Molecular Recognition of Nucleotides in Water by Scorpiand‐Type Receptors Based on Nucleobase Discrimination

The detection of nucleotides is of crucial importance because they are the basic building blocks of nucleic acids. Scorpiand‐based polyamine receptors functionalized with pyridine or anthracene units are able to form stable complexes with nucleotides in water, based on coulombic, π–π stacking, and hydrogen‐bonding interactions. This behavior has been rationalized by means of an exploration with NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations. Binding constants were determined by potentiometry. Fluorescence spectroscopy studies have revealed the potential of these receptors as sensors to effectively and selectively distinguish guanosine‐5′‐triphosphate (GTP) from adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate (ATP).     

Highly Luminescent N‐Doped Carbon Quantum Dots as an Effective Multifunctional Fluorescence Sensing Platform

The doping of carbon quantum dots with nitrogen provides a promising direction to improve fluorescence performance and broaden their applications in sensing systems. Herein we report a one‐pot solvothermal synthesis of N‐doped carbon quantum dots (NCQDs) and the synthesis of a series of NCQDs with different nitrogen contents. The as‐prepared NCQDs were compared with carbon quantum dots (CQDs); the introduction of nitrogen atoms largely increased the quantum yield of NCQDs and highest emission efficiency is up to 36.3 %. The fluorescence enhancement may originate from more polyaromatic structures induced by incorporated nitrogen atoms and protonation of nitrogen atoms on dots. It was found that NCQDs can act as a multifunctional fluorescence sensing platform because they can be used to detect pH values, Ag^I, and Fe^III in aqueous solution. The fluorescence intensity of NCQDs is inversely proportional to pH values across a broad range from 5.0 to 13.5, which indicates that NCQDs can be devised as an effective pH indicator. Selective detection of Ag^I and Fe^III was achieved based on their distinctive fluorescence influence because Ag^I can significantly enhance the fluorescence whereas Fe^III can greatly quench the fluorescence. The quantitative determination of Ag^I can be accomplished with NCQDs by using the linear relationship between fluorescence intensity of NCQDs and concentration of Ag^I. The sensitive detection of H₂O₂ was developed by taking advantage of the distinct quenching ability of Fe^III and Fe^II toward the fluorescence of NCQDs. Cellular toxicity test showed NCQDs still retain low toxicity to cells despite the introduction of a great deal of nitrogen atoms. Moreover, bioimaging experiments demonstrated that NCQDs have stronger resistance to photobleaching than CQDs and more excellent fluorescence labeling performance.     

Aptamer‐Based Luminescence Energy Transfer from Near‐Infrared‐to‐Near‐Infrared Upconverting Nanoparticles to Gold Nanorods and Its Application for the Detection of Thrombin

A new luminescence energy transfer (LET) system has been designed for the detection of thrombin in the near‐infrared (NIR) region by utilizing NIR‐to‐NIR upconversion lanthanide nanophosphors (UCNPs) as the donor and gold nanorods (Au NRs) as the acceptor. The use of upconverting NaYF₄:Yb³⁺,Tm³⁺ nanoparticles with sharp NIR emission peaks upon NIR excitation by an inexpensive infrared continuous wave laser diode provided large spectral overlap between the donor and the acceptor. Both the Au NRs and carboxyl‐terminated NaYF₄:Yb³⁺,Tm³⁺ UCNPs were first modified with different thrombin aptamers. When thrombin was added, a LET system was then formed because of the specific recognition between the thrombin aptamers and thrombin. The LET system was used to monitor thrombin concentrations in aqueous buffer and human blood samples. The limits of detection for thrombin are as low as 0.118 nM in buffer solution and 0.129 nM in human serum. The method was also successfully applied to thrombin detection in blood samples.     

Magnetobiosensors Based on Viral Protein p19 for MicroRNA Determination in Cancer Cells and Tissues

MicroRNAs (miRs) have emerged as important clinical biomarkers with both diagnostic and prognostic value for relevant diseases, such as cancer. MiRs pose unique challenges for detection and are currently detected by northern blotting, real‐time PCR, and microarray techniques. These expensive, complicated, and time‐consuming techniques are not feasible for on‐site miR determination. In this study, amperometric magnetobiosensors involving RNA‐binding viral protein p19 as a selective biorecognition element were developed for miR quantification. The p19‐based magnetosensors were able to detect 0.4 fmol of a synthetic target and endogenous miR‐21 (selected as a model for its role in a wide variety of cancers) in only 2 h in total RNA extracted from cancer cells and human breast‐tumor specimens without PCR amplification and sample preprocessing. These results open up formidable perspectives for the diagnosis and prognosis of human cancers and for drug‐discovery programs.     

Pd Uptake and H2S Sensing by an Amphoteric Metal–Organic Framework with a Soft Core and Rigid Side Arms

Molecular components of opposite character are often incorporated within a single system, with a rigid core and flexible side arms being a common design choice. Herein, molecule L has been designed and prepared featuring the reverse design, with rigid side arms (arylalkynyl) serving to calibrate the mobility of the flexible polyether links in the core. Crystallization of this molecule with Pb^II ions led to a dynamic metal–organic framework (MOF) system that not only exhibits dramatic, reversible single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal transformations, but combines distinct donor and acceptor characteristics, allowing for substantial uptake of PdCl₂ and colorimetric sensing of H₂S in water.     

Simultaneous In Situ Quantification of Two Cellular Lipid Pools Using Orthogonal Fluorescent Sensors

Lipids regulate a wide range of biological activities. Since their local concentrations are tightly controlled in a spatiotemporally specific manner, the simultaneous quantification of multiple lipids is essential for elucidation of the complex mechanisms of biological regulation. Here, we report a new method for the simultaneous in situ quantification of two lipid pools in mammalian cells using orthogonal fluorescent sensors. The sensors were prepared by incorporating two environmentally sensitive fluorophores with minimal spectral overlap separately into engineered lipid‐binding proteins. Dual ratiometric analysis of imaging data allowed accurate, spatiotemporally resolved quantification of two different lipids on the same leaflet of the plasma membrane or a single lipid on two opposite leaflets of the plasma membrane of live mammalian cells. This new imaging technology should serve as a powerful tool for systems‐level investigation of lipid‐mediated cell signaling and regulation.     

Direct In Situ Nitridation of Nanostructured Metal Oxide Deposited Semiconductor Interfaces: Tuning the Response of Reversibly Interacting Sensor Sites

Metal‐oxide nanostructure‐decorated extrinsic semiconductor interfaces modified through in situ nitridation greatly expand the range of sensor interface response. Select metal‐oxide sites, deposited to an n‐type nanopore‐coated microporous interface, direct a dominant electron‐transduction process for reversible chemical sensing, which minimizes chemical‐bond formation. The oxides are modified to decrease their Lewis acidity through a weak interaction to form metal oxynitride sites. Conductometric and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements demonstrate that in situ treatment changes the reversible interaction with the analytes NH₃ and NO. The sensor range is extended, which creates a distinct new family of responses determined by the Lewis acidity/basicity of a given analyte relative to that of the nanostructures chosen to decorate the interface. The analyte response, broadened in a substantial and predictable way by nitridation, is explained by the recently developing inverse hard/soft acid/base model (IHSAB) of reversible electron transduction.     

A Fluorescent and Colorimetric Sensor for Nanomolar Detection of Co2+ in Water

A new disulfide‐based, imine‐linked fluorescent receptor 1 was processed into organic nanoparticles (ONPs) with an average particle size of 79 nm. The photophysical properties of the ONPs were evaluated by UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy. Receptor 1 selectively recognized Co²⁺ ions in water with a detection limit down to 88 nm.     

Single-Carbon-Fiber-Powered Microsensor for In Vivo Neurochemical Sensing with High Neuronal Compatibility

The development of new principles and techniques with high neuronal compatibility for quantitatively monitoring the dynamics of neurochemicals is essential for deciphering brain chemistry and function but remains a great challenge. We herein report a neuron-compatible method for in vivo neurochemical sensing by powering a single carbon fiber through spontaneous bipolar electrochemistry as a new sensing platform. By using ascorbic acid as a model target to prove the concept, we found that the single-carbon-fiber-powered microsensor exhibited a good response, high stability and, more importantly, excellent neuronal compatibility. The microsensor was also highly compatible with electrophysiological recording, thus enabling the synchronous recording of both chemical and electrical signals. The sensing principle could be developed for in vivo monitoring of various neurochemicals in the future by rationally designing and tuning the electrochemical reactions at the two poles of the carbon fiber.     

Amphibious sensor of temperature and refractive index based on D-shaped photonic crystal fibre filled with liquid crystal

ABSTRACT

A D-shaped photonic crystal fibre filled with liquid crystal was demonstrated as an amphibious sensor for detection of both temperature and refractive index, when combined with plasma materials. Specifically, the optical component is implanted into a complete optical system ensuring modulation of the external electric field. When the refractive index of the external solution changes from 1.0 to 1.6, the y-polarised mode has a loss spectrum with a wavelength sensitivity of up to 2275 nm/RIU, and the corresponding amplitude sensitivity is ?88.2RIU^?1. When the perceived temperature changes from 15°C to 50°C, the temperature of the sensor is correspondingly expressed as the maximum wavelength sensitivity of 9.09 nm/°C and the amplitude sensitivity of ?0.311°C^?1. In addition, the actual micro-operation processes have been studied in detail, such as polishing depth, coating thickness and coating method. This provides practical ideas for real-time sensing analysis that requires harsh environments.