A Self-Assembled Ratiometric Polymeric Nanoprobe for Highly Selective Fluorescence Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide

Design of lanthanide-doped carbon dots Nanochemosensor for Paper-strip based as well as in-vitro Turn-off-on detection of Fe2+ ions and hydrogen peroxide

Shifting emission wavelengths through different excitation methods can provide valuable insights; however, the reduced intensity of the shifted peaks often presents challenges in practical applications. In this work, we report the exceptional enhancement of optical and chemical properties of carbon dots (CDs) by simple doping of erbium ions (Er3+ ions). Doping carbon dots (CDs) with Er3+ ions can significantly enhance their photoluminescence properties and emission wavelengths are tunable across the entire visible region. The increase in quantum yield from 24.7 % to 30.2 % could enhance the performance of these materials in practical applications. The Er3+ ions-doped carbon dots (Er@CDs) are designed via a single-step hydrothermal method and used as a fluorescence probe for signal turn-off-on detections of Fe2+ ions and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The fluorescence signal of Er@CDs is turn-off by the addition of Fe2+ ions and turn-on after addition of H2O2 with the detection of limits are 51.7 nM & 55 µM, respectively. The fluorescence intensity of Er@CDs turn-off by Fe2+ ions may be due to the cation exchange of Er3+ ions with Fe2+ ions and turn-on via Fenton's process. This sensing probe follows both dynamic and static quenching mechanism and described by fluorescence lifetime decay and zeta potentials analysis. The synthesized Er@CDs is utilized for paper-based turn-off-on detection of Fe2+ ions and H2O2. Additionally, the low cytotoxicity and small particle size of the Er@CDs make them ideal for in-vitro turn-off-on detection of Fe2+ ions and H2O2 in Hep G2 cancer cells.

Surface Bio-engineered Polymeric Nanoparticles

Surface bio-engineering of polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) has emerged as a cornerstone in contemporary biomedical research, presenting a transformative avenue that can revolutionize diagnostics, therapies, and drug delivery systems. The approach involves integrating bioactive elements on the surfaces of PNPs, aiming to provide them with functionalities to enable precise, targeted, and favorable interactions with biological components within cellular environments. However, the full potential of surface bio-engineered PNPs in biomedicine is hampered by obstacles, including precise control over surface modifications, stability in biological environments, and lasting targeted interactions with cells or tissues. Concerns like scalability, reproducibility, and long-term safety also impede translation to clinical practice. In this review, these challenges in the context of recent breakthroughs in developing surface-biofunctionalized PNPs for various applications, from biosensing and bioimaging to targeted delivery of therapeutics are discussed. Particular attention is given to bonding mechanisms that underlie the attachment of bioactive moieties to PNP surfaces. The stability and efficacy of surface-bioengineered PNPs are critically reviewed in disease detection, diagnostics, and treatment, both in vitro and in vivo settings. Insights into existing challenges and limitations impeding progress are provided, and a forward-looking discussion on the field's future is presented. The paper concludes with recommendations to accelerate the clinical translation of surface bio-engineered PNPs.

Fluorescent nano- and microparticles for sensing cellular microenvironment: past, present and future applications

The tumor microenvironment (TME) demonstrates distinct hallmarks, including acidosis, hypoxia, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and altered ion fluxes, which are crucial targets for early cancer biomarker detection, tumor diagnosis, and therapeutic strategies. Various imaging and sensing techniques have been developed and employed in both research and clinical settings to visualize and monitor cellular and TME dynamics. Among these, ratiometric fluorescence-based sensors have emerged as powerful analytical tools, providing precise and sensitive insights into TME and enabling real-time detection and tracking of dynamic changes. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the latest advancements in ratiometric fluorescent probes designed for the optical mapping of pH, oxygen, ROS, ions, and biomarkers within the TME. We elucidate their structural designs and sensing mechanisms as well as their applications in in vitro and in vivo detection. Furthermore, we explore integrated sensing platforms that reveal the spatiotemporal behavior of complex tumor cultures, highlighting the potential of high-resolution imaging techniques combined with computational methods. This review aims to provide a solid foundation for understanding the current state of the art and the future potential of fluorescent nano- and microparticles in the field of cellular microenvironment sensing.

Stimuli-Responsive Triblock Terpolymer Conversion into Multi-Stimuli-Responsive Micelles with Dynamic Covalent Bonds for Drug Delivery through a Quick and Controllable Post-Polymerization Reaction

Stimuli-responsive copolymers are of great interest for targeted drug delivery. This study reports on a controllable post-polymerization quaternization with 2-bromomethyl-4-fluorophenylboronic acid of the poly(4-vinyl pyridine) (P4VP) block of a common poly(styrene)-b-poly(4-vinyl pyridine)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (SVE) triblock terpolymer in order to achieve a selective responsivity to various diols. For this purpose, a reproducible method was established for P4VP block quaternization at a defined ratio, confirming the reaction yield by ¹¹B, ¹H NMR. Then, a reproducible self-assembly protocol is designed for preparing stable micelles from functionalized stimuli-responsive triblock terpolymers, which are characterized by light scattering and by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy. In addition, UV-Vis spectroscopy is used to monitor the boron-ester bonding and hydrolysis with alizarin as a model drug and to study encapsulation and release of this drug, induced by sensing with three geminal diols: fructose, galactose and ascorbic acid. The obtained results show that only the latter, with the vicinal diol group on sp²-hybridized carbons, was efficient for alizarin release. Therefore, the post-polymerization method for triblock terpolymer functionalization presented in this study allows for preparation of specific stimuli-responsive systems with a high potential for targeted drug delivery, especially for cancer treatment.

A novel hydrogen peroxide fluorescent probe for bioimaging detection and enables multiple redox cycles

In this subject, a novel hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) fluorescent probe (MNG) was designed and developed using naphthalimide derivatives and selenomorpholine. In PBS buffer (10 mM, pH = 7.4, 1 %DMSO), the selenomorpholine on the probe is capable of qualitatively and quantitatively detecting (H₂O₂) at a small amount under a detection limit of 61 nM. The probe follows a mechanism that Se (Ⅱ) in selenomorpholine is transformed to Se (Ⅳ), thus changing the spectra of the probe MNG. It is noteworthy that MNG can continuously make a cyclic response to H₂O₂ and glutathione (GSH), so it can potentially achieve redox process imaging in vivo. Moreover, this subject verified the redox process of the probe's continuous redox response in the Gaussian 09 programme through simulation calculation and mass spectrometry. The probe exhibits high biocompatibility. Moreover, it can detect H₂O₂ in MCF-7 cells and Argentine Bloodfin.

Comparison of Hydrogen Peroxide Secretion From Living Cells Cultured in Different Formats Using Hydrogel-Based LSPR Substrates

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), a number of reactive molecules and free radicals derived from molecular oxygen, are generated as by-products during mitochondrial electron transport within cells. Physiologically, cells are capable of metabolizing the ROS exploiting specific mechanisms. However, if excessive ROS accumulate inside the cells, it will cause the cells apoptosis or necrosis. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is one of the essential ROS often participating in chemical reactions in organisms and regulating homeostasis in the body. Therefore, rapid and sensitive detection of H₂O₂ is a significant task in cell biology research. Furthermore, it has been found that cells cultured in different formats can result in different cellular responses and biological activities. In order to investigate the H₂O₂ secretion from the cells cultured in different formats, a hydrogel-based substrate is exploited to separate relatively large molecular (e.g., proteins) for direct measurement of H₂O₂ secreted from living cells in complete cell culture medium containing serum. The substrate takes advantage of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) method based on enzyme immunoprecipitation. In addition, the H₂O₂ secreted from the cells cultured in different dimensions (suspension of single cells and three-dimensional cell spheroids) treated with identical drugs is measured and compared. The spheroid samples can be prepared with ample amount using a designed microfluidic device with precise control of size. The results show that the H₂O₂ secretion from the cells are great affected by their culture formats.

Naked-Eye Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide on Photoluminescent Paper Discs

We have developed a turn-on photoluminescence protocol to detect hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) utilizing a supramolecular hydrogel as a sensing platform. Hydrogen peroxide is widely used in formulations, starting from healthcare products to explosives. It is also known to induce deleterious health effects at its irregular physiological concentration and considered as a biomarker in various disease conditions. We designed molecule 2, which releases the Tb³⁺ sensitizer biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (1) upon unmasking by hydrogen peroxide. This chemistry led us to develop a sensitive photoluminescence assay for H₂O₂ through the 1-induced photoluminescence of terbium (Tb³⁺) in a hydrogel matrix. Paper discs (0.45 cm) were coated with the soft hydrogel to make the sensing process simple and cost-effective. The green luminescence from the paper discs, observed under a UV lamp, allowed naked-eye detection of H₂O₂ in the micromolar level without any sophisticated instrumentation. Image processing software or a plate reader can be used for the accurate quantification of the analyte in micromolar and nanomolar ranges. Several commercial hand sanitizers containing hydrogen peroxide were tested by this method. The results indicated that this low-cost system could be practically adopted, especially in resource-limited areas, to quantify/detect H₂O₂ for quality control purposes or other applications.

Hydrophilic polymer driven crystallization self-assembly: an inflammatory multi-drug combination nanosystem against Alzheimer's disease

The hydrophobic polymer driven crystallization of self-assembled micelles is usually sufficient for their purposes in materials chemistry studies. However, with the state of smart drug delivery research, micelles alone are not enough. The principles of the self assembly driven by hydrophilic dextran brushes together with charged poly(3-acrylamidophenyl boronic acid) (PPBA) are uncovered in this study. A series of poly(ε-caprolactone)-block-poly(3-acrylamidophenyl boronic acid)-dextran (PCL-b-PPBA-Dex) micelles and vesicles are investigated as potential Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatments. Three inflammatory microenvironment responsive micelles, including celecoxib drug-loaded micelles (CEL), ibuprofen drug-loaded micelles (IBU) and telmisartan drug-loaded micelles (TEL), are developed. In vivo, CEL/IBU (mixture of CEL and IBU) and CEL/TEL (mixture of CEL and TEL) suppress the activation of glia and reduce the levels of inflammatory mediators through eliminating cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) signals. The CEL/TEL combination nanosystem is better at correcting neuroinflammation and improving the spatial memory ability of a senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 model (SAMP8). We consider that the inflammation responsive combination nanosystem provides a new potential treatment for AD clinical patients.

Review: Nanomaterials for Reactive Oxygen Species Detection and Monitoring in Biological Environments

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and dissolved oxygen play key roles across many biological processes, and fluorescent stains and dyes are the primary tools used to quantify these species in vitro. However, spatio-temporal monitoring of ROS and dissolved oxygen in biological systems are challenging due to issues including poor photostability, lack of reversibility, and rapid off-site diffusion. In particular, ROS monitoring is hindered by the short lifetime of ROS molecules and their low abundance. The combination of nanomaterials and fluorescent detection has led to new opportunities for development of imaging probes, sensors, and theranostic products, because the scaffolds lead to improved optical properties, tuneable interactions with cells and media, and ratiometric sensing robust to environmental drift. In this review, we aim to critically assess and highlight recent development in nanosensors and nanomaterials used for the detection of oxygen and ROS in biological systems, and their future potential use as diagnosis tools.

A neoteric dual-signal colorimetric fluorescent probe for detecting endogenous/exogenous hydrogen peroxide in cells and monitoring drug-induced hepatotoxicity

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), one of the most important reactive oxygen species (ROS), can be generated endogenously in the liver and has been deemed as a biomarker for evaluating drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Therefore, it is highly crucial to construct an effective method for detecting H₂O₂ in the liver in order to evaluate DILI. Herein, a neoteric dual-signal colorimetric fluorescent probe XH-2 for sensing hydrogen peroxide was engineered and synthesized. Borate was grafted as a specific recognition group onto the fluorophore XH-1 (Φ_F = 0.34) to establish a structurally unprecedented probe. The experimental results manifested that probe XH-2 (Φ_F = 0.15) was able to detect hydrogen peroxide using a fluorescence method with an excellent linear range of 0-140 μM (R² = 0.9974) and an especially low detection limit of 91 nM (λ_ex/em = 570 nm/638 nm). In addition, the probe was capable of monitoring hydrogen peroxide in a colorimetric manner with the linear range of 0-110 μM (R² = 0.9965). Furthermore, the specificity, applicability in serum (98.6-109.1%) and indirect detection of glucose make the probe XH-2 a superior probe. Based on its low cytotoxicity, the probe was successfully applied to monitor endogenous/exogenous hydrogen peroxide and quantitatively determine the concentration level of hydrogen peroxide at a range of 0-120 μM (R² = 0.9859) in HepG2 cells. Ultimately, the probe could effectively monitor the level of hydrogen peroxide during DILI in HepG2 cells.

Cobalt Phosphide (Co2P) with Notable Electrocatalytic Activity Designed for Sensitive and Selective Enzymeless Bioanalysis of Hydrogen Peroxide

In this work, cobalt phosphide nanoparticles (Co₂P NPs) were prepared by simple and mild hydrothermal method without the use of harmful phosphorous source. The morphological structure and surface component of Co₂P were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. Considering the excellent electrocatalytic reduction activity and good electrical conductivity of transition-metal phosphide, we fabricated Co₂P NPs on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate (Co₂P/ITO) for H₂O₂ detection. The Co₂P/ITO transducer displayed a rapid amperometric response less than 5 s, a broader response range from 0.001 to 10.0 mM and a low detection limit of 0.65 μM. In addition, the non-enzymatic Co₂P/ITO sensor showed outstanding selectivity, reproducibility, repeatability and stability, all of which qualified the Co₂P/ITO electrode for quite a reliable and promising biosensor for H₂O₂ sensing.

Alizarin-based molecular probes for the detection of hydrogen peroxide and peroxynitrite

Phenol fluorophores are a large family of fluorophores, which have attracted more and more attention in the design of probes.

Quantum Dots for Monitoring Choline Consumption Process of Living Cells via an Electrostatic Force-Mediated Energy Transfer

In this work, a ratiometric nanoprobe CdS/ZnS-FB was designed for H₂O₂ detection based on FRET assay. Furthermore, CdS/ZnS-FB could work for detecting choline (Ch) and acetylcholine (ACh) since H₂O₂ is the enzyme cascade reaction product. Significantly, the Jurkat T's choline consumption could also be quantitatively measured by monitoring FRET ratio (I₅₂₂/I₄₂₆). Thus, the biosensor could be applied as a universal tool for the detection of choline consumption of living cells, which provides a good potential for the applications in detecting chemical transmitter and cancer diagnosis.

Development of Ratiometric Fluorescence Sensors Based on CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots for the Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide

In this study, carboxyl group functionalized-CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) and aminofluorescein (AF)-encapsulated polymer particles were synthesized and immobilized to a sol-gel mixture of glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) and aminopropyl trimethoxysilane (APTMS) for the fabrication of a hydrogen peroxide-sensing membrane. CdSe/ZnS QDs were used for the redox reaction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) via a reductive pathway by transferring electrons to the acceptor that led to fluorescence quenching of QDs, while AF was used as a reference dye. Herein, the ratiometric fluorescence intensity of CdSe/ZnS QDs and AF was proportional to the concentration of hydrogen peroxide. The fluorescence membrane (i.e., QD-AF membrane) could detect hydrogen peroxide in linear detection ranges from 0.1 to 1.0 mM with a detection limit (LOD) of 0.016 mM and from 1.0 to 10 mM with an LOD of 0.058 mM. The sensitivity of the QD-AF membrane was increased by immobilizing horseradish peroxidase (HRP) over the surface of the QD-AF membrane (i.e., HRP-QD-AF membrane). The HRP-QD-AF membrane had an LOD of 0.011 mM for 0.1-1 mM H2O2 and an LOD of 0.068 mM for 1-10 mM H2O2. It showed higher sensitivity than the QD-AF membrane only, although both membranes had good selectivity. The HRP-QD-AF membrane could be applied to determine the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in wastewater, while the QD-AF membrane could be employed for the detection of α-ketobutyrate.

Fluorescent fibrous mats assembled with self-propagating probes for visual sensing of hydrogen peroxide and choline

Challenges remain in the facile, rapid and sensitive detection of substances at ultralow levels. In the current study, visual sensors of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and choline are developed via the integration of an ultrafine fibrous substrate and self-propagating and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) probes. Self-immolative probes (SIPs) composed of phenylboronic acid triggers and choline units are grafted on electrospun polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers, followed by electrostatic adsorption of tetraphenylethene derivatives (TPE-SO3) to obtain fluorescent PET-Ch/TPE fibers. Choline oxidase (ChOX) is immobilized on polystyrene-co-maleic anhydride (PSMA) fibers to obtain PSMA-ChOX, followed by assembly into PET-Ch/TPE@PSMA-ChOX composite mats. The presence of H2O2 initiates the cleavage of phenylboronic acid triggers in SIPs to release choline and choline/TPE complexes from PET-Ch/TPE fibers. The released choline is oxidized by PSMA-ChOX fibers to generate H2O2 that then activates a cascade of self-propagating reactions until the release of all choline/TPE complexes, leading to the alleviation of AIE effect and gradual fluorescence fading of fibrous mats. Thus, the hydrogen peroxide and choline concentrations can be read out from the fluorescence fading time of fibrous mats with a detection limit of 0.5 μM H2O2 within 30 min, providing potential self-test devices for a real-time, naked-eye and sensitive detection of bioactive substances.

Rapid-Response and Highly Sensitive Boronate Derivative-Based Fluorescence Probe for Detecting H2O2 in Living Cells

Intracellular H2O2 monitoring is important and has driven researchers to pursue advancements for the rapid identification of H2O2, since H2O2 is short-lived in cell lines. An arylboronate derivative has been investigated as a chemospecific fluorescence recognition agent for H2O2. Triphenylimidazoleoxadiazolephenyl (TPIOP) boronate was contrived as a novel candidate for the rapid and sensitive recognition of H2O2. The probe was conjugated using the TPIOP functional group acting as an excellent fluorescent enhancer. The TPIOP group stimulated the polarization of C-B bond due to its extended π-conjugation, which included heteroatoms, and induced the production of rapid signal because of the highly polar C-B bond along with the corresponding boronate unit. While H2O2 reacts with TPIOP boronate, its nucleophilic addition to the boron generates a charged tetrahedral boronate complex, and then the C-B bond migrates toward one of the electrophilic peroxide oxygen atoms. The resulting boronate ester is then hydrolyzed by water into a phenol, which significantly enhances fluorescence through aggregation-induced emission. The TPIOP boronate probe responded to H2O2 rapidly, within 2 min, and exhibited high sensitivity with a limit of detection of 8 nM and a 1000-fold selectivity in the presence of other reactive oxygen species. Therefore, the developed TPIOP boronate chemodosimeter was successfully utilized to visualize and quantify intracellular H2O2 from human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells, as well as gaseous and aqueous H2O2 from environmental samples using Whatman paper strips coated with TPIOP boronate.

Enhanced reversible redox activity of hemin on cellulose microfiber integrated reduced graphene oxide for H2O2 biosensor applications

In recent years, the carbohydrate polymers incorporated composite materials have shown significant interest in the bioanalytical chemistry due to their enhanced catalytic performances of various enzymes or mimics. This paper reports the fabrication of novel H₂O₂ biosensor using a hemin immobilized reduced graphene oxide-cellulose microfiber composite (hemin/RGO-CMF). The RGO-CMF composite was prepared by the reduction of GO-CMF composite using vitamin C as a reducing agent. Various physio-chemical methods have applied for the characterization of RGO-CMF composite. Cyclic voltammetry results revealed that the hemin/RGO-CMF composite shows a better redox electrochemical behavior than hemin/RGO and hemin/GO-CMF. Under optimized conditions, the hemin/RGO-CMF composite exhibit a linear response to H₂O₂ in the concentration range from 0.06 to 540.6 μM with the lower detection limit of 16 nM. The sensor also can able to detect the H₂O₂ in commercial contact lens solution and milk samples with functional recovery, which authenticates the potential ability in practical sensors.

Encapsulation of ionic nanoparticles produces reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive microgel useful for molecular detection

Encapsulation of ionic nanoparticles in a hydrogel microparticle, i.e. microgel, produces a target-stimulated probe for molecular detection. Selective reactive oxygen species (ROS) release the enclosed cations from the microgel which subsequently turn on the fluorogenic dyes to emit intense fluorescence, permitting rapid detection of ROS or ROS-producing molecules. The ROS-responsive microgel provides the advantages of simple fabrication, bright and stable signals, easy handling, and rapid response, carrying great promise in biomedical applications.