Room-Temperature Phosphorescence Turn-on Detection of DNA Based on Riboflavin-Modulated Manganese Doped Zinc Sulfide Quantum Dots

Exploring the binding affinity and characteristics of DcitOBP9 in citrus psyllids

Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) are crucial in insect olfaction. The most abundant expressed OBP of citrus psyllids, DcitOBP9 encodes 148 amino acids. DcitOBP9 lacks a transmembrane structure and possesses a 17-amino acid signal peptide at the N-terminus. Characterized by the six conserved cysteine sites, DcitOBP9 is classified as the Classical-OBP family. RT-qPCR experiments revealed ubiquitous expression of DcitOBP9 across all developmental stages of the citrus psyllid, with predominant expression in adults antennae. Fluorescence competitive binding assays demonstrated DcitOBP9's strong affinity for ocimene, linalool, dodecanoic acid, and citral, and moderate affinity for dimethyl trisulfide. Additionally, it binds to myrcia, (-)-trans-caryophyllene, (±)-Citronellal, nonanal, and (+)-α-pinene. Among them, ocimene, linalool, and dodecanoic acid were dynamically bound to DcitOBP9, while citral was statically bound to DcitOBP9. Molecular docking simulations with the top five ligands indicated that amino acid residues V92, S72, P128, L91, L75, and A76 are pivotal in the interaction between DcitOBP9 and these odorants. These findings suggest DcitOBP9's involvement in the citrus psyllid's host plant recognition and selection behaviors, thereby laying a foundation for elucidating the potential physiological and biological functions of DcitOBP9 and developing attractants.

Biosensors Based on Advanced Sulfur-Containing Nanomaterials

In recent years, sulfur-containing nanomaterials and their derivatives/composites have attracted much attention because of their important role in the field of biosensor, biolabeling, drug delivery and diagnostic imaging technology, which inspires us to compile this review. To focus on the relationships between advanced biomaterials and biosensors, this review describes the applications of various types of sulfur-containing nanomaterials in biosensors. We bring two types of sulfur-containing nanomaterials including metallic sulfide nanomaterials and sulfur-containing quantum dots, to discuss and summarize the possibility and application as biosensors based on the sulfur-containing nanomaterials. Finally, future perspective and challenges of biosensors based on sulfur-containing nanomaterials are briefly rendered.

Mn-doped ZnS quantum dots-chlorin e6 shows potential as a treatment for chondrosarcoma: an in vitro study

Chondrosarcoma is the second-most malignant cancer of the bone and routine treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy have not responded to the treatment of this cancer. Due to the resistance of chondrosarcoma to radiotherapy, the combination of therapeutic methods has been considered in recent years. In this study, a novel combination approach is used that allows photodynamic therapy to be activated by X-rays. The synthesis of Mn-doped zinc sulphide (ZnS) quantum dots was carried out and chlorin e6 photosensitiser attached by covalent and non-covalent methods and their application as an intracellular light source for photodynamic activation was investigated. The toxicity of each nanoparticles was evaluated on chondrosarcoma cancer cells (SW1353) before and after radiation. Also, the effect nanoparticle-photosensitiser conjugated type was investigated in the therapeutic efficacy. The characterisation test (SEM, TEM, EDS, TGA, XRD and ICP analyses) was shown successful synthesis of Mn-doped ZnS quantum dots. Chondrosarcoma cancer cell viability was significantly reduced when cells were treated with MPA-capped Mn-doped ZnS quantum dots-chlorin e6 with spermine linker and with covalent attachment (P ≤ 0.001). These results indicate that X-ray can activate the quantum dot complexes for cancer treatment, which can be a novel method for treatment of chondrosarcoma.

Toxicity and serum metabolomics investigation of Mn-doped ZnS quantum dots in mice

Purpose

Mn-doped ZnS quantum dots (QDs) with special luminescent properties have been widely researched and applied in various fields. Thus, their release toxicity and security cannot be ignored.

Methods

In the present study, the toxicity and non-targeted metabolomics of Mn-doped ZnS QDs were investigated after single intravenous injection. Serum metabolites were evaluated based on gas chromatography–mass spectrometry together with multivariate statistical analyses [principal component analysis, partial least squares discriminant analysis, and orthogonal PLS-DA].

Results

The modified metabolites (variable importance in the projection (VIP) >1 and p<0.05) revealed that Mn-doped ZnS QDs exposure disturbed glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, ketoplasia, glutaminolysis, and amino acid and lipid metabolism. The behavior, coefficients of organs, and histological changes were the same as in the control group, and the disturbance of hematology and serum biochemistry was not dose- or time-dependent.

Conclusion

Our study provides a general observation regarding the toxicity and potential metabolic responses of mice exposed to Mn-doped ZnS QDs.

Room-temperature phosphorescence probe based on Mn-doped ZnS quantum dots for the sensitive and selective detection of selenite

Selenite was selectively and sensitively detected based on the room-temperature phosphorescence quenching of Mn–ZnS QDs caused by HSe⁻ from the reaction of selenite and glutathione.