of Graphene Quantum Dots

Chemical modification of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) can influence their physical and chemical properties; hence, the investigation of the effect of organic functional groups on GQDs is of importance for developing GQD–organic hybrid materials. Three peripherally functionalised GQDs having a third‐generation dendritic wedge (GQD‐ 2 ), long alkyl chains (GQD‐ 3 ) and a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane group (GQD‐ 4 ) were prepared by the Cu^I‐catalysed Huisgen cycloaddition reaction of GQD‐ 1 with organic azides. Cyclic voltammetry indicated that reduction occurred on the surfaces of GQD‐ 1 – 4 and on the five‐membered imide rings at the periphery, and this suggested that the functional groups distort the periphery by steric interactions between neighbouring functional groups. The HOMO–LUMO bandgaps of GQD‐ 1 – 4 were estimated to be approximately 2 eV, and their low‐lying LUMO levels (<?3.9 eV) were lower than that of phenyl‐C₆₁‐butyric acid methyl ester, an n‐type organic semiconductor. The solubility of GQD‐ 1 – 4 in organic solvents depends on the functional groups present. The functional groups likely cover the surfaces and periphery of the GQDs, and thus increase their affinity for solvent and avoid precipitation. Similar to GQD‐ 2 , both GQD‐ 3 and GQD‐ 4 emitted white light upon excitation at 360 nm. Size‐exclusion chromatography demonstrated that white‐light emission originates from the coexistence of differently sized GQDs that have different photoluminescence emission wavelengths.     

Microwave Synthesis and Characterization of a Silver–Poly (Amide Amine) Dendrimer Nanocomposite with Application as a Hydrogen Peroxide Sensor

A novel procedure to fabricate a nonenzymatic hydrogen peroxide sensor was developed based on a silver-poly (amide amine) dendrimer nanocomposite synthesized by a microwave procedure. The formation of silver nanoparticles functionalized with the poly (amide amine) dendrimer was confirmed by ultraviolet visible spectroscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The electroanalytical properties of a glassy carbon electrode modified with the silver-poly (amide amine) dendrimer nanocomposite were evaluated by the determination of hydrogen peroxide. The electrochemical sensor exhibited rapid response and high sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide with a linear dynamic range from 1.0 × 10–5 to 3.7 × 10–3 molar (r = 0.998) and a limit of detection of 5.06 micromolar. The sensitivity was 30.24 microampere · per millilmolar per square centimeter and the response time was three seconds at a working potential of ?0.35 volt. In addition, the sensor was unaffected by the presence of ascorbic acid, citric acid, and oxalic acid. These results indicate that the silver-poly (amide amine) dendrimer nanocomposite based sensor has application for the determination of hydrogen peroxide.     

水热法制备MoO3-GQDs的三甲胺气敏性能

采用水热法制备了一系列具有不同碳量子点(GQDs)含量的MoO3?GQDs纳米复合材料,利用X射线衍射、扫描电子显微镜、透射电子显微镜、FTIR等对MoO3?GQDs复合材料进行了表征,研究了其气敏性能。结果表明,复合材料中GQDs的含量对MoO3?GQDs复合材料的气敏响应和选择性有显著影响。MoO3?GQDs纳米复合材料(S?6,GQDs悬浮液的含量为6 mL)传感器在230℃时对三甲胺(TMA)表现出高的气敏响应和好的气敏选择性;该传感器对1000μL·L^-1 TMA的响应为74.08;对1000μL·L^-1 TMA的响应时间和恢复时间分别为73和34 s;S?6复合材料气敏传感器在230℃时可以检测到1μL·L^-1的TMA。     

Fabrication of poly(vinyl alcohol)‐graphene quantum dots coated with poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) for supercapacitor

Conducting nanofiber composed of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) was prepared for symmetrical supercapacitor through electrospinning and electropolymerization techniques. The formation of PVA nanofibers with the addition of GQDs was excellently prepared with the average diameter of 55.66 ± 27 nm. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images revealed that cauliflower‐like structure of PEDOT was successfully coated on PVA‐GQD electrospun nanofibers. PVA‐GQD/PEDOT nanocomposite exhibited the highest specific capacitance of 291.86 F/g compared with PVA/PEDOT (220.73 F/g) and PEDOT (161.48 F/g). PVA‐GQD/PEDOT also demonstrated a high specific energy and specific power of 16.95 and 984.48 W/kg, respectively, at 2.0 A/g current density. PVA‐GQD/PEDOT exhibited the lowest resistance of charge transfer (R_ct) and equivalent series resistance compared with PEDOT and PVA/PEDOT, indicating that the fast ion diffusion between the electrode and electrolyte interface. PVA‐GQD/PEDOT nanocomposite also showed an excellent stability with retention of 98% after 1000 cycles. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018 , 56, 50–58     

Effect of graphene quantum dots on photoluminescence property of polyvinyl butyral nanocomposite

Design and development of new photoluminescence system are much in demand for various engineering and technological applications. The present investigation focused on the influence of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) dispersion in the polyvinyl butyral (PVB) matrix. The structural and chemical interaction of GQD‐dispersed PVB composites was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), micro‐Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet and visible (UV‐Vis), and photoluminescence (PL) techniques. Chemical interaction between the functional groups leads to PL quenching at 455 nm. Changes on crystallite size and interplanar spacing hinders on the structural properties of the nanocomposite. Raman spectroscopy reveals the decrease in D/G intensity ratio influenced by GQD loading wt% in the polymer system. The dispersion and occupied network of GQD in the PVB matrix was confirmed by optical polarizing microscopy (OPM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Effect of electrical conductivity of composites as a function of temperature has been verified. Decrease in direct bandgap as a function of GQD loading confirms the promising PL properties of the prepared composite system. Thus GQD‐derived composites may further be developed as a membrane for improved PL property.     

Electrochemical detection of selenium using glassy carbon electrode modified with reduced graphene oxide

In this work, a simple experimental procedure was reported for the electroanalytical determination of selenium (IV) using reduced graphene oxide (rGO) to modify glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The rGO was obtained by reduction of graphene oxide obtained via Hummer’s method. The synthesised rGO was characterised using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy and transmission Electron microscopy (TEM). GCE was modified with rGO and the electrochemical properties of the bare and modified electrode were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results obtained showed that the modified electrode exhibited more excellent electrochemical properties than the bare GCE. The optimum conditions for detection of selenium in water using square wave anodic stripping voltammetry were as follows: deposition potential ?500 mV, pH 1, pre-concentration time of 240 s and 0.1 M nitric acid was used as supporting electrolyte. The linear regression equation obtained was I (µA) = 0.8432C + 9.2359 and the detection limit was calculated to be 0.85 μg L^?1. However, Cu(II) and Cd(II) are the two cations that interfered in the analysis of selenium in water.

The sensor was also applied for real sample water analysis and the result obtained was affirmed with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopic method. It is believed that our proposed sensor hold promise for practical application.     

Low-cost reduced graphene oxide-based conductometric nitrogen dioxide-sensitive sensor on paper

The fabrication concept for a low-cost sensor device using reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as the sensing material on a porous paper substrate is presented. The sensors were characterized using conductivity and capacitance measurements, atomic force microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The effects of different reducing agents, graphene oxide (GO) flake size and film thickness were studied. The sensor was sensitive to NO₂, and devices based on a thin (10-nm) hydrazine-reduced GO layer had the best sensitivity, reaching a 70 % reduction in resistance after 10 min of exposure to 10 ppm NO₂. The sensitivity was high enough for the detection of sub-parts per million levels of NO₂. Desorption of gas molecules, i.e. the recovery of the sensor, could be accelerated by UV irradiation. The structure and preparation of the sensor are simple and up-scalable, allowing their fabrication in bulk quantities, and the fabrication concept can be applied to other materials, too.

Nickel oxide nanoparticles decorated graphene quantum dot as an effective electrode modifier for electrocatalytic oxidation and analysis of clozapine

In the present work, a novel, simple, and sensitive clozapine (CLZ) sensor was developed based on nickel oxide nanoparticle (NiO)-decorated graphene quantum dot (GQD)-modified glassy carbon electrode (NiO/GQD/GCE). NiO/GQD/GCE was prepared by simple electrodeposition, the electrochemical behavior of CLZ at the surface of the prepared electrode was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and an improved reversibility and increased peak current with negative shift in the oxidation potential were observed at the proposed electrode. The effect of some experimental parameters has been examined, and based on the results, an electron transfer–chemical reaction–electron transfer mechanism has been proposed for CLZ electrooxidation. The differential pulse voltammetric response of the NiO/GQD/GCE was linear to the concentration of CLZ in the range of 3?×?10^?9 to 1?×?10^?6 M, and the detection limit was found to be 0.55 nM (S/N?=?3). The method has been successfully used for the selective determination of the CLZ amount in the pharmaceutical preparations and human serum samples with good accuracy and precision.     

A Study of Preparation and Performance of a Dichlorvos Electrochemical Sensor Based on Molecularly Imprinted Technique

A new dichlorvos molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor was prepared. The sensitive membrane sensor was fabricated by electro-polymerizing on an Au electrode surface using o-aminophenol as a monomer and dichlorvos as a template. The 5 mmol/L K₃[Fe(CN)₆] containing 0.1 mol/L KCl was used as the test background solution, while cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were used to study the properties of the senor. The changes of oxidation peak current versus dichlorvos concentration showed linearity in the range of 0.12–0.42 µmol/L (R ² = 0.9432) and 0.45–15 µmol/L (R ² = 0.9516) with a detection limit of 0.06 µmol/L (S/N = 3). Moreover, the selectivity and repeatability properties of the dichlorvos electrochemical sensor were examined. Results showed that the senor had excellent repeatability (RSD = 3.92%, n = 5), good selectivity to the dichlorvos in detection, and only a ten minute response time. Organophosphorus insecticides have some response signals in the detections.     

Diverse Nanoassemblies of Graphene Quantum Dots and Their Mineralogical Counterparts

Complex structures from nanoparticles are found in rocks, soils, and sea sediments but the mechanisms of their formation are poorly understood, which causes controversial conclusions about their genesis. Here we show that graphene quantum dots (GQDs) can assemble into complex structures driven by coordination interactions with metal ions commonly present in environment and serve a special role in Earth's history, such as Fe³⁺ and Al³⁺. GQDs self‐assemble into mesoscale chains, sheets, supraparticles, nanoshells, and nanostars. Specific assembly patterns are determined by the effective symmetry of the GQDs when forming the coordination assemblies with the metal ions. As such, maximization of the electronic delocalization of π‐orbitals of GQDs with Fe³⁺ leads to GQD‐Fe‐GQD units with D₂ symmetry, dipolar bonding potential, and linear assemblies. Taking advantage of high electron microscopy contrast of carbonaceous nanostructures in respect to ceramic background, the mineralogical counterparts of GQD assemblies are found in mineraloid shungite. These findings provide insight into nanoparticle dynamics during the rock formation that can lead to mineralized structures of unexpectedly high complexity.     

Computational studies on the doped graphene quantum dots as potential carriers in drug delivery systems for isoniazid drug

In this study, the application of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and doped GQDs as potential carriers for the delivery of isoniazid (Iso) drug has been investigated, using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. For this purpose, the hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene (as a GQD model) and its BN-, BP-, AlN-, and AlP-doped (C₃₆X₃Y₃H₁₈ where X = B, Al and Y = N, P) forms were selected. Our results indicated that the adsorption energies of isoniazid on doped GQDs were more negative than that of pure GQD. Moreover, the calculations showed that adsorption of isoniazid on AlN- and AlP-doped GQDs was thermodynamically favorable. The dipole moments of BP-, AlN-, and AlP-doped GQDs were much greater (5.799, 1.860, and 3.312 D, respectively) than that of pristine GQD (0 D). The AlN-Iso and AlP-Iso complexes had small energy gaps, low chemical potentials, and low global hardnesses, which were appropriate for their attachments to the target site. The nature of interactions was analyzed by the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and noncovalent interaction (NCI) analyses. Overall, the results confirmed that the AlN- and AlP-doped GQDs could be used as potential carriers for drug delivery application.     

Highly sensitive optical humidity probe

A highly sensitive optical humidity probe based on reflectance measurements has been developed using Nafion^®-crystal violet (CV) films. This sensor can be used to calibrate relative humidity (RH) in the range 0-0.25% with a detection limit (blank signal + 3σ_b, where σ_b = the standard deviation (S.D.) of the blank signal) of 0.018% RH (∼4.37 ppm) and exhibited low hysteresis. The sensor films were fully reversible in dry nitrogen and reversal times were shown to be dependent on exposure time and % RH. The response to 1% RH was highly reproducible (S.D. = 1.67%, number of samples (n) = 5). Hydrogen chloride gas did not interfere with the response of the sensor to RH but did reduce sensor reversal times. This sensor displayed sufficient sensitivity that it could be used to detect ppm levels of moisture in process gases such as nitrogen and HCl.     

Selective coordination and localized polarization in graphene quantum dots: Detection of fluoride anions using ultra-low-field NMR relaxometry

The development of ultra-sensitive methods for detecting anions is limited by their low charge to radius ratios, microenvironment sensitivity, and pH sensitivity. In this paper, a magnetic sensor is devised that exploits the controllable and selective coordination that occurs between a magnetic graphene quantum dot (GQD) and fluoride anion (F^–). The sensor is used to measure the change in relaxation time of aqueous solutions of magnetic GQDs in the presence of F^‒ using ultra-low-field (118 µT) nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry. The method was optimized to produce a limit of detection of 10 nmol/L and then applied to quantitatively detect F^– in domestic water samples. More importantly, the key factors responsible for the change in relaxation time of the magnetic GQDs in the presence of F^‒ are revealed to be the selective coordination that occurs between the GQDs and F^‒ as well as the localized polarization of the water protons. This striking finding is not only significant for the development of other magnetic probes for sensing anions but also has important ramifications for the design of contrast agents with enhanced relaxivity for use in magnetic resonance imaging.     

Molecular Imprinting-Chemiluminescence Sensor for the Determination of Amoxicillin

The amoxicillin-imprinted polymer was synthesized with methacrylic acid (MAA) as a functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a cross-linker. The binding characteristic of the imprinted polymer to amoxicillin was evaluated by equilibrium binding experiments. Using the imprinted polymer as recognition material, 3-(3′-nitrophenyl)-5(2′-sulfonylphenylazo)-rhodanine (4NRASP) was synthesized by the authors and was used as chemiluminescence (CL) reagent. A novel chemiluminescence (CL) sensor for the determination of amoxicillin was developed based on the CL reaction of amoxicillin with potassium permanganate in an acidic medium. The sensor displayed excellent selectivity and high sensitivity. The linear response range of the sensor was from 5.0 × 10^?9 to 1.0 × 10^?6 g · mL^?1 (r = 0.9985) and the detection limit was 1.3 × 10^?9 g · mL^?1. The relative standard deviation for the determination of 1.0 × 10^?7 g · mL^?1 amoxicillin solution was 1.7% (n = 11). The sensor was applied to the determination of amoxicillin in urine samples with satisfactory results.     

Evaluation of a Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube-Hemin Composite for the Voltammetric Determination of Hydrogen Peroxide in Dental Products

A simple, low cost sensor was developed for the voltammetric determination of hydrogen peroxide in mouthwash and dental whitening gel based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes incorporated with hemin. The sensor showed electrocatalytic activity toward the reduction of hydrogen peroxide in 0.05 mol L^?1 Tris-HCl buffer solution (pH 7.0) using cyclic voltammetry. The optimum composition of paste was 20:10:70% (m/m/m) (multi-walled carbon nanotubes:hemin:mineral oil). A linear plot of the square root of scan rate vs. cathodic peak current showed that reduction of hydrogen peroxide is diffusion controlled. Using linear sweep voltammetry, the analytical curve ranged from 0.2 up to 1.4 mmol L^?1 (r = 0.9996) with a sensitivity of 3.62 × 10^?2 mA mol^?1 L. The limits of detection and quantification were found to be 12.5 µmol L^?1 and 41.7 µmol L^?1, respectively. The developed method was applied for hydrogen peroxide determination in dental formulations. The results were compared with a volumetric method as a reference technique. No significant differences at the 95% level (paired student t test) were observed, thus demonstrating the accuracy of the sensor for the analysis of real samples.