Simple and selective extraction of quercetin with microextraction in packed syringe method using modified glass powder by a molecularly imprinted polymer followed by spectrophotometric determination.

A new sample preparation method based on microextraction in packed syringe was developed for preconcentration of quercetin prior to its spectrophotometric determination. Molecularly imprinted polymers as packing material was used for higher extraction efficiency. First, glass powder as support material because of low cost and available substrate was modified, and then molecularly imprinted polymers were synthesized by the sol-gel method using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane as a functional monomer and tetraethyl orthosilicate as cross-linker agent. The combination of a molecularly imprinted polymers and microextraction in packed syringe increased the selectivity and sensitivity. The surface morphology and functionality of the prepared molecularly imprinted polymers was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Different influencing parameters on extraction efficiency such as effect of the number of sample sorption/desorption cycles, type and volume of desorption solvent, pH of the sample solution, and molecularly imprinted polymers amounts were optimized. Under the optimum condition, the proposed method displayed a linear range from 0.01 to 5 µg mL-1 and limit of detection 3.68 ng mL-1 . Relative standard deviation for three replicate determination of 1 µg mL-1 quercetin was 2.1 %. The proposed method was applied successfully for the selective extraction of quercetin from tea and coffee samples.

Surface-Modified Colloid CdTe/CdS Quantum Dots by a Biocompatible Thiazolidine Derivative as Promising Platform for Immobilization of Glucose Oxidase: Application to Fluorescence Sensing of Glucose.

This work focuses on the synthesis of novel modified core-shell CdTe/CdS quantum dots (QDs) and develops as a fluorescence sensor for glucose determination. The (E)-2,2'-(4,4'-dioxo-2,2'-dithioxo-2H,2'H-[5,5'-bithiazolylidene]-3,3'(4H,4'H)-diyl)bis(3- mercaptopropanoic acid) (DTM) as a new derivative of thiazolidine was synthesized and characterized and used to surface-modification of CdTe/CdS QDs. DTM-capped CdTe/CdS QDs used to immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOD). The intensity fluorescence emission of the CdSe/CdS-DTM/GOD is highly sensitive to the concentration of H2O2 as a byproduct of the catalytic oxidation of glucose. The experimental results showed that the quenched fluorescence was proportional to the glucose concentration within the range of 10 nM-0.32 µM under optimized experimental conditions. The limit of detection of this system was found to be 4.3 nM. Compared with most of the existing methods, this newly developed system possesses many advantages, including simplicity, low cost, and good sensitivity.

Antifungal activity of the lemongrass and clove oil encapsulated in mesoporous silica nanoparticles against wheat's take-all disease.

Combined application of plant essential oils (EOs) with known antimicrobial effects and silica nanocapsules with high loading capacity and protection capability of the EOs make them proper candidates for creating environmentally friendly fungicides. In this study, EOs of the Lemongrass (LGO) and Clove (CO) were used against Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici (Ggt), a causal agent of take-all disease of wheat. To provide controlled delivery of the EOs, they were encapsulated into mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) and then compared to the effects of pure EOs both in- vitro and in- vivo. MSNPs were synthesized via the sol-gel process. Various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and UV-Vis spectroscopy were used to evaluate the successful loading of the EOs into the pore of MSNPs. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) was calculated as high as 84.24% for LGO and 80.69% for CO, while loading efficiency (LE) was determined 36% and 29% for LGO and CO, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) displayed spherical shapes and porous structures with average diameters of 50-70 nm. Recognition of the main components of the EOs via gas chromatographic-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) before and after the EO loading, detected eugenol and citral as the most frequent compounds in LGO and CO, respectively. For antifungal test in- vitro, selected concentrations of the pure EOs, EOs loaded in MSNPs (EOs- MSNPs) and Mancozeb ® fungicide based on pre-tests were mixed using potato dextrose agar (PDA). The inhibition percentage (IP) of fungal growth at each concentration, as well as minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFC) were obtained. The results indicated that antifungal effects in the encapsulated form increased by up to three times. In- vivo, the sterile wheat seeds were treated with pure EOs, EOs-MSNPs, and mancozeb at MFC concentration. Also, in order to keep on the EOs-MSNPs around the seeds, sodium alginate was used. The consequences of in- vivo experiments indicated that rate of disease control in presence of EOs-MSNPs and mancozeb was the same (~70%) and higher than pure EOs (LGO: 57.44%, CO: 49%). Also, improving the growth parameters in wheat plant, the covering of the EOs-MSNPs in alginate, had better control (84%) than that of EOs-MSNPs alone. Further, the release kinetics studies showed a gradual release of LGO and CO from MSNPs for four weeks in water and for five weeks in the soil-plant system. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the control effect of LGO, CO, and their nanocapsule in MSNPs against the take-all disease of wheat. These results showed that the EOs-MSNPs can be a safe product for the efficient control of take-all disease in wheat crop.

Indirect determination of mercury(II) by using magnetic nanoparticles, CdS quantum dots and mercury(II)-binding aptamers, and quantitation of released CdS by graphite furnace AAS.

This work describes an aptamer based method for highly sensitive determination of Hg(II). A Hg(II)-binding ssDNA aptamer was linked to silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles (magNPs). Then, a conjugate composed of graphene and CdS quantum dots (Gr-CdS) was linked to the complementary ssDNA. On mixing the two components, a duplex of type magNP-dsNNA-Gr/CdS is generated. If Hg(II) is added, it wills capturing the aptamer, and this leads to the release of Gr/CdS because of the formation of a stable thymine-Hg2+-thymine link. External magnetic force is used to remove the remaining complex. The released graphene-CdS is decomposed by HNO3 and injected into a graphite furnace AAS. The detectable amount of Cd is proportional to the concentration of Hg(II) in the sample. Under the optimal conditions, the method has a linear response in the 2.50 aM to 0.25 nM Hg(II) concentration range, and the detection limit is as low as 7.6 aM (at S/N = 3). It has high selectivity for Hg(II) over other metal ions. Graphical abstract.

A strategy for visual optical determination of glucose based on a smartphone device using fluorescent boron-doped carbon nanoparticles as a light-up probe.

Boronic acid-doped carbon nanoparticles were prepared and are shown to undergo aggregation induced emission (AIE). The nanoparticle composite is a viable fluorescent probe for glucose determination by using the RGB technique and a smartphone. The structure and the chemical composition of the doped carbon nanoparticles were confirmed by SEM, TEM, FTIR and UV-vis spectroscopy. The combination of 4-carboxyphenylboronic acid with o-phenylenediamine and rhodamine B endowed the hybrid with high fluorescence intensity (quantum yield 46%). Compared with conventional two-step preparation of boronic acid-based fluorescent probes for glucose, the present one step synthesis strategy is simpler and more effective. The addition of glucose causes the formation of covalent bonds between the cis-diols group of glucose molecules and boronic acid moiety. Fluorescent intensity can be quantified using dual wavelengths simultaneously, where both increases, as the target analytes bind to the bronic acid. These variations was monitored by the smartphone camera, and the green channel intensities of the colored images were processed by using the RGB option of a smartphone. The assay works in the 32 µM to 2 mM glucose concentration range and has an 8 µM detection limit. The method was successfully used for the assay of glucose in diluted human serum. Graphical abstractThe fluorometric method was developed for determination of glucose using boron doped carbon nanoparticles (BCNBs). The BCNPs aggregate after covalent binding between the cis-diols of glucose and boronic acid. The green channel of the images is recorded by a smartphone camera.

Ni-hemin metal-organic framework with highly efficient peroxidase catalytic activity: toward colorimetric cancer cell detection and targeted therapeutics.

BACKGROUND: Given the great benefits of artificial enzymes, a simple approach is proposed via assembling of Ni2+ with hemin for synthesis of Ni-hemin metal-organic-frameworks (Ni-hemin MOFs) mimic enzyme. The formation of the Ni-hemin MOFs was verified by scanning electron microscopy, Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. This novel nanocomposite exhibited surprising peroxidase like activity monitored by catalytic oxidation of a typical peroxidase substrate, 3,3,5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine, in the presence of H2O2. By using folic acid conjugated MOF nanocomposite as a recognition element, we develop a colorimetric assay for the direct detection of cancer cells. RESULTS: The proposed sensor presented high sensitivity and selectivity for the detection of human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and Human Caucasian gastric adenocarcinoma. By measuring UV-vis absorbance response, a wide detection range from 50 to 105 cells/mL with a detection limit as low as 10 cells/mLwas reached for MCF-7 cells. We further discuss therapeutics efficiency of Ni-hemin MOFs in the presence of H2O2 and ascorbic acid. Peroxidase-mimic Ni-hemin MOFs as reactive oxygen species which could damage MCF-7 cancer cells, however for normal cells (human embryonic kidney HEK 293 cells) killing effect was negligible. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these behaviors, the developed method offers a fast, easy and cheap assay for the interest in future diagnostic and treatment application.

Highly sensitive electrochemical aptasensor for immunoglobulin E detection based on sandwich assay using enzyme-linked aptamer.

Here, we describe the fabrication of an electrochemical immunoglobulin E (IgE) aptasensor using enzyme-linked aptamer in the sandwich assay method and thionine as redox probe. In this protocol, 5'-amine-terminated IgE aptamer and thionine were covalently attached on glassy carbon electrode modified with carbon nanotubes/ionic liquid/chitosan nanocomposite. Furthermore, another IgE aptamer was modified with biotin and enzyme horseradish peroxidase (HRP), which attached to the aptamer via biotin-streptavidin interaction. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry were performed at each stage of the chemical modification process to confirm the resulting surface changes. The presence of IgE induces the formation of a double aptamer sandwich structure on the electrode, and the electrocatalytic reduction current of thionine in the presence of hydrogen peroxide was measured as the sensor response. Under optimized conditions and using differential pulse voltammetry as the measuring technique, the proposed aptasensor showed a low detection limit (6 pM) and high sensitivity (1.88 µA nM(-1)). This aptasensor also exhibited good stability and high selectivity for IgE detection without an interfering effect of some other proteins such as bovine serum albumin (BSA) and lysozyme. The application of the aptasensor for IgE detection in human serum sample was also investigated. The proposed protocol is quite promising as an alternative sandwich approach for various protein assays.

Preconcentration of Pb(II) by Magnetic Metal-Organic Frameworks and Analysis Using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy.

In this study, a magnetic metal-organic framework (MOF) was synthesized based on magnetic Fe3O4, Cu(II), and benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid (Cu-BTC) as a sorbent for solid phase extraction (SPE) of trace amounts of Pb(II) in water and lettuce samples. Pb(II) ion was adsorbed on the magnetic MOF and easily separated by a magnet; therefore, no filtration or centrifugation was necessary. The analyte ions were eluted by HCl 0.5 mol·L-1 and analyzed via graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy. The prepared sorbent was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Under optimal experimental conditions, the method had a linear range of 0.1-50 µg·L-1. The limits of detection and quantitation for lead were found to be 0.026 and 0.08 µg·L-1, respectively. The results showed that the prepared sorbent has high selectivity for Pb2+ even in the presence of other interfering metal ions.

Induced ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensor for target MDA-MB-231 cell cytoplasmic protein detection based on RNA-cleavage DNAzyme catalytic reaction.

Herein, we implemented RNA-cleaving DNAzymes specific for the endogenous protein of breast cancer cells (MDA-MB -231) and programmed for electrochemical detection. Thionine-modified gold nanoparticles and modified magnetic nanoparticles are attached to the two ends of the DNAzyme molecule. The prepared probe is pulled to the surface of the electrode with the help of a magnetic field, and the signal caused by the electrochemical activity of thionine is observed on the surface of the electrode. The presence of a covalent gold nanoparticle-thionine hybrid as a highly electroactive/enhanced electrochemical label ensures a strong detection signal. After addition of the enzyme activator cofactor (MDA-MB -231 cytoplasmic cell protein), it reacts with the catalytic core of the enzyme sequence in the DNAzyme molecule and triggers the cleavage reaction in the substrate sequence of the DNAzyme molecule. During this process, the gold nanoparticle-thionine labels are detached from the probe and released into the solution. Inductive removal of gold nanoparticles leads to a decrease in the current related to the reduction of thionine on the electrode surface. The results show that this biosensor can detect this protein marker in the linear range of (1.0E-06 to 1.0E+01) pg/ml, with a detection limit (1.0129E-07 pg/ml), using differential pulse voltammetry as a measuring technique. As well as, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).

A novel highly sensitive compilation-detachment fluorescence sensing strategy based on RNA-cleavage DNAzyme for MDA-MB-231 breast cancer biomarker determination.

Herein, we designed a novel and highly sensitive fluorescence multicomponent detachable platform for MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell detection as a model. The RNA cleavage DNAzyme was used as a central operator of the multicomponent probe through which compilation and induced detachment of probe was done. During the compilation step, the dsDNA-Sybr green 1 complexes on gold nanoparticles (GNP@dsDNA@SG1) were assembled. The intercalated Sybr green in the DNA structure has been used as an amplified signal generator on one site of DNAzyme and magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) act as a biological carrier and probe collector on the opposite side. The enzyme activator co-factor (MDA-MB-231 cell cytoplasmic protein) provokes the activation of the catalytic core of enzyme sequence in the DNAzyme molecule, followed by cleavage reaction in the substrate sequence and releasing GNP@ dsDNA@SG1 into the solution. The results indicate that the Sybr green emission fluorescence (520 nm) increases with the increment of MDA-MB-231 protein concentration in the linear dynamic range of 8.10 × 10-2 to 1.95 ng ml-1 (0.77 × 10-3-0.019 cell ml-1) with a detection limit (LOD) of 1/72 × 10-2 pg ml-1 under optimal conditions. The proposed immunosensor has great potential in developing ultrasensitive and rapid diagnostic platforms.

Exploring the Role of 2D-Graphdiyne as a Charge Carrier Layer in Field-Effect Transistors for Non-Covalent Biological Immobilization against Human Diseases.

Graphdiyne's (GDY's) outstanding features have made it a novel 2D nanomaterial and a great candidate for electronic gadgets and optoelectronic devices, and it has opened new opportunities for the development of highly sensitive electronic and optical detection methods as well. Here, we testified a non-covalent grafting strategy in which GDY serves as a charge carrier layer and a bioaffinity substrate to immobilize biological receptors on GDY-based field-effect transistor (FET) devices. Firm non-covalent anchoring of biological molecules via pyrene groups and electrostatic interactions in addition to preserved electrical properties of GDY endows it with features of an ultrasensitive and stable detection mechanism. With emerging new forms and extending the subtypes of the already existing fatal diseases, genetic and biological knowledge demands more details. In this regard, we constructed simple yet efficient platforms using GDY-based FET devices in order to detect different kinds of biological molecules that threaten human health. The resulted data showed that the proposed non-covalent bioaffinity assays in GDY-based FET devices could be considered reliable strategies for novel label-free biosensing platforms, which still reach a high on/off ratio of over 104. The limits of detection of the FET devices to detect DNA strands, the CA19-9 antigen, microRNA-155, the CA15-3 antigen, and the COVID-19 antigen were 0.2 aM, 0.04 pU mL-1, 0.11 aM, 0.043 pU mL-1, and 0.003 fg mL-1, respectively, in the linear ranges of 1 aM to 1 pM, 1 pU mL-1 to 0.1 µU mL-1, 1 aM to 1 pM, 1 pU mL-1 to 10 µU mL-1, and 1 fg mL-1 to 10 ng mL-1, respectively. Finally, the extraordinary performance of these label-free FET biosensors with low detection limits, high sensitivity and selectivity, capable of being miniaturized, and implantability for in vivo analysis makes them a great candidate in disease diagnostics and point-of-care testing.

Graphdiyne nanosheet as a novel sensing platform for self-enhanced electrochemiluminescence of MOF enriched ruthenium (II) in the presence of dual co-reactants for detection of tumor marker.

Graphdiyne (GDY) is a new two-dimensional carbon material with high charge carrier mobility, excellent conductivity, more suitable band gap, and natural pores was introduced as a new electrochemiluminescent sensing platform. Herein, the metal organic framework (MOFs) used for enrichment of luminophore with grafting Ru(bpy)2(phen-NH2)2+(Ru-complex) and Ru-complex amine-rich nitrogen-doped carbon nanodots(Ru-NCNDs) via both encapsulating and external decoration and decoration of SmS2 QDs as coreactant. Then, the MOF enriched Ru-complex (Ru@MOF@NCNDs-Ru@SmS2 QD) located on a GDY modified ITO electrode developed as a novel and efficient ECL platform. According to the Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculation, the band gap of graphdiyne/Ru(bpy)2(phen-NH2)2+ system decreased compared to graphdiyne, Ru-complex and also graphene oxide/Ru(bpy)2(phen-NH2)2+system, which enhanced (2 folds) the signal response of the presented ECL platform. The ECL response signal of the suggested emitter with high ECL efficiency (13.34%) increased 8 and 4 folds compared to GDY/Ru-NCNDs and GDY/Ru@MOF@NCNDs-Ru as platforms, respectively. The proposed ECL platform applied for CA19-9 antigens detection at concentration range 0.0005 UmL-1 to 200 UmL-1 and detection limit of 0.00013 UmL-1.The development of GDY based platform for decorating nano luminophores, not only provides the design of ECL luminophores with high performance but also promises the application of the presented strategy for fabrication of ultrasensitive bio affinity sensors as candidates in clinical monitoring and diseases diagnostics.

Ultrasensitive fluorescence immunosensor based on mesoporous silica and magnetic nanoparticles: Capture and release strategy.

Herein we designed a novel, highly sensitive, simple and amplified fluorescence immunosensing strategy for hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBV surface antigen) (HBsAg) as a model based on the construction of a sandwich type probe. The operation mechanism of this immunosensing strategy is implemented by capturing and then stimulation-based-releasing of entrapped dye in the fluorescent capsules. The proposed probe is made by the Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticle (Fe3O4 MNP) as a probe collector site and the Rhodamine B loaded-mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN-Rh.B) as a fluorescent mesoporous capsule and signal amplifier site. Such a methodology is benefited, from the advantages of the high ability of MSNs to be used as a scaffold for efficient dye encapsulation and the magnetic nanoparticles as efficient biological carriers. Under optimal conditions, the fluorescence signal (The fluorescence of solutions was measured using a quartz fluorescence cell (PMT voltage:720, Ex wavelegth:540, Em wavelength:568, All measurements were carried out at room temperature) increased with the increment of HBsAg concentration in the linear dynamic range of 6.1 ag/ml to 0.012 ng/ml with a detection limit (LOD) of 5.7 ag/ml. The relative standard deviation, measured between the resulting fluorescence peaks was obtained by 6.0%.

Hemin/G-Quadruplex Horseradish Peroxidase-Mimicking DNAzyme: Principle and Biosensing Application.

Enzymes are macromolecular biological catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions. Enzyme labels are commonly used to obtain signal amplification in sensors and biosensors on the basis of reactions of some enzymes such as horseradish peroxidase (HRP). However, use of natural enzymes can encounter some challenges. Lately, nucleic acids that exhibit catalytic properties have attracted growing interest because they have certain advantages in comparison with traditional protein enzymes. DNAzymes are DNA-based catalysts, representing an important class of functional DNA, which have been widely used because of their excellent activity, programmability, signal amplification through catalytic turnover, high chemical stability, simple synthesis, and easy modification. Considering these remarkable properties, the hemin/G-quadruplex DNAzyme is extensively used in electrochemical, colorimetric, and chemiluminescence sensors and biosensors for detection of various targets.

A self-enhanced ECL-RET immunosensor for the detection of CA19-9 antigen based on Ru(bpy)2(phen-NH2)2+ - Amine-rich nitrogen-doped carbon nanodots as probe and graphene oxide grafted hyperbranched aromatic polyamide as platform.

Electrochemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (ECL-RET) assay as an efficient analytical technique has aroused considerable interest in recognition and biosensing. In the present study, a novel self-enhanced ECL-RET of Ru(bpy)2(phen-NH2)2+ as an efficient luminophore to the MoS2 nanosheets as effective quencher was designed for CA19-9 antigen analysis. Herein, the graphene oxide grafted hyperbranched aromatic polyamide (GO-HBP) with high loading ability for Ru-complex was used as the sensing platform, while amine-rich nitrogen-doped carbon nanodots (NCNDs) which covalently linked to Ru(bpy)2(phen-NH2)2+ applied as co-reactant for enhancing of anodic ECL signal response. In this approach GO-HBP-Ru-complex-NCND-anti-CA19-9 Ab exhibited amplified ECL emissions ("on" state) and with formation of sandwiched immunocomplex between, immobilized CA19-9 Ab, CA19-9 antigen and MoS2 nanosheets modified with CA19 9 antibody, the ECL response of luminophore was efficiently quenched ("off" state). The signal response was doubly amplified by covalent attachment of more luminophore, co-reactant and CA19-9 antibody with hyperbranched aromatic polyamide. On the basis of all above features, the ECL intensity of Ru-NCND decreased with the increase of the concentration of CA19-9 antigen in a wide linear range of 2 mU mL-1- 50 U mL-1 with the detection limit of 0.25 mU mL-1 (S/N = 3). The application of the fabricated ECL-RET immunosensor for determination of CA19-9 antigen in human serum samples was appraised that the satisfactory results were found to be in admissible accord with those gained with the reference method (ELISA assay).The suggested method opens up a novel avenue for expanding high-performance ECL-RET immunosensors cancer markers detection in clinical monitoring.

CuO nanorods as a laccase mimicking enzyme for highly sensitive colorimetric and electrochemical dual biosensor: Application in living cell epinephrine analysis.

A sensitive colorimetric and electrochemical sensor for measuring of epinephrine (EP) was developed based on CuO nanorods (NRs), and applicability of the sensor for detection of release epinephrine (EP) from living cells was evaluated. The CuO NRs was prepared using a facile and efficient method in low temperature and characterized by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The CuO NRs exhibited laccase-like activity and could oxidize epinephrine (EP) to a colored product. No interference from the common interfering agents such as dopamine, ascorbic acid and uric acid was observed. Colorimetric sensor demonstrated a linear range of 0.6-18 µM with detection limit of 0.31 µM. Furthermore, the electrochemical study showed CuO NRs exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity towards epinephrine oxidation. Differential pulse voltammetry signals increase with increasing of EP concentration in the range 0.04-14 µM, with a detection limit of 20 nM. Finally, the proposed sensor applied to perform real-time monitoring of epinephrine released by PC12 cells, indicating that CuO NRs provide a new platform for developing high-performance sensors in biological applications.

A Novel Immunosensing Method Based on the Capture and Enzymatic Release of Sandwich-Type Covalently Conjugated Thionine-Gold Nanoparticles as a New Fluorescence Label Used for Ultrasensitive Detection of Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen.

A novel ultrasensitive and simple amplified immunosensing strategy is designed based on a surface-enhanced fluorescence (SEF) nanohybrid made from covalently conjugated thionine-gold nanoparticles (GNP-Th), as a novel amplified fluorescence label, and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), as a biological carrier, used for hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) detection. This immunosensing strategy operates on the basis of the capture and then release of the amplified fluorescence label. Capturing of the antiHBs-antibody (Ab)-modified GNP-thionine hybrid (GNP-Th-Ab) is carried out through the formation of a two-dimensional (sandwich) probe between this amplified label and antiHBs-antibody-modified magnetic nanoparticles (MNP-Ab), in the presence of a target antigen and using an external magnetic force. Afterward, releasing of the captured fluorescence label is performed using a protease enzyme (pepsin) by a digestion mechanism of grafted antibodies on the GNP-thionine hybrid. As a result of antibody digestion, the amplified fluorescent hybrids (labels) are released into the solution. To understand the mechanism of enhanced fluorescence, the nature of the interaction between thionine and gold nanoparticles is studied using the B3LYP density functional method. In such a methodology, several new mechanisms and structures are used simultaneously, including a SEF-based metal nanoparticle-organic dye hybrid, dual signal amplification in a two-dimensional probe between the GNP-thionine hybrid and MNPs, and a novel releasing method using protease enzymes. These factors improve the sensitivity and speed, along with the simplicity of the procedure. Under optimal conditions, the fluorescence signal increases with the increment of HBs antigen concentration in the linear dynamic range of 4.6 × 10-9 to 0.012 ng/mL with a detection limit (LOD) of 4.6 × 10-9 ng/mL. The proposed immunosensor has great potential in developing ultrasensitive and rapid diagnostic platforms.

Synthesis and characterization of novel bithiazolidine derivatives-capped CdTe/CdS quantum dots used as a novel Hg2+ fluorescence sensor.

In the present study, (E)-2,2'-(4,4'-dioxo-2,2'-dithioxo-2H,2'H-[5,5'-bithiazolylidene]-3,3'(4H,4'H)-diyl) bis(3-mercaptopropanoic acid) (DTM) as a new derivative of thiazolidine was synthesis and characterized for the detrtmination of Hg2+ ions. Then, the CdTe@CdS QDs and DTM capped CdTe@CdS QDs were produced. The DTM-CdTe@CdS/QDs used as an effective fluorescence sensing material due to the selective interaction of DTM with Hg (II). The results indicated that the DTM-CdTe@CdS/QDs shows strong fluorescence emissions in the absence of mercury ions and efficiently quenched in presence of Hg2, with the formation of a strong and stable complex between Hg2+ and DTM. Experimental results showed that under optimal conditions, Hg2+ could be detected with a detection limit of 0.08 nM in a linear range from 0.3 nM to 21 nM. The constructed aptasensor illustrated the high selectivity for mercury ions even in the presence of the other interfering metal ions when their concentration ratio was more than 300 times. The satisfactory results illustrated that the designed fluorescence sensor as a sensitive, reliable and easy to use approach could be applied for the facile and rapid determination of Hg2+ in tap water.

CuO/WO3 nanoparticles decorated graphene oxide nanosheets with enhanced peroxidase-like activity for electrochemical cancer cell detection and targeted therapeutics.

The novel method was developed for electrochemical cancer cell detection using CuO/WO3 nanoparticle decorated graphene oxide nanosheet (CuO/WO3-GO) with enhanced peroxidase like-activity, based on catalytic reaction of H2O2 with o-Phenylenediamine (OPD). The prepared nanocomposite conjugated with folic acid (FA), as a cancer cell-targeting ligand, and a miniaturized electrochemical cell for cancer cell detection was designed. In this strategy OPD could oxidize in the presence of H2O2 on the surface of working electrode, which produced an electrochemical signal. However, the redox response signal changed by interaction of cells with FA/CuO/WO3-GO. During interaction between cells and CuO/WO3-GO, some amount of H2O2-OPD system participated in chemical reaction and removed from the electrode, resulting in a decrease in the response signal. As a consequence, cancer cells detected in wide detection range of 50 to 105 cells/mL and a detection limit of 18 cells/mL. Furthermore, the nanocomposite shows therapeutic cancer treatment through superior peroxidase activity. This work unveils an effective method for simple, sensitive and selective monitoring of cancer cells and also has the potential for efficient cancer therapy, which will open an avenue of nanozymes toward biological applications.

Ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescence immunoassay for simultaneous determination of CA125 and CA15-3 tumor markers based on PAMAM-sulfanilic acid-Ru(bpy)32+ and PAMAM-CdTe@CdS nanocomposite.

A multiplex ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunoassay was developed for the simultaneous determination of two different tumor markers, cancer antigen 153 (CA 15-3) and cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) using polyamidoamine dendrimer-quantum dots (PAMAM-QDs) and PAMAM-sulfanilic acid-Ru(bpy)32+ as the signal probes and Fe3O4-SiO2 as a magnetic bead. The CdTe@CdS- QDs and Ru(bpy)32+ at the presence of tripropyl amine (TPA) as coreactant generate ECL at an applied voltage of + 1.2V (vs Ag/AgCl) in two different wavelengths 500 and 620nm, respectively. Based on this strategy, the simultaneous detection of two tumor markers in single run carried out. This dual signal amplification technique was achieved by employing Fe3O4@SiO2-dendrimer as immunosensing platform and PAMAM as the carrier for immobilizing CdTe@CdS and Ru(bpy)32+ probes. Experimental results illustrated that the designed immunosensor can be used to sequentially detection of CA 125 and CA 15-3 markers with the wide linear ranges of 1µU/mL to 1U/mL and 0.1mU/mL to 100U/mL with very low detection limits of 0.1µU/mL and 10µU/mL, respectively. The application of the immunosensor for simultaneous detection of CA125 and CA15-3 in human serum samples was evaluated and the obtained results were found to be in acceptable agreement with the those obtained with an ELISA assay as reference method. The proposed ECL immunosensor can provide a simple, sensitive and reliable approach for the simultaneous detection of tumor markers in clinical samples.