Evaluating formation and growth mechanisms of silica particles using fluorescence anisotropy decay analysis

At present, there is no direct experimental evidence that primary silica particles, which exist only transiently for a few seconds during the St?ber silica synthesis, can be stable in aqueous solutions. In the present work, we show that primary silica particles are formed spontaneously after the dissolution of diglycerylsilane (DGS) in aqueous solutions and remain stable for prolonged periods of time. By using time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy (TRFA), we demonstrate that this unique property of DGS is ascribed to the slow kinetics of silica particle growth in diluted sols at pH approximately 9.0. The anisotropy decay of the cationic dye rhodamine 6G (R6G), which strongly adsorbs to silica oligomers and nanoparticles in DGS sols, could be fit to three components: a fast (picosecond) scale component associated with free R6G, a slower (nanosecond) rotational component associated with R6G bound to primary silica particles, and a residual (nondecaying) anisotropy component associated with R6G that was bound to secondary or larger particles that were unable to rotate on the time scale of the R6G emission lifetime (4 ns). The data show that, under conditions where fast hydrolysis is obtained, the initial size of the nuclei depends on the silica concentration, with larger nuclei being present in more concentrated sols, while the rate of growth of primary particles depends on both silica concentration and solution pH. At low silica concentrations and high pHs, it was possible to observe the growth of stable, nonaggregating primary silica particles by a mechanism involving rapid nucleation followed by monomer addition. The presence of stable primary particles was confirmed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging. At higher silica concentrations and lower pHs, there was an increase in the initial size of the nuclei formed, which subsequently grew to a larger radius (> 4.5 nm) or aggregated with time, and in such cases, nucleation and aggregation occurred simultaneously in the early stage of silica formation. The data clearly show the power of time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy decay measurements for probing the growth of silica colloids and show that this method is useful for elucidating the mechanism of particle formation and growth in situ.     

Detection of recombinant hirudin using capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detection

Hirudin, a thrombin inhibitor, is a polypeptide of 65 amino acids. To check purity levels and perform pharmacokinetic studies of recombinant hirudin (r-hirudin), a specific and reproducible analysis method is required. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is rapidly becoming an important procedure for the analysis of biological molecules. Recently, CE combined with immunoassay has emerged as a new analytical technique. CE-based immunoassay (CEIA) is a sensitive and specific method combining laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and immunoassay. Therefore, in this study, we specifically investigated fluorescence labeling and determination of r-hirudin by CEIA with a LIF detector using labeled r-hirudin and polyclonal antibody. r-Hirudin was labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC). FITC-labeled r-hirudin was purified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The method is based on preincubation of r-hirudin and antibody for 20 min, followed by CE analysis using an uncoated capillary. Free and bound r-hirudin were separated within 5 min using CE with high reproducibility. This study demonstrated that the CEIA method could be applied to quantitative analysis of r-hirudin in biological fluids.     

荧光毛细分析法测定丙酮酸的研究

基于荧光毛细分析法(Fluorescence Capillary Analysis,FCA)和液态酶(liquid enzyme method,LE)催化反应,开发了一种荧光毛细法测定丙酮酸的方法(P-LE-FCA)。在激发波长350nm、发射波长460nm,磷酸缓冲液pH=7.50,温度38℃,酶浓度5.0kUL-1,NADH为1.0mmol.L-1的条件下,成功对尿样中的丙酮酸进行了测定。标准曲线的线性范围为0.2mmol.L-1~1.2 mmol.L-1,r=0.9942,检出限为0.012 mmol.L-1。P-LE-FCA法操作简便,样品用量仅为18μL,测定成本低,可实现丙酮酸的微量化测定。有望将酶固定在毛细管壁上,制成荧光毛细丙酮酸测试盒,用于含丙酮酸的实际样品的测定。     

Detection of varicocele by using 99mTc-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid human serum albumin (99mTc-DTPA human serum albumin)

In order to detect the varicocele, scrotal scintigraphies by using 99mTc-HSA-D were performed in 14 patients with male infertile or palpable mass in left scrotum on physical examinations. Abnormal pooling of 99mTc-HSA-D, indicative of varicocele lesion, could be found in left scrotum in 9 cases, confirmed surgically or clinically. Compared with 99mTc-HSA, 99mTc-HSA-D was superior in high uptake ratio of varicocele to soft tissue and in nonvisualization of bladder. Thus, 99mTc-HSA-D scrotal scintigraphy seemed to be of a great use to detect the varicocele.     

Determination of pyruvic acid by using enzymic fluorescence capillary analysis

A new method (P-LE-FCA) for the determination of pyruvic acid was proposed based on liquid enzyme method (LE) and fluorescence capillary analysis (FCA). The optimum experimental conditions were as follows: the excitation and emission wavelengths were 350 and 460 nm, respectively; the reaction time and temperature were 20 min and 38 degrees C, respectively; the pH of phosphate buffer solution was 7.5; the concentrations of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and lactate dehydrogenase were 1.0 mmol L(-1) and 5.0 k UL(-1), respectively. The linear range of this method was 0.2-1.2 mmol L(-1) (Delta F=327.13C-10.018, r=0.9942). Its detection limit was 0.012 mmol L(-1). And its relative standard deviation was 0.86%. Only 18 microL of total reaction solution is enough for the detection. P-LE-FCA has some merits such as lower cost, simple operation procedure and micro determination. It has been used for the determination of pyruvic acid content in human urine samples.     

Detection limit calculations for the total reflection techniques of X-ray fluorescence analysis

In this work, theoretical calculations of detection limits for different total reflection techniques of X-ray fluorescence analysis are presented. Calculations include grazing incidence (TXRF) and gracing emission (GEXRF) conditions. These calculations are compared with detection limits calculated for conventional X-ray fluorescence (XRF). In order to compute detection limits, Shiraiwa and Fujino's model was used to calculate X-ray fluorescence intensities. This model makes certain assumptions and approximations to achieve the calculations, especially in the case of the geometrical conditions of the sample, and the incident and takeoff beams. Nevertheless, the calculated data of detection limits for conventional XRF and total-reflection XRF show a good agreement with previous results. The model proposed here allows us to analyze the different sources of background and the influence of the excitation geometry, which contribute to a better understanding of the physical processes involved in the XRF analysis by total reflection. Finally, a comparison between detection limits in total-reflection analysis at grazing incidence and at grazing emission is carried out. Here, a good agreement with the theoretical predictions of the Reciprocity Theorem is found, showing that, in theory, detection limits are similar for both techniques.     

Quantifying the protein core flexibility through analysis of cavity formation

We present an extensive analysis of cavity statistics in the interior of three different proteins, in liquid n-hexane, and in water performed using molecular-dynamics simulations. The heterogeneity of packing density over atomic length scales in different parts of proteins is evident in the wide range of values observed for the average cavity size, the probability of cavity formation, and the corresponding free energy of hard-sphere insertion. More interestingly, however, the distribution of cavity sizes observed at various points in the protein interior is surprisingly homogeneous in width. That width is significantly smaller than that measured for similar distributions in liquid n-hexane or water, indicating that protein interior is much less flexible than liquid hexane. The width of the cavity size distribution correlates well with the experimental isothermal compressibility data for liquids and proteins. An analysis of cavity statistics thus provides an efficient method to quantify local properties, such as packing, stiffness, or compressibility in heterogeneous condensed media.     

Observation of DNA transport through a single carbon nanotube channel using fluorescence microscopy

DNA transport through a single multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNT) channel was directly observed via fluorescence microscopy.     

Detection of single-molecule DNA hybridization by using dual-color total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy

We examined the use of prism-type simultaneous dual-color total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM) to probe DNA molecules at the single-molecule level. The system allowed the direct detection of the complementary interactions between single-stranded probe DNA molecules (16-mer) and various lengths of single-stranded target DNA molecules (16-mer and 55-mer) that had been labeled with different fluorescent dyes (Cy3, Cy5, and fluorescein). The polymer-modified glass substrate and the extent of DNA probe immobilization were easily characterized either with standard TIRFM or with atomic force microscopy. However, only dual-color TIRFM could provide unambiguous images of individual single-stranded target DNA molecules hybridized with the correct sequence in the range of fM–aM. Succinic anhydride showed low RMS roughness and was found to be an optimal blocking reagent against non-specific adsorption, with an efficiency of 92%. This study provides a benchmark for directly monitoring the interactions and the detection of co-localization of two different DNA molecules and can be applied to the development of a nanoarray biochip at the single-molecule level.     

Detection of active oxidative species in TiO2 photocatalysis using the fluorescence technique

The active oxidative species (mainly corresponding to hydroxyl radicals (· OH)) produced on TiO₂ film photocatalyst in aerated aqueous solution have been quantitatively investigated by measuring the fluorescence derived by the reaction with either coumarin or terephthalic acid. Upon UV light illumination, coumarin in aqueous solution and terephthalic acid in NaOH solution were converted on the TiO₂ film photocatalyst to highly fluorescent hydroxy products. Analysis of the resultant hydroxy compounds provides sensitive and specific monitoring of the generated active oxidative species. The rate of active species formation could be determined by the time dependence of the increase in concentration of the resultant hydroxy products. Using this fluorescence method, the effect of light intensity on the generation efficiency of active oxidative species was examined. The obtained results show that the efficiency of active oxidative species formation is constant at the UV intensity from 50 μW cm⁻² to 15 mW cm⁻², which is consistent with the results for · OH detection reported recently by the use of other techniques.     

荧光探针法研究壳聚糖水凝胶形成过程及其性能

基于芘(Py)单体荧光光谱结构对微观环境变化的敏感性,以及介质粘度及Py分子间距对Py激基络缔合物形成的影响,以戊二醛交联壳聚糖(CS)水凝胶体系为例研究了Py荧光探针法监测水凝胶形成过程及其溶胀性能的可行性。结果表明,Py荧光光谱精细结构的变化(以I~3/I~1为参量)或Py激基缔合物荧光强度与单体荧光强度之比(I~E/I~M)的变化与CS水凝胶的形成及溶胀程度有很好的对应关系。此外,CS凝胶网状结构中包埋的聚N-异丙基丙烯酰胺(PNIPAM)的构象变化也可由探针光谱变化反映出来。利用这种荧光探针方法有助于从分子水平上探知凝胶形成过程的微观本质。此外,这种方法也可作为光纤传导监测凝胶形成过程和溶胀的基础。     

Improvement of matrix effects correction in X-ray fluorescence analysis through the optimum relation

A computer program for the optimization of relation for correction of matrix effects in Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) analysis is described Program functioning and correction efficiency is studied experimentally in the case of silicate geological samples.     

Detection of MicroRNAs using target-guided formation of conducting polymer nanowires in nanogaps

A nanogapped microelectrode-based biosensor array is fabricated for ultrasensitive electrical detection of microRNAs (miRNAs). After peptide nucleic acid (PNA) capture probes were immobilized in nanogaps of a pair of interdigitated microelectrodes and hybridization was performed with their complementary target miRNA, the deposition of conducting polymer nanowires, polyaniline (PAn) nanowires, is carried out by an enzymatically catalyzed method, where the electrostatic interaction between anionic phosphate groups in miRNA and cationic aniline molecules is exploited to guide the formation of the PAn nanowires onto the hybridized target miRNA. The conductance of the deposited PAn nanowires correlates directly to the amount of the hybridized miRNA. Under optimized conditions, the target miRNA can be quantified in a range from 10 fM to 20 pM with a detection limit of 5.0 fM. The biosensor array is applied to the direct detection of miRNA in total RNA extracted from cancer cell lines.     

Cross-sections for formation of 99mTc through natRu(n,x) 99mTc reaction induced by neutrons at 13.5 and 14.8 MeV

The cross-sections for formation of metastable state of ⁹⁹Tc (^99mTc, 140.511 keV, 6.01 h) through ^natRu(n,x)^99mTc reaction induced by 13.5 MeV and 14.8 MeV neutrons were measured. Fast neutrons were produced via the ³H(d,n)⁴He reaction on the K-400 neutron generator. Induced gamma activities were measured by a high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometer with a high-purity germanium (HpGe) detector. Measurements were corrected for gamma-ray attenuations, dead time and fluctuation of neutron flux. Data for ^natRu(n,x)^99mTc reaction cross sections are reported to be 9.6±1.5 and 9.2±1.1 mb at 13.5±0.2 and 14.8±0.2 MeV incident neutron energies, respectively. Results were compared with the data by other anthors.     

Reactions of mono- and bimolecular hydrogen transfer in alkyl radicals: analysis using the parabolic model and density functional calculations

Experimental data on monomolecular hydrogen transfer in the reactions of the type RC^·H(CH₂)_nCH₂R¹ RCH₂(CH₂)_nC^·HR¹ (n = 2—4, R and R¹ are alkyl substituents) were analyzed using the parabolic model (PM). The parameters characterizing this class of reactions were calculated. Isomerization of alkyl radicals via cyclic transition states (TS) is characterized by the following energy barriers to thermoneutral reaction E _e0: 53.5, 65.4, and 63.2 kJ mol^–1 for the six-, five-, and seven-membered TS, respectively. The E _e0 energy and the strain energy change in parallel in the series of cycloparaffins C_nH_2n. Density functional calculations of intramolecular hydrogen transfer in the n-butyl and n-pentyl radicals and of the bimolecular hydrogen abstraction from the ethane molecule by the ethyl radical were performed. The activation energies of the intra- and intermolecular hydrogen transfer were compared. The parameters of the PM were compared with the interatomic distances in the reaction center of the TS calculated by the density functional method.     

Multielement determination of the composition of sulfide ores using X-ray fluorescence analysis

The potentials of the multielement X-ray fluorescence analysis of sulfide ores from one sample are studied. Using cluster analysis, sulfide ores are divided into four groups; within each group, the ores are similar in chemical composition and matrix effects. Calibration equations are obtained for each group. The performance characteristics of the determination results are evaluated.     

Multi-element X-ray fluorescence analysis of thin films using a mono-standard calibration procedure

Summary A semi-fundamental approach to calibration for multi-element X-ray fluorescence analysis of thin films is described. The curve, calibration line slope vs. atomic number, is calculated using known values for mass absorption coefficients, fluorescent yields and detector efficiency. This curve is then standardised for a particular matrix by determining the slope of at least one matched standard or via a standard addition procedure for one element. The technique is applied to the analysis of industrial waste water.

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Multielementanalyse von dünnen Schichten durch Röntgenfluorescenz mit Hilfe einer Monostandard-Eichmethode

     

X-ray fluorescence analysis of soft materials using needle-type collimators enabling greater tolerance in analysis depth

A simple micro-X-ray fluorescence (XRF) method was proposed by using commercially available injection needles. Two needles were arranged in confocal configuration inside the sample. One injection needle, which was connected directly to an X-ray tube, was used as an X-ray guide to irradiate X-rays into the sample. Another needle, which was also inserted into the sample, was used to detect the X-ray fluorescence excited inside the sample. From the beam size, the analyzing volume was evaluated to be 0.24 mm³. Therefore, the X-ray fluorescence emitted from a micro region inside the sample could be detected, although this method can only be applied for soft samples. It was demonstrated that the X-ray fluorescence of Zn in a gelatin sample could be measured, and a good linear relationship was obtained for this element. X-ray fluorescence from an oyster sample was also successfully measured by using the injection needles collimator system.     

Detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 DNA using two fluorescence polarization methods

Using stx 2 gene in verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 as a target DNA, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification has been combined with fluorescence polarization (FP) by two distinct combination protocols. The first approach (PCR-probe-FP) requires that fluorescence labeled specific probes are hybridized with the asymmetric PCR product. In the second protocol (PCR-primer-FP), the fluorescence labeled primer is used in PCR amplification. In both methods, the PCR products are detected using fluorescence polarization. Hybridization (in the PCR-probe-FP method) and conversion (in the PCR-primer-FP method) of 5′-fluorescence labeled oligodeoxynucleotide to the PCR product are monitored by an increase in the anisotropy ratio. The results demonstrate the importance of asymmetric PCR (in the first method) and the selection of dye-modified primer concentration (in the second method) for designing a polarization strategy for the detection of DNA sequence. It has been found that the methods can be used for the identification of infectious agents. This system has also been applied to the determination of Escherichia coli O157:H7 strains.     

Chemical state analysis of fluorine in various compounds using X-ray fluorescence spectra

F Kα X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectra of various fluorides were measured and to investigate the chemical state of fluorine in xHoF₃-20BaF₂-10AlF₃-(70 − x)GeO₂ (mol%, x = 10-50) glass. The main peak (Kα_1,2) position and the relative intensity of the satellite peak attributable to Kα_3,4 were discussed relating to the M-F bond covalency. Results showed that the fluorine in xHoF₃-20BaF₂-10AlF₃-(70 − x)GeO₂ (mol%, x = 10-50) glass had a completely different chemical state from that of starting materials. Quantitative analyses of the glasses were also undertaken using XRF measurements for each component. These results suggest that 30% fluorine in the 50HoF₃-20BaF₂-10AlF₃-20GeO₂ system is substituted by oxygen through pyrohydrolysis of the fluorides.