Highly efficient photoelectrochemical aptasensor based on CdS/CdTe QDs co-sensitized TiO2 nanoparticles designed for thrombin detection.

A photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor for the sensitive detection of thrombin (TB) was established. Co-sensitized combination of TiO2 nanoparticles combined with modified cadmium sulfide and cadmium telluride quantum dots (CdS/CdTe QDs) was utilized as a photoactive material. Successful growth of CdS/CdTe quantum dots on mesoporous TiO2 films occured by successive ion-layer adsorption and reaction. This interesting formation of co-sensitive structure is conducive to enhancing the photocurrent response by improving the use rate of light energy. Additionally, the step-level structure of CdS/CdTe QDs and TiO2 NPs shows a wide range of visible light absorption, facilitating the dissociation of excitons into free electrons and holes. Consequently, the photoelectric response of the PEC analysis platform is significantly enhanced. This constructed PEC aptasensor shows good detection of thrombin with a low detection limit (0.033 pM) and a wide linear range (0.0001-100 nM) in diluted actual human serum samples. In addition, this PEC aptasensor also has the characteristics of good stability and good reproducibility, which provides a novel insight for the quantitative measurement of other similar analytes.

A sandwich-type photoelectrochemical biosensor based on anthocyanin-sensitized ZnO/P5FIn heterojunction for the sensitive detection of CYFRA21-1.

. A sandwich-type photoelectrochemical (PEC) immunosensor based on a ZnO/poly(5-formylindole) (P5FIn)/anthocyanin heterostructure was developed to achieve sensitive background-free detection of the tumor marker CYFRA21-1. ZnO with good photovoltaic properties is combined with narrow bandgap P5FIn to form a p-n type heterojunction. This structure reduces the electron-hole pair recombination, thereby enhancing the photocurrent response of the composite. Anthocyanidins are environmentally friendly natural compounds with excellent antioxidant, redox properties, and remarkable electrochemical activity. After sensitization by anthocyanins, the absorption and utilization of visible light in the composites are enhanced, further improving the PEC luminescence efficiency of the materials. Additionally, boron nitride quantum dots (BN QDs) are combined with Ab2 via polydopamine (PDA) as a secondary antibody marker, enhancing its sensitivity. The biosensor exhibited a linear detection range of 0.001-100 ng mL-1 with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.00033 ng mL-1. Furthermore, this biosensor demonstrates excellent selectivity, reproducibility, and stability, as well as successful results in analyzing actual human serum samples. This approach provides a feasible method for tumor marker detection.

A signal "on-off-on"-type electrochemiluminescence aptamer sensor for detection of sulfadimethoxine based on Ru@Zn-oxalate MOF composites.

An "on-off-on"-type electrochemiluminescence (ECL) aptamer sensor based on Ru@Zn-oxalate metal-organic framework (MOF) composites is constructed for sensitive detection of sulfadimethoxine (SDM). The prepared Ru@Zn-oxalate MOF composites with the three-dimensional structure provide good ECL performance for the "signal-on." The MOF structure with a large surface area enables the material to fix more Ru(bpy)32+. Moreover, the Zn-oxalate MOF with three-dimensional chromophore connectivity provides a medium which can accelerate excited-state energy transfer migration among Ru(bpy)32+ units, and greatly reduces the influence of solvent on chromophore, achieving a high-energy Ru emission efficiency. The aptamer chain modified with ferrocene at the end can hybridize with the capture chain DNA1 fixed on the surface of the modified electrode through base complementary pairing, which can significantly quench the ECL signal of Ru@Zn-oxalate MOF. SDM specifically binds to its aptamer to separate ferrocene from the electrode surface, resulting in a "signal-on" ECL signal. The use of the aptamer chain further improves the selectivity of the sensor. Thus, high-sensitivity detection of SDM specificity is realized through the specific affinity between SDM and its aptamer. This proposed ECL aptamer sensor has good analytical performance for SDM with low detection limit (27.3 fM) and wide detection range (100 fM-500 nM). The sensor also shows excellent stability, selectivity, and reproducibility, which proved its analytical performance. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of SDM detected by the sensor is between 2.39 and 5.32%, and the recovery is in the range 97.23 to 107.5%. The sensor shows satisfactory results in the analysis of actual seawater samples, which is expected to play a role in the exploration of marine environmental pollution.

An enhanced photoelectrochemical sensor for aflatoxin B1 detection based on organic-inorganic heterojunction nanomaterial: poly(5-formylindole)/NiO.

A new strategy for enhancing the photoelectric activity of poly(5-formylindole) (P5FIn) was developed by introducing the inorganic semiconductor material (NiO) to form organic-inorganic heterojunctions. P5FIn/NiO heterojunctions were firstly prepared by combining hydrothermal synthesis and electrochemical polymerization. Due to the synergistic effect between P5FIn and NiO, the photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance of this heterojunction was significantly enhanced compared to pure P5FIn and NiO. The reason for the enhanced PEC performance is mainly attributed to the increased visible light utilization and the bandgap matching effect of the P5FIn/NiO heterojunctions. Based on the prepared P5FIn/NiO heterojunctions, a novel PEC sensor for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) detection was also constructed with a wide linear range of 0.005-50 ng mL-1 and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.0015 ng mL-1. Moreover, this constructed PEC sensor also had good stability, reproducibility, selectivity, and satisfactory actual sample detection ability. This strategy may inspire more design and application of high-performance photoelectric active material based on inorganic semiconductor and organic conducting polymer heterojunctions. Graphical abstract.

Key biogeochemical processes and source apportionment of nitrate in the Bohai Sea based on nitrate stable isotopes.

Excessive nitrate input is one of the primary factors causing nearshore eutrophication. This study applied the nitrate stable isotope techniques to analyse the biogeochemical processes and sources of nitrate in the Bohai Sea (BHS). The results showed that intensive NO3- assimilation probably occurred at surface in summer, while nitrification primarily occurred in the Yellow River diluted water. In autumn, regional assimilation and nitrification were still identified. For avoiding the interference from assimilation, the isotopic fractionations were further calculated as correction data for the quantitative analysis of nitrate sources. The river inputs were identified as the primary source of nitrate in the BHS in summer and autumn, accounting for >50 %, and the atmospheric deposition was the secondary source. This study provides quantitative data for evaluating the significance of river inputs to the nearshore nitrate, which will be beneficial to policy formulation on the BHS eutrophication control.

A label-free photoelectrochemical biosensor for silver ions based on Zn-Co doped C and CdS QD nanomaterials.

A sensitive photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensor for silver ions (Ag+) was developed based on Zn-Co doped C and CdS quantum dot (CdS QD) nanomaterials. Hydrophobic modified sodium alginate (HMA), which could stabilize and improve the PEC performance of CdS QDs, was also used for the construction of PEC sensors. Especially, Zn-Co doped C, CdS QDs and HMA were sequentially modified onto an electrode surface via the drop-coating method, and a C base rich DNA strand was then immobilized onto the modified electrode. As the C base in DNA specifically recognized Ag+, it formed a C-Ag+-C complex in the presence of Ag+, which created a spatial steric hindrance, resulting in a reduced PEC response. The sensing platform is sensitive to Ag+ in the range of 10.0 fM to 0.10 µM, with a limit of detection of 3.99 fM. This work offers an ideal platform to determine trace heavy metal ions in environmental monitoring and bioanalysis.

A novel electrochemiluminescence biosensor based on Ru(bpy)32+-functionalized MOF composites and cycle amplification technology of DNAzyme walker for ultrasensitive detection of kanamycin.

An electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensing platform for ultrasensitive and highly selective detection of kanamycin (KANA) was developed based on the prepared Ru(bpy)32+-functionalized MOF (Ru@MOF) composites by hydrothermal synthesis and Ag+-dependent DNAzyme. In this sensor, the stem-loop DNA (HP) with the ferrocene (Fc) was used as substrate chain to quench the ECL emission generated by the Ru@MOF. Using the specific recognition effect between KANA and the KANA aptamer (Apt) and the DNAzyme dependence on Ag+, the KANA aptamer as the pendant strand of the DNAzyme was assembled on Ru@MOF/GCE with the aptamer. When both Ag+ and KANA were present simultaneously, KANA specifically was binded to KANA aptamer as a pendant chain. Subsequently, Ag+-dependent DNAzyme walker continuously cleaved the HP chain and released the modified end of Fc to restore the ECL signal of Ru@MOF composites, thus achieving selective and ultrasensitive detection of KANA. The constructed KANA biosensor exhibits a wide detection range (30 pM to 300 µM) accompanied by a low detection limit (13.7 pM). The KANA in seawater and milk samples are determined to evalute the practical application results of the sensor. This ECL detection strategy could be used for detecting other similar analytes and has broad potential application in biological analysis.

A novel "on-off-on" electrochemiluminescence strategy based on RNA cleavage propelled signal amplification and resonance energy transfer for Pb2+ detection.

BACKGROUND: Lead (Pb) is one of the most toxic heavy-metal pollutants. Additionally, lead ions (Pb2+) can accumulate in the human body through the food chain, causing irreversible damage through organ damage and system disorders. In the past few years, the detection of Pb2+ has mainly relied on instrumental methods such as atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Nonetheless, these techniques are complicated in terms of equipment and procedures, along with being time-intensive and expensive in terms of detection. These drawbacks have limited their wide application. Hence, there is a pressing need to develop detection techniques for Pb2+ that are not only cost-efficient but also highly sensitive and specific. RESULTS: A novel "on-off-on" electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor for detecting Pb2+ was developed based on the resonance energy transfer (RET) effect between AuNPs and boron nitride quantum dots (BN QDs) and the recognition of Pb2+ by DNAzyme along with the cleavage reaction of the substrate chain. Poly(6-carboxyindole)/stannic sulfide (P6ICA/SnS2) nanocomposite was employed as a co-reaction accelerator to consequently facilitate the production of intermediate SO4•-. This effective enhancement of the reaction led to an improved ECL intensity of BN QDs and enabled the sensor platform to exhibit a higher original ECL response. Benefiting from the combination of the DNAzyme signal amplification strategy with the "on-off-on" design, the ECL sensor showed satisfactory selectivity, good stability, and high sensitivity. This ECL sensor exhibited a linear detection range (LDR) of 10-12-10-5 M and a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.6 × 10-13 M. SIGNIFICANCE: In the present work, an "on-off-on" ECL sensor is constructed based on RET effect for ultrasensitive detection of Pb2+. P6ICA/SnS2 was investigated as the co-reaction accelerator in this sensor. Moreover, this ECL sensor exhibited excellent analytical capability for detecting Pb2+ in actual water samples, providing a method for detecting other heavy metal ions as well.

An electrochemical H2S sensor based on the screen printing Fe@Pt/C/PTFE sensing electrode.

A novel electrochemical gas sensor for sensitive detection of H2S at room temperature is constructed based on the Fe@Pt/C composite material. The core-shell structured Fe@Pt catalyst was synthesized by a two-step reduction method and physically dispersed in Vulcan XC-72 carbon powders. The core-shell structure increases the effective catalytic surface area of Pt while significantly reducing the usage of the noble metal Pt, leading to improved catalytic performance and decreased production costs. Additionally, the mature screen-printing process is used to coat the catalyst film. A waterproof and breathable PTFE film was used as the substrate and the parameters in the screen printing process were also optimized to achieve the best gas sensing performance of the electrode film. Through the detection of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) with different concentrations, it is found that the sensor strictly shows linear correlation in the range of 1-20 ppm, R2 = 0.99974. Notably, the sensor exhibits high sensitivity (658.45 nA ppm-1) and a low detection limit of 0.33 ppm. Moreover, the consistency and stability of the sensor are satisfactory. The constructed gas sensor is expected to be well applied to industrial H2S detection.

Electrochemiluminescence biosensor based on conducting poly(5-formylindole) for sensitive detection of Ramos cells.

A signal-on electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor devoted to the detection of Ramos cells was fabricated based on a novel conducting polymer, poly(5-formylindole) (P5FIn), which was synthesized electrochemically by direct anodic oxidation of 5-formylindole (5FIn). This ECL platform was presented by covalently coupling the 18-mer amino-substituted oligonucleotide (ODN) probes with aldehyde groups that are strongly reactive toward a variety of nucleophiles on the surface of solid substrates. The specific identification and high-affinity between aptamers and target cells, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) enhanced ECL nanoprobes, along with P5FIn induced ECL quenching contributed greatly to the sensitivity and selectivity. The ECL signals were logarithmically linear with the concentration of Ramos cells in a wide determination range from 500 to 1.0 × 10(5) cells mL(-1), and the corresponding detection limit was 300 cells mL(-1).

Sensitive dual-mode sensing platform for Amyloid ß detection: Combining dual Z-scheme heterojunction enhanced photoelectrochemistry analysis and dual-wavelength ratiometric electrochemiluminescence strategy.

As a tumor biomarker, the accumulation of amyloid ß oligomers (Aßo) in the brain has been suggested as a key feature in the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this work, we designed a novel photoelectrochemical (PEC) and electrochemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (ECL-RET) dual-mode biosensor to achieve ultra-sensitive detection of Aßo. Specifically, the electrode surface modified Carbon Dots (C Dots) and the electrodeposited polyaniline (PANI) film formed a Z-scheme heterojunction reversing the photocurrent signal, and then the Aßo specific recognition peptide was attached to the surface via amide bonding between the amino group of PANI and carbonyl group of peptide. After that, in the presence of CdTe labeled specific recognition aptamer for Aß (CdTe-Apt), Aßo was captured to construct a sandwich-type biosensor and exhibited a significantly enhanced cathodic photocurrent response because the formed dual Z-scheme heterojunction promoted charge separation efficiency. Interestingly, the proposed biosensor also caused a ratiometric change in the ECL intensity at 555 nm and 640 nm. Therefore, the developed biosensor achieved dual-mode detection of Aßo, where the PEC detection range of Aßo was from 10 fM to 0.1 µM (with a detection limit of 4.27 fM) and the ECL method provided a linear detection range of 10 fM to 10 nM (with a detection limit of 6.41 fM). The stability and reliability of the experimental results indicate that this has been a promising biosensing pattern and could be extended to the analysis of other biomarkers.

Photoelectrochemical sensor for detection Hg2+ based on in situ generated MOFs-like structures.

Trace analysis of mercury ions (Hg2+) is of great significance to human health and environmental protection. In this work, a novel photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensor was developed for the ultrasensitive detection of Hg2+ based on the MOFs-like composite/CdS quantum dots (QDs) as photoactive substrate materials. The MOFs-like composite in situ formed by hydrophobically modified alginate (HMA) with europium ion (Eu3+) not only offered a friendly platform for bioconjugation but also resulted in enhancing sensor photocurrent response. Furthermore, the immobilized thymidine-rich probe DNA on the MOFs-like composite surface was bent to produce a T-Hg2+-T structure in the presence of Hg2+, resulting in enlarged steric hindrance on the electrode surface and decreased the proposed biosensor PEC response. This proposed photoelectrochemical sensing system displayed selective detection of Hg2+ with a linear range from 0.1 pM to 1.0 µM with a detection limit of 0.067 pM. The utilization of semiconductor quantum dots as light-harvesting components and the MOFs-like composite as sensitizers broadens the possible design ideas for photoelectrochemical sensing systems.

Electrochromic polymers with multiple redox couples applied to monitor energy storage states of supercapacitors.

Two electrochromic polymers based on thiophene-benzene derivatives were prepared using an electrochemical method and exhibited multiple separate redox couples due to the introduction of side chains. The energy storage states of electrochromic supercapacitors based on the resulting polymers could be monitored by their appearance colour.

High-Performance Asymmetric Electrochromic-Supercapacitor Device Based on Poly(indole-6-carboxylicacid)/TiO2 Nanocomposites.

A difunctional porous network of poly(indole-6-carboxylicacid) (PICA)/TiO2 nanocomposites is first prepared using TiO2 nanorod arrays as the scaffold. Because of the synergistic effect of PICA and TiO2, the nanocomposites show good electrochemical performance, a high specific capacitance value (23.34 mF cm-2), and excellent galvanostatic charge-discharge stability. Meanwhile, this nanocomposite can be reversibly switched (yellow, green, brown) with a high coloration efficiency (124 cm2 C-1). An asymmetric electrochromic-supercapacitor device (ESD) is also constructed using the PICA/TiO2 nanocomposites as the anode material and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) as the cathode material. This ESD has robust cycle stability and a high specific capacitance value (9.65 mF cm-2), which can be switched from light green to dark blue. After charging, the device can light up a single LED for 108 s, and the energy storage level can also be monitored by the corresponding color changes. This constructed ESD will have great potential applications in intelligent energy storage and other smart electronic fields.

Simple "signal-on" photoelectrochemical aptasensor for ultrasensitive detecting AFB1 based on electrochemically reduced graphene oxide/poly(5-formylindole)/Au nanocomposites.

A simple "signal-on" photoelectrochemical (PEC) aptasensor is constructed for Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) detection based on electrochemically reduced graphene oxide/poly(5-formylindole)/Au (erGO/P5FIn/Au) nanocomposites. The nanocomposites are synthesized by simple electrochemical deposition method and show good photoelectrochemical performance. Poly(5-formylindole) (P5FIn) can generate electron-hole pairs under light irradiation, leading to the formation of robust cathode photocurrent. Au can be acted as signal amplifier due to the high conductivity. The erGO is used to immobilize AFB1 aptamer chain by π-π stacking interaction between the carbon six-membered ring in graphene and the C-N heterocyclic ring in nucleobases of ssDNA. After the insulating AFB1 aptamer chain is fixed to the electrode, the signal of PEC sensor is "OFF". In the process of AFB1 detection, the aptamer chain detaches from the surface of erGO, which results in "ON" of the sensor signal. Based on this design, this constructed PEC aptasensor shows a high sensitivity for AFB1 with a wide linear detection range (LDR) from 0.01 ng mL-1 to 100 ng mL-1. The limit of detection (LOD) is 0.002 ng mL-1. This PEC sensor also exhibits good stability, selectivity, specificity, and satisfactory practical sample analysis ability. This work may provide a new promising PEC platform for AFB1 detection as well as some other small molecules analysis.

A graphene quantum dots based electrochemiluminescence immunosensor for carcinoembryonic antigen detection using poly(5-formylindole)/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite.

A novel electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor for ultrasensitive detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was developed using signal amplification strategy based on poly(5-formylindole)/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite (P5FIn/erGO) and Au nanoparticle (AuNP) decorated graphene quantum dots (GQDs) (GQDs@AuNP). As an effective matrix for immobilization of primary antibody (Ab1), P5FIn/erGO nanocomposite facilitated the ion transport during the redox reactions and provided larger surface areas for the immobilization of Ab1. GQDs@AuNP was used as labels to conjugate with secondary antibody (Ab2), which improved electron transfer capability with stable ECL intensity. The multiple amplification of P5FIn/erGO and GQDs@AuNP made the ECL immunosensor have a broad linear range from 0.1pgmL-1 to 10ngmL-1 and a low detection limit with 3.78fgmL-1. In addition, this ECL immunosensor performed with admirable stability and good selectivity and reproducibility as well. When this immunosensor was used for the analysis of CEA in human serum, good recoveries were obtained. Thus, there will be a promising future in the early diagnosis of cancer to detect CEA.

Label-free photoelectrochemical immunosensing platform for detection of carcinoembryonic antigen through photoactive conducting poly(5-formylindole) nanocomposite.

Poly(5-formylindole)/electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (P5FIn/erGO) nanocomposite is firstly used to construct a label-free photoelectrochemical (PEC) immunosensor to detect carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). As photoactive material and electroactive mediator, the prepared P5FIn/erGO nanocomposite exhibits high photocurrent intensity under visible-light irradiation due to the synergistic effect of P5FIn and erGO. The anti-CEA is connected to the P5FIn/erGO modified electrode surface, and gold nanoparticles (AuNP) is used as cross-linking in the process. The linear decrease of photocurrent is caused by the specific recognition of anti-CEA and CEA. This PEC immunosensor shows a wide linear response to CEA ranging from 0.0005 to 50 ng mL-1 with a low detection limit of 0.14 pg mL-1. The proposed immunosensor has good stability, reproducibility and high specificity. The satisfied results are also obtained when this immunosensor is used to detect CEA in actual human serum samples analysis, thus opening up a new promising PEC analysis platform based on conducting polymers.

1H NMR spectral studies on the polymerization mechanism of indole and its derivatives.

The existence of NH bond according to the hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H NMR) spectra of polyindole and its derivatives, such as poly(5-bromoindole), poly(5-cyanoindole), poly(5-nitroindole), poly(5-methylindole), proved polymerization of high-quality polyindoles, which were electrosynthesized from middle strong Lewis acid boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE) and its mixed electrolytes with additional diethyl ether, occurred at 2,3-position. The elongation of the conjugation length made the chemical shift of all the protons of polyindoles to lower field in comparison with those of monomers.

Fabrication of a simple and sensitive QDs-based electrochemiluminescence immunosensor using a nanostructured composite material for the detection of tumor markers alpha-fetoprotein.

A simple and sensitive label-free QDs-based electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor for detecting tumor markers alpha-fetoprotein is reported. This probe is fabricated using a nanostructured composite material (PICA-MWNT) obtained by the direct electrodeposition of indole-6-carboxylic acid (ICA) monomers and carboxylic groups terminated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) in one step. The obtained composite material, with 2-aminoethanethiol modified CdSe nanoclusters as luminescent particles, has a larger surface area and a considerable amount of functionalized carboxylic acid groups. Thus, QDs/PICA-MWNT will probably display good biocompatibility, high ECL intensity, and stability, which is promising for the enhancement of detection signals and synergistic improvement of sensitivity. The ECL signals are logarithmically linear with the concentration of alpha-fetoprotein in a wide determination range from 0.002 to 2000 ng mL-1, and the corresponding detection limit was 0.4 pg mL-1. This proposed ECL sensor exhibits high stability, good selectivity, and reproducibility, which offers a new insight into the fabrication of immunoassays for detecting other relevant biomarkers, and it has the potential for a reliable point-of-care diagnostics of tumor or other diseases.

Simple Label-Free Femtomolar DNA Detection Based on a Nanostructure Composite Material: MWNT-Doped Poly(indole-6-carboxylic acid).

A nanostructure composite material consisting of poly(indole-6-carboxylic acid) (PICA) and carboxylic groups ended multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) was directly electrosynthesized from indole-6-carboxylic acid (ICA) monomer and MWNTs in one step, in which MWNTs was also used as supporting electrolytes. And a simple electrochemical sensor for recognition of target DNA related to hepatitis B virus (HBV) was directly fabricated by means of this composite material. The corresponding detection limit is 2.0 fmol L-1. This interesting conducting polymer with a very large surface area will provide new insights into how a biosensor is designed.