Host Solids Containing Nanoscale Anion-Binding Pockets and Their Use in Selective Sensing Displacement Assays

Overview of the Evolution of Silica-Based Chromo-Fluorogenic Nanosensors

This review includes examples of silica-based, chromo-fluorogenic nanosensors with the aim of illustrating the evolution of the discipline in recent decades through relevant research developed in our group. Examples have been grouped according to the sensing strategies. A clear evolution from simply functionalized materials to new protocols involving molecular gates and the use of highly selective biomolecules such as antibodies and oligonucleotides is reported. Some final examples related to the evolution of chromogenic arrays and the possible use of nanoparticles to communicate with other nanoparticles or cells are also included. A total of 64 articles have been summarized, highlighting different sensing mechanisms.

New insights into the structure-performance relationships of mesoporous materials in analytical science

Mesoporous materials are ideal carriers for guest molecules and they have been widely used in analytical science. The unique mesoporous structure provides special properties including large specific surface area, tunable pore size, and excellent pore connectivity. The structural properties of mesoporous materials have been largely made use of to improve the performance of analytical methods. For instance, the large specific surface area of mesoporous materials can provide abundant active sites and increase the probability of contact between analytes and active sites to produce stronger signals, thus leading to the improvement of detection sensitivity. The connections between analytical performances and the structural properties of mesoporous materials have not been discussed previously. Understanding the "structure-performance relationship" is highly important for the development of analytical methods with excellent performance based on mesoporous materials. In this review, we discuss the structural properties of mesoporous materials that can be optimized to improve the analytical performance. The discussion is divided into five sections according to the analytical performances: (i) selectivity-related structural properties, (ii) sensitivity-related structural properties, (iii) response time-related structural properties, (iv) stability-related structural properties, and (v) recovery time-related structural properties.

Catalyst displacement assay: a supramolecular approach for the design of smart latent catalysts for pollutant monitoring and removal

Latent catalysts can be tuned to function smartly by assigning a sensing threshold using the displacement approach for targeted analytes. Three cyano-bridged bimetallic complexes were synthesized as "smart" latent catalysts through the supramolecular assembly of different metallic donors [FeII(CN)6]4-, [FeII(tBubpy)(CN)4]2-, and FeII(tBubpy)2(CN)2 with a metallic acceptor [CuII(dien)]2+. The investigation of both their thermodynamic and kinetic properties on binding with toxic pollutants provided insight into their smart off-on catalytic capabilities, enabling us to establish a threshold-controlled catalytic system for the degradation of pollutants such as cyanide and oxalate. With these smart latent catalysts, a new catalyst displacement assay (CDA) was demonstrated and applied in a real wastewater treatment process to degrade cyanide pollutants in both domestic (level I, untreated) and industrial wastewater samples collected in Hong Kong, China. The smart system was adjusted to be able to initiate the catalytic oxidation of cyanide at a threshold concentration of 20 μM (the World Health Organization's suggested maximum allowable level for cyanide in wastewater) to the less harmful cyanate under ambient conditions.

Acetylcholinesterase-capped Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Controlled by the Presence of Inhibitors

Two different acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-capped mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), S1-AChE and S2-AChE, were prepared and characterized. MSNs were loaded with rhodamine B and the external surface was functionalized with either pyridostigmine derivative P1 (to yield solid S1) or neostigmine derivative P2 (to obtain S2). The final capped materials were obtained by coordinating grafted P1 or P2 with AChE's active sites (to give S1-AChE and S2-AChE, respectively). Both materials were able to release rhodamine B in the presence of diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) or neostigmine in a concentration-dependent manner via the competitive displacement of AChE through DFP and neostigmine coordination with the AChE's active sites. The responses of S1-AChE and S2-AChE were also tested with other enzyme inhibitors and substrates. These studies suggest that S1-AChE nanoparticles can be used for the selective detection of nerve agent simulant DFP and paraoxon.

Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering and Gated Materials for Sensing Applications: The Ultrasensitive Detection of Mycoplasma and Cocaine

We present herein a novel combination of gated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for sensing applications. As a proof-of-concept, we show the design of a system comprising MSNs loaded with crystal violet (CV), a molecule with high Raman cross section acting as SERS reporter, and capped with either a suitable DNA sequence for the detection of Mycoplasma genomic DNA or with an aptamer that selectively coordinates cocaine. In both cases the presence of the corresponding target analyte in solution (i.e., genomic DNA or cocaine) resulted in the release of CV. CV delivery was detected by SERS upon adsorption on gold nanotriangles (AuNTs), which display an efficient electromagnetic field enhancement and a high colloidal stability. By using this novel procedure a limit of detection of at least 30 copies DNA per μL was determined for the detection of Mycoplasma genomic DNA, whereas cocaine was detected at concentrations as low as 10 nm.

Colorimetric detection of fluoride ions by anthraimidazoledione based sensors in the presence of Cu(ii) ions

A thioimidazole bearing anthraimidazoledione detects fluoride selectively in the presence of Cu²⁺with a detection limit of 0.04 ppm. The results show that the change of thioimidazole to imidazole leads to no detection.

Enhanced antifungal efficacy of tebuconazole using gated pH-driven mesoporous nanoparticles

pH-sensitive gated mesoporous silica nanoparticles have been synthesized. Increased extracellular pH and internalization into living yeast cells triggered molecular gate aperture and cargo release. Proper performance of the system was demonstrated with nanodevices loaded with fluorescein or with the antifungal agent tebuconazole. Interestingly, nanodevices loaded with tebuconazole significantly enhanced tebuconazole cytotoxicity. As alterations of acidic external pH are a key parameter in the onset of fungal vaginitis, this nanodevice could improve the treatment for vaginal mycoses.

Chemodosimetric analysis in food-safety monitoring: design, synthesis, and application of a bimetallic Re(i)–Pt(ii) complex for detection of dimethyl sulfide in foods

Detection of neutral biogenic sulfides plays a crucial role in food safety. A new heterobimetallic Re(i)–Pt(ii) donor–acceptor chemodosimeter—[Re(biq)(CO)₃(CN)]–[Pt(DMSO)(Cl)₂] (1, biq = 2,2′-biquinoline)—was synthesized and characterized.

Enhanced efficacy and broadening of antibacterial action of drugs via the use of capped mesoporous nanoparticles

Bug busters: A novel nanodevice consisting of mesoporous nanoparticles loaded with vancomycin and capped with ε-poly-L-lysine (ε-PL) was prepared and its interaction with different Gram-negative bacteria studied. A remarkable improvement in the efficacy of the antimicrobial drug ε-PL and a broadening of the antimicrobial spectrum of vancomycin is demonstrated.

Tailor-made micro-object optical sensor based on mesoporous pellets for visual monitoring and removal of toxic metal ions from aqueous media

Methods for the continuous monitoring and removal of ultra-trace levels of toxic inorganic species (e.g., mercury, copper, and cadmium ions) from aqueous media such as drinking water and biological fluids are essential. In this paper, the design and engineering of a simple, pH-dependent, micro-object optical sensor is described based on mesoporous aluminosilica pellets with an adsorbed dressing receptor (a porphyrinic chelating ligand). This tailor-made optical sensor permits ultra-fast (≤ 60 s), specific, pH-dependent visualization and removal of Cu(2+) , Cd(2+) , and Hg(2+) at sub-picomolar concentrations (∼10(-11) mol dm(-3) ) from aqueous media, including drinking water and a suspension of red blood cells. The acidic active acid sites of the pellets consist of heteroatoms arranged around uniformly shaped pores in 3D nanoscale gyroidal mesostructures densely coated with the chelating ligand. The sensor can be used in batch mode, as well as in a flow-through system in which sampling, target ion recognition and removal, and analysis are integrated in a highly automated and efficient manner. Because the pellets exhibit long-term stability, reproducibility, and versatility over a number of analysis/regeneration cycles, they can be expected to be useful for the fabrication of inexpensive sensor devices for naked-eye detection of toxic pollutants.

A multi-pH-dependent, single optical mesosensor/captor design for toxic metals

The fabrication of low-cost, simple nanodesigns with sensing/capture functionality has been called into question by the toxicity and non-degradability of toxic metals, as well as the persistent threat they pose to human lives. In this study, a single, pH-dependent, mesocaptor/sensor was developed for the optical and selective removal of toxic ions from drinking water and physiological systems such as blood.

Chromogenic and fluorogenic chemosensors and reagents for anions. A comprehensive review of the year 2009

This critical review is focused on examples reported in the year 2009 dealing with the design of chromogenic and fluorogenic chemosensors or reagents for anions (264 references).

Highly Sensitive Fluorescence Probe Based on Functional SBA-15 for Selective Detection of Hg

An inorganic-organic hybrid fluorescence chemosensor (DA/SBA-15) was prepared by covalent immobilization of a dansylamide derivative into the channels of mesoporous silica material SBA-15 via (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) groups. The primary hexagonally ordered mesoporous structure of SBA-15 was preserved after the grafting procedure. Fluorescence characterization shows that the obtained inorganic-organic hybrid composite is highly selective and sensitive to Hg(2+) detection, suggesting the possibility for real-time qualitative or quantitative detection of Hg(2+) and the convenience for potential application in toxicology and environmental science.

Mesoporous hybrid materials containing nanoscopic "binding pockets" for colorimetric anion signaling in water by using displacement assays

Mesoporous solids functionalized with anion-binding groups have proved to be suitable anion hosts and have been used in selective colorimetric displacement assays. The material UVM-7, a mesoporous MCM41-type support characterized by the presence of nanometric mesoporous particle conglomerates, was selected as inorganic scaffolding. Reaction of the template-free UVM-7 solid with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (1) yielded solid S1, from which the derivatives S2 and S3 were obtained by reaction with 2-methylthio-2-imidazoline hydroiodide (2) and butyl isocyanate (3), respectively. Solids S4 and S5 were prepared by reaction of the starting mesoporous UVM-7 scaffolding with N-methyl-N'-propyltrimethoxysilyl imidazolium chloride (4) and with 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (5), respectively. The solids synthesized contain mesoporous binding pockets that can interact with anions through electrostatic attractive forces (S1, S2, S4, S5) and hydrogen-bonding interactions (S1, S2, S3, S4). These functionalized solids were loaded with a dye (d) capable of interacting coordinatively with the anchored binding sites, in our case 5-carboxyfluorescein, to yield the hybrid materials S1d, S2d, S3d, S4d and S5d. These dye-containing solids are the signaling reporters. Their sensing ability towards a family of carboxylates, namely acetate, citrate, lactate, succinate, oxalate, tartrate, malate, mandelate, glutamate and certain nucleotides, has been studied in pure water at pH 7.5 (Hepes, 0.01 mol dm(-3)). In the sensing protocol, a particular analyte may be bonded preferentially by the nanoscopic functionalized pocket, leading to delivery of the dye to the solution and resulting in colorimetric detection of the guest. The response to a given anion depends on the characteristics of the binding pockets and the specific interaction of the anion with the binding groups in the mesopores. We believe that the possibility of using a wide variety of mesoporous supports that can easily be functionalized with anion-binding sites, combined with suitable dyes as indicators, make this approach significant for opening new perspectives in the design of chromogenic assays for anion detection in pure water.

Mesoporous Silicate Materials in Sensing

Mesoporous silicas, especially those exhibiting ordered pore systems and uniform pore diameters, have shown great potential for sensing applications in recent years. Morphological control grants them versatility in the method of deployment whether as bulk powders, monoliths, thin films, or embedded in coatings. High surface areas and pore sizes greater than 2 nm make them effective as adsorbent coatings for humidity sensors. The pore networks also provide the potential for immobilization of enzymes within the materials. Functionalization of materials by silane grafting or through cocondensation of silicate precursors can be used to provide mesoporous materials with a variety of fluorescent probes as well as surface properties that aid in selective detection of specific analytes. This review will illustrate how mesoporous silicas have been applied to sensing changes in relative humidity, changes in pH, metal cations, toxic industrial compounds, volatile organic compounds, small molecules and ions, nitroenergetic compounds, and biologically relevant molecules.

Optical Nanosensor Design with Uniform Pore Geometry and Large Particle Morphology

Appropriate design of nanosensors for optically selective, sensitive sensing systems is needed for naked-eye detection of pollutants for environmental cleanup of toxic heavy-metal ions. Mesostructured materials with two- or three-dimensional (2D or 3D) geometries and large particle morphologies show promise as probe carriers, and can therefore be used to reproducibly fabricate uniformly packed nanosensors. This is the first report on the effects of significant key properties of the mesostructured carriers, such as morphology, geometry, and pore shape, on the functionality of optical nanosensor designs. Such mesostructured sensors with superior physical characteristics can be used as components in sensing systems with excellent stability and sensitivity, and with rapid detection response. The nanosensor design can enhance the selectivity even at low concentrations of the pollutant target ions (nanomolar level). Among the nanosensors developed here, the large pore-surface grains of highly ordered 3D monoliths (HOM) exhibited a high adsorption capability of the Pyrogallol Red probe and high accessibility to analyte ion transport, leading to possible naked-eye detection of Sb(III) ions at concentrations as low as 10(-9) mol dm(-3) and at a wide detection range of 0.5 ppb to 3 ppm. A key finding in our study was that our mesostructured nanosensor designs retained highly efficient sensitivity without a significant increase in kinetic hindrance, despite the slight decrease of the specific activity of the electron acceptor/donor strength of the probe functional group after several regeneration/reuse cycles. The results, in general, indicate that large-scale reversibility of optical nanosensors is feasible in such metal-ion sensing systems.

A selective optical sensor for antimony based on hexagonal mesoporous structures

Mesostructured materials show promise in fabricating ordered sensing systems in a reproducible manner. Here, the fabrication of optically selective and sensitive sensors up to subnanomolar concentrations of Sb(III) ions was reported via simple and reproducible techniques in which the hexagonal mesoporous silicas in powder and monolith forms were used as probe carriers. Evidence of successful fabrication of the optical sensors was investigated by extensive characterizations using powder X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, 29Si NMR spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The mesostructured features allowed high adsorption capacity and accessibility of probe molecules and efficient transport of toxic species via much more direct and easier diffusion to the network sites without significant alteration of their physical characteristics, leading to excellent sensing systems in terms of stability and sensitivity with rapid response time of detection. In addition, the high performance of the hexagonal sensors was dependent on key factors such as the number of support-based sensors, the reaction temperature, and the pH value that led to possible naked-eye detection of Sb(III) ion concentration with a detection limit as low as 3x10(-9) mol/dm3 and a wide detection range of 1 ppb-2 ppm. Of particular interest was that our mesostructured sensor design provided control over the retention of the potential functionality of the naked-eye sensing system of Sb(III) ions upon the storage and even after several regeneration and reuse cycles, indicating large-scale reversibility of sensing systems.