Novel β-cyclodextrin doped carbon dots for host-guest recognition-assisted sensing of isoniazid and cell imaging

In the present study, novel β-cyclodextrin doped carbon dots (CCDs) were prepared via a simple one-pot hydrothermal method at a mild temperature (140 °C), using mixtures of β-cyclodextrin and citric acid as precursors. By characterizing the chemical properties of CCDs prepared at 140 °C and 180 °C, the importance of low-temperature reaction for preservation of the specific structure of β-CD was elucidated. The CCDs showed excellent optical properties and were stable to changes in pH, ionic strength and light irradiation. Since the fluorescence of the CCDs could be selectively quenched by isoniazid (INZ) through specific host-guest recognition effects, a convenient isoniazid fluorescence sensor was developed. Under the optimal conditions, the sensor exhibited a relatively low detection limit of 0.140 μg mL^-1 and a wide detection range from 0.2 μg mL^-1 to 50 μg mL^-1 for INZ detection. Furthermore, the sensor was employed successfully for the determination of INZ in urine samples with satisfactory recovery (91.1-109.5%), displaying potential in clinical applications. Finally, low cytotoxicity of the prepared CCDs was confirmed using the CCK-8 method, followed by application in HepG2 cell imaging.

Nano-enabled sensing approaches for pathogenic bacterial detection

Infectious diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria, especially antibiotic-resistant bacteria, are one of the biggest threats to global health. To date, bacterial contamination is detected using conventional culturing techniques, which are highly dependent on expert users, limited by the processing time and on-site availability. Hence, real-time and continuous monitoring of pathogen levels is required to obtain valuable information that could assist health agencies in guiding prevention and containment of pathogen-related outbreaks. Nanotechnology-based smart sensors are opening new avenues for early and rapid detection of such pathogens at the patient's point-of-care. Nanomaterials can play an essential role in bacterial sensing owing to their unique optical, magnetic, and electrical properties. Carbon nanoparticles, metallic nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles, and various types of nanocomposites are examples of smart nanomaterials that have drawn intense attention in the field of microbial detection. These approaches, together with the advent of modern technologies and coupled with machine learning and wireless communication, represent the future trend in the diagnosis of infectious diseases. This review provides an overview of the recent advancements in the successful harnessing of different nanoparticles for bacterial detection. In the beginning, we have introduced the fundamental concepts and mechanisms behind the design and strategies of the nanoparticles-based diagnostic platform. Representative research efforts are highlighted for in vitro and in vivo detection of bacteria. A comprehensive discussion is then presented to cover the most commonly adopted techniques for bacterial identification, including some seminal studies to detect bacteria at the single-cell level. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and a prospective outlook on the field, together with the recommended solutions.

Facile preparation of highly sensitive and selective fluorescent paper sensor for the visual and cyclic detection of Cu2+ and Hg2+

The fluorescent paper sensor based on LAA-CQDs was prepared and applied to detect heavy metal ions Cu²⁺ and Hg²⁺. Notably, the paper sensor can be recycled for detecting at least four times, which greatly reduced resource consumption.

Highly selective and sensitive sensing for Al3+ and F− based on green photoluminescent carbon dots

A novel sensor for metal ions by mean of CDs with a PL enhancement response, which shows high sensitivity and selectivity. Furthermore, the CDs-Al³⁺ ions system could be employed to probe F⁻ anions based on a PL “on–off” model.