Fluorescent Probes Based on Ag NPs@N/GQDs and Molecularly Imprinted Polymer for Sensitive Detection of Noradrenaline in Bananas.

Fluorescence intensity and selective recognition ability are crucial factors in determining the analytical techniques for fluorescent probes. In this study, a core-shell fluorescent material, composed of silver nanoparticles@nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (Ag NPs@N/GQDs), was synthesised using mango leaves as the raw material through a thermal cracking method, resulting in strong fluorescence luminescence intensity. By employing noradrenaline as a template molecule and using a surface molecular imprinting technique, a molecularly imprinted membrane (MIP) was formed on the surface of the fluorescent material, that was subsequently eluted to obtain a highly specific, fluorescent probe capable of recognising noradrenaline. The probe captured various concentrations of noradrenaline using the MIP, which decreased the fluorescence intensity. Then a method for detecting trace amounts of noradrenaline was established. This method exhibited a linear range from 0.5 -700 pM with a detection limit of 0.154 pM. The proposed method was implemented in banana samples. Satisfactory recoveries were confirmed at four different concentrations. The method presented a relative standard deviation (RSD) of less than 5.0%.

Fluorescent probe based on GO/g-C3N4-PEG@Cu NPs/MIP for the detection of dopamine in banana.

Graphene oxide (GO) and copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) were incorporated to modulate and enhance the fluorescence properties of pegylated graphite phase carbon nitride (g-C3N4-PEG). Combined with the specific recognition capability of a molecular imprinted polymer (MIP), a highly sensitive and selective fluorescent molecular imprinted probe for dopamine detection was developed. The fluorescent g-C3N4-PEG was synthesized from melamine and modified with GO and Cu NPs to obtain GO/g-C3N4-PEG@Cu NPs. Subsequently, MIP was prepared on the surface of GO/g-C3N4-PEG@Cu NPs using dopamine as the template molecule. Upon elution of the template molecule, a dopamine-specific GO/g-C3N4-PEG@Cu NPs/MIP fluorescence probe was obtained. The fluorescence intensity of the probe was quenched through the adsorption of different concentrations of dopamine by the MIP, thus establishing a novel method for the detection of dopamine. The linear range of dopamine detection was from 5 × 10-11 to 6 × 10-8 mol L-1, with a detection limit of 2.32 × 10-11 mol L-1. The sensor was utilised for the detection of dopamine in bananas, achieving a spiked recovery rate between 90.3% and 101.3%. These results demonstrate that the fluorescence molecular imprinted sensor developed in this study offers a highly sensitive approach for dopamine detection in bananas.

MOF@Au NPs/aptamer fluorescent probe for the selective and sensitive detection of thiamethoxam.

The luminescence performance of fluorescent reagents plays a crucial role in fluorescence analysis. Therefore, in this study, a novel bi-ligand Zn-based metal-organic framework, Au nanoparticle (NP) fluorescent material was synthesized using a hydrothermal method with Zn as the metal source. Simultaneously, a DNA aptamer was introduced as a molecular recognition element to develop a Zn-based MOF@Au NPs/DNA aptamer fluorescent probe for the ultra-trace detection of thiamethoxam residues in agricultural products. The probe captured different concentrations of the target molecule, thiamethoxam, through the DNA aptamer, causing a conformational change in the DNA aptamer and bursting the fluorescence of the probe, therefore establishing a fluorometric method for thiamethoxam detection. This method is highly sensitive due to the excellent luminescence properties of the Zn-based MOF@Au NPs, and the DNA aptamer can specifically recognize thiamethoxam, offering high selectivity. The linear range of the method was 2.5-6000 × 10-11  mol L-1 , with a detection limit of 8.33 × 10-12  mol L-1 . This method was applied to the determination of actual samples, such as bananas, and the spiked recovery rate was found to be in the range 84.05-109.07%. Overall, the proposed probe has high sensitivity, high selectivity, and easy operation for the detection of thiamethoxam residues in actual samples.

Electrochemical chiral sensor for levofloxacin detection base on Cu/Fe-BTC amplification.

The key to developing sensors for chiral drug determination is to exclude interference from enantiomers. In this study, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) were introduced to prepare a chiral sensor for levofloxacin detection. The MIP was electropolymerised on the surface of the Cu/Fe-benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate MOF (Cu/Fe-BTC)-modified Au electrode using levofloxacin as a template molecule. After eluting the levofloxacin, a chiral sensor with recognition sites for levofloxacin was obtained. With this site as a switch, a novel method for detecting levofloxacin was established. Because of the enhanced recognition effect, the sensor can effectively exclude the enantiomeric interference of d-ofloxacin. Moreover, Cu/Fe-BTC can effectively amplify the current response signal and improve the sensitivity of the sensor. The linear range of the sensor was 5 to 4000 × 10-11 mol L-1, and the detection limit was 2.07 × 10-11 mol L-1. When applied to detecting levofloxacin in actual samples, the sensor showed a 92.7-109.8% recovery.

Reusable molecularly imprinted electrochemiluminescence assay for kanamycin based on ordered mesoporous carbon loaded with indium oxide nanoparticles and carbon quantum dots.

A highly sensitive kanamycin electrochemiluminescence (ECL) switch sensor was constructed. A signal element consisting of ordered mesoporous carbon loaded with indium oxide nanoparticles/carbon quantum dots (OMC/In2O3/C-dots) was assembled on the surface of a gold electrode. Then, a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was prepared on the modified electrode surface using kanamycin as the template molecule and o-aminophenol as the functional monomer. After kanamycin elution, the prepared sensor retained specific kanamycin recognition sites. OMC/In2O3 effectively amplified the ECL signal of the C-dots, thereby enhancing the detection sensitivity, whereas kanamycin quenched the signal. Therefore, the imprinted sites acted as a switch, providing a new method for detecting kanamycin. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the concentration of kanamycin was proportional to the degree of ECL quenching within a linear range of 5-4500 × 10-12 mol L-1 at 0.8 V (vs. Ag/AgCl electrode electrode), and the detection limit was 5.8 × 10-13 mol L-1. When applied to the detection of kanamycin in actual samples, such as chicken, duck, pork, and milk, the recovery for spiked samples was in the range 92.7-110%.

Determination of trichlorfon using a molecularly imprinted electrochemiluminescence sensor on multi-walled carbon nanotubes decorated with silver nanoparticles.

Considering the limitations associated with existing methods for the detection of trace amounts of trichlorfon, this paper proposes a novel molecularly imprinted electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor for the detection of trichlorfon by utilizing the double enhancement effect of trichlorfon and Ag nanoparticles supported by multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs/Ag NPs) in a luminol-H2O2 ECL system. Here, trichlorfon was electropolymerized on the surface of the MWCNT/Ag NP-modified gold nanoelectrode with o-phenylenediamine to prepare the molecularly imprinted polymer-based sensor. After eluting the trichlorfon, imprinted holes for the identification of trichlorfon were retained on the sensor, which were used as signal switches to obtain different ECL intensities through the adsorption of different concentrations of trichlorfon. The ECL signal of the sensitized luminol-H2O2 was doubly enhanced by the MWCNTs/Ag and trichlorfon, improving the sensitivity of the sensor. The trichlorfon concentration was positively correlated with the enhanced ECL intensity of the sensor in the range 5.0 × 10-8-5.0 × 10-11 mol L-1, and the detection limit of trichlorfon was 3.9 × 10-12 mol L-1. Moreover, the proposed sensor was successfully applied to the detection of trichlorfon residues in real samples, and the recovery ranged between 91.8 and 109%. A molecularly imprinted electrochemiluminescence sensor for trichlorfon detection by utilizing the double enhancement effect of trichlorfon and Ag nanoparticles supported by multi-walled carbon nanotubes in a luminol-H2O2 ECL system. The dual enhancement of the ECL signal improved the sensitivity of the sensor.

Ligand-variable metal clusters charge transfer in Ce-Por-MOF/AgNWs and their application in photoelectrochemical sensing of ronidazole.

A photoelectrochemical sensing platform based on ligand-variable metal clusters charge transfer was established for the quantitative assay of ronidazole (RNZ) using Ce-porphyrin-metal-organic frameworks/silver nanowires (Ce-Por-MOFs/AgNWs). Rod-like Ce-Por-MOFs and well-dispersed sub-50 nm AgNWs were prepared using a hydrothermal method and polyol strategy, and then through simple drop coating to yield Ce-Por-MOFs/AgNWs nanocomposites. We investigated the intrinsic semiconducting properties of the composites. More importantly, it was found that the variable-valence metal node can provide electronic defect states similar to those caused by multi-metal doping, synergizing with the surface plasmon effect of AgNWs, which significantly improved the photoelectric conversion efficiency, thereby resulting in excellent optoelectronic properties. In combination with molecular imprinting, a competitive type trace photoelectrochemical sensor for RNZ was constructed using Fe2+ as the electron donor and probe. Under optimal conditions, the sensor response is proportional to the logarithm of RNZ concentration in the range 0.1-104 nM with a detected limit of 0.038 nM. The recoveries ranged from 87.2 to 116% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) < 6.5% (n = 3) in milk sample. This work reveals the charge-transfer process of variable-valence metal nodes in MOFs during photoelectrochemical processes, which will provide new insights for the sensing application of variable-valence metal MOFs.

Microfluidic paper-based chip for parathion-methyl detection based on a double catalytic amplification strategy.

The rapid detection of insecticides such as parathion-methyl (PM) requires methods with high sensitivities and selectivities. Herein, a dual catalytic amplification strategy was developed using Fe3O4 nanozyme-supported carbon quantum dots and silver terephthalate metal-organic frameworks (Fe3O4/C-dots@Ag-MOFs) as current amplification elements. Based on this strategy, a novel electrochemical microfluidic paper-based chip was designed to detect PM. Fe3O4/C-dots@Ag-MOFs were synthesised by a hydrothermal method, and a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was then synthesised on the surface of Fe3O4/C-dots@Ag-MOFs using PM as a template molecule. Finally, the reaction zone of a chip was modified with MIP/Fe3O4/C-dots@Ag-MOFs. PM from a sample introduced into the reaction zone was captured by the MIP, which generated a reduction current response at - 0.53 V in a three-electrode system embedded in the chip. Simultaneous catalysis by Fe3O4/C-dots and Ag-MOFs significantly enhanced the signal. The chip had a detection limit of 1.16 × 10-11 mol L-1 and was successfully applied to the determination of PM in agricultural products and environmental samples with recovery rates ranging from 82.7 to 109%, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of less than 5.0%. This approach of combining a dual catalytic amplification strategy with an MIP significantly increased the sensitivity as well as selectivity of chips and can potentially be used to detect a wide variety of target analytes using microfluidic paper-based chips.

Chiral drug fluorometry based on a calix[6]arene/molecularly imprinted polymer double recognition element grafted on nano-C-dots/Ir/Au.

A luminescent double recognition nanoprobe is described as a new strategy for the selective determination of chiral molecules. C-dots/Ir/Au fluorescent nanoparticles, synthesised under hydrothermal conditions, are used as a high-performance probe in combination with a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) and calix[6]arene as a double recognition element. Thiolated calix[6]arene is grafted on C-dots/Ir/Au as the first recognition element, which then forms a host-guest complex with the target molecule levodopa (L-DOPA). Subsequently, an MIP is prepared on the C-dots/Ir/Au (MIP/C-dots/Ir/Au) by chemical polymerisation. After the removal of L-DOPA, double recognition imprinting cavities are formed. The fluorescence intensity at 478 nm of the nanoprobe is effectively quenched by adsorption of L-DOPA on MIP/C-dots/Ir/Au, which provides a method for L-DOPA determination. Owing to the double recognition strategy, this method has excellent selectivity which can effectively avoid interference from enantiomer D-DOPA, and a imprinting factor of 7.1 is obtained for L-DOPA. This accurate and reliable method, with a wide linear range (5 × 10-10 to 1.2 × 10-7 mol L-1) and a low limit of detection (1.45 × 10-10 mol L-1), was successfully applied to the determination of L-DOPA in real samples, giving standard recoveries of 89.7-110.0%. Thus, the proposed sensing method provides a viable approach for the determination of a single enantiomer. Graphical abstract Schematic presentation of the MIP/C-dots/Ir/Au for L-DOPA detection. A fluorescence double chiral recognition nanoprobe is prepared of C-dots/Ir/Au nanoparticles as signal probe, and a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) and calix[6]arene as a double recognition element. Owing to the double recognition strategy, this method has strong specificity and can effectively avoid interference from enantiomers and racemates.

Novel Segmented Concentration Addition Method to Predict Mixture Hormesis of Chlortetracycline Hydrochloride and Oxytetracycline Hydrochloride to Aliivibrio fischeri.

Hormesis is a concentration-response phenomenon characterized by low-concentration stimulation and high-concentration inhibition, which typically has a nonmonotonic J-shaped concentration-response curve (J-CRC). The concentration addition (CA) model is the gold standard for studying mixture toxicity. However, the CA model had the predictive blind zone (PBZ) for mixture J-CRC. To solve the PBZ problem, we proposed a segmented concentration addition (SCA) method to predict mixture J-CRC, which was achieved through fitting the left and right segments of component J-CRC and performing CA prediction subsequently. We selected two model compounds including chlortetracycline hydrochloride (CTCC) and oxytetracycline hydrochloride (OTCC), both of which presented J-CRC to Aliivibrio fischeri (AVF). The seven binary mixtures (M1-M7) of CTCC and OTCC were designed according to their molar ratios of 12:1, 10:3, 8:5, 1:1, 5:8, 3:10, and 1:12 referring to the direct equipartition ray design. These seven mixtures all presented J-CRC to AVF. Based on the SCA method, we obtained mixture maximum stimulatory effect concentration (ECm) and maximum stimulatory effect (Em) predicted by SCA, both of which were not available for the CA model. The toxicity interactions of these mixtures were systematically evaluated by using a comprehensive approach, including the co-toxicity coefficient integrated with confidence interval method (CTCICI), CRC, and isobole analysis. The results showed that the interaction types were additive and antagonistic action, without synergistic action. In addition, we proposed the cross point (CP) hypothesis for toxic interactive mixtures presenting J-CRC, that there was generally a CP between mixture observed J-CRC and CA predicted J-CRC; the relative positions of observed and predicted CRCs on either side of the CP would exchange, but the toxic interaction type of mixtures remained unchanged. The CP hypothesis needs to be verified by more mixtures, especially those with synergism. In conclusion, the SCA method is expected to have important theoretical and practical significance for mixture hormesis.

Fluorometric aptasensor for cadmium(II) by using an aptamer-imprinted polymer as the recognition element.

A fluorometric assay is described for the determination of Cd(II) in environmental and agricultural samples. It is making use of a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) and aptamer as dual recognition units, while carbon quantum dots (co-doped with sulphur and nitrogen) and gold nanoparticles (SN-CQD/Au) act as the fluorophores. The aptamer-modified MIP was placed on an SN-CQD/Au-modified indium tin oxide glass electrode. Cd(II) was detected with high selectivity by the recognition sites of the aptamer in the MIP. Fluorescence, with excitation/emission peaks at 370/430 nm, is quenched by Cd(II). Response is linear in the 20 pM to 12 nM concentration range. The detection limit is 1.2 pM. The sensor is selective for Cd(II), and recoveries from spiked waters, soils and vegetables real-world samples range between 82.1 and 113.9%. Graphical abstractA fluorescence sensor composed of a molecularly imprinted polymer and an aptamer as a dual identification system for Cd2+ coupled with and carbon quantum dots (co-doped with sulphur and nitrogen) and gold nanoparticles (SN-CQDs/Au) as fluorescent element that can detect Cd2+ with high selectivity by a dual-recognition mechanism.

A molecularly imprinted sensor with enzymatic enhancement of electrochemiluminescence of quantum dots for ultratrace clopyralid determination.

A new molecularly imprinted polymer electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor was developed for the detection of clopyralid (CPD) based on enzyme-biocatalyzed amplification. CdTe quantum dots were immobilized on the surface of an electrode by reaction with p-aminothiophenol preadsorbed on the electrode. Then a molecularly imprinted film was formed by electrochemical polymerization of o-phenylenediamine in the presence of CPD on the CdTe-modified gold electrode. During the analytical cycle, horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labeled CPD was replaced by CPD in the sample. The amount of HRP on the molecularly imprinted polymer electrode decreased, and then less H2O2 was catalytically decomposed. Subsequently, the ECL intensity of the CdTe-H2O2 system was enhanced. There was a good linear relationship between ECL intensity and the concentration of CPD in the range from 2.0 × 10-11 to 2.5 × 10-10 mol/L and in the range from 2.5 × 10-10 to 3.5 × 10-8 mol/L. The detection limit was 4.1 × 10-12 mol/L. The sensor was applied to determine CPD in vegetable samples. Graphical abstract A molecularly imprinted electrochemiluminescence sensor was fabricated for ultratrace clopyralid determination. The sensitivity was significantly improved with the enhancement of the ECL intensity of quantum dot via the enzymatic reaction of HRP.

A Cu(II)-anchored unzipped covalent triazine framework with peroxidase-mimicking properties for molecular imprinting-based electrochemiluminescent detection of sulfaquinoxaline.

The authors describe a method of electrochemiluminescent quantitation of the antibiotic sulfaquinoxaline (SQX). It relies on the use of a molecularly imprinted polymer and a Cu(II)-anchored unzipped covalent triazine framework (UnZ-CCTF) with excellent dispersibility, electrical conductivity, and peroxidaze-like activity. The framework was prepared by unzipping a covalent triazine framework under retention of basic triazine units. It was morphologically and structurally characterized by a range of instrumental techniques. The excellent peroxidase-mimicking effect of UnZ-CCTF on the electrochemiluminescence of the luminol/H2O2 system was exploited to design an ultrasensitive SQX assay with a 1.0-20 pM detection range and a detection limit of 0.76 pM (at 3δ/m). The technique was used for SQX quantitation in spiked milk samples, achieving recoveries of 94.0-104.8%. Graphical abstract Scheme of the sulfaquinoxaline molecularly imprinted electrochemiluminescence sensor based on Cu-anchored unzipped covalent triazine frameworks.

A microfluidic chip containing a molecularly imprinted polymer and a DNA aptamer for voltammetric determination of carbofuran.

An electrochemical microfluidic chip is described for the determination of the insecticide carbofuran. It is making use of a molecularly imprinted film (MIP) and a DNA aptamer as dual recognition units. The analyte (carbofuran) is transported to the MIP and captured at the identification site in the channel. Then, carbofuran is eluted with carbinol-acetic acid and transported to the DNA aptamer on the testing position of the chip. It is captured again, this time by the aptamer, and detected by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The dual recognition (by aptamer and MIP) results in outstanding selectivity. Additionally, graphene oxide-supported gold nanoparticles (GO-AuNPs) were used to improve the sensitivity of electrochemical detector. DPV response is linear in the 0.2 to 50 nM carbofuran concentration range at a potential of -1.2 V, with a 67 pM detection limit. The method has attractive features such as its potential for high throughput, high degree of automation, and high integration. Conceivably, the method may be extended to other analytes for which appropriate MIPs and aptamers are available. Graphical abstract Schematic of an electrochemical microfluidic chip for carbofuran detection based on a molecularly imprinted film (MIP) and a DNA aptamer as dual recognition units. In the chip, targets were recognized by MIP and aptamer, respectively. It shows promising potential for the design of electrochemical devices with high throughput, high automation, and high integration.

Simultaneous biodegradation of bifenthrin and chlorpyrifos by Pseudomonas sp. CB2.

The degradation of bifenthrin (BF) and chlorpyrifos (CP), either together or individually, by a bacterial strain (CB2) isolated from activated sludge was investigated. Strain CB2 was identified as belonging to genus Pseudomonas based on the morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics and a homological analysis of the 16S rDNA sequence. Strain CB2 has the potential to degrade BF and CP, either individually or in a mixture. The optimum conditions for mixture degradation were as follows: OD600nm = 0.5; incubation temperature = 30°C; pH = 7.0; BF-CP mixture (10 mg L-1 of each). Under these optimal conditions, the degradation rate constants (and half-lives) were 0.4308 d-1 (1.61 d) and 0.3377 d-1 (2.05 d) for individual BF and CP samples, respectively, and 0.3463 d-1 (2.00 d) and 0.2931 d-1 (2.36 d) for the BF-CP mixture. Major metabolites of BF and CP were 2-methyl-3-biphenylyl methanol and 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol, respectively. No metabolite bioaccumulation was observed. The ability of CB2 to efficiently degrade BF and CP, particularly in a mixture, may be useful in bioremediation efforts.

Synergetic recognition and separation of kelthane and pyridaben base on magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer nanospheres.

We present novel magnetic composite nanospheres for the preparation of a nanoiron oxide/carbon dots/ß-cyclodextrin/molecularly imprinted polymer for the selective solid-phase extraction kelthane and pyridaben from vegetables. The molecularly imprinted polymer was synthesized on the surface of nano-iron oxide/carbon dots via a chemical polymerization procedure, where kelthane-ß-cyclodextrin and pyridaben-ß-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes were used as template molecules, and their adsorption behavior was investigated in detail. Characterization analysis and binding experiments revealed that magnetic composite nanospheres had outstanding magnetic properties, a large adsorption capacity, and high competitive selectivity for kelthane and pyridaben. The magnetic composite nanospheres were employed as an adsorbent in solid-phase extraction for the determination of kelthane and pyridaben in vegetable samples. The recoveries of kelthane and pyridaben were 92.8-105.2 and 94.4-104.6%, respectively.

A molecularly imprinted sensor based on an electrochemiluminescent membrane for ultratrace doxycycline determination.

A new molecularly imprinted sensor was developed based on an electroluminescent molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) membrane and used for doxycycline determination. The MIP was prepared by electropolymerization of pyrogallol doped with alizarin red. An electrochemiluminescence (ECL) signal was produced by the oxidation of the poly-pyrogallol polymer and reaction with alizarin red. The luminescence intensity was enhanced by doxycycline molecules which were re-adsorbed in cavities in MIP due to the energy transfer of the doxycycline oxidized intermediate to alizarin red. The changes of ECL intensities were linear with the concentrations of doxycycline in the range of 2 × 10(-10) to 5 × 10(-8) mol L(-1). The detection limit was 5.17 × 10(-11) mol L(-1). This method was utilized to determine doxycycline residuals in fish muscles with satisfactory results.

In vivo tracing of cyromazine and three neonicotinoids in cowpea under field conditions by solid-phase microextraction combined with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

BACKGROUND: Excessive pesticide residues in agricultural products could accumulate in organisms through the food chain, causing potential harm to human health. The investigation of dissipation kinetics and residues of pesticides in crops is crucial for the scientific application of pesticides and the mitigation of their adverse effects on human health. In vivo solid-phase microextraction (in vivo SPME) has unique advantages, but the research on field plants is still lacking and the quantitative correction methods need to be further developed. RESULTS: A method combining in vivo solid-phase microextraction with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (in vivo SPME-UPLC-MS/MS) was developed to monitor the presence of acetamiprid, cyromazine, thiamethoxam and imidacloprid in cowpea fruits grown in the field. The sampling rates (Rs) were determined using both in vitro SPME in homogenized cowpea samples and in vivo SPME in intact cowpea fruit samples. The in vivo-Rs values were significantly higher than the in vitro-Rs for the same analyte, which were used for in vivo SPME correction. The accuracy of this method was confirmed by comparison with a QuEChERS-based approach and subsequently applied to trace pesticide residues in field-grown cowpea fruits. The residual concentrations of each pesticide positively correlated with application doses. After 7 days of application at two different doses, all of the pesticides had residual concentrations below China's maximum residue limits. Both experimental data and predictions indicated that a safe preharvest interval for these pesticides is 7 days; however, if the European Union standards are to be met, a safe preharvest interval for cyromazine should be at least 13 days. SIGNIFICANCE: This study highlights the advantages of in vivo SPME for simultaneous analysis and tracking of multiple pesticides in crops under field conditions. This technique is environmentally friendly, minimally invasive, highly sensitive, accurate, rapid, user-friendly, cost-effective, and capable of providing precise and timely data for long-term pesticide surveillance. Consequently, it furnishes valuable insights to guide the safe utilization of pesticides in agricultural production.

Design, synthesis, and evaluation of novel arecoline-linked amino acid derivatives for insecticidal and antifungal activities.

A series of arecoline derivatives with amino acid moieties were designed and synthesised using an acylamide condensation strategy, taking arecoline as the foundational structure. The insecticidal efficacy of these compounds against Aphis craccivora and Tetranychus cinnabarinus was evaluated. Notably, derivatives 3h and 3i demonstrated superior insecticidal activity compared with arecoline. Additionally, 3h and 3i showed good fungicidal effectiveness against two types of plant fungi. Moreover, molecular docking analyses suggested that 3h and 3i could affect the nervous systems of A. craccivora and T. cinnabarinus by binding to neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. These findings suggest that compounds 3h and 3i represent promising leads for further development in insecticide and fungicide research.

Anthracene-based dual channel donor-acceptor triazine-containing covalent organic frameworks for superior photoelectrochemical sensing.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) exhibit excellent photoelectrically active structures and serve as channels for photon capture and charge carrier transport. However, their relatively high charge-carrier recombination rates and lack of specific recognition sites limit their application in photoelectrochemical sensing. This paper reports a functionalized donor-acceptor (D-A) COF comprising electron-rich polycyclic aromatic moieties and electron-deficient triazines (Tz) incorporating boronic acid through ligand exchange. The number of aromatic rings in the polycyclic aromatic moiety is crucial for establishing an efficient D-A system within COF. In the absence of an external electron donor, the anthracene-based COF exhibited a five-fold enhancement in photocurrent compared to the naphthalene-based COF. The resulting anthracene-based D-A COF exhibited enhanced orbital overlap and electron push-pull interactions, facilitating more effective charge separation. Furthermore, introducing boronic acid enabled the selective enrichment of low-concentration external electron donors, such as dopamine, in the inner Helmholtz plane. This ingenious approach establishes a unique dual-channel D-A system that allows direct measurement of dopamine in serum. Under optimized conditions, the test platform achieves good correspondence for dopamine at 1 to 100 nM and 0.5 to 100 µM with a detecting limit of 0.36 nM (3σ/S, n = 11). This strategy introduces a novel dimension to photoelectrochemical sensing, focusing on the effect of spatial separation between the external electron donor and the photoelectrode interface that intricately shapes the behavior and enhances the performance of the photoelectric system.