Cathodic electrochemiluminescence immunosensor based on nanocomposites of semiconductor carboxylated g-C3N4 and graphene for the ultrasensitive detection of squamous cell carcinoma antigen

Cooperative amplification of Prussian blue as a signal indicator and functionalized metal-organic framework-based electrochemical biosensor for an ultrasensitive HE4 assay

Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), a diagnostic biomarker of ovarian cancer, is crucial for monitoring the early stage of the disease. Hence, it is highly important to develop simple, inexpensive, and user-friendly biosensors for sensitive and quantitative HE4 assays. Herein, a new sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensor based on Prussian blue (PB) as a signal indicator and functionalized metal-organic framework nanocompositesas efficient signal amplifiers was fabricated for quantitative analysis of HE4. In principle, ketjen black (KB) and AuNPs modified on TiMOF (TiMOF-KB@AuNPs) could accelerate electron transfer on the electrode surface and act as a matrix for the immobilization of antibodies via cross-linking to improve the determination sensitivity. The PB that covalently binds to labeled antibodies endows the biosensors with intense electrochemical signals. Furthermore, the concentration of HE4 could be indirectly detected by monitoring the electroactivity of PB. Benefiting from the high signal amplification ability of the PB and MOF nanocomposites, this strategy displayed a wide linear range (0.1-80 ng mL-1) and a lower detection limit (0.02 ng mL-1). Hence, this study demonstrated great promise for application in clinical ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment, and provided a new platform for detecting other cancer biomarkers.

A dual-mode composite nanozyme-based cascade colorimetric-fluorescence aptasensor for Salmonella Typhimurium detection

BACKGROUND

Salmonella Typhimurium poses a serious threat to human health worldwide, necessitating the development of a rapid, sensitive, and convenient method for S. Typhimurium detection. Nanozymes are considered ideal signal report elements, which are extensively used for developing colorimetric methods. However, single-component nanozymes display low catalytic activity, and colorimetric methods are susceptible to environmental interference, reducing the sensitivity and accuracy of detection results. To address these drawbacks, this study constructed a dual-mode composite nanozyme-based cascade colorimetric-fluorescence aptasensor for S. Typhimurium detection in food.

RESULTS

In this study, the composite Fe3O4@MIL-100(Fe) nanozymes were successful synthesized and demonstrated substantial peroxide-like activity, with 4.76-fold higher specificity activity (SA) than that of Fe3O4 nanozymes. Then, a glucose oxidase (GOx)-Fe3O4@MIL-100(Fe) cascade reaction was developed for colorimetric detection via an aptamer to facilitate the formation of Fe3O4@MIL-100(Fe)/S. Typhimurium/carboxylated g-C3N4 (CCN)-GOx sandwich complexes. Meanwhile, the fluorescence mode was achieved by measuring the fluorescence intensity of the sandwich complexes. In optimum conditions, the dual-mode detection limits (LOD) were 1.8 CFU/mL (colorimetric mode) and 1.2 CFU/mL (fluorescence mode), respectively, with the S. Typhimurium concentration ranging from 10 CFU/mL to 107 CFU/mL. Finally, the feasibility of the dual-mode colorimetric-fluorescence method was validated via three actual samples, yielding recovery rates of 77.32 % to91.17 % and 82.17 % to 103.7 %, respectively.

SIGNIFICANCE AND NOVELTY

This study successfully develops a composite nanozyme-based cascade colorimetric and fluorescence dual-mode aptasensor for S. Typhimurium detection. It presents several distinct benefits, such as a broader linear range (10-107 CFU/mL), a lower LOD value (1.2 CFU/mL), and more accurate results. More importantly, the proposed dual-mode method displays a low LOD in colorimetric mode, demonstrating considerable potential for S. Typhimurium on-site detection in food.

Boosting the Activation of Molecular Oxygen and the Degradation of Rhodamine B in Polar-Functional-Group-Modified g-C3N4

Molecular oxygen activation often suffers from high energy consumption and low efficiency. Developing eco-friendly and effective photocatalysts remains a key challenge for advancing green molecular oxygen activation. Herein, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) with abundant hydroxyl groups (HCN) was synthesized to investigate the relationship between these polar groups and molecular oxygen activation. The advantage of the hydroxyl group modification of g-C3N4 included narrower interlayer distances, a larger specific surface area and improved hydrophilicity. Various photoelectronic measurements revealed that the introduced hydroxyl groups reduced the charge transfer resistance of HCN, resulting in accelerated charge separation and migration kinetics. Therefore, the optimal HCN-90 showed the highest activity for Rhodamine B photodegradation with a reaction time of 30 min and an apparent rate constant of 0.125 min-1, surpassing most other g-C3N4 composites. This enhanced activity was attributed to the adjusted band structure achieved through polar functional group modification. The modification of polar functional groups could alter the energy band structure of photocatalysts, narrow band gap, enhance visible-light absorption, and improve photogenerated carrier separation efficiency. This work highlights the significant potential of polar functional groups in tuning the structure of g-C3N4 to enhance efficient molecular oxygen activation.

Realizing Direct Uranium Extraction from Seawater Using a Carboxyl-g-C3N4/CdS Hydrogel

The photocatalytic U(VI) reduction is regarded as an effective strategy for recovering uranium. However, its application in seawater uranium extraction poses challenges due to limited reactivity in the presence of carbonate and under atmospheric conditions. In the present study, a photoactive hydrogel made of carboxyl-functionalized g-C3N4/CdS (CCN/CdS) is designed for extracting uranium. The carboxyl groups on g-C3N4 enhance the affinity toward uranyl ions while CdS facilitates the activation of dissolved oxygen. Under atmospheric conditions, the prepared hydrogel catalyst achieves over 80% reduction rate of 0.1 mM U(VI) within 150 min in the presence of carbonate, without the assistance of any electron donors. During the photocatalytic process, U(VI) is reduced to form UO2+x. The hydrogel catalyst exhibits a high uranium extraction capacity of >434.5 mg g⁻1 and the products can be effectively eluted using a 0.1 M NaCO3 solution. Furthermore, this hydrogel catalyst offers excellent stability, good recyclability, outstanding antifouling activity, and ease of separation, all of which are desirable for seawater uranium extraction. Finally, the test in real seawater demonstrates the successful extraction of uranium from seawater using the prepared hydrogel catalyst.

Electrochemiluminescence Enhancement and Passivation Mitigation in Carbon Nitride Semiconductors via an Integrated Ternary Heterostructure Strategy

In recent years, carbon nitride (CN) has attracted substantial attention in the field of electrochemiluminescence (ECL) applications, owing to its outstanding optical and electronic properties. However, the passivation of CN during the ECL process has contributed to reduced stability and poor repeatability. While some studies have tried to boost ECL performance by altering CN through doping and vacancies, effectively suppressing CN passivation at high potentials continues to be challenge. In this study, the built-in electric field and the Schottky barrier effect is used to expedite the transfer of electrons from CN to the molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) conduction band. This transfer deterred excessive electron injection into the CN band, thus mitigating its electrochemical degradation. Moreover, by introducing nickel nanoparticles (Ni NPs) as catalytic active sites, it is facilitated that the decomposition of potassium persulfate (K2S2O8), thereby enhancing both the stability and intensity of ECL emission. In the end, the application of ternary heterostructure as sensing platform for the cancer biomarker carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) demonstrated high sensitivity. This research introduces a novel approach to overcome CN passivation, paving the way for more promising applications of CN in energy, environmental, and biosensing fields.

Ultrasensitive detection of Ag+and Ce3+ions using highly fluorescent carboxyl-functionalized carbon nitride nanoparticles

The fluorescence quenching of carboxyl-rich g-C3N4nanoparticles was found to be selective to Ag+and Ce3+with a limit of detection as low as 30 pM for Ag+ions. A solid-state thermal polycondensation reaction was used to produce g-C3N4nanoparticles with distinct green fluorescence and high water solubility. Dynamic light scattering indicated an average nanoparticle size of 95 nm. The photoluminescence absorption and emission maxima were centered at 405 nm and 540 nm respectively which resulted in a large Stokes shift. Among different metal ion species, the carboxyl-rich g-C3N4nanoparticles were selective to Ag+and Ce3+ions, as indicated by strong fluorescence quenching and a change in the fluorescence lifetime. The PL sensing of heavy metal ions followed modified Stern-Volmer kinetics, and CNNPs in the presence of Ag+/Ce3+resulted in a higher value ofKapp(8.9 × 104M-1) indicating a more efficient quenching process and stronger interaction between CNNP and mixed ions. Sensing was also demonstrated using commercial filter paper functionalized with g-C3N4nanoparticles, enabling practical on-site applications.

Synthesis and up-to-date applications of 2D microporous g-C3N4 nanomaterials for sustainable development

In recent years, with the development of industrial technology and the increase of people's environmental awareness, the research on sustainable materials and their applications has become a hot topic. Among two-dimensional (2D) materials that have been selected for sustainable research, graphitic phase carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has become a hot research topic because of its many outstanding advantages such as simple preparation, good electrochemical properties, excellent photochemical properties, and better thermal stability. Nevertheless, the inherent limitations of g-C3N4 due to its relatively poor specific surface area, rapid charge recombination, limited light absorption range, and inferior dispersion in aqueous and organic media have limited its practical application. In the review, we summarize and analyze the unique structure of the 2D microporous nanomaterial g-C3N4, its synthesis method, chemical modification method, and the latest application examples in various fields in recent years, highlighting its advantages and shortcomings, with a view to providing ideas for overcoming the difficulties in its application. Furthermore, the pressing challenges faced by g-C3N4 are briefly discussed, as well as an outlook on the application prospects of g-C3N4 materials. It is expected that the review in this paper will provide more theoretical strategies for the future practical application of g-C3N4-based materials, as well as contributing to nanomaterials in sustainable applications.

Microenvironment Restruction of Emerging 2D Materials and their Roles in Therapeutic and Diagnostic Nano-Bio-Platforms

Engineering advanced therapeutic and diagnostic nano-bio-platforms (NBPFs) have emerged as rapidly-developed pathways against a wide range of challenges in antitumor, antipathogen, tissue regeneration, bioimaging, and biosensing applications. Emerged 2D materials have attracted extensive scientific interest as fundamental building blocks or nanostructures among material scientists, chemists, biologists, and doctors due to their advantageous physicochemical and biological properties. This timely review provides a comprehensive summary of creating advanced NBPFs via emerging 2D materials (2D-NBPFs) with unique insights into the corresponding molecularly restructured microenvironments and biofunctionalities. First, it is focused on an up-to-date overview of the synthetic strategies for designing 2D-NBPFs with a cross-comparison of their advantages and disadvantages. After that, the recent key achievements are summarized in tuning the biofunctionalities of 2D-NBPFs via molecularly programmed microenvironments, including physiological stability, biocompatibility, bio-adhesiveness, specific binding to pathogens, broad-spectrum pathogen inhibitors, stimuli-responsive systems, and enzyme-mimetics. Moreover, the representative therapeutic and diagnostic applications of 2D-NBPFs are also discussed with detailed disclosure of their critical design principles and parameters. Finally, current challenges and future research directions are also discussed. Overall, this review will provide cutting-edge and multidisciplinary guidance for accelerating future developments and therapeutic/diagnostic applications of 2D-NBPFs.

Photoelectrochemical immunoassay of squamous cell carcinoma antigen based on CuO/nitrogen-doped porous carbon-ZnO biolabeling and a type-II In2O3/AgBiS2 heterojunction

AgBiS₂ was hydrothermally synthesized, In₂O₃ was synthesized by hydrothermal method and calcination, and the type-II In₂O₃/AgBiS₂ heterojunction material of an optimized composition ratio was cast-coated on a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) slice to fabricate an In₂O₃/AgBiS₂/FTO photoanode. The signal-attenuated photoelectrochemistry sandwich immunoassay of squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA) was realized on this photoanode, on the basis of a bovine serum albumin/secondary antibody/CuO nanoparticles/nitrogen-doped porous carbon-ZnO bionanocomposite that can competitively absorb light and deplete the electron donor ascorbic acid as well as show the steric hindrance and p-n quenching effects. Under the optimized conditions (e.g., at a bias of 0 V vs. SCE), the photocurrent was linear with the common logarithm of SCCA concentration from 2.00 pg mL^-1 to 50.0 ng mL^-1, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.62 pg mL^-1 (S/N = 3). The immunoassay of SCCA in human serum samples gave satisfactory recovery (92.0~103%) and relative standard deviation (5.1~7.8%) results.

Electrochemiluminescence detection of miRNA-21 based on dual signal amplification strategies: Duplex-specific nuclease -mediated target recycle and nicking endonuclease-driven 3D DNA nanomachine

DNA nanomachines have shown potential application in the construction of various biosensors. Here, an electrochemiluminescence biosensor for the sensitive detection of miRNA-21 were reported based on three-dimensional (3D) DNA nanomachine and duplex-specific nuclease (DSN)-mediated target recycle amplification strategy. First, the bipedal DNA walkers were obtained by DSN-mediated digestion reaction initiated by target miRNA-21.3D DNA tracks were prepared by modifying Fe₃O₄ magnetic beads (MBs) with ferrocene-labeled DNA (Fc-DNA). The produced DNA walkers autonomously moved along 3D DNA tracks powered by nicking endonuclease. During the movement, ferrocene-labeled DNA was cleaved, resulting in large amounts of Fc-labeled DNA fragments away from the MBs surface. Finally, the liberated Fc-labeled DNA fragments were dropped on the C-g-C₃N₄ modified electrode surface, leading to the quenching of C-g-C₃N₄ electrochemiluminescence (ECL). Benefiting from the dual amplification strategy of 3D DNA nanomachine and DSN-mediated target recycling, the developed ECL biosensor exhibited an excellent performance for miRNA-21 detection with a wide linear range of 10 fM to 10 nM and a low detection limit of 1.0 fM. This work offers a new thought for the application of DNA walkers in the construction of various biosensors.

Sandwich-Type Electrochemical Aptasensor for Highly Sensitive and Selective Detection of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Bacteria Using a Dual Signal Amplification Strategy

An electrochemical aptasensor developed to realize the detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) bacteria based on a signal amplification strategy. The carbon screen-printed electrode (CSPE) surface was modified by MIL-101(Cr)/Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), which significantly increased the effective surface area of the electrode, thus resulting in further F23 aptamer immobilization at the surface of the modified electrode. As a result, the P. aeruginosa can be efficiently captured onto the surface of the aptasensor. Moreover, aptamer immobilized on the two-dimensional graphitic carbon nitride complex with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs/c-g-C₃N₄/Apt) was used as an electrochemical signal label, connected to P. aeruginosa bacteria at the modified electrode. This strategy increased the aptamer surface density and the sensitivity for detecting P. aeruginosa. Also, the resultant material was thoroughly characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis techniques. A highly sensitive voltammetric aptasensor for P. aeruginosa detection was obtained via this strategy at the limit of detection of 1 Colony-forming unit (CFU)/mL (σ = 3). Therefore, this proposed strategy with dual signal amplification can be a promising platform for simple, practical, reliable, and sensitive method for P. aeruginosa.

Highly fluorescent hydroxyl groups functionalized graphitic carbon nitride for ultrasensitive and selective determination of mercury ions in water and fish samples

Heavy metal ion pollution is always a serious problem worldwide. Therefore, monitoring heavy metal ions in environmental water is a crucial and difficult step to ensure the safety of people and the environment. A mercury ion (Hg2+) fluorescence probe with excellent sensitivity and selectivity is described here. The functionalized graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (T/G-C3N4) fluorescence probe was fabricated using melamine as a precursor by the pyrolysis technique, followed by a rapid KOH heat treatment method for 2 min. The chemical structure and morphology of the T/G-C3N4 probe were characterized using multiple analytical techniques including UV–Vis, SEM, XPS, XRD, and fluorometer spectroscopy. Geometry optimization of T/G-C3N4 as a modified probe was performed to assess its stability and interaction ability with Hg(II) via using the density function approach. The T/G-C3N4 probe showed a linear response based on quenching over the range 0–1.25 × 103 nM Hg(II); the detection limit was 27 nM. The remarkable sensitivity of T/G-C3N4 towards the Hg2+ ions was explained by the intense coordination and fast chelation kinetics of Hg2+ with the NH2, CN, C=N, and OH groups of T/G-C3N4 nanoprobe. The T/G-C3N4 probe demonstrates exceptional selectivity for Hg2+ ions among other metal ions including (Na+, Ag+, Mg2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cd2+, K+, Ca2+, Cu2+, Pb2+, Mn2+ and Hg2+) and over a broad pH range (6–10), together with remarkable long-term fluorescence stability in water (> 30 days) and minimal toxicity. T/G-C3N4 was used to detect and quantify Hg2+ ions in tuna and mackerel fish and the results compared to ICP-AES. The results obtained offer a new simple and green technique for the design of multifunctional fluorescent probe appropriate for environmental applications.

Graphical Abstract

A Novel Electrochemiluminescence Immunosensor Based on Resonance Energy Transfer between g-CN and NU-1000(Zr) for Ultrasensitive Detection of Ochratoxin A in Coffee

In this study, an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor based on nanobody heptamer and resonance energy transfer (RET) between g-C₃N₄ (g-CN) and NU-1000(Zr) was proposed for ultrasensitive ochratoxin A (OTA) detection. First, OTA heptamer fusion protein was prepared by fusing OTA-specific nanometric (Nb28) with a c-terminal fragment of C4 binding protein (C4bpα) (Nb28-C4bpα). Then, Nb28-C4bpα heptamer with the high affinity used as a molecular recognition probe, of which plenty of binding sites were provided for OTA-Apt-NU-1000(Zr) nanocomposites, thereby improving the immunosensors' sensitivity. In addition, the quantitative analysis of OTA can be achieved by using the signal quenching effect of NU-1000(Zr) on g-CN. As the concentration of OTA increases, the amount of OTA-Apt-NU-1000(Zr) fixed on the electrode surface decreases. RET between g-CN and NU-1000(Zr) is weakened leading to the increase of ECL signal. Thus, OTA content is indirectly proportional to ECL intensity. Based on the above principle, an ultra-sensitive and specific ECL immunosensor for OTA detection was constructed by using heptamer technology and RET between two nanomaterials, with a range from 0.1 pg/mL to 500 ng/mL, and the detection limit of only 33 fg/mL. The prepared ECL-RET immunosensor showed good performance and can be successfully used for the determination of OTA content in real coffee samples, suggesting that the nanobody polymerization strategy and the RET effect between NU-1000(Zr) and g-CN can provide an alternative for improving the sensitivity of important mycotoxin detection.

Electrochemiluminescence nanoemitters for immunoassay of protein biomarkers

The family of electrochemiluminescent luminophores has witnessed quick development since the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) phenomenon of silicon nanoparticles was first reported in 2002. Moreover, these developed ECL nanoemitters have extensively been applied in sensitive detection of protein biomarker by combining with immunological recognition. This review firstly summarized the origin and development of various ECL nanoemitters including inorganic and organic nanomaterials, with an emphasis on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-based ECL nanoemitters. Several effective strategies to amplify the ECL response of nanoemitters and improve the sensitivity of immunosensing were discussed. The application of ECL nanoemitters in immunoassay of protein biomarkers for diagnosis of cancers and other diseases, especially lung cancer and heart diseases, was comprehensively presented. The recent development of ECL imaging with the nanoemitters as ECL tags for detection of multiplex protein biomarkers on single cell membrane also attracted attention. Finally, the future opportunities and challenges in the ECL biosensing field were highlighted.

Modulating Anodic Electrochemiluminescence of Graphitic Carbon Nitride by Thiophene Doping

As an attractive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) emitter, graphitic carbon nitride (g-CN) still suffers from weak anodic ECL signal. In this work, a simple molecular engineering strategy is employed to modulate anodic...

Plasmon-Enhanced Nitrogen Vacancy-Rich Carbon Nitride Electrochemiluminescence Aptasensor for Highly Sensitive Detection of miRNA

The development of biosensors for biologically important substances with ultralow content such as microRNA is of great significance. Herein, a novel surface plasmon-enhanced electrogenerated chemiluminescence-based aptasensor was developed for ultrasensitive sensing of microRNA by using nitrogen vacancy-rich carbon nitride nanosheets as effective luminophores and gold nanoparticles as plasmonic sources. The introduction of nitrogen vacancies improved the electrochemiluminescence behavior due to improved conductance and electrogenerated chemiluminescence activity. The introduction of plasmonic gold nanoparticles increased the electrochemiluminescence signal intensity by more than eightfold. The developed surface plasmon-enhanced electrogenerated chemiluminescence aptasensor exhibited good selectivity, ultrasensitivity, excellent stability, and reproducibility for the determination of microRNA-133a, with a dynamic linear range of 1 aM to 100 pM and a limit of detection about 0.87 aM. Moreover, the surface plasmon-enhanced electrogenerated chemiluminescence sensor obtained a good recovery when detecting the content of microRNA in actual serum.

Photocatalytic Removal of Antibiotics on g-C3N4 Using Amorphous CuO as Cocatalysts

Amorphous CuO is considered as an excellent cocatalyst, owing to its large surface area and superior conductivity compared with its crystalline counterpart. The current work demonstrates a facile method to prepare amorphous CuO, which is grown on the surface of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and is then applied for the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride. The prepared CuO/g-C3N4 composite shows higher photocatalytic activities compared with bare g-C3N4. Efficient charge transfer between g-C3N4 and CuO is confirmed by the photocurrent response spectra and photoluminescence spectra. This work provides a facile approach to prepare low-cost composites for the photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics to safeguard the environment.

Electrogenerated chemiluminescence detection of single entities

Electrogenerated chemiluminescence, also known as electrochemiluminescence (ECL), is an electrochemically induced production of light by excited luminophores generated during redox reactions. It can be used to sense the charge transfer and related processes at electrodes via a simple visual readout; hence, ECL is an outstanding tool in analytical sensing. The traditional ECL approach measures averaged electrochemical quantities of a large ensemble of individual entities, including molecules, microstructures and ions. However, as a real system is usually heterogeneous, the study of single entities holds great potential in elucidating new truths of nature which are averaged out in ensemble assays or hidden in complex systems. We would like to review the development of ECL intensity and imaging based single entity detection and place emphasis on the assays of small entities including single molecules, micro/nanoparticles and cells. The current challenges for and perspectives on ECL detection of single entities are also discussed.

An electrochemiluminescence energy resonance transfer system for highly sensitive detection of brombuterol

In this work, an electrochemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (ECL-RET) system was established based on the modified graphite phase carbon nitride to detect brombuterol residues in food. The ultrasonic-assisted acidification exfoliation modification improved the conductivity and specific surface area of the graphite phase carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄). In addition, the carboxylated g-C₃N₄ nanosheets as ECL donors and the Au-Ag alloy nanoparticles as ECL acceptors could respectively directly carry antigen and antibody. Therefore, the trouble of introducing additional bridge molecules was avoided. A competitive immunoassay strategy was used for the detection of brombuterol, where brombuterol in the sample would compete with the coating antigen for the limited binding sites on antibody. The proposed ECL immunosensor for brombuterol detection exhibited high sensitivity with a wide linear range from 0.001 ng mL^-1 to 1000 ng mL^-1 and a low detection limit at 0.31 pg mL^-1. This work adopts a very simple way to design the sensor without losing its sensitivity, bringing convenience to its possible future applications.

An "on-off" electrochemiluminescence immunosensor for PIVKA-II detection based on the dual quenching of CeO2-Au-g-C3N4 hybrids by Ag nanocubes-VB2

Herein, we report a novel dual-quenching electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor for detecting protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II) based on ECL resonance energy transfer (ECL-RET). In this protocol, self-accelerated ECL hybrids of CeO₂ and Au nanoparticles functionalized g-C₃N₄ nanosheets (CeO₂-Au-g-C₃N₄) were prepared, which exhibited high ECL emission in the presence of S₂O₈^2- as a coreactant for "signal on" state. Concretely, CeO₂ with a reproducible redox couple of Ce³⁺ and Ce⁴⁺ could act as an efficient co-reaction accelerator to generate more oxidizing intermediate (SO₄^•-) to significantly self-promote the ECL emission of g-C₃N₄ NSs/S₂O₈^2- ECL system. Besides, Au nanoparticles not only accelerated electron transfer in the ECL process, but also provided massive active sites for biomolecules immobilization. The dual quenching labels of Ag nanocubes modified with vitamin B₂ (AgNCs-VB₂) were firstly proposed towards g-C₃N₄ NSs/S₂O₈^2- ECL system by ECL-RET, resulting in the remarkable ECL decrease for "signal off" state. Based on the sandwich immunoreaction, the "on-off" PIVKA-II ECL immunosensor gratifyingly possessed excellent detection sensitivity with the linear range of 0.4 pg mL^-1-10 ng mL^-1 and the low detection limit of 28.46 fg mL^-1 (S/N = 3). This presented strategy might provide a potential alternative tool for PIVKA-II detection in medical research and early clinical diagnostics of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Convenient and highly sensitive detection of Cu2+ using chitosan solid film with g-C3N4 nanosheets

A solid fluorescence sensor composed of g-C3N4 nanosheets and chitosan solid film was fabricated by electrostatic interaction. The g-C3N4 nanosheet/chitosan solid film showed selectivity and sensitivity to Cu2+ which was higher than that of other metal ions in common use. Cu2+ ions were found to efficiently bind and quench the fluorescence of the g-C3N4 nanosheet/chitosan solid film. The absorption band of the g-C3N4 nanosheet/chitosan solid film was at 240 nm in the presence of Cu2+, and the maximum emission peak was at 380 nm. Copper ion concentrations were between 0 and 3.1 × 10−5 mol/L at pH 7, the detection limit is 5 nM, compared with previous reports, it was much lower than before. Good linear relationships existed between the metal ion concentration and fluorescence intensity of g-C3N4 nanosheets in the quenching and recovering processes. This is the first study to report on the detection of Cu2+ by utilizing g-C3N4 nanosheet/chitosan composite film. The as-prepared films were conveniently prepared, easy to operate, and recyclable, as well as sensitive and selective to detect Cu2+ in water. All these features indicate the sensor’s potential application in disease diagnosis.

A ratiometric nanoprobe based on carboxylated graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets and Eu3+ for the detection of tetracyclines

A convenient and rapid method that combines a fluorescent nanoprobe based on C-g-C₃N₄-Eu³⁺ with a smartphone and test paper has been developed for the in situ detection of tetracyclines.

A sandwich-type ECL immunosensor for the sensitive determination of CEA content based on red emission carbon quantum dots as luminophores

A novel electrochemiluminescent immunosensor was constructed based on the quenching effect between red emission carbon quantum dots and aminated graphene.

Emerging Chemical Functionalization of g-C3N4: Covalent/Noncovalent Modifications and Applications

Atomically 2D thin-layered structures, such as graphene nanosheets, graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (g-C₃N₄), hexagonal boron nitride, and transition metal dichalcogenides are emerging as fascinating materials for a good array of domains owing to their rare physicochemical characteristics. In particular, graphitic carbon nitride has turned into a hot subject in the scientific community due to numerous qualities such as simple preparation, electrochemical properties, high adsorption capacity, good photochemical properties, thermal stability, and acid-alkali chemical resistance, etc. Basically, g-C₃N₄ is considered as a polymeric material consisting of N and C atoms forming a tri-s-triazine network connected by planar amino groups. In comparison with most C-based materials, g-C₃N₄ possesses electron-rich characteristics, basic moieties, and hydrogen-bonding groups owing to the presence of hydrogen and nitrogen atoms; therefore, it is taken into account as an interesting nominee to further complement carbon in applications of functional materials. Nevertheless, g-C₃N₄ has some intrinsic limitations and drawbacks mainly related to a relatively poor specific surface area, rapid charge recombination, a limited light absorption range, and a poor dispersibility in both aqueous and organic mediums. To overcome these shortcomings, numerous chemical modification approaches have been conducted with the aim of expanding the range of application of g-C₃N₄ and enhancing its properties. In the current review, the comprehensive survey is conducted on g-C₃N₄ chemical functionalization strategies including covalent and noncovalent approaches. Covalent approaches consist of establishing covalent linkage between the g-C₃N₄ structure and the chemical modifier such as oxidation/carboxylation, amidation, polymer grafting, etc., whereas the noncovalent approaches mainly consist of physical bonding and intermolecular interaction such as van der Waals interactions, electrostatic interactions, π-π interactions, and so on. Furthermore, the preparation, characterization, and diverse applications of functionalized g-C₃N₄ in various domains are described and recapped. We believe that this work will inspire scientists and readers to conduct research with the aim of exploring other functionalization strategies for this material in numerous applications.

Fusiform-Shaped g-C3 N4 Capsules with Superior Photocatalytic Activity

Carbon nitride (g-C₃ N₄ ) nanostructure rebuilding is an effective means to modify its photocatalytic properties, especially the hollow micron-nanostructure. The increased scattering in the body effectively improves the light utilization efficiency and improves catalytic properties. In this work, fusiform-shaped g-C₃ N₄ capsules are created by controlling the nucleation kinetics of supramolecular assemblies. The fusiform-shaped capsule micron-nanostructure is synthesized with ultrathin wall thickness and adjusted carbon/nitride ratios which decrease the recombination rate of photo-generated carriers. The hollow nanostructure and relatively higher specific surface area of the fusiform-shaped capsule effectively enhance light scattering inside body and lead to an enhanced carrier utilization efficiency. Moreover, the decrease of bandgap and relatively negative conduction band position affect the response of hollow fusiform-shaped g-C₃ N₄ capsules (Hf-g-C₃ N₄ ) in visible light region and improve the photo-reducing performance. In term of H₂ evolution property, Hf-g-C₃ N₄ has been improved to 7052 µmol g^-1 h^-1 , which is 10.9 times higher compared with bulk structure. More importantly, Hf-g-C₃ N₄ can produce CH₄ at the rate of 1.63 µmol g^-1 h^-1 without help of co-catalyst and hole sacrificial agent in the photocatalytic reduction reaction of CO₂ to CH₄ . At same time, the selective photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ is another advantage of Hf-g-C₃ N₄ .

A self-enhanced electrochemiluminescent ratiometric zearalenone immunoassay based on the use of helical carbon nanotubes

A self-enhanced electrochemiluminescent ratiometric immunoassay for zearalenone is described. A system composed of N-aminobutyl-N-ethylisoluminol (ABEI) and glutathione (GSH) produces a strong electrochemiluminescence (ECL) at an applied potential of 0.8 V, probably because of short electron transfer distance and reduced energy loss. The method also uses octahedral anatase mesocrystals (OAM) with a large specific surface facilitating immobilization of ABEI and GSH. Helical carbon nanotubes, possessing a large specific surface, superior mechanical stability, and excellent electrical conductivity which serve as a solid support, greatly enhanced the loading capacity for g-C₃N₄ nanosheets and horseradish peroxidase-labeled anti-antibody. The peroxidase accelerates the decomposition of H₂O₂ to produce reactive oxygen species (ROSs), amplifying the blue ECL of ABEI and the green ECL of g-C₃N₄. The ratiometric sandwich immunoassay (performed by the ratio of ECL intensity at - 1.3 V and 0.8 V) allows for sensitive and reliable determination of ZEN in a wide linear range from 1.0 × 10^-4 ng/mL to 10 ng/mL. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of corn hazelnut samples for ZEN. Graphical abstract Schematic presentation of a self-enhanced electrochemiluminescent ratiometric immunosensor based on octahedral anatase mesocrystals (OAM) supported ABEI-glutathione (GSH) and g-C₃N₄ functionalized helical carbon nanotubes (HCNT) for zearalenone (ZEN) determination.

Quench-Type Electrochemiluminescence Immunosensor Based on Resonance Energy Transfer from Carbon Nanotubes and Au-Nanoparticles-Enhanced g-C3N4 to CuO@Polydopamine for Procalcitonin Detection

A new type of sandwich electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor dependent on ECL resonance energy transfer (ECL-RET) to achieve sensitive detection of procalcitonin (PCT) has been designed. In brief, carbon nanotubes (CNT) and Au-nanoparticles-functionalized graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄-CNT@Au) and CuO nanospheres covered with polydopamine (PDA) layer (CuO@PDA) were synthesized and applied as ECL donor and receptor, respectively. g-C₃N₄-CNT nanomaterials were in situ prepared on the basis of π-π conjugation, and the CNT content in the composite were optimized to achieve a strong and stable ECL signal. At the same time, Au nanoparticles were used to functionalize g-C₃N₄-CNT to further increase the ECL intensity and the loading amount of primary antibody (Ab₁). Moreover, CuO@PDA was first used to successfully quench the ECL signal of g-C₃N₄-CNT@Au. Under the optimum experimental conditions, the linear detection range for PCT concentration was within 0.0001-10 ng mL^-1 and the detection limit was 25.7 fg mL^-1 (S/N = 3). Considering prominent specificity, reproducibility, and stability, the prepared immunosensor was used to assess recovery rate of PCT in human serum according to the standard addition method and the result was satisfactory. In addition, it is worth mentioning that a novel ECL-RET pair of g-C₃N₄-CNT@Au (donor)/CuO@PDA (acceptor) was first developed, which offered an effective analytical tool for sensitive detection of biomarkers in early disease diagnostics.

Pegylated carbon nitride nanosheets for enhanced reactive oxygen species generation and photodynamic therapy under hypoxic conditions

The application of photodynamic therapy (PDT) is of ever-increasing importance in the treatment of malignant tumors; however, there are several major constraints that make it impossible to achieve optimal therapeutic effects. Our objective is to develop a novel photosensitizing drug for skin cancer. In the experiment, we fabricated four-arm-poly ethylene glycol modified amino-rich graphite phase carbon nitride nanosheets (AGCN-PEG), which have good stability in physiological solution and show selective accumulation in tumor cells. Under hypoxic conditions, the AGCN-PEG induced PDT can effectively inhibit growth on A431 human epidermoid carcinoma cells in vivo and in vitro. What's more, after being combined with TMPyP4, the therapeutic effect of AGCN-PEG was greatly improved.

Construction of aptasensors for sensitive detection of 8-OH-dG based on a diffusion mediated electrochemiluminescence quenching effect

A DNA immobilization-free electrochemiluminescence aptasensor was developed for the detection of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxygunosine based on the diffusion mediated electrochemiluminescence quenching effect and dual signal amplification strategies.

Enhanced reduction and oxidation capability over the CeO2/g-C3N4 hybrid through surface carboxylation: performance and mechanism

The charge separation efficiency of the CeO₂/g-C₃N₄ heterojunction was greatly enhanced through surface carboxylation of the g-C₃N₄ substrate.

Electrogenerated chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer between ZnGa2O4/g-C3N4 and gold nanoparticles/graphene and its application in the detection of thrombin

A label-free ECL sensor for thrombin was fabricated based on ECL resonance energy transfer occurred between ZnGa₂O₄/g-C₃N₄ and AuNP/GR nanocomposites, which revealed a new role of spinel-type semiconductor oxides in the fabrication of ECL sensors.

Design and Biosensing of a Ratiometric Electrochemiluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer Aptasensor between a g-C3N4 Nanosheet and Ru@MOF for Amyloid-β Protein

A dual-wavelength ratiometric electrochemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (ECL-RET) aptasensor based on the carbon nitride nanosheet (g-C₃N₄ NS) and metal-organic frameworks (Ru@MOFs) as energy donor-receptor pairs is first designed for the detection of the amyloid-β (Aβ) protein. The cathode ECL of g-C₃N₄ NS gradually decreased, whereas the anode ECL from Ru@MOF pyramidally enhanced along with the increasing concentration of Aβ in a 0.1 M phosphate-buffered saline solution containing 0.1 M S₂O₈^2-. Additionally, it is worth noting that 2-amino terephthalic acid from MOF not only can load abundant amounts of luminophor Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ but also promote the conversion of more amounts of S₂O₈^2- that served as a coreactant accelerator into SO₄^•-, further enhancing the ECL signal of Ru@MOF. Besides, the ECL intensity from the g-C₃N₄ NS had a tremendous spectrum overlap with the UV-vis spectrum of Ru@MOF, demonstrating the high-efficiency ECL-RET from g-C₃N₄ NS to Ru@MOF. According to the ratio of ECL_460nm/ECL_620nm, the constructed aptasensor for the detection of Aβ showed a wide linear range from 10^-5 to 500 ng/mL and a low detection limit of 3.9 fg/mL (S/N = 3) with a correction coefficient of 0.9965. The obtained results certified that the dual-wavelength ratiometric ECL sensor could provide a reliable direction and have the potential for application in biosensing and clinical diagnosis fields.

Ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescence immunosensor for the detection of amyloid-β proteins based on resonance energy transfer between g-C3N4 and Pd NPs coated NH2-MIL-53

An electrochemiluminescence (ECL) analytical platform was proposed for ultrasensitive detection of amyloid-β proteins (Aβ) based on the ECL resonance energy transfer (ECL-RET). In this work, gold nanoparticles-functionalized graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (g-C₃N₄@Au NPs) and palladium nanoparticles-coated Metal organic framework (Pd NPs@NH₂-MIL-53) were synthesized, which were as ECL donor and ECL acceptor respectively. A strong cathode ECL emission was obtained from the g-C₃N₄@Au NPs when used K₂S₂O₈ as its co-reactant. Here, Au NPs not only was used as an accelerator to enhance and stabilize the ECL signal, but also a connector for attaching Aβ antibody. In addition, NH₂-MIL-53(Al) was selected as a label material for supporting Pd NPs to synergistically increase the intensity and range of UV-visible absorption. The ECL signal of g-C₃N₄@Au NPs was intensely decreased when the ECL acceptor probe Pd NPs@NH₂-MIL-53 was incubated onto the modified GCE by way of the specific recognition. Under the optimal condition, a wide detection range from 10 fg/mL to 50  ng/mL and a low detection limit of 3.4 fg/mL (S/N = 3) were obtained. In consideration of favorable specificity, stability and reproducibility, the proposed method was successfully applied for Aβ detection in actual human serum samples and could be a potential analytical tool for sensitive molecular trace detection in clinical analysis.

Enhanced photoelectrochemical sensing based on novel synthesized Bi2S3@Bi2O3 nanosheet heterostructure for ultrasensitive determination of L-cysteine

The design of a low-cost and highly efficient photoactive heterojunction material for sensing is still a challenging issue. On the basis of the formation of sheet-like Bi₂O₃ via coating Bi₂S₃, a novel Bi₂O₃@Bi₂S₃ heterostructure is controllably synthesized via a facile water bath approach. The prepared Bi₂O₃@Bi₂S₃ nanosheets show a superior photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance for the detection of L-cysteine (L-Cys), and the photocurrent signal is three and four times higher than those of Bi₂S₃ and Bi₂O₃ under visible irradiation, respectively. Also, the heterostructure presents an outstanding linear range for the detection of L-Cys: 0.1-10,000 μM. In addition, the mechanism of improved PEC response of Bi₂O₃@Bi₂S₃ nanosheets is investigated according to the estimated energy band positions. Thus, the integration of the novel heterostructure and the photoelectrochemical technique demonstrates a rapid photocurrent response, showing a great effect on the performance of the sensing system and a new PEC method for highly selective and sensitive chemical detection. Graphical abstract.

Aptamer based electrochemiluminescent determination of bisphenol A by using carboxylated graphitic carbon nitride

An electrochemiluminescence (ECL) based assay is described for the determination of the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA). The method is based on the use of carboxylated graphitic carbon nitride (C-g-C₃N₄) carrying an immobilized aptamer against BPA. In the presence of BPA, the ECL signal decreases due to ECL energy transfer from excited-state C-g-C₃N₄ to the BPA oxidation product. Under the optimal conditions, ECL intensity increases linearly in the 0.1 pM to 1 nM BPA concentration range. The detection limit is as low as 30 fM. The assay has excellent sensitivity, outstanding stability and high selectivity. It was applied to the determination of BPA in spiked water samples. Graphical abstract Aptamer modified carboxylated graphitic carbon nitride was synthesized and applied in an electrochemiluminescence-based aptasensor for bisphenol A.