Carbon Dots and a CdTe Quantum Dot Hybrid-Based Fluorometric Probe for Spermine Detection

Electrocatalytic FeFe2O4 embedded, spermine-imprinted polypyrrole (Fe/MIPpy) nanozymes for cancer diagnosis and prognosis

Developing synthetic materials, with enzyme-like molecular recognition capabilities, as functional receptors in electronic or electrochemical devices for the timely diagnosis of major diseases is a great challenge. Herein, we present the development of Fe/MIPpy nanozymes, characterized as enzyme-like artificial receptors, for the precise and non-invasive monitoring of cancer biomarkers in aqueous solutions and human saliva. Through the integration of PVA-stabilized FeFe2O4 nanocrystals in a molecularly imprinted conducting polypyrrole matrix, the Fe/MIPpy nanozymes demonstrate 424 nA cm-2 nM-1 sensitivity and 220 pM detection limit. Charge-transfer mechanisms, Fe/MIPpy-spermine interactions, and the principle of spermine recognition are investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The disposable Fe/MIPpy sensor operates wirelessly and offers rapid and remote quantification of spermine, making it a promising material for the development of cost-effective tools for non-invasive cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

A sensitive fluorometric-colorimetric dual-mode intelligent sensing platform for the detection of formaldehyde

Excess formaldehyde (FA) is a strong carcinogen, so the development of a rapid visualized and portable formaldehyde detection platform is of great research importance. A multi-color fluorescence sensing system constituted of model compound (NAHN) and red-emitting InP/ZnS QDs was constructed herein, which can simultaneously realize fluorometric-colorimetric dual-mode sensing when exposed to FA environment. Its preparation process was simplified, the detection process was green, and the limits of detection (LOD) were 0.623 μM and 0.791 μM, respectively. The high recoveries of FA in actual water samples indicated that the sensor had broad application prospects. The prepared fluorescent film can be utilized for rapid visual simulation analysis of FA on the surface of various fruits and vegetables. In addition, a serial logic gate was designed to quickly semi-quantitatively assess FA concentration, which promoted the realization of on-site intelligent evaluation of FA.

Quantum dots as advanced nanomaterials for food quality and safety applications: A comprehensive review and future perspectives

The importance of food quality and safety lies in ensuring the best product quality to meet consumer demands and public health. Advanced technologies play a crucial role in minimizing the risk of foodborne illnesses, contamination, drug residue, and other potential hazards in food. Significant materials and technological advancements have been made throughout the food supply chain. Among them, quantum dots (QDs), as a class of advanced nanomaterials with unique physicochemical properties, are progressively demonstrating their value in the field of food quality and safety. This review aims to explore cutting-edge research on the different applications of QDs in food quality and safety, including encapsulation of bioactive compounds, detection of food analytes, food preservation and packaging, and intelligent food freshness indicators. Moreover, the modification strategies and potential toxicities of diverse QDs are outlined, which can affect performance and hinder applications in the food industry. The findings suggested that QDs are mainly used in analyte detection and active/intelligent food packaging. Various food analytes can be detected using QD-based sensors, including heavy metal ions, pesticides, antibiotics, microorganisms, additives, and functional components. Moreover, QD incorporation aided in improving the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of film/coatings, resulting in extended shelf life for packaged food. Finally, the perspectives and critical challenges for the productivity, toxicity, and practical application of QDs are also summarized. By consolidating these essential aspects into this review, the way for developing high-performance QD-based nanomaterials is presented for researchers and food technologists to better capitalize upon this technology in food applications.

Carbon Dots and Their Polymeric Nanocomposites: Insight into Their Synthesis, Photoluminescence Mechanisms, and Recent Trends in Sensing Applications

Carbon dots (CDs), a novel class of carbon-based nanoparticles, have received a lot of interest recently due to their exceptional mechanical, chemical, and fluorescent properties, as well as their excellent photostability and biocompatibility. CDs' emission properties have already found a variety of potential applications, in which bioimaging and sensing are major highlights. It is widely acknowledged that CDs' fluorescence and surface conditions are closely linked. However, due to the structural complexity of CDs, the specific underlying process of their fluorescence is uncertain and yet to be explained. Because of their low toxicity, robust and wide optical absorption, high chemical stability, rapid transfer characteristics, and ease of modification, CDs have been recognized as promising carbon nanomaterials for a variety of sensing applications. Thus, following such outstanding properties of CDs, they have been mixed and imprinted onto different polymeric components to achieve a highly efficient nanocomposite with improved functional groups and properties. Here, in this review, various approaches and techniques for the preparation of polymer/CDs nanocomposites have been elaborated along with the individual characteristics of CDs. CDs/polymer nanocomposites recently have been highly demanded for sensor applications. The insights from this review are detailed sensor applications of polymer/CDs nanocomposites especially for detection of different chemical and biological analytes such as metal ions, small organic molecules, and several contaminants.

Fluorometric Assay of Tyrosinase and Atrazine Based on the Use of Carbon Dots and the Inhibition of Tyrosinase Activity

Sensitive and convenient strategy of tyrosinase (TYR) and its inhibitor atrazine is in pressing demand for essential research as well as pragmatic application. In this work, an exquisite label-free fluorometric assay with high sensitivity, convenience and efficiency was described for detecting TYR and the herbicide atrazine on the basis of fluorescent nitrogen-doped carbon dots (CDs). The CDs were prepared via one-pot hydrothermal reaction starting from citric acid and diethylenetriamine. TYR catalyzed the oxidation of dopamine to dopaquinone derivative which could quench the fluorescence of CDs through a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) process. Thus, a sensitive and selective quantitative evaluation of TYR can be constructed on the basis of the relationship between the fluorescence of CDs and TYR activity. Atrazine, a typical inhibitor of TYR, inhibited the catalytic activity of TYR, leading to the reduced dopaquinone and the fluorescence was retained. The strategy covered a broad linear range of 0.1-150 U/mL and 4.0-80.0 nM for TYR and atrazine respectively with a low detection limit of 0.02 U/mL and 2.4 nM/mL. It is also demonstrated that the assay can be applied to detect TYR and atrazine in spiked complex real samples, which provides infinite potential in application of disease monitoring along with environmental analysis.

A ratiometric fluorescence amine sensor based on carbon quantum dot-loaded electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride film for visual monitoring of food freshness

A ratiometric fluorescence sensor based on dual-emission carbon quantum dots (CQD) was developed to real time monitor food spoilage. Two hydrophobic electrospun fluorescent films were developed using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as the film-forming polymer in combination with CQD as the fluorescent probe. The CQD/PVDF film and CQD@PVDF film enabled the analysis of TMA with limits of detection (LODs) of 1.04 μM and 2.1 μM, respectively, and they exhibited excellent stability at 4 °C. By these virtues, the CQD@PVDF film exhibited visible fluorescence color changes from yellow green to blue by real time and nondestructively sensing volatile amines generated from beef, pork and shrimp in a packaging system with high humidity. This strategy provided a simple but useful, non-destructive, robust, and platform to real time monitor food spoilage for intelligent food packaging.

Assembly-Induced Emission of Copper Nanoclusters: Revealing the Sensing Mechanism for Detection of Volatile Basic Nitrogen in Seafood Freshness On-Site Monitoring

Total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) is a vital indicator for assessing seafood freshness and edibility. Rapid on-site detection of volatile basic nitrogen (VBN) is of significant importance for food safety monitoring. In this study, highly luminescent self-assembled copper nanoclusters (Cu NCs@p-MBA), synthesized using p-mercaptobenzoic acid (p-MBA) as the ligand, were utilized for the sensitive detection of VBNs. Under acidic conditions, Cu NCs@p-MBA formed compact and well-organized nanosheets through noncovalent interactions, accompanied by intense orange fluorescence emission (651 nm). The benzene carboxylic acid part of Cu NCs@p-MBA provided the driving force for supramolecular assembly and exhibited a strong affinity for amines, particularly low-molecular-weight amines such as ammonia (NH3) and trimethylamine (TMA). The quantitative determination of NH3 and TMA showed the detection limits as low as 0.33 and 0.81 ppm, respectively. Cu NCs@p-MBA also demonstrated good responsiveness to putrescine and histamine. Through density functional theory (DFT) calculations and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, the precise atomic structure, assembly structure, luminescent properties, and reaction processes of Cu NCs@p-MBA were studied, revealing the sensing mechanism of Cu NCs@p-MBA for highly sensitive detection of VBNs. Based on the self-assembled Cu NCs@p-MBA nanosheets, portable fluorescent labels were developed for semiquantitative, visual, and real-time monitoring of seafood freshness. Therefore, this study exemplified the high sensitivity of self-assembly induced emission (SAIE)-type Cu NCs@p-MBA for VBNs sensing, offering an efficient solution for on-site monitoring of seafood freshness.

A dually emissive MPA-CdTe QDs@N, S-GQD nanosensor for sensitive and selective detection of 4-nitrophenol using two turn-off signals

4-Nitrophenol (4-NP) is an extremely poisonous and carcinogenic phenol that poses serious health issues to humans. Therefore, it becomes highly demanded and urgent to determine 4-NP in water samples. In this study, we developed a facile and effective dually-emissive nanosensor containing simply mixed CdTe quantum dots (CdTe QDs) and N, S modified graphene quantum dots (N, S-GQDs) for 4-NP. The synthesized CdTe QDs and N, S-GQDs exhibited excitation-independent emission located at 540 nm and 420 nm, respectively. The nanosensor displayed two turn-off fluorescent signals when exposed to 4-NP. The degree of quenching varied depending on the excitation wavelength range used, which can be explained by the quenching phenomenon based on the inner filter effect (IFE). Moreover, analysis of the recorded excitation-emission matrix (EEM) data using the parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) technique revealed a negative emission spectrum corresponding to non-emissive 4-NP. On the other hand, the species with no peak in fluorescence data had a negative spectrum as the PARAFAC emission loading. Under the optimized conditions, the CdTe QDs@GQD nanosensor achieved fast and highly sensitive detection of 4-NP within the concentration range of 0.0-30.0 μM, with a detection limit of 0.52 μΜ.

Machine Learning-Assisted High-Throughput Strategy for Real-Time Detection of Spermine Using a Triple-Emission Ratiometric Probe

In this study, we designed and fabricated a spermine-responsive triple-emission ratiometric fluorescent probe using dual-emissive carbon nanoparticles and quantum dots, which improve the sensor's accuracy and reduce interfering environmental effects. The probe is advantageous for the proportionate detection of spermine because it has good emission resolution, and the maximum points of the two emission peaks differ by 95 nm. As a proof of concept, cuvettes and a 96-well plate were combined with a smartphone and YOLO series algorithms to accomplish real-time, visual, and high-throughput detection of seafood and meat freshness. In addition, the reaction mechanism was verified by density functional theory and fundamental characterizations. Upon exposure to different amounts of spermine, the intensity of the fluorescent probe changed linearly, and the fluorescent color shifted from yellow-green to red, with a limit of detection of 0.33 μM. To enable visual identification of food-originated spermine, a hydrogel-based visual sensing platform was successfully developed utilizing the triple-emission fluorescent probe. Consequently, spermine could be identified and quantified without complicated equipment.

A Novel L-Arginine Functionalized CdTe Quantum Dots Fluorescence Probe for Pyrophosphate Anion Detection

In this paper, a novel amino acid surface-functionalized semiconductor CdTe quantum dot fluorescent probe amidated by carboxyl and amide groups was synthesized to detect pyrophosphate ions (P2O74-, PPi). L-Arginine (L-Arg) was grafted onto cysteine modified CdTe quantum dots (Mea-CdTe QDs) to form a new L-Arginine-functionalized quantum dot fluorescent probe (L-Arg@Mea-CdTe). The prepared probe has good optical properties with multiple grafted functional groups on the surface. The guanidine group of the L-Arg@Mea-CdTe fluorescent probe is strongly basic and will be fully protonated under physiological conditions. The resulting hydrogen bonds bound to pyrophosphate lead to significant changes in the fluorescence of CdTe quantum dots. IR and XPS characterization were performed to confirm it. The addition of PPi induces a significant fluorescence quenching of L-Arg@Mea-CdTe in aqueous solution. The fluorescent QDs probe can also detect pyrophosphate with good sensitivity and anti-interference performance. The detection limit of the L-Arg@Mea-CdTe fluorescence probe for PPi is as low as 0.30 μM. In addition, the novel nano-fluorescent probe was successfully applied to detect PPi in water and in cell imaging.

Order-order assembly transition-driven polyamines detection based on iron-sulfur complexes

Innovative modes of response can greatly push forward chemical sensing processes and subsequently improve sensing performance. Classical chemical sensing modes seldom involve the transition of a delicate molecular assembly during the response. Here, we display a sensing mode for polyamine detection based on an order-order transition of iron-sulfur complexes upon their assembly. Strong validation proves that the unique order-order transition of the assemblies is the driving force of the response, in which the polyamine captures the metal ion of the iron-sulfur complex, leading it to decompose into a metal-polyamine product, accompanied by an order-order transition of the assemblies. This mechanism makes the detection process more intuitive and selective, and remarkably improves the detection efficiency, achieving excellent polyamines specificity, second-level response, convenient visual detection, and good recyclability of the sensing system. Furthermore, this paper also provides opportunities for the further application of the iron-sulfur platform in environment-related fields.

Aggregates-based fluorescence sensing technology for food hazard detection: Principles, improvement strategies, and applications

Aggregates often exhibit modified or completely new properties compared with their molecular elements, making them an extraordinarily advantageous form of materials. The fluorescence signal change characteristics resulting from molecular aggregation endow aggregates with high sensitivity and broad applicability. In molecular aggregates, the photoluminescence properties at the molecular level can be annihilated or elevated, leading to aggregation-causing quenching (ACQ) or aggregation-induced emission (AIE) effects. This change in photoluminescence properties can be intelligently introduced in food hazard detection. Recognition units can combine with the aggregate-based sensor by joining the aggregation process, endowing the sensor with the high specificity of analytes (such as mycotoxins, pathogens, and complex organic molecules). In this review, aggregation mechanisms, structural characteristics of fluorescent materials (including ACQ/AIE-activated), and their applications in food hazard detection (with/without recognition units) are summarized. Because the design of aggregate-based sensors may be influenced by the properties of their components, the sensing mechanisms of different fluorescent materials were described separately. Details of fluorescent materials, including conventional organic dyes, carbon nanomaterials, quantum dots, polymers and polymer-based nanostructures and metal nanoclusters, and recognition units, such as aptamer, antibody, molecular imprinting, and host-guest recognition, are discussed. In addition, future trends of developing aggregate-based fluorescence sensing technology in monitoring food hazards are also proposed.

A ratiometric fluorescence sensor based on gold silver nanoclusters and tungsten disulfide quantum dots with simple fabrication for the detection of copper ions in river water

Copper plays a key role in the human body; meanwhile, excess Cu²⁺ ions can result in various diseases. Nanoclusters (NCs) are often used to measure Cu²⁺ ions, but there are two difficulties. On the one hand, a single probe of NCs is easily affected by environmental factors. On the other hand, it is difficult to mask the interference of Pb²⁺ ions and Cd²⁺ ions in the process of detecting Cu²⁺ ions. As a new type of quantum dots (QDs), tungsten disulfide quantum dots (WS₂-QDs) have some advantages of simple synthesis and stable luminescence properties. Stable WS₂-QDs with blue fluorescence are used as a reference probe, while gold silver nanoclusters (AuAgNCs) with red fluorescence are used as a response probe. A ratiometric fluorescent sensor was constructed by mixing the two styles of fluorescent probes, which is abbreviated as NCs/QDs. This nano-sensor can be used to detect the concentration of Cu²⁺ ions, in which the fluorescence of QDs does not change significantly, while the fluorescence of NCs can be quenched by Cu²⁺ ions. The concentration of Cu²⁺ ions can be determined as low as 0.12 μM with a linear range from 0.3 to 3 μM. The common interference caused by Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions can be eliminated by the phosphate buffer solution (PBS). This sensor was used to detect the concentration of Cu²⁺ in river water with satisfactory results.

Semiconductor/Carbon Quantum Dot-based Hue Recognition Strategy for Point of Need Testing: A Review

The requirement to establish novel methods for visual detection is attracting attention in many application fields of analytical chemistry, such as, healthcare, environment, agriculture, and food. The research around subjects like "point-of-need", "hue recognition", "paper-based sensor", "fluorescent sensor", etc. has been always aimed at the opportunity to manufacture convenient and fast-response devices to be used by non-specialists. It is possible to achieve economic rationality and technical simplicity for optical sensing toward target analytes through introduction of fluorescent semiconductor/carbon quantum dot (QD) and paper-based substrates. In this Review, the mechanisms of anthropic visual recognition and fluorescent visual assays, characteristics of semiconductor/carbon QDs and ratiometric fluorescence test paper, and strategies of semiconductor/carbon QD-based hue recognition are described. We cover latest progress in the development and application of point-of-need sensors for visual detection, which is based on a semiconductor/carbon quantum dot-based hue recognition strategy generated by ratiometric fluorescence technology.

Current Progress of Ratiometric Fluorescence Sensors Based on Carbon Dots in Foodborne Contaminant Detection

Carbon dots (CDs) are widely used in the detection of foodborne contaminants because of their biocompatibility, photoluminescence stability, and ease of chemical modification. In order to solve the interference problem of complexity in food matrices, the development of ratiometric fluorescence sensors shows great prospects. In this review, the progress of ratiometric fluorescence sensors based on CDs in foodborne contaminant detection in recent years will be summarized, focusing on the functionalized modification of CDs, the fluorescence sensing mechanism, the types of ratiometric fluorescence sensors, and the application of portable devices. In addition, the outlook on the development of the field will be presented, with the development of smartphone applications and related software helping to better enable the on-site detection of foodborne contaminants to ensure food safety and human health.

Advances in Ultra-small Fluorescence Nanoprobes for Detection of Metal Ions, Drugs, Pesticides and Biomarkers

Identification of trace level chemical species (drugs, pesticides, metal ions and biomarkers) plays key role in environmental monitoring. Recently, fluorescence assay has shown significant advances in detecting of trace level drugs, pesticides, metal ions and biomarkers in real samples. Ultra-small nanostructure materials (metal nanoclusters (NCs), quantum dots (QDs) and carbon dots (CDs)) have been integrated with fluorescence spectrometer for sensitive and selective analysis of trace level target analytes in various samples including environmental and biological samples. This review summarizes the properties of metal NCs and ligand chemistry for the fabrication of metal NCs. We also briefly summarized the synthetic routes for the preparation of QDs and CDs. Advances of ultra-small fluorescent nanosensors (NCs, QDs and CDs) for sensing of metal ions, drugs, pesticides and biomarkers in various sample matrices are briefly discussed. Additionally, we discuss the recent challenges and future perspectives of ultra-small materials as fluorescent sensors for assaying of wide variety of target analytes in real samples.

Construction of mitochondria targeted and FRET based ratiometric sensing nanoplatform for sulfur dioxide accurate detection in vitro and in vivo

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is a key molecule in organisms that is involved in the regulation of different physiological procedures. Aberrant SO₂ causes a variety of diseases, such as cancer and neurodegeneration. Thus, sensitive and selective detection of SO₂ is of great importance. Based on the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) between green fluorescence carbon dots (GCDs) donor and amide-linked near-infrared fluorescence emissive organic small molecular dye (CDDBT) acceptor, one ratiometric fluorescent nano platform, Mito-GCDs-CDDBT for mitochondria SO₂ sensing was constructed. In this FRET sensing system, CDDBT served as the receptor for SO₂, and the presence of SO₂ enhanced GCDs green fluorescence signal and quenched CDDBT near-infrared fluorescence signal due to the disruption of FRET. Mito-GCDs-CDDBT could sensitively detect SO₂ with a detection limit of as low as 0.701 μM. Meanwhile, Mito-GCDs-CDDBT achieved fluorescence imaging to measure the response of cellular exogenous and endogenous SO₂ with remarkable mitochondrial targeting. Moreover, Mito-GCDs-CDDBT also realized SO₂ sensing in vivo including zebrafish and mice. The as-prepared versatile nanoplatform displayed several advantages, such as mitochondria targeting, FRET-based sensitive detection, and sensing capabilities in biological milieu. Potentially, it could be applied in the diagnostics of SO₂ involved diseases.

Recent advances in nanomaterials-based optical sensors for detection of various biomarkers (inorganic species, organic and biomolecules)

This review briefly emphasizes the different detection approaches (electrochemical sensors, chemiluminescence, surface-enhanced Raman scattering), functional nanostructure materials (quantum dots, metal nanoparticles, metal nanoclusters, magnetic nanomaterials, metal oxide nanoparticles, polymer-based nanomaterials, and carbonaceous nanomaterials) and detection mechanisms. Further, this review emphasis on the integration of functional nanomaterials with optical spectroscopic techniques for the identification of various biomarkers (nucleic acids, glucose, uric acid, oxytocin, dopamine, ascorbic acid, bilirubin, spermine, serotonin, thiocyanate, Pb²⁺ , Cu²⁺ , Hg²⁺ , F^- , peptides, and cancer biomarkers (mucin 1, prostate specific antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen, CA15-3, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6). Analytical characteristics of nanomaterials-based optical sensors are summarized in Tables, providing the insights of nanomaterials-based optical sensors for biomarkers detection. Finally, the opportunities and challenges of nanomaterials-based optical analytical approaches for the detection of various biomarkers (inorganic, organic, biomolecules, peptides and proteins) are discussed.

A sustainable luminescence-enhanced tri-assembly of polyoxometalate-peptide-polyamine developed for ultrasensitive spermine determination and discrimination

A supramolecular strategy with sustainable emission amplification of an environmentally sensitive polyoxometalate, Na₉[EuW₁₀O₃₆]·32H₂O (EuW₁₀), has been constructed for the Spm determination and discrimination. The EuW₁₀ has no response to Put and other biogenic amine but a sensitive response to Spm (LOD = 0.56 nM) and Spd (LOD = 85.93 nM), respectively. Assembling with a cationic peptide from HPV E6, GL-22, achieved the EuW₁₀/GL-22 assembly, which showed a unique enhanced emission response to Spm and distinguished it from Spd successfully. Furthermore, a synergistic rather than competitive binding of Spm to the EuW₁₀/GL-22 assembly was revealed using FT-IR, and NMR titration spectra, together with DLS and TEM, essentially for the three-component sensing system. Besides, both EuW₁₀ and EuW₁₀/GL-22 assembly were successfully applied to the Spm determination in human urine and serum, suggesting the potential of these sensing approaches in detecting trace amounts of Spm in the clinic. Therefore, the constructed supramolecular assembly can detect the Spm sensitively (LOD = 2.0 nM) and efficiently distinguish it step-wise from other biogenic amines. It is a facile, straightforward, sensitive, and selective strategy for Spm determination and discrimination, which will be helpful in addressing the related biological and clinical requirements.

A highly selective and sensitive "on-off" fluorescent probe for detecting cadmium ions and l-cysteine based on nitrogen and boron co-doped carbon quantum dots

Cadmium ions (Cd2+) have caused relatively serious pollution, threatening human health and ecosystems. l-Cysteine (l-Cys) is an essential amino acid in living organisms and concentration of l-Cys is closely related to some human diseases. In this work, we first introduced 2-amino-3-hydroxypyridine and sodium borohydride as the nitrogen source and boron source to fabricate boron and nitrogen co-doped carbon quantum dots (N,B-CQDs) with high fluorescence quantum yield (21.2%), which were synthesized through a simple, low-consumption and pollution-free one-pot hydrothermal method. The obtained N,B-CQDs are able to detect Cd2+ rapidly and sensitively through fluorescence enhancement, which may be ascribed to chelation enhanced fluorescence that is induced by the formation of the N,B-CQDs/Cd2+ complex. Simultaneously, N,B-CQDs can be used to detect l-cysteine because significant fluorescence quenching was observed when l-Cys was added into the N,B-CQDs/Cd2+ system. In the two fluorescence "turn-on" and "turn-off" processes, this fluorescent probe obtained a good linear relationship over Cd2+ concentration ranging from 2.5 µM to 22.5 µM with a detection limit of 0.45 µM, while the concentration of l-cysteine showed a linear relationship in the range of 2.5-17.5 µM with a detection limit of 0.28 µM. The sensor has been successfully used to detect Cd2+ and l-cysteine in real samples with satisfying results.

Photoluminescent and visual determination of ibandronic acid using a carbon dots/AgInS2 quantum dots ratiometric sensing platform

A sensing platform combining carbon dots (CDs, with blue emission) and thiomalic acid (TMA)-capped AgInS₂ quantum dots (QDs, with orange emission) was developed aiming the photoluminescence (PL) ratiometric determination of ibandronic acid (IBAN), a bisphosphonate pharmaceutical. The ternary AgInS₂ QDs were used for IBAN probing, undergoing a concentration-related PL quenching in its presence, whilst the PL of CDs remained practically unaffected due to its chemical inertness towards the antiresorptive drug, provided an intrinsic self-reference fluorophore. In addition, a visual sensing approach was also proposed, employing for the first time ternary QDs. This relied on RGB images acquired by means of a digital camera and seek the development of a rapid IBAN screening test. The developed sensing platforms were employed for IBAN determination in samples with pharmaceutical interest providing good results, in accordance to the reported IBAN levels, and obtaining recovery values between 98 and 103%.

Highly sensitive and selective detection of butachlor based on the resonance light scattering of doped carbon quantum dots

In this work, a new method of resonance light scattering was developed for the sensitive and selective detection of butachlor. Firstly, buckwheat was used as the main carbon source to prepare a new type of doped carbon quantum dot using the hydrothermal method. A new method for the determination of butachlor was then established by the change in resonance light scattering intensity after the addition of butachlor into the doped carbon quantum dot solution. The detection effect was successfully optimized by investigating the optimum reaction conditions. Under the optimum conditions, the resonance light scattering intensity of doped carbon quantum dots was greatly enhanced at 460 nm after the addition of butachlor, and the intensity changes were linearly correlated with the butachlor concentration in the range of 1-7 μg L^-1. The detection limit was 0.136 μg L^-1, and the recoveries ranged between 98.6% and 101.8%. This method was also used for butachlor detection in environmental water.

Molecular Probes, Chemosensors, and Nanosensors for Optical Detection of Biorelevant Molecules and Ions in Aqueous Media and Biofluids

Synthetic molecular probes, chemosensors, and nanosensors used in combination with innovative assay protocols hold great potential for the development of robust, low-cost, and fast-responding sensors that are applicable in biofluids (urine, blood, and saliva). Particularly, the development of sensors for metabolites, neurotransmitters, drugs, and inorganic ions is highly desirable due to a lack of suitable biosensors. In addition, the monitoring and analysis of metabolic and signaling networks in cells and organisms by optical probes and chemosensors is becoming increasingly important in molecular biology and medicine. Thus, new perspectives for personalized diagnostics, theranostics, and biochemical/medical research will be unlocked when standing limitations of artificial binders and receptors are overcome. In this review, we survey synthetic sensing systems that have promising (future) application potential for the detection of small molecules, cations, and anions in aqueous media and biofluids. Special attention was given to sensing systems that provide a readily measurable optical signal through dynamic covalent chemistry, supramolecular host-guest interactions, or nanoparticles featuring plasmonic effects. This review shall also enable the reader to evaluate the current performance of molecular probes, chemosensors, and nanosensors in terms of sensitivity and selectivity with respect to practical requirement, and thereby inspiring new ideas for the development of further advanced systems.

Fluorescent Carbon Dots and their Applications in Sensing of Small Organic Molecules

Background:

Fluorescence-based sensing is considered highly sensitive and fluorescent probes with improved properties are always desired. Fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) are newly emerging quasi-spherical nanoparticles of less than 10 nm in size and belong to the carbon nano-material’s family. CDs have great potential as fluorescent probes and currently are under open deliberation by the researchers due to their striking properties such as low environmental hazard, high selectivity, greater sensitivity, good biocompatibility, tunable fluorescent properties and excitation dependent multicolor emission behavior.

Introduction:

This review demonstrates various available methods for fabrication of fluorescent CDs, capping of CDs and characterization with various techniques including UV-visible, FT-IR, and TEM. Analytical applications using CDs for the sensing of small organic molecules, specifically nitroaromatic compounds in the environmental samples are complied.

Methods:

The review covers literature related to synthesis and characterization of carbon dots. It includes around 171 research articles in this field.

Results:

Carbon dots can be synthesized using numerous routes. In all cases CDs possess spectral properties with little variation in wavelength maxima. Optical properties of CDs can be tuned by compositing these with metallic quantum dots or by modifying their surface with desired functionalities. HR-TEM is needed to see the morphology and size of particles whereas UV-Visible and FTIR are indispensable tools for this kind of research. These particles are successfully applied to sense small molecules in some matrices.

Conclusion:

Carbon dots are bright stars in fluorescent sensing of small molecules. However, more research is needed to determine small organic molecules in diversified areas of analysis.

Ratiometric fluorescent nanoprobes based on carbon dots and multicolor CdTe quantum dots for multiplexed determination of heavy metal ions

Owing to the high risk to human and environmental health, heavy metal pollution has become a global problem. Rapid, accurate and multiplexed determination of heavy metal ions is critical. In this work, we reported a promising approach to designing ratiometric fluorescent nanoprobes for multiplexed determination of Hg²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Ag⁺ ions. The nanoprobes (CDs-QDx) were designed by mixing the CDs and multicolor CdTe QDs without the involvement of recognition elements. The CDs were insensitive to heavy metal ions while CdTe QDs showed the size-dependent fluorescence response to different heavy metal ions, thereby establishing a ratiometric detection scheme by measuring the fluorescence intensity ratios of CDs-QDx systems. By evaluating the detection performance, the CDs-QDx (x = 570, 650, and 702) were successfully used for differentiation and quantification of Hg²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Ag⁺ ions. In addition, we also carried out the detection of heavy metal ions in actual samples with acceptable results. We believed that this work offers new insight into the design of ratiometric fluorescent nanoprobe for multiplexed determination of not only heavy metals but also some other analytes by combining the CDs with CdTe QDs with fine-tuned sizes.

A Fluorescence Method Based on N, S-Doped Carbon Dots for Detection of Ammonia in Aquaculture Water and Freshness of Fish

Excessive ammonia can cause the death of fish and the eutrophication of the water environment, so ammonia detection is essential for environmental monitoring. In this study, a highly selective sensing strategy for ammonia detection based on N, S co-doped carbon dots (N, S-CDs) was developed. The as-prepared N, S-CDs exhibited excellent photoluminescence properties and fluorescent stability. N, S-CDs demonstrated fluorescence quenched in the presence of ammonia in the wide linear range of 2–80 mmol/L, and were highly selective towards ammonia over metal ions. Furthermore, a possible fluorescence quenching mechanism is proposed. N, S-CDs were further applied to detection of ammonia in aquaculture water samples and river water samples, showing good practicability with recoveries from 0.93 to 1.27 and relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 0.54% to 17.3%. N, S-CDs were also successfully used to determine the freshness of bighead carps.

A Fluorescent Metal-Organic Framework for Food Real-Time Visual Monitoring

Due to increasing food-safety issues, exploiting efficient approaches for food quality assessment and instrumentation has attracted concerns worldwide. Herein, a smart evaluation system based on a fluorescent metal-organic framework (MOF) is developed for real-time visual monitoring of food freshness. Via post-synthetic modification, a ratiometric fluorescent MOF probe is constructed by covalently coupling fluorescein 5-isothiocyanate (5-FITC) with NH₂ -rich lanthanide MOF. The probes exhibit a dual-emissive-responsive to biogenic amine, resulting in an increase in FITC emission along with a decrease in Eu³⁺ emission accompanied by a clear distinguishable color transition from orange red to green. After doping the probes on a flexible substrate, the obtained MOF composite film can be integrated with a smartphone-based portable platform easily. It is proved that this smart evaluation system can be used for on-site inspection of the freshness of raw fish samples. This work develops a fluorescent MOF-based smart evaluation system as a novel platform for application in food monitoring, which not only has enormous economic value but also holds great public health significance.

A fluorescence biosensor based on single-stranded DNA and carbon quantum dots for acrylamide detection

As a potential carcinogen produced in food thermal processing, acrylamide (AM) can cause irreversible harm to human health. For the detection of AM in food products, a simple fluorescent biosensor based on single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and carbon quantum dots (CQDs) was developed. Reduced fluorescence intensity of CQDs at 445 nm (excitation at 350 nm) was induced by the attachment of ssDNA. In the presence of AM, ssDNA was preferentially bound to AM by hydrogen bonding and the degree of fluorescence reduction was smaller than that without AM. Under optimized conditions, results showed that the sensing approach for detecting AM had a low detection limit of 2.41 × 10^-8 M in the standard solution, and a linear relationship ranging from 5 × 10^-3 to 1 × 10^-7 M with the determination coefficient (R²) of 0.9895 was obtained. Furthermore, a good recovery percentage (91.36-98.11%) in bread crust showed the potential for practical applications of this proposed biosensor.

Insights and Perspectives Regarding Nanostructured Fluorescent Materials toward Tackling COVID-19 and Future Pandemics

The COVID-19 outbreak has exposed the world's preparation to fight against unknown/unexplored infectious and life-threatening pathogens. The unavailability of vaccines, slow or sometimes unreliable real-time virus/bacteria detection techniques, insufficient personal protective equipment (PPE), and a shortage of ventilators and many other transportation equipments have further raised serious concerns. Material research has been playing a pivotal role in developing antimicrobial agents for water treatment and photodynamic therapy, fast and ultrasensitive biosensors for virus/biomarkers detection, as well as for relevant biomedical and environmental applications. It has been noticed that these research efforts nowadays primarily focus on the nanomaterials-based platforms owing to their simplicity, reliability, and feasibility. In particular, nanostructured fluorescent materials have shown key potential due to their fascinating optical and unique properties at the nanoscale to combat against a COVID-19 kind of pandemic. Keeping these points in mind, this review attempts to give a perspective on the four key fluorescent materials of different families, including carbon dots, metal nanoclusters, aggregation-induced-emission luminogens, and MXenes, which possess great potential for the development of ultrasensitive biosensors and infective antimicrobial agents to fight against various infections/diseases. Particular emphasis has been given to the biomedical and environmental applications that are linked directly or indirectly to the efforts in combating COVID-19 pandemics. This review also aims to raise the awareness of researchers and scientists across the world to utilize such powerful materials in tackling similar pandemics in future.

A dual-analytes responsive fluorescent probe for discriminative detection of ClO- and N2H4 in living cells

Hydrazine (N2H4) and ClO- are very harmful for public health, hence it is important and necessary to monitor them in living cells. Herein, we rationally designed and synthesized a dual-analytes responsive fluorescent sensor PTMQ for distinguishing detection of N2H4 and ClO-. PTMQ underwent N2H4-induced double bond cleavage, affording colorimetric and green fluorescence enhancement with good selectivity and a low detection limit (89nM). On the other hand, PTMQ underwent ClO--induced sulfur oxidation and displayed red fluorescence lighting-up response towards ClO- with good selectivity, rapid response (<0.2min) and a low detection limit (58nM). Moreover, PTMQ was successfully employed for in-situ imaging of N2H4 and ClO- in living cells.

A carbon dot-based fluorometric probe for oxytetracycline detection utilizing a Förster resonance energy transfer mechanism

A carbon dot (CD)-based fluorometric probe for oxytetracycline (OTC) detection utilizing a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanism was firstly developed. Upon addition of OTC, the blue fluorescence of the CDs peaked at 405 nm was quickly quenched, with a new fluorescence peaked at 505 nm attributed to OTC was observed within 30 s. A visual fluorescent color change of the CDs solution from blue to green was discerned under a 365 nm UV light irradiation. The CDs displayed a high sensitivity and selectivity toward OTC with a low detection limit of 0.41 μM. Furthermore, the probe was applied to detect OTC in water, milk, and pork samples with a satisfied recovery.

Formation of the Cd2Te2O7 phase induced by chemical etching and its influence on the electrical properties of Au/CdTe contacts

Cd₂Te₂O₇ phase was firstly discovered at the surface of CdTe after chemical etching process. Such phase is confirmed to increase the surface leakage current and optimize the ohmic contact of Au/CdTe.