Surface modification of magnetic nanoparticles in biomedicine

Progress in surface modification of magnetic nanoparticles(MNPs)is summarized with regard to organic molecules,macromolecules and inorganic materials.Many researchers are now devoted to synthesizing new types of multi-functional MNPs,which show great application potential in both diagnosis and treatment of disease.By employing an ever-greater variety of surface modification techniques,MNPs can satisfy more and more of the demands of medical practice in areas like magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),fluorescent marking,cell targeting,and drug delivery.     

Quantum Dots Microstructural Metrology: From Time-Resolved Spectroscopy to Spatially Resolved Electron Microscopy

Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) have unique optical and electrical properties with promising applications in next-generation semiconductor technologies, including displays, lighting, solar cells, photodetectors, and image sensors. Advanced analytical tools to probe the optical, morphological, structural, compositional, and electrical properties of QDs and their ensemble solid films are of paramount importance for the understanding of their device performance. In this review, comprehensive studies on the state-of-the-art metrology approaches used in QD research are introduced, with particular focus on time-resolved (TR) and spatially resolved (SR) spectroscopy and microscopy. Through discussing these analysis techniques in different QD system, such as various compositions, sizes, and shell structures, the critical roles of these TR-spectroscopic and SR-microscopic techniques are highlighted, which provide the structural, morphological, compositional, optical, and electrical information to precisely design QDs and QD solid films. The employment of TR and SR analysis in integrated QD device systems is also discussed, which can offer detailed microstructural information for achieving high performance in specific applications. In the end, the current limitations of these analytical tools are discussed, and the future development of the possibility of interdisciplinary research in both QD fundamental and applied fields is prospected.     

An efficient process for the synthesis of gem-dinitro compounds under high steric hindrance by nitrosation and oxidation of secondary nitroalkanes

A new nitrosation and oxidation process to synthesize gem-dinitro compounds was accomplished by using nitryl chloride as nitrosation reagent and ozone as oxidizing agent. The main features of the present protocol include the compatibility to substances with high steric hindrance, high yields and mild reaction conditions. A plausible mechanism involving the formation of an intermediate of gem-nitrosonitro compound by means of single electron transfer was also proposed.     

A colorimetric squaraine-based probe and test paper for rapid naked eyes detection of copper ion (II)

A colorimetric probe N,N’-bis(2-methoxy-ethyl)-2,3,3-trimethyl-3H-squaraine (MOESQ) with H₂O solubility was synthesized to detect Cu²⁺. MOESQ exhibits good selectivity, high sensitivity and fast UV-Vis response toward Cu²⁺ over other competing ions in CH₃CN. The detection limit of MOESQ for Cu²⁺ in CH₃CN can reach 1.88?×?10^?7?molL^?1. By adsorbing MOESQ on the chromatography paper, a colorimetric test paper for Cu²⁺ was prepared, which could detect Cu²⁺ with the color change from blue to faint yellow even in the limit of detection concentration of 10^?6?molL^?1.     

A novel fluorescent probe for formaldehyde based-on monomer-excimer conversion and its imaging in live cells

A novel fluorescent probe was developed for formaldehyde, which can be synthesized by one-step Buchwald–Hartwig reaction. When hydrazino-group of probe reacted with formaldehyde, hydrophobic reaction product aggregates into nanoparticles and results in the blue fluorescence due to the monomer-excimer effect. With enough sensitivity, high selectivity, good stability in physiological pH range and excellent biocompatibility, this probe can image formaldehyde in living cells.     

Sensitive and selective fluorescence detection of aqueous uranyl ions using water-soluble CdTe quantum dots

Herein we report a fluorescent method for sensitive and selective detection of uranyl ions using CdTe quantum dots functionalized with mercaptopropionic acid, which the fluorescence of the quantum dots could be quantitatively quenched through electron transfer mechanism. The detection limit of the method was estimated to be 4 nM, less than the maximum allowed content of 130 nM for uranyl in drinking water defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Furthermore, the probe was successfully applied in detection of uranyl ions in real samples, demonstrating its potential practical applications for monitoring of uranyl ions in environment.     

A novel and convenient preparation of antibacterial polyacrylonitrile nanofibers via post-modification using nitrile click chemistry and electrospinning

An efficient, novel and convenient method for the synthesis of modified polyacrylonitrile (PAN) with antibacterial property is reported. The modification of PAN was prepared by a nitrile click chemistry reaction with sodium azide (NaN₃) and silver nitrate (AgNO₃) as catalyst to yield antibacterial polymeric materials with 5-vinyltetrazole units. The results showed that 5-vinyltetrazole units had coordinated with silver ion (Ag⁺). Through the electrostatic spinning technology, the post-modification PAN nanofibers (PAN–Ag⁺ nanofibers) were prepared and the fibers were tested for their antimicrobial properties by the bacterial infection experiment. Afterwards, the antibacterial and stable performance of different proportions of silver ions in PAN nanofibers has been compared. The PAN–Ag⁺ nanofibers are characterized for mechanical and thermomechanical properties, structural analysis, appearance characteristics, as well as the antibacterial properties. And the nanofibers exhibit marvelous chemical stability according to the thermogravimetric analysis. When at 800 °C, the PAN decomposed about 60%, while the decomposition of the PAN–Ag⁺s was 40%. Based on the bacterial infection experiment, PAN–Ag⁺ nanofibers’ antibacterial properties were stronger with the increase of silver ions, such as the number of bacteria clone was smaller and the bacteriostatic ring was larger. Hence, with combination of silver ions, the final polymers show strong antimicrobial properties.