Surface-modified CdSe quantum dots as luminescent probes for cyanide determination

Implications for applicability of the photodegradation and self-recovery of green-emitting CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals

CsPbBr3 nanocrystals (NCs) synthesized by the conventional hot-injection method are photochromatic luminescent nanomaterials due to the photoinduced desorption and re-adsorption of the surface ligands. The apparent color and the luminescence intensity were changed significantly during excitation light irradiation and following dark storage; however, the emission wavelength was almost retained. This work investigates the change in emission color of light-emitting diode lighting using the CsPbBr3 NCs to realize photochromatic luminescence. The results showed definite shifts in emission color caused by changes in optical absorption and green luminescence intensity of the NCs, potentially broadening the application feasibility of CsPbBr3 NCs as photochromatic luminescent nanomaterials.

Synthesis and characterization of phenothiazine sensor for spectrophotometric and fluorescence detection of cyanide

A sensitive and selective phenothiazine-based sensor (PTZ) has been successfully synthesized. The sensor PTZ displayed specific identification of CN^- 'turn-off' fluorescence responses with a quick reaction and strong reversibility in an acetonitrile:water (90:10, V/V) solution. The sensor PTZ for detecting CN^- exhibits the marked advantages of quenching the fluorescence intensity, fast response time (60 s), and low value of the detection limit. The concentration that is authorized for drinking water by the WHO (1.9 μM) is far higher than the detection limit, which was found to be 9.11 × 10^-9 . The sensor displays distinct colorimetric and spectrofluorometric detection for CN^- anion due to the addition of CN^- anion to the electron-deficient vinyl group of PTZ, which reduces intramolecular charge transfer efficiencies. The 1:2 binding mechanism of PTZ with CN^- was validated by fluorescence titration, Job's plot, HRMS, ¹ H NMR, FTIR analysis, and density functional theory (DFT) investigations, among other methods. Additionally, the PTZ sensor was successfully used to precisely and accurately detect cyanide anions in actual water samples.

Chemiluminescence quenching capacity as a surrogate for total organic carbon in wastewater

Total organic carbon (TOC) is a valuable indicator to evaluate the degree of organic pollution in wastewater. Real-time analysis of TOC in wastewater can allow the wastewater treatment plants to manage the treatment process efficiently, avoid violations of the discharge regulations, and eliminate overtreatment. However, traditional methods for TOC determination are time-consuming. Benefitting from the rapid generation of SO₄^•- in the iron(II)-activated peroxymonosulfate (Fe(II)/PMS) system and the high reactivity of SO₄^•- towards naproxen as a chemiluminescence (CL) probe, a surrogate for TOC based on the determination of CL quenching capacity (CLQC) of organics in the Fe(II)/PMS-naproxen system was developed. According to the derived equation by considering both non-fluorescent and fluorescent quenching, the CLQC of organics in the Fe(II)/PMS-naproxen system was highly dependent on their TOC, making it to be a potential surrogate for TOC. The interferences of ubiquitous inorganic ions in wastewater on the determination of CLQC were leveled by adjusting electrical conductivity and adding mercury ions. Finally, the feasibility of CLQC as a surrogate for TOC in two real wastewaters containing different concentrations of inorganic anions was confirmed. This work can provide a TOC value within several seconds by determining the CLQC of wastewater with Fe(II)/PMS-naproxen system.

Biogenic synthesis of carbon quantum dots from garlic peel bio-waste for use as a fluorescent probe for sensing of quercetin

Highly fluorescent and water-soluble carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were synthesized from the bio-waste source of garlic peels (renovation of bio-waste into bio-asset) using a controlled carbonization method. Synthesized CQDs were characterized by various analytical methods and explored as a fluorogenic probe for the recognition of quercetin (QT). UV-Vis result shows an absorption maximum at 275 nm attributed to the conjugation of C=C and C=O of CQDs and demonstrates a blue emission in the range of 330-410 nm. Selectivity was performed with various biomolecules, except for QT, all other do not exhibit any considerable change in the fluorescence of CQDs. On the interaction with QT, emission was completely quenched due to FET, confirming the high selective to QT. Effect of pH, sensitivity, and stability studies displayed excellent results under optimized conditions. The LOD fluorescent probe was found to be 6.73 μM. Our approach may suggest a new platform for the development of quick and low-cost CQDs-based sensors for environmental and biological purposes.

Determination of cis-diol-containing flavonoids in real samples using boronate affinity quantum dots coated with imprinted silica based on controllable oriented surface imprinting approach

Novel boronate affinity imprinted quantum dots (BA-CdTe@MIPs QDs) were used to develop a selective and sensitive fluorescent nanosensor for determination of cis-diol-containing flavonoids such as quercetin (Qu), baicalein (Bai) and luteolin (Lut) based on controllable oriented surface imprinting approach. The boronate affinity imprinted silica was used as recognition elements. Under the optimum conditions, the imprinting factor (IF) for Qu, Bai and Lut was evaluated to be 9.42, 6.58 and 10.91, respectively. The results indicated that the boronate affinity quantum dots coated with imprinted silica were successfully prepared. The obtained BA-CdTe@MIPs QDs provided high selectivity and high sensitivity for cis-diol-containing flavonoids such as quercetin and luteolin. The BA-CdTe@MIPs QDs exhibited linear decrease in fluorescence intensity with the increase of concentration of quercetin in the 0.05-25 μM concentration range. The detection limit (LOD) is evaluated to be 0.02 μM. The obtained fluorescent nanosensor could be successfully applied to efficient detection of cis-diol-containing flavonoids in onion skin and human urine samples. The recoveries for the spiked onion skin and urine samples were evaluated to be 83.50-104.00% and 86.67-105.00%, respectively. Clearly, this study provides a rapid and efficient fluorescent detection tool for cis-diol-containing flavonoids in real samples.

The interaction of mercury and methylmercury with chalcogenide nanoparticles

Mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (CH₃Hg) bind strongly to micro and nano (NP) particles and this partitioning impacts their fate and bioaccumulation into food webs, and, as a result, potential human exposure. This partitioning has been shown to influence the bioavailability of inorganic Hg to methylating bacteria, with NP-bound Hg being more bioavailable than particulate HgS, or organic particulate-bound Hg. In this study we set out to investigate whether the potential interactions between dissolved ionic Hg (Hg^II) and CH₃Hg and NPs was due to incorporation of Hg into the core of the cadmium selenide and sulfide (CdSe; CdS) nanoparticles (metal exchange or surface precipitation), or due purely to surface interactions. The interaction was assessed based on the quenching of the fluorescence intensity and lifetime observed during Hg^II or CH₃Hg titration experiments of these NP solutions. Additional analysis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry of CdSe NPs and the separated solution, obtained after Hg^II additions, showed that there was no metal exchange, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed this and further indicated that the Hg was bound to cysteine, the NP capping agent. Our study suggests that Hg and CH₃Hg adsorbed to the surfaces of NPs would have different bioavailability for release into water or to (de)methylating organisms or for bioaccumulation, and provides insights into the behavior of Hg in the environment in the presence of natural or manufactured NPs.

Mg-Al-CO3 layered double hydroxide reinforced polymer inclusion membrane as an extractant phase for thin-film microextraction of cyanide from environmental water samples

In this paper, a flexible and efficient nano-reinforced polymer inclusion membrane (PIM) was fabricated and used for cyanide (CN^-) extraction from water samples. Aliquat 336 (a liquid anion exchanger) was embedded in poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) support as the extractant. Mg-Al-CO₃ layered double hydroxide (LDH) with high surface area and anion exchange ability was applied to promote the extraction efficiency of PIM. A PIM comprising 56% PVC, 40% Aliquat 336, and 4% Mg-Al-CO₃ LDH showed the best extraction efficiency. A single beam ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer was used for the detection of cyanide. Surface morphology of the PIM was studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The experimental parameters influencing the extraction process were investigated and optimized. The intra- and inter-day relative standard deviations at two different concentrations were in the range of 2.8-7.6%. The dynamic range of the method was in the range of 5-500 μg L^-1, and the detection limit was 1.4 μg L^-1. The LDH reinforced PIM showed proper characteristics for the extraction of cyanide from real water and wastewater samples with recoveries between 82 and 115%.

Synthesis, quantitative structure-property relationship study of novel fluorescence active 2-pyrazolines and application

A variety of fluorescence-active fluorinated pyrazolines 13-33 was synthesized in good yields through cyclocondensation reaction of propenones 1-9 with aryl hydrazines 10-12. Some of the synthesized compounds provided promising fluorescence properties with quantum yield (Φ) higher than that of quinine sulfate (standard reference). Quantitative structure-property relationship studies were undertaken supporting the exhibited fluorescence properties and estimating the parameters governing properties. Five synthesized fluorescence-active pyrazolines (13, 15, 18, 19 and 23) with variable Φ were selected for treating two types of paper sheets (Fabriano and Bible paper). These investigated fluorescence compounds, especially compounds 19 and 23, provide improvements in strength properties of paper sheets. Based on the observed performance they can be used as markers in security documents.

Ultrasensitive optical detection of anions by quantum dots

Quantum dots (QDs) have received great interest for diverse applications over the past few decades due to their unique photophysical properties like their tunable band gap, facile solution processability and versatile surface functionalization with different ligands. Quantum dot based optical analysis techniques with high sensitivity and selectivity have been developed to detect anions in aqueous solution for environmental monitoring, medicinal diagnostics, and the analysis of biological samples and industrial processes. Here we review the latest research progress of semiconductor QDs for sensing of anions in aqueous solution or in vivo, and discuss the photophysical mechanisms and outlook for the potential development in QD based optical sensing for anions.

A review on fluorescent inorganic nanoparticles for optical sensing applications

Fluorescent inorganic nanoparticles are immerging novel materials that can be adopted for a large number of optical bioassays and chemical sensing probes.

Fluorometric sensing of ultralow As(III) concentrations using Ag doped hollow CdS/ZnS bi-layer nanoparticles

Arsenic poisoning from drinking water has been an important global issue in recent years. Because of the high level toxicity of arsenic to human health, an easy, inexpensive, low level and highly selective detection technique is of great importance to take any early precautions. This study reports the synthesis of Ag doped hollow CdS/ZnS bi-layer (Ag-h-CdS/ZnS) nanoparticles for the easy fluorometric determination of As(iii) ions in the aqueous phase. The hollow bi-layer structures were synthesized by a sacrificial core method using AgBr as the sacrificial core and the core was removed by dissolution in an ammonium hydroxide solution. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using different instrumental techniques. A good linear relationship was obtained between fluorescence quenching intensity and As(iii) concentration in the range of 0.75-22.5 μg L(-1) at neutral pH with a limit of detection as low as 0.226 μg L(-1).

Label-free and turn-on fluorescent cyanide sensor based on CdTe quantum dots using silver nanoparticles

A turn-on fluorescence sensor is introduced for determination of trace amount of cyanide, based on glutathione-capped Cd–Te quantum dots.

Gold nanoparticles modified carbon paste electrode for differential pulse voltammetric determination of eugenol

In the present study, a carbon paste electrode chemically modified with gold nanoparticles was used as a sensitive electrochemical sensor for determination of eugenol. The differential pulse voltammetric method was employed to study the behavior of eugenol on this modified electrode. The effect of variables such as percent of gold nanoparticles, pH of solution, accumulation potential and time on voltammogram peak current were optimized. The proposed electrode showed good oxidation response for eugenol in 0.1 mol L(-1) phosphate buffer solution (pH8) and the peak potential was about +285 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl). The peak current increased linearly with the eugenol concentration in the range of 5-250 μmol L(-1). The detection limit was found to be 2.0 μmol L(-1) and the relative standard deviation was 1.2% (n=7). The effect of interferences on the eugenol peak current was studied. The method has been applied to the determination of eugenol in different real samples, spiked recoveries were in the range of 96%-99%.

Detection of high-energy compounds using photoluminescent silicon nanocrystal paper based sensors

Luminescent silicon nanocrystals (Si-NCs) surface functionalized with dodecyl groups were exposed to solutions of nitroaromatic compounds including nitrobenzene, nitrotoluene, and dinitrotoluene. It was found that Si-NC luminescence was quenched upon exposure to nitroaromatics via an electron transfer mechanism as indicated by Stern-Volmer analysis. This quenching was exploited and a straightforward paper-based Si-NC sensor was developed. This paper motif was found to be sensitive to solution, vapor, and solid phase nitroaromatics, as well as solution borne RDX and PETN.

Molecularly imprinted polymer based on CdTe@SiO2 quantum dots as a fluorescent sensor for the recognition of norepinephrine

A fluorescent sensor with recognition ability for norepinephrine was simply prepared and actually used to determine norepinephrine in rat plasma.

Two-photon ratiometric fluorescent sensor based on specific biomolecular recognition for selective and sensitive detection of copper ions in live cells

In this work, we develop a ratiometric two-photon fluorescent probe, ATD@QD-E2Zn2SOD (ATD = amino triphenylamine dendron, QD = CdSe/ZnSe quantum dot, E2Zn2SOD = Cu-free derivative of bovine liver copper-zinc superoxide dismutase), for imaging and sensing the changes of intracellular Cu(2+) level with clear red-to-yellow color change based on specific biomolecular recognition of E2Zn2SOD for Cu(2+) ion. The inorganic-organic nanohybrided fluorescent probe features two independent emission peaks located at 515 nm for ATD and 650 nm for QDs, respectively, under two-photon excitation at 800 nm. Upon addition of Cu(2+) ions, the red fluorescence of QDs drastically quenches, while the green emission from ATD stays constant and serves as a reference signal, thus resulting in the ratiometric detection of Cu(2+) with high accuracy by two-photon microscopy (TPM). The present probe shows high sensivity, broad linear range (10(-7)-10(-3) M), low detection limit down to ∼10 nM, and excellent selectivity over other metal ions, amino acids, and other biological species. Meanwhile, a QD-based inorganic-organic probe demonstrates long-term photostability, good cell-permeability, and low cytotoxicity. As a result, the present probe can visualize Cu(2+) changes in live cells by TPM. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report for the development of a QD-based two-photon ratiometric fluorescence probe suitable for detection of Cu(2+) in live cells.

Direct detection of sulfide ions [S2-] in aqueous media based on fluorescence quenching of functionalized CdS QDs at trace levels: analytical applications to environmental analysis

A novel, simple but highly selective fluorescent probe is developed for the direct detection of sulfide ions [S(2-)] based on the fluorescence quenching of the functionalized CdS QDs in aqueous solution at trace levels and successfully applied for quantitation of S(2-) from water samples in a complex matrix exclusive of pretreatment by standard addition method.

A new selective fluorescent sensor for Fe3+ based on a pyrazoline derivative

A new pyrazoline derivative was designed and synthesized. The structure of the pyrazoline was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction and its photophysical properties were studied by absorption and fluorescence spectra. This compound can be used to determine Fe(3+) ion with high selectivity among a series of cations in tetrahydrofuran and even in aqueous tetrahydrofuran. This sensor forms a 1:1 complex with Fe(3+) and displays fluorescent quenching.

Aptamer-based turn-on detection of thrombin in biological fluids based on efficient phosphorescence energy transfer from Mn-doped ZnS quantum dots to carbon nanodots

This paper presents the first example of a sensitive, selective, and stable phosphorescent sensor based on phosphorescence energy transfer (PET) for thrombin that functions through thrombin-aptamer recognition events. In this work, an efficient PET donor-acceptor pair using Mn-doped ZnS quantum dots labeled with thrombin-binding aptamers (TBA QDs) as donors, and carbon nanodots (CNDs) as acceptors has been constructed. Due to the π-π stacking interaction between aptamer and CNDs, the energy donor and acceptor are taken into close proximity, leading to the phosphorescence quenching of donors, TBA QDs. A maximum phosphorescence quenching efficiency as high as 95.9% is acquired. With the introduction of thrombin to the "off state" of the TBA-QDs-CNDs system, the phosphorescence is "turned on" due to the formation of quadruplex-thrombin complexes, which releases the energy acceptor CNDs from the energy donors. Based on the restored phosphorescence, an aptamer-based turn-on thrombin biosensor has been demonstrated by using the phosphorescence as a signal transduction method. The sensor displays a linear range of 0-40 nM for thrombin, with a detection limit as low as 0.013 nM in pure buffers. The proposed aptasensor has also been used to monitor thrombin in complex biological fluids, including serum and plasma, with satisfactory recovery ranging from 96.8 to 104.3%. This is the first time that Mn-doped ZnS quantum dots and CNDs have been employed as a donor-acceptor pair to construct PET-based biosensors, which combines both the photophysical merits of phosphorescence QDs and the superquenching ability of CNDs and thus affords excellent analytical performance. We believe this proposed method could pave the way to a new design of biosensors using PET systems.

Luminescent nanoparticles and their applications in the life sciences

Nanoparticles have recently emerged as an important group of materials used in numerous disciplines within the life sciences, ranging from basic biophysical research to clinical therapeutics. Luminescent nanoparticles make excellent optical bioprobes significantly extending the capabilities of alternative fluorophores such as organic dyes and genetically engineered fluorescent proteins. Their advantages include excellent photostability, tunable and narrow spectra, controllable size, resilience to environmental conditions such as pH and temperature, combined with a large surface for anchoring targeting biomolecules. Some types of nanoparticles provide enhanced detection contrast due to their long emission lifetime and/or luminescence wavelength blue-shift (anti-Stokes) due to energy upconversion. This topical review focuses on four key types of luminescent nanoparticles whose emission is governed by different photophysics. We discuss the origin and characteristics of optical absorption and emission in these nanoparticles and give a brief account of synthesis and surface modification procedures. We also introduce some of their applications with opportunities for further development, which could be appreciated by the physics-trained readership.

Dithizone functionalized CdSe/CdS quantum dots as turn-on fluorescent probe for ultrasensitive detection of lead ion

An ultrasensitive fluorescent probe is developed for the determination of lead ion by utilizing dithizone (Dz) functionalized CdSe/CdS quantum dots (QDs). Dithizone was bound to the QDs via a surface coordinating reaction to form QDs-Dz conjugates and quench fluorescence of the QDs by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanism. Upon the addition of Pb(2+), a dramatic enhancement of the fluorescence intensity was observed, which resulted from the FRET pathway shutting off, and hence the fluorescence of the QDs was recovered. Two successive linear ranges of 0.01-1000 nmol L(-1) and 1-20 μmol L(-1) allow a very wide determination of Pb(2+) concentration from 0.01 nmol L(-1) to 20 μmol L(-1), with a detection limit of 0.006 nmol L(-1). The fluorescent probe was successfully applied to the determination of lead in environmental samples with satisfactory results.

Selective spectrofluorimetric determination of sulfide ion using manganese doped ZnS quantum dots as luminescent probe

This work reports a spectrofluorimetric method for selective and sensitive determination of sulfide ion in aqueous solution. The ultra-small zinc sulfide quantum dots (QDs) doped with manganese (ZnS:Mn) were synthesized by using a simple and fast procedure based on the co-precipitation of nanoparticles in aqueous solution in the presence of 2-mercaptoethanol, as capping agent. The nanoparticles have exhibited two strong fluorescent emissions at about 424 and 594 nm. Luminescent surface-capped ZnS:Mn QDs, with particle size below 5 nm, have been applied for determination of sulfide anions in water samples. Under the optimum conditions, the fluorescence intensity of ZnS:Mn QDs is linearly proportional to the sulfide ion concentration in the range 1.2×10(-6) to 2.6×10(-5) mol L(-1) with a detection limit as 3.3×10(-7) mol L(-1). The relative standard deviation for five replicate measurements (for 8.0×10(-6) mol L(-1) of S(2-)) was obtained to be 2.6%. It was founded that the interference of the other anions was negligible on the quantitive determination of sulfide ion.

Luminescent behavior of cadmium sulfide quantum dots for gallic acid estimation

Thioglycolic acid capped cadmium sulfide (CdS/T) quantum dots have been synthesized using wet chemistry and their optical behavior has been investigated using UV-visible absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. The role of the capping agent, sulfide source concentration, pH and temperature has been studied and discussed. Studies showed that alkaline pH leads to a decrease in the size of quantum dots and reflux temperature above 70 °C resulted in red-shift of emission spectra which is due to narrowing of the bandgap. Further, to reduce the toxicity and photochemical instability of quantum dots, the quantum dots have been functionalized with polyethylene glycol (PEG), which resulted in a 20% enhancement of the fluorescence intensity. The application potential of CdS/T-PEG quantum dots was further studied using gallic acid as a model compound. The sensing is based on fluorescence quenching of quantum dots in the presence of gallic acid, and this study showed linearity in the range from 1.3 × 10(-8) to 46.5 × 10(-8) mM, with a detection limit of 3.6 × 10(-8) mM.

Highly sensitive luminescent sensor for cyanide ion detection in aqueous solution based on PEG-coated ZnS nanoparticles

Using polyethylene glycol (PEG) coated ZnS nanoparticles (NPs), a novel and highly sensitive luminescent sensor for cyanide ion detection in aqueous solution has been presented. ZnS NPs have been used to develop efficient luminescence sensor which exhibits high reproducibility and stability with the lowest limit of detection of 1.29×10(-6) mol L(-1). The observed limit of detection of the fabricated sensor is ~6 times lower than maximum value of cyanide permitted by United States Environmental Protection Agency for drinking water (7.69×10(-6) mol L(-1)). The interfering studies show that the developed sensor possesses good selectivity for cyanide ion even in presence of other coexisting ions. Importantly, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report which demonstrates the utilization of PEG- coated ZnS NPs for efficient luminescence sensor for cyanide ion detection in aqueous solution. This work demonstrates that rapidly synthesized ZnS NPs can be used to fabricate efficient luminescence sensor for cyanide ion detection.

Ultrasensitive and rapid lead sensing in water based on environmental friendly and high luminescent L-glutathione-capped-ZnSe quantum dots

Water-soluble and high luminescent l-glutathione-capped-ZnSe quantum dots (QDs) were applied for ultrasensitive Pb(II) detection. l-glutathione-capped-ZnSe QDs were synthesized by a facile colloid aqueous phase route. It is characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, Ultraviolet-visible spectrometry and fluorescence spectrometry. Quantum yields of l-glutathione-capped-ZnSe QDs could reach 50.1% without post irradiation. The fluorescence quenching of the l-glutathione-capped-ZnSe QDs depended on the concentration, pH and reaction time of the Pb(II) solution. The possible mechanism of fluorescence of l-glutathione-capped-ZnSe QDs quenched by Pb(II) was discussed in detail. Under optimal conditions, the quenched fluorescence intensity increased linearly with the concentration of Pb(II) in the range of 1.0×10(-8)∼8.0×10(-7)mol/L. The limit of detection for Pb(II) was 0.71 nmol/L. This developed method is demonstrated to contain improved sensitive and selective characteristics for the detection of trace Pb(II) in water.

Quantum dot based turn-on fluorescent probes for anion sensing

The design of fluorescent probes for turn-on sensing of anions has been especially significant because it can effectively enhance sensing sensitivity by decreasing the background interference. In the present work, we have systematically studied the potential applications of fluorescent quantum dots (QDs) in turn-on anion sensing. The fluorescence of QDs are firstly quenched by three different mechanisms, i.e. fluorescence resonance energy transfer, electron transfer and surface states modulated fluorescence. The fluorescence of the pre-quenched QDs can then be recovered by various anions due to the modulating effects of added anions on the interaction between QDs and QDs, the interaction between QDs and quenchers, and the surface chemistry of the quenched QDs, respectively. The results described here indicate that turn-on sensing of various anions by QDs-based systems can be achieved by rationally choosing fluorescence modulating strategies, demonstrating the versatility of QDs in the corresponding applications.

Applications of quantum dots as probes in immunosensing of small-sized analytes

Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanoparticles with very interesting optical properties, like high quantum yield or narrow and size-tuneable fluorescence spectra. Current applications of QDs are widespread, their use as fluorescence labels in bioassays being one of the most promising. These nanoparticles are usually conjugated to highly specific biomolecules like antibodies, oligonucleotides, enzymes or aptamers to improve assay selectivity. In this review, QD surface passivation, conjugation to biomolecules, and purification strategies are discussed with special emphasis to the development of QD-based immunoassays for the detection of low molecular weight compounds given the relevance of this sort of analytes in health, food safety, pharmaceutical, or environmental monitoring areas. The aim of this review is to summarise the main achievements attained so far and to initialise researchers in the field of antibody-based assays employing QDs as labels, such as fluorescence-linked immunosorbent assay (FLISA), fluorescence (or Förster) resonance energy transfer (FRET), immunochromatographic methods, and immunosensors.

Live Cells as Dynamic Laboratories: Time Lapse Raman Spectral Microscopy of Nanoparticles with Both IgE Targeting and pH-Sensing Functions

This review captures the use of live cells as dynamic microlaboratories through implementation of labeled nanoparticles (nanosensors) that have both sensing and targeting functions. The addition of 2,4-ε-dinitrophenol-L-lysine (DNP) as a FcεRI targeting ligand and 4-mercaptopyridine (4-MPy) as a pH-sensing ligand enables spatial and temporal monitoring of FcεRI receptors and their pH environment within the endocytic pathway. To ensure reliability, the sensor is calibrated in vivo using the ionophore nigericin and standard buffer solutions to equilibrate the external [H⁺] concentration with that of the cell compartments. This review highlights the nanosensors, ability to traffic and respond to pH of receptor-bound nanosensors (1) at physiological temperature (37°C) versus room temperature (25°C), (2) after pharmacological treatment with bafilomycin, an H⁺ ATPase pump inhibitor, or amiloride, an inhibitor of Na⁺/H⁺ exchange, and (3) in response to both temperature and pharmacological treatment. Whole-cell, time lapse images are demonstrated to show the ability to transform live cells into dynamic laboratories to monitor temporal and spatial endosomal pH. The versatility of these probes shows promise for future applications relevant to intracellular trafficking and intelligent drug design.

Citrate-capped Mn-modified CdSe/CdS quantum dots as luminescent probes for levodopa detection in aqueous solution

A novel kind of citrate capped Mn-modified CdSe/CdS quantum dots (QDs) was developed. The Mn-modified CdSe/CdS QDs had a narrow, symmetric emission and strong fluorescence with quantum yield over 41%. The interaction between the QDs and levodopa was investigated. The results showed that levodopa selectively quenched the fluorescence intensity of the QDs. Based on the fluorescence quenching of the synthesized QDs by levodopa, a simple, rapid and specific quantitative method for levodopa was proposed. The factors affecting the fluorescence detection for levodopa were studied. Under the optimum conditions, the quenched intensity of the fluorescence versus levodopa concentration from 1 to 100 μM gave a linear response with an excellent correlation coefficient of 0.9996, and the limit of detection (3σ/K) was 2 × 10(-7)M. The contents of levodopa in pharmaceutical tablets were determined by the proposed method and the results agreed with the claimed values.