Electrochemical copper (II) sensor based on chitosan covered gold nanoparticles

Antimicrobial peptides grafted onto the surface of N-acetylcysteine-chitosan nanoparticles can revitalize drugs against clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and is the leading cause of death from infectious diseases in the World. The search for new antituberculosis drugs is a high priority, since several drug-resistant TB-strains have emerged. Many nanotechnology strategies are being explored to repurpose or revive drugs. An interesting approach is to graft antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) to antibiotic-loaded nanoparticles. The objective of the present work was to determine the anti-MTB activity of rifampicin-loaded N-acetylcysteine-chitosan-based nanoparticles (NPs), conjugated with the AMP Ctx(Ile21)-Ha; against clinical isolates (multi- and extensively-drug resistant) and the H37Rv strain. The modified chitosan and drug-loaded NPs were characterized with respect to their physicochemical stability and their antimycobacterial profile, which showed potent inhibition (MIC values <0.977 μg/mL) by the latter. Furthermore, their accumulation within macrophages and cytotoxicity were determined. To understand the possible mechanisms of action, an in silico study of the peptide against MTB membrane receptors was performed. The results presented herein demonstrate that antibiotic-loaded NPs grafted with an AMP can be a powerful tool for revitalizing drugs against multidrug-resistant M. tuberculosis strains, by launching multiple attacks against MTB. This approach could potentially serve as a novel treatment strategy for various long-term diseases requiring extended treatment periods.

Chitosan-the miracle biomaterial as detection and diminishing mediating agent for heavy metal ions: A mini review

Proliferation of heavy metal ions as aquatic pollutants has been a matter of growing concern now a days. Several anthropogenic activities have fueled higher concentration of heavy metal ions in aquatic bodies above threshold values, as set by World Health Organization. Of late, chitosan for its exquisite properties has been widely used in tackling this burning problem of aquatic pollution caused by heavy metal ions. Accordingly, this mini review appraises the detection as well as diminution activities where chitosan plays the major contributing part. Starting from the intrinsic properties of chitosan, the detection strategy via chitosan composites is comprehensively delineated. Likewise, the removal activities via chitosan mediating agents are also overviewed, followed by future recommendations. It is believed that this mini review will give researchers a brief appraisal of two prominent activities related to controlling of heavy metal ion pollution.

Thermal Exfoliated Graphite/Chitosan Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode for Cu(II) Ion Sensing

Aim:

Here, we report a simple strategy for the preparation of thermally exfoliated graphite (EG) and its application to modify glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surfaces for electrochemical Cu2+ ion sensing.

Method:

The electrochemical Cu2+ sensor was constructed by a layer modification of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with exfoliated graphite (EG) and chitosan (CS) as a binder, and CS also supports a large number of -NH2 functional groups for Cu2+ capture.

Result:

Due to the creation of a three-dimensional (3D) structure, the EG/CS-coated GCE (EG/CS/GCE) electrode exhibited a higher sensitivity towards Cu2+ detection than that of modification by graphite/chitosan (GP/CS), chitosan (CS) or graphite intercalated compounds (GIC)/chitosan.

Conclusion:

The proposed method could detect Cu2+ in the range of 10 µM to 3 mM with a detection limit of 0.5 µM and sensitivity of 43.62 μA mM-1.

Nanocomposites for Electrochemical Sensors and Their Applications on the Detection of Trace Metals in Environmental Water Samples

The elevated concentrations of various trace metals beyond existing guideline recommendations in water bodies have promoted research on the development of various electrochemical nanosensors for the trace metals' early detection. Inspired by the exciting physical and chemical properties of nanomaterials, advanced functional nanocomposites with improved sensitivity, sensitivity and stability, amongst other performance parameters, have been synthesized, characterized, and applied on the detection of various trace metals in water matrices. Nanocomposites have been perceived as a solution to address a critical challenge of distinct nanomaterials that are limited by agglomerations, structure stacking leading to aggregations, low conductivity, and limited porous structure for electrolyte access, amongst others. In the past few years, much effort has been dedicated to the development of various nanocomposites such as; electrochemical nanosensors for the detection of trace metals in water matrices. Herein, the recent progress on the development of nanocomposites classified according to their structure as carbon nanocomposites, metallic nanocomposites, and metal oxide/hydroxide nanocomposites is summarized, alongside their application as electrochemical nanosensors for trace metals detection in water matrices. Some perspectives on the development of smart electrochemical nanosensors are also introduced.

One pot synthesis of dandelion-like polyaniline coated gold nanoparticles composites for electrochemical sensing applications

In this work, we report a facile and green strategy for one pot and in-situ synthesis of a dandelion-like conductive polyaniline coated gold nanoparticle nanocomposites (Au@PANI). The Au@PANI was characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD, TGA, FTIR, UV-vis and conductivity measurement, respectively. Newly-designed Au@PANI materials possessed a significantly high conductivity and strong adsorption capability. Thus, the Au@PANI modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was utilized for construct a novel electrochemical sensor for the simultaneous assay of Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺ using square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). Under the optimized conditions, an excellent electrochemical response in the simultaneous of Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺ with detection limit of 0.003 and 0.008 μM (S/N = 3), respectively. Moreover, the prepared sensors realized an excellent reproducibility, repeatability and long term stability, as well as reliable practical assays in real water samples. Besides, the possible formation mechanism and sensing mechanism of Au@PANI nanocomposites have been discussed in detail. We believe this study provides a novel method of fabrication of noble metal nanoparticles decorated conducting polymer materials for the electrochemical sensing applications.