Choline and acetylcholine detection based on peroxidase-like activity and protein antifouling property of platinum nanoparticles in bovine serum albumin scaffold

Stable Leonurus cardiaca L. polysaccharide-stabilized palladium nanoparticles for sensitive colorimetric detection of acetylcholine

Imbalances in acetylcholine levels within the human body readily precipitate neurological disorders. Hence, establishing a highly efficient and sensitive acetylcholine detection platform is of paramount importance. Palladium-based nanoparticles have high catalytic performance, which is of profoundly important in the development of nanozyme technology. Herein, we focused on extracting Leonurus cardiaca L. polysaccharide (LCLP) from Leonurus cardiaca L., which possesses an average molecular weight of 11,910 Da. Meanwhile, it has certain reducing power. Leonurus cardiaca L. polysaccharide-stabilized palladium nanoparticles (Pdn-LCLP NPs) were prepared. Pdn-LCLP NPs exhibited remarkable peroxidase-like properties due to their ability to decompose H2O2 into OH. In addition, Pdn-LCLP NPs were combined with the chromogenic substrate 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine to form a colorimetric detection system for the detection of acetylcholine. The linear detection range and the limit of detection were 10 μM-200 μM and 1.02 μM (S/N = 3), respectively. This research broadened the horizon for the development of acetylcholine colorimetric biosensing systems.

A colorimetric sensing strategy based on chitosan-stabilized platinum nanoparticles for quick detection of α-glucosidase activity and inhibitor screening

α-Glucosidase (α-Glu) is implicated in the progression and pathogenesis of type II diabetes (T2D). In this study, we developed a rapid colorimetric technique using platinum nanoparticles stabilized by chitosan (Ch-PtNPs) to detect α-Glu activity and its inhibitor. The Ch-PtNPs facilitate the conversion of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) into oxidized TMB (oxTMB) in the presence of dissolved O2. The catalytic hydrolysis of 2-O-α-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid (AA-2G) by α-Glu produces ascorbic acid (AA), which reduces oxTMB to TMB, leading to the fading of the blue color. However, the presence of α-Glu inhibitors (AGIs) hinders the generation of AA, allowing Ch-PtNPs to re-oxidize colorless TMB back to blue oxTMB. This unique phenomenon enables the colorimetric detection of α-Glu activity and AGIs. The linear range for α-Glu was found to be 0.1-1.0 U mL-1 and the detection limit was 0.026 U mL-1. Additionally, the half-maximal inhibition value (IC50) for acarbose, an α-Glu inhibitor, was calculated to be 0.4769 mM. Excitingly, this sensing platform successfully detected α-Glu activity in human serum samples and effectively screened AGIs. These promising findings highlight the potential application of the proposed strategy in clinical diabetes diagnosis and drug discovery.

A smartphone-assisted portable sensing hydrogel modules based on UCNPs and Co3O4 NPs for fluorescence quantitation of hypoxanthine in aquatic products

Hypoxanthine is a promising index for evaluating the freshness of various aquatic products. Combined the hydrogels containing upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), Co3O4 NPs, and N-ethyl-N-(3-sulfopropyl)-3-methylaniline sodium salt/4-amino-antipyrine (TOPS/4-AAP) with a smartphone, a portable sensor was developed for the convenient, sensitive detection of hypoxanthine. With the H2O2 from xanthine oxidase (XOD)-catalyzed reactions of hypoxanthine, the fluorescence of UCNPs was effectively quenched by the purple product produced from the oxidization of TOPS/4-AAP catalyzed by Co3O4 NPs exhibiting peroxidase activity, among which the color change could be transformed into digital signals for quantification of hypoxanthine. The Green value in the RGB analysis of the fluorescence image was negatively proportional to hypoxanthine concentration in the range of 2.5-20 mg/L with a detection limit of 0.69 mg/L and a quantitation limit of 2.30 mg/L. Finally, this sensor was applied for hypoxanthine detection in real aquatic products, showing potential application for freshness evaluation of aquatic products.

Bifunctional enzyme-mimicking metal-organic frameworks for sensitive acetylcholine analysis

The development of nanomaterials with multi-enzyme-like activity is crucial for addressing challenges in multi-enzyme-based biosensing systems, including cross-talk between different enzymes and the complexities and costs associated with detection. In this study, Pt nanoparticles (Pt NPs) were successfully supported on a Zr-based metal-organic framework (MOF-808) to create a composite catalyst named MOF-808/Pt NPs. This composite catalyst effectively mimics the functions of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and peroxidase (POD). Leveraging this capability, we replaced AChE and POD with MOF-808/Pt NPs and constructed a biosensor for sensitive detection of acetylcholine (ACh). The MOF-808/Pt NPs catalyze the hydrolysis of ACh, resulting in the production of acetic acid. The subsequent reduction in pH value further enhances the POD-like activity of the MOFs, enabling signal amplification through the oxidation of a colorimetric substrate. This biosensor capitalizes on pH variations during the reaction to modulate the different enzyme-like activities of the MOFs, simplifying the detection process and eliminating cross-talk between different enzymes. The developed biosensor holds great promise for clinical diagnostic analysis and offers significant application value in the field.

A low-fouling electrochemical biosensor based on BSA hydrogel doped with carbon black for the detection of cortisol in human serum

Electrochemical biosensors with high sensitivity can detect low concentrations of biomarkers, but their practical detection applications in complex biological environments such as human serum and sweat are severely limited by the biofouling. Herein, a conductive hydrogel based on bovine serum albumin (BSA) and conductive carbon black (CCB) was prepared for the construction of an antifouling biosensor. The BSA hydrogel (BSAG) was doped with CCB, and the prepared composite hydrogel exhibited good conductivity originated from the CCB and antifouling capability owing to the BSA hydrogel. An antifouling biosensor for the sensitive detection of cortisol was fabricated by drop-coating the conductive hydrogel onto a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) modified electrode and further immobilizing the cortisol aptamer. The constructed biosensor showed a linear range of 100 pg mL-1 - 10 μg mL-1 and a limit of detection of 26.0 pg mL-1 for the detection of cortisol, and it was capable of assaying cortisol accurately in complex human serum. This strategy of preparing antifouling and conductive hydrogels provides an effective way to develop robust electrochemical biosensors for biomarker detection in complex biological media.

A personal glucose meter-utilized strategy for portable and label-free detection of hydrogen peroxide

Rapid and precise detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) holds great significance since it is linked to numerous physiological and inorganic catalytic processes. We herein developed a label-free and washing-free strategy to detect H2O2 by employing a hand-held personal glucose meter (PGM) as a signal readout device. By focusing on the fact that the reduced redox mediator ([Fe(CN)6]4-) itself is responsible for the final PGM signal, we developed a new PGM-based strategy to detect H2O2 by utilizing the target H2O2-mediated oxidation of [Fe(CN)6]4- to [Fe(CN)6]3- in the presence of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and monitoring the reduced PGM signal in response to the target amount. Based on this straightforward and facile design principle, H2O2 was successfully determined down to 3.63 μM with high specificity against various non-target molecules. We further demonstrated that this strategy could be expanded to identify another model target choline by detecting H2O2 produced through its oxidation promoted by choline oxidase. Moreover, we verified its practical applicability by reliably determining extracellular H2O2 released from the breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231. This work could evolve into versatile PGM-based platform technology to identify various non-glucose target molecules by employing their corresponding oxidase enzymes, greatly advancing the portable biosensing technologies.

Sustainable Nanoparticles from Stephania glabra and Analysis of Their Anticancer Potential on 2D and 3D Models of Prostate Cancer

In pursuit of a novel effective treatment for prostate cancer, methanolic extract of Stephania glabra tubers (Sg-ME) was utilized to fabricate silver (Sg-AgNP), copper oxide (Sg-CuONP), and silver-copper bimetallic nanoparticles (Sg-BNP). The characterization of the nanoparticles confirmed spherical shape with average diameters of 30.72, 32.19, and 25.59 nm of Sg-AgNP, Sg-CuONP, and Sg-BNP, respectively. Interestingly, these nanoparticles exhibited significant cytotoxicity toward the prostate cancer (PC3) cell line while being non-toxic toward normal cells. The nanoparticles were capable of inducing apoptosis in PC3 cells by enhancing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitochondrial depolarization. Furthermore, the shrinkage of 3D prostate tumor spheroids was observed after 4 days of treatment with these green nanoparticles. The 3D model system was less susceptible to nanoparticles as compared to the 2D model system. Sg-BNP showed the highest anticancer potential on 2D and 3D prostate cancer models.

Effect of Phosphorus Modulation in Iron Single-Atom Catalysts for Peroxidase Mimicking

Fe-N-C single-atom catalysts (SACs) exhibit excellent peroxidase (POD)-like catalytic activity, owing to their well-defined isolated iron active sites on the carbon substrate, which effectively mimic the structure of natural peroxidase's active center. To further meet the requirements of diverse biosensing applications, SAC POD-like activity still needs to be continuously enhanced. Herein, a phosphorus (P) heteroatom is introduced to boost the POD-like activity of Fe-N-C SACs. A 1D carbon nanowire (FeNCP/NW) catalyst with enriched Fe-N4 active sites is designed and synthesized, and P atoms are doped in the carbon matrix to affect the Fe center through long-range interaction. The experimental results show that the P-doping process can boost the POD-like activity more than the non-P-doped one, with excellent selectivity and stability. The mechanism analysis results show that the introduction of P into SAC can greatly enhance POD-like activity initially, but its effect becomes insignificant with increasing amount of P. As a proof of concept, FeNCP/NW is employed in an enzyme cascade platform for highly sensitive colorimetric detection of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

Facile colorimetric smartphone-based biosensor for rapid detection of organophosphorus pesticides residues in environment using the aptamer-enhanced oxidase activity of octahedral Ag2O particles

The long-term and excessive use of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) leads to hazardous residues in the environment, which threatens human health to a considerable extent. Colorimetric methods can quickly and readily identify pesticide residue, but they still have various challenges in accuracy and stability. Herein, a smartphone-assisted and non-enzymatic colorimetric biosensor was constructed for rapid monitoring of multiple OPs based on the enhanced effect of aptamer on the catalytic ability of octahedral Ag₂O. It was demonstrated that the aptamer sequence could enhance the affinity of colloidal Ag₂O to chromogenic substrates, and accelerate the generation of oxygen radicals such as superoxide radical (·O₂^-) and singlet oxygen (¹O₂) from dissolved oxygen, thereby significantly increasing the oxidase activity of octahedral Ag₂O. The color change of the solution can be easily converted to the corresponding RGB values by a smartphone for quantitative and rapid detection of multiple OPs. Hence, the smartphone-based and visual biosensor of multiple OPs was acquired with limit of detection of 10 μg L^-1, 28 μg L^-1 and 40 μg L^-1 for isocarbophos, profenofos and omethoate, respectively. The colorimetric biosensor also exhibited good recoveries in several environmental and biological samples, showing that it may have broad application prospects for detecting OPs residues.

A sensitive and simple competitive nanozyme-linked apta-sorbent assay for the dual-mode detection of ochratoxin A

The enzyme-linked apta-sorbent assay (ELASA) is widely used for the detection of small-molecule compounds as a result of low cost and reagent stability of aptamers. However, enzyme labels used in ELASA still suffer from some drawbacks, such as high production cost and limited stability. To overcome the drawbacks, we reported a nanozyme-linked apta-sorbent assay (NLASA) coupled with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-colorimetric dual-mode detection. For nanozyme labels, Pd-Pt bimetallic nanocrystals (Pd-Pt NRs) could catalyze 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to blue TMB²⁺, whose color variation could not only be distinguished by naked eyes but also had a strong SERS signal. The NLASA method was employed to detect ochratoxin A (OTA) with a limit of detection values of 0.097 nM (0.039 ppb) and 0.042 nM (0.017 ppb) via the colorimetric and SERS methods, respectively. This method was applied for the determination of OTA in wine and grape samples, and the detection results were in a satisfied agreement with those determined by the high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method. The proposed NLASA method provided a rapid and sensitive detection for OTA and could also be broadened for other small-molecules.

Recent Advances and Biomedical Applications of Peptide-Integrated Conducting Polymers

Conducting polymers (CPs) are of great interests to researchers around the world in biomedical applications owing to their unique electrical and mechanical properties. Besides, they are easy to fabricate and have long-term stability. These features make CPs a powerful building block of modern biomaterials. Peptide functionalization has been a versatile tool for the development of CP-based biomaterials. With the aid of peptide modifications, the biocompatibility, target selectivity, and cellular interactions of CPs can be greatly improved. Reflecting these aspects, an increasing number of studies on peptide-integrated conducting polymers have been reported recently. In this review, various kinds of peptide immobilization strategies on CPs are introduced. Moreover, the aims of peptide modification are discussed in three aspects: enhancing the specific selectivity, avoiding nonspecific adhesion, and mimicking the environment of extracellular matrix. We highlighted recent studies in the applications of peptide-integrated CPs in electrochemical sensors, antifouling surfaces, and conductive biointerfaces. These studies have shown great potentials from the integration of peptide and CPs as a versatile platform for advanced biological and clinical applications in the near future.

Impacts of nanoparticles and phosphonates in the behavior and oxidative status of the mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis)

The current study investigated the exposure of the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) to gold nanoparticles decorated zinc oxide (Au-ZnO NPs) and phosphonate [Diethyl (3-cyano-1-hydroxy-1-phenyl-2-methylpropyl)] phosphate (PC). The mussels were exposed to concentrations of 50 and 100 µg L^-1 of both compounds alone, as well as to a mixture of both pollutants (i.e. Mix). The singular and the combined effect of each pollutant was investigated by measuring the concentration of various metals (i.e., Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn and Au) in the the digestive glands and gills of mussels, their filtration capacity (FC), respiration rate (RR) and the response of oxidative biomarkers, respectively, following 14 days of exposure. The concentrations of Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn and Au increased directly with Au-ZnO NPs in mussel tissues, but significantly only for Zn. In contrast, the mixture of Au-ZnO100 NPs and PC100 did not induce any significant increase in the content of metals in digetsve glands and gills, suggesting antagonistic interactions between contaminants. In addition, FC and RR levels decreased following exposure to Au-ZnO100 NPs and PC100 treatments and no significant alterations were observed after the exposure to 50 µg.L^-1 of both contaminants and Mix. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) level, GSH/GSSG ratio, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities showed significant changes following the exposure to both Au-ZnO NPs and PC, in the gills and the digestive glands of the mussel. However, no significant modifications were observed in both organs following the exposure to Mix. The current study advances the understanding of the toxicity of NPs and phosphonates on M. galloprovincialis and sets the path for future ecotoxicological studies regarding the synergic effects of these substances on marine species. Moreover, the current experiment suggests that the oxidative stress and the neurotoxic pathways are responsive following the exposure of marine invertebrates to both nanoparticles and phosphonates, with potential antagonist interactions of these substances on the physiology of targeted species.

An overview of recent analysis and detection of acetylcholine

Acetylcholine (ACh), the major neurotransmitter secreted by cholinergic neurons, is widely found in the peripheral and central nervous systems, and its main function is to complete the transmission of neural signals. When cholinergic neurons are impaired, the synthesis and decomposition of ACh are abnormal and the neural signalling transition is blocked. To some extent, the concentration changes of ACh reflects the occurrence and development of many kinds of nervous system diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Myasthenia gravis and so on. Thus, researches of the physiological and pathological roles and the tracking of the concentration changes of ACh in vivo are significant to the prevention and treatment of these diseases. In the paper, the pathophysiological functions and the comprehensive research progress on detection methods of ACh are summarized. Specifically, the latest research and related applications of the optical and electrochemical biosensors are described, and the future development directions and challenges are prospected, which provides a reference for the detection and applications of ACh.

Enhanced Electrocatalytic Detection of Choline Based on CNTs and Metal Oxide Nanomaterials

Choline is an officially established essential nutrient and precursor of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It is employed as a cholinergic activity marker in the early diagnosis of brain disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Low levels of choline in diets and biological fluids, such as blood plasma, urine, cerebrospinal and amniotic fluid, could be an indication of neurological disorder, fatty liver disease, neural tube defects and hemorrhagic kidney necrosis. Meanwhile, it is known that choline metabolism involves oxidation, which frees its methyl groups for entrance into single-C metabolism occurring in three phases: choline oxidase, betaine synthesis and transfer of methyl groups to homocysteine. Electrocatalytic detection of choline is of physiological and pathological significance because choline is involved in the physiological processes in the mammalian central and peripheral nervous systems and thus requires a more reliable assay for its determination in biological, food and pharmaceutical samples. Despite the use of several methods for choline determination, the superior sensitivity, high selectivity and fast analysis response time of bioanalytical-based sensors invariably have a comparative advantage over conventional analytical techniques. This review focuses on the electrocatalytic activity of nanomaterials, specifically carbon nanotubes (CNTs), CNT nanocomposites and metal/metal oxide-modified electrodes, towards choline detection using electrochemical sensors (enzyme and non-enzyme based), and various electrochemical techniques. From the survey, the electrochemical performance of the choline sensors investigated, in terms of sensitivity, selectivity and stability, is ascribed to the presence of these nanomaterials.

Nanoparticle-based colorimetric sensors to detect neurodegenerative disease biomarkers

Neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) are progressive, incurable health conditions that primarily affect brain cells, and result in loss of brain mass and impaired function. Current sensing technologies for NDD detection are limited by high cost, long sample preparation, and/or require skilled personnel. To overcome these limitations, optical sensors, specifically colorimetric sensors, have garnered increasing attention towards the development of a cost-effective, simple, and rapid alternative approach. In this review, we evaluate colorimetric sensing strategies of NDD biomarkers (e.g. proteins, neurotransmitters, bio-thiols, and sulfide), address the limitations and challenges of optical sensor technologies, and provide our outlook on the future of this field.

Applications of scaffold-based advanced materials in biomedical sensing

There have been many efforts to synthesize advanced materials that are capable of real-time specific recognition of a molecular target, and allow the quantification of a variety of biomolecules. Scaffold materials have a porous structure, with a high surface area and their intrinsic nanocavities can accommodate cells and macromolecules. The three-dimensional structure (3D) of scaffolds serves not only as a fibrous structure for cell adhesion and growth in tissue engineering, but can also provide the controlled release of drugs and other molecules for biomedical applications. There has been a limited number of reports on the use of scaffold materials in biomedical sensing applications. This review highlights the potential of scaffold materials in the improvement of sensing platforms and summarizes the progress in the application of novel scaffold-based materials as sensor, and discusses their advantages and limitations. Furthermore, the influence of the scaffold materials on the monitoring of infectious diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and bacterial infections, was reviewed.

Protein-Assisted Osmium Nanoclusters with Intrinsic Peroxidase-like Activity and Extrinsic Antifouling Behavior

Extensive studies have laid the groundwork for understanding peroxidase-like nanozymes. However, improvements are still required before their practical applications. On one hand, it is significant to explore highly reactive nanozymes. On the other hand, it is necessary to avoid fouling formed on the surface of nanozymes, which will affect their activity and the results of H₂O₂ sensors or H₂O₂-related applications. Herein, a strategy is reported to design osmium nanoclusters (Os NCs) with the existence of bovine serum albumin (BSA) through biomineralization. BSA-Os NCs were found to possess intrinsic peroxidase-like activity with a high specific activity (6120 U/g). Studies also found that the catalytic activity of BSA-Os NCs was better than those of reported protein-assisted metal nanozymes (e.g., BSA-Pt NPs and BSA-Au NCs). More significantly, BSA has been confirmed as a protective shell to give Os NCs extrinsic antifouling property in some typical ions (e.g., Hg²⁺, Ag⁺, Pb²⁺, I^-, Cr⁶⁺, Cu²⁺, Ce³⁺, S^2-, etc.), saline (0-2 M), or protein (0-100 mg/mL) conditions. Under optimal conditions, a colorimetric sensor was established to realize a linear range of H₂O₂ from 1.25 to 200 μM with a low detection limit of 300 nM. On this basis, remarkable features enable a BSA-Os NCs-based colorimetric sensor to detect H₂O₂ from complex systems with clear color gradients. Together, this work highlights the advantages of protein-assisted Os nanozymes and provides a paragon for peroxidase-like nanozymes in H₂O₂-related applications.

Antifouling Peptide Hydrogel Based Electrochemical Biosensors for Highly Sensitive Detection of Cancer Biomarker HER2 in Human Serum

A facile strategy for the electrochemical detection of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), a breast cancer biomarker, was presented via the fabrication of an antifouling sensing interface based on the conducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and a biocompatible peptide hydrogel. The peptide hydrogel prepared from a designed short peptide of Phe-Glu-Lys-Phe functionalized with a fluorene methoxycarbonyl group (Fmoc-FEKF) enabled excellent activity preservation for the immobilized biomolecules, and its good hydrophilicity facilitated effective alleviation of nonspecific adsorption or biofouling, while the PEDOT film provided a highly stable and conducting substrate. The developed biosensor was highly sensitive and selective for HER2 detection, with a wide linear response range from 0.1 ng mL^-1 to 1.0 μg mL^-1 and a low limit of detection of 45 pg mL^-1. Moreover, the peptide hydrogel based biosensor was feasible to use for complex biological samples, and it was capable of detecting HER2 in human serum with clinically acceptable accuracy, manifesting a promising potential for practical application.

Highly Sensitive Fluorescent Detection of Acetylcholine Based on the Enhanced Peroxidase-Like Activity of Histidine Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles

Inspired by the active site structure of natural horseradish peroxidase having iron as a pivotal element with coordinated histidine residues, we have developed histidine coated magnetic nanoparticles (His@MNPs) with relatively uniform and small sizes (less than 10 nm) through one-pot heat treatment. In comparison to pristine MNPs and other amino acid coated MNPs, His@MNPs exhibited a considerably enhanced peroxidase-imitating activity, approaching 10-fold higher in catalytic reactions. With the high activity, His@MNPs then were exploited to detect the important neurotransmitter acetylcholine. By coupling choline oxidase and acetylcholine esterase with His@MNPs as peroxidase mimics, target choline and acetylcholine were successfully detected via fluorescent mode with high specificity and sensitivity with the limits of detection down to 200 and 100 nM, respectively. The diagnostic capability of the method is demonstrated by analyzing acetylcholine in human blood serum. This study thus demonstrates the potential of utilizing His@MNPs as peroxidase-mimicking nanozymes for detecting important biological and clinical targets with high sensitivity and reliability.

Quantitative measurements of free and immobilized RgDAAO Michaelis-Menten constant using an electrochemical assay reveal the impact of covalent cross-linking on substrate specificity

Challenges facing enzyme-based electrochemical sensors include substrate specificity, batch to batch reproducibility, and lack of quantitative metrics related to the effect of enzyme immobilization. We present a quick, simple, and general approach for measuring the effect of immobilization and cross-linking on enzyme activity and substrate specificity. The method can be generalized for electrochemical biosensors using an enzyme that releases hydrogen peroxide during its catalytic cycle. Using as proof of concept RgDAAO-based electrochemical biosensors, we found that the Michaelis-Menten constant (K_m) decreases post immobilization, hinting at alterations in the enzyme kinetic properties and thus substrate specificity. We confirm the decrease in K_m electrochemically by characterizing the substrate specificity of the immobilized RgDAAO using chronoamperometry. Our results demonstrate that enzyme immobilization affects enzyme substrate specificity and this must be carefully evaluated during biosensor development.

Green synthesis of platinum nanoclusters using lentinan for sensitively colorimetric detection of glucose

The sensitive colorimetric detection of glucose using nanomaterials has been attracting considerable attention. To improve the detection sensitivity, highly stable lentinan stabilized platinum nanoclusters (Pt-LNT NCs) were prepared, in which lentinan was employed as a mild reductant and stabilizer. The size of platinum nanoclusters (Pt NCs) was only 1.20 ± 0.29 nm. Pt-LNT NCs catalyzed the oxidation of substrate 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) to produce a blue oxidation product with absorption peak at 652 nm, indicating their peroxidase-like properties. Their enzymatic kinetics followed typical Michaelis-Menten theory. In addition, fluorescence experiments confirmed their ability to efficiently catalyze the decomposition of H₂O₂ to generate •OH, which resulted in the peroxidase-like mechanism of Pt-LNT NCs. Moreover, a colorimetric method for highly selective and sensitive detection of glucose was established by using Pt-LNT NCs and glucose oxidase. The linear range of glucose detection was 5-1000 μM and the detection limit was 1.79 μM. Finally, this method was further used for detection of glucose in human serum and human urine. The established colorimetric method may promote the development of biological detection and environmental chemistry in the future.

Protein-Supported RuO2 Nanoparticles with Improved Catalytic Activity, In Vitro Salt Resistance, and Biocompatibility: Colorimetric and Electrochemical Biosensing of Cellular H2O2

Protein-supported nanoparticles have a great significance in scientific and nanotechnology research because of their "green" process, low cost-in-use, good biocompatibility, and some interesting properties. Ruthenium oxide nanoparticles (RuO₂NPs) have been considered to be an important member in nanotechnology research. However, the biosynthetic approach of RuO₂NPs is relatively few compared to those of other nanoparticles. To address this challenge, this work presented a new way for RuO₂NP synthesis (BSA-RuO₂NPs) supported by bovine serum albumin (BSA). BSA-RuO₂NPs are confirmed to exert peroxidase-like activity, electrocatalytic activity, in vitro salt resistance (2 M NaCl), and biocompatibility. Results indicate that BSA-RuO₂NPs have higher affinity binding for 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine or H₂O₂ than bare RuO₂NPs. Moreover, BSA turns out to be a crucial factor in promoting the stability of RuO₂NPs. Taking the advantages of these improved properties, we established colorimetric (linear range from 2 to 800 μM, a limit of detection of 1.8 μM) and electrochemical (linear range from 0.4 to 3850 μM, a limit of detection of 0.18 μM) biosensors for monitoring in situ H₂O₂ secretion from living MCF-7 cells. Herein, this work offers a new biosynthesis strategy to obtain BSA-RuO₂NPs and sheds light on the sensitive biosensors to monitor the H₂O₂ secreted from living cells for promising applications in the fields of nanotechnology, biology, biosensors, and medicine.

Choline ameliorates cardiac hypertrophy by regulating metabolic remodelling and UPRmt through SIRT3-AMPK pathway

AIMS

Cardiac hypertrophy is characterized by a shift in metabolic substrate utilization, but the molecular events underlying the metabolic remodelling remain poorly understood. We explored metabolic remodelling and mitochondrial dysfunction in cardiac hypertrophy and investigated the cardioprotective effects of choline.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The experiments were conducted using a model of ventricular hypertrophy by partially banding the abdominal aorta of Sprague Dawley rats. Cardiomyocyte size and cardiac fibrosis were significantly increased in hypertrophic hearts. In vitro cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was induced by exposing neonatal rat cardiomyocytes to angiotensin II (Ang II) (10-6 M, 24 h). Choline attenuated the mito-nuclear protein imbalance and activated the mitochondrial-unfolded protein response (UPRmt) in the heart, thereby preserving the ultrastructure and function of mitochondria in the context of cardiac hypertrophy. Moreover, choline inhibited myocardial metabolic dysfunction by promoting the expression of proteins involved in ketone body and fatty acid metabolism in response to pressure overload, accompanied by the activation of sirtuin 3/AMP-activated protein kinase (SIRT3-AMPK) signalling. In vitro analyses demonstrated that SIRT3 siRNA diminished choline-mediated activation of ketone body metabolism and UPRmt, as well as inhibition of hypertrophic signals. Intriguingly, serum from choline-treated abdominal aorta banding models (where β-hydroxybutyrate was increased) attenuated Ang II-induced myocyte hypertrophy, which indicates that β-hydroxybutyrate is important for the cardioprotective effects of choline.

CONCLUSION

Choline attenuated cardiac dysfunction by modulating the expression of proteins involved in ketone body and fatty acid metabolism, and induction of UPRmt; this was likely mediated by activation of the SIRT3-AMPK pathway. Taken together, these results identify SIRT3-AMPK as a key cardiac transcriptional regulator that helps orchestrate an adaptive metabolic response to cardiac stress. Choline treatment may represent a new therapeutic strategy for optimizing myocardial metabolism in the context of hypertrophy and heart failure.

Chemically modified carbon nitride-chitin-acetic acid hybrid as a metal-free bifunctional nanozyme cascade of glucose oxidase-peroxidase for "click off" colorimetric detection of peroxide and glucose

Hybrid nanomaterials-based artificial enzymes with numerous utilities are necessary to develop future bionic devices in mimicking physiological processes. This paper demonstrates bifunctional enzyme mimicking roles of a metal-free nanozyme hybrid of chemically modified graphitic carbon nitride (MGCN), chitin and acetic acid (AcOH). The MGCN exhibited glucose oxidase-mimicking activity and chitin-AcOH mirrored peroxidase. MGCN-chitin-AcOH when in contact with glucose, oxidised glucose to gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) while the chitin-AcOH decomposed the generated H₂O₂, as proved separately, by concurrent oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB). The super-sensitive colorimetric process produced linear regression equation for H₂O₂ as A = 0.00105C + 0.0630 (C:μM, R² = 0.9961) with a detection limit of 0.052 μM, whereas for glucose, the linear relationship was A = 0.00084C + 0.0458 (C:μM, R² = 0.9952) having a detection limit of 0.055 μM. The developed method was also successfully applied for assessment of H₂O₂ and glucose in human serum and urine samples. Non-enzymatic glucose test strips from MGCN-chitin-AcOH based hydrogel were reported and verified for semi-quantitative analysis of glucose. These compared well with results from standard enzyme-based colorimetric procedure. The developed hybrid nanozyme provided feasible alternatives to the two natural enzymes (peroxidase and glucose oxidase) realized through real sample analysis. The developed hybrid nanozyme can be successfully used for colorimetric detection of peroxide and glucose in medical diagnostics.

Competitive Bio-Barcode Immunoassay for Highly Sensitive Detection of Parathion Based on Bimetallic Nanozyme Catalysis

A competitive sensitive bio-barcode immunoassay based on bimetallic nanozyme (Au@Pt: gold@platinum) catalysis has been designed for the detection of the pesticide parathion. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were modified with single-stranded thiol oligonucleotides (ssDNAs) and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to form AuNP probes; magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were coated with ovalbumin (OVA)-parathion haptens as MNP probes, and bimetallic nanozyme (Au@Pt) nanoparticles functionalized with the complementary thiolated ssDNA were used as Au@Pt probes. The Au@Pt probes reacted with the AuNP probes through complementary base pairing. Further, parathion competed with MNP probes to bind the mAbs on the AuNP probes. Finally, the complex system was separated by a magnetic field. The released Au@Pt probes catalyzed a chromogenic system consisting of teramethylbenzidine (TMB). The bimetallic nanozyme-based bio-barcode immunoassay was performed on rice, pear, apple, and cabbage samples to verify the feasibility of the method. The immunoassay exhibited a linear response from 0.01 to 40 μg·kg^-1, and the limit of detection (LOD) was 2.13 × 10^-3 μg·kg^-1. The recoveries and relative standard deviations (RSDs) ranged from 73.12 to 116.29% and 5.59 to 10.87%, respectively. The method was found to correlate well with data obtained by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In conclusion, this method exhibits potential as a sensitive alternative method for the detection of a variety of pesticides, ensuring the safety of fruits and vegetables in agriculture.

Quantum Dots for Monitoring Choline Consumption Process of Living Cells via an Electrostatic Force-Mediated Energy Transfer

In this work, a ratiometric nanoprobe CdS/ZnS-FB was designed for H₂O₂ detection based on FRET assay. Furthermore, CdS/ZnS-FB could work for detecting choline (Ch) and acetylcholine (ACh) since H₂O₂ is the enzyme cascade reaction product. Significantly, the Jurkat T's choline consumption could also be quantitatively measured by monitoring FRET ratio (I₅₂₂/I₄₂₆). Thus, the biosensor could be applied as a universal tool for the detection of choline consumption of living cells, which provides a good potential for the applications in detecting chemical transmitter and cancer diagnosis.

Development of choline biosensor using toluidine blue O as mediator

A new choline oxidase (ChO) and toluidine blue O (TBO) based amperometric choline biosensor was reported in this article. An amperometric choline biosensor with immobilization of TBO (as a mediator), ChO onto polypyrrole-polyvinylsulphonate (PPy-PVS) film was accomplished on the surface of a platinum electrode. ChO was immobilized on PPy-PVS film by cross-linking with glutaraldehyde (GA). TBO was used as the mediator. Choline is oxidized to betaine and hydrogen peroxide in an oxygenated environment by ChO. Mediator reduced by reaction with hydrogen peroxide. The amperometric response was based upon the electrocatalytic properties of TBO. Optimum pH and temperature values were 7.0 and 30 °C, respectively. There was linearity between 1.0 × 10^-8 and 2.0 × 10^-8 M (R² = 0.9805). The detection limit of the biosensor was 1.0 × 10^-9 M and response time of the biosensor was 200 s. The storage stability and reproducibility of the biosensor were also investigated. Interfering effect of several interferants such as ascorbic acid, uric acid, alanine, dopamine, paracetamol, cysteine, and glucose on the choline biosensor was examined. The developed biosensor was tested in determinations of content in a synthetic blood sample.

Voltammetric measurements of neurotransmitter-acetylcholine through metallic nanoparticles embedded 2-D material

The most generally spread neurotransmitter acetylcholine (Ach) is used as a chemical messenger assisting in conveying signals transversely through the nerve synapse. Herein, two enzymes acetylcholinesterase and choline oxidase were covalently immobilized over the gold nanoparticles (Au_NPs) embedded graphene oxide (GO; 2D carbon material) nanocomposite modified ITO coated glass plate. The synergetic and unique properties of Au_NPs and GO present in nanocomposite are used to detect the ultra-small concentration of analyte, Ach. The prepared nanocomposites were characterized using different techniques i.e. TEM, XRD, SEM, FTIR, UV-Vis and Raman Spectroscopy. All the electrochemical measurements were performed using 3 electrodes integrated electrochemical system by introducing Ach through varying its concentration from 100 pM to 1000 nM. Cyclic voltammetry curves for different concentrations of Ach indicate the facile charge transfer process over the working electrode. Square wave voltammetry curves indicate the good sensing measurements of the modified electrode at the fixed potential. The limit of detection was found to be as low as 100 pM. In addition to these, selectivity of the electrode towards Ach molecule was confirmed by measuring the response towards other interfering agents. Besides this, the present nano interface is capable of detecting Ach in biological fluid such as serum.

Sensitive biosensing of organophosphate pesticides using enzyme mimics of magnetic ZIF-8

Development of a sensitive detection method for the reliable screening of widely used organophosphorus (OP) toxins is a crucial request to control their side-effects. Herein, a novel fluorometric assay based on the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibited enzymatic activity and the new peroxidase-like Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles@ZIF-8 composite (Fe₃O₄ NPs@ZIF-8) was developed for the determination of OPs. Magnetic Fe₃O₄ NPs were encapsulated into ZIF-8 and the high mimetic activity of produced composite was assessed on the oxidation of substrates. This observation was applied to the rapid detection of diazinon as a model OP compound. The sensing tool contains AChE and choline oxidase (CHO) enzymes, peroxidase colorimetric or fluorometric substrate, and Fe₃O₄ NPs@ZIF-8 as the catalyst. In the presence of mimic Fe₃O₄ NPs@ZIF-8, the generated H₂O₂ from the enzymatic reactions of acetylcholine is decomposed to hydroxyl radicals. The radicals oxidize the peroxidase substrates to generate a detectable signal. However, due to the inhibition effect of OPs on the enzymatic activity of AChE, lower H₂O₂ amounts are produced in the presence of diazinon. Using the fluorometric detection system, the generated signal is decreased proportionally by increasing diazinon concentration in the range of 0.5-500 nM. The limit of detection was obtained 0.2 nM. Consequently, the usage of high performance peroxidase-mimic Fe₃O₄ NPs@ZIF-8 provided a sensitive bio-assay with a potential to be applied as screening tool for toxic OP compounds. The developed assay was successfully applied for the determination of diazinon in water and fruit juices.

Biocompatible bovine serum albumin stabilized platinum nanoparticles for the oxidation of morin

Bovine serum albumin stabilized platinum nanoparticles promoted the formation of ˙OH from H₂O₂to catalyze the oxidation of morin.

Nanomaterials with enzyme-like characteristics (nanozymes): next-generation artificial enzymes (II)

An updated comprehensive review to help researchers understand nanozymes better and in turn to advance the field.

Exploring the potential of electroless and electroplated noble metal-semiconductor hybrids within bio- and environmental sensing

Over the last two decades, the rapid development and widespread application of nanomaterials has significantly influenced research in various fields, including analytical chemistry and biosensing technologies. In particular, the simple functionalization and tuning of noble metal nanoparticle (NP) surface chemistry resulted in the development of a series of novel biosensing platforms with quick read-out and enhanced capabilities towards specific analyte detection. Moreover, noble metal NPs possess a number of unique properties, viz. high surface-to-volume ratio and excellent spectral, optical, thermal, electrical and catalytic characteristics. This manuscript provides an elaborate review on galvanic noble metal NPs deposited onto semiconductor surfaces, from the preparation stage towards their application in biosensors and gas sensing. Two types of deposition approaches, viz. galvanic displacement/electroless and conventional electroplating, are introduced and compared. Furthermore, the analytical merit of hybrid nanomaterials towards the improvement of sensing abilities is highlighted. Finally, some limitations and challenges related to progress in the development and application of analytical devices based on electroless and electroplated noble metal NPs-semiconductor hybrids (NMNPsHs) in biochemical and environmental sensing are discussed.

Alkaline peroxidase activity of cupric oxide nanoparticles and its modulation by ammonia

We herein report the intrinsic alkaline peroxidase-like activity exhibited by CuO nanoparticles when 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid was employed as a substrate. Based on this observation, a fluorometric assay method with a low detection limit of 0.81 μM was established for H₂O₂ determination under alkaline conditions. Notably, ammonia was found to inhibit the alkaline peroxidase-like activity of the CuO nanoparticles. Thus, a sensing platform for the determination of urea and urease was successfully constructed, with the limits of detection for urea and urease being 27 μM and 2.6 U L^-1, respectively. This platform was then applied for the detection of urea in human urine and urease in soil, which yielded satisfactory results. These results suggest that it is possible to extend the catalytic potential of peroxidase and its mimetics from acidic and neutral conditions to include activity in alkaline media as well. Furthermore, this strategy is a novel method for the analysis of urea and urease. The assay developed in this work is facile, inexpensive, convenient, and highly selective and sensitive. Therefore, it is expected that this system can serve as a template for the development of similar enzyme nano-mimics.

Ultrasensitive colorimetric determination of silver(I) based on the peroxidase mimicking activity of a hybrid material composed of graphitic carbon nitride and platinum nanoparticles

A hybrid material composed of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) and platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) with peroxidase mimicking activity was used to design a rapid, sensitive and low-cost colorimetric method for the determination of Ag(I). The g-C₃N₄-PtNPs hybrid was synthesized by reduction of chloroplatinic acid using sodium borohydride under ultrasonication and in the presence of g-C₃N₄. The hybrid can catalyze the oxidation 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to produce a blue-colored product with an absorption maximum at 652 nm. On addition of Ag(I) and in the presence of citric acid, it will be reduced to form Ag(0) under the catalytic action of PtNPs. Ag(0) is then adsorbed on the surface of the g-C₃N₄-PtNPs. This results in the inhibition of the enzyme mimetic activity of the hybrid. Hence, less blue product will be formed from TMB. Under optimum conditions, Ag(I) can be quantified in the 0.05-5.0 nM concentration range with a 22 pM detection limit. This assay is rapid and reliable and was applied to the determination of Ag(I) in spiked real water samples. Graphical abstract A hybrid nanomaterial consisting of graphitic carbon nitride and platinum nanoparticles (g-C₃N₄-PtNPs) can catalyze the oxidation of tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to produce a blue-colored product (TMBox). The enzyme mimetic activity of the hybrid is inhibited by Ag⁺, thereby decreasing the generation of blue product from TMB.

Platinum nanoparticles in nanobiomedicine

Oxidative stress-dependent inflammatory diseases represent a major concern for the population's health worldwide. Biocompatible nanomaterials with enzymatic properties could play a crucial role in the treatment of such pathologies. In this respect, platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) are promising candidates, showing remarkable catalytic activity, able to reduce the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and impair the downstream pathways leading to inflammation. This review reports a critical overview of the growing evidence revealing the anti-inflammatory ability of PtNPs and their potential applications in nanomedicine. It provides a detailed description of the wide variety of synthetic methods recently developed, with particular attention to the aspects influencing biocompatibility. Special attention has been paid to the studies describing the toxicological profile of PtNPs with an attempt to draw critical conclusions. The emerging picture suggests that the material per se is not causing cytotoxicity, while other physicochemical features related to the synthesis and surface functionalization may play a crucial role in determining the observed impairment of cellular functions. The enzymatic activity of PtNPs is also summarized, analyzing their action against ROS produced by pathological conditions within the cells. In particular, we extensively discuss the potential of these properties in nanomedicine to down-regulate inflammatory pathways or to be employed as diagnostic tools with colorimetric readout. A brief overview of other biomedical applications of nanoplatinum is also presented.

Ultrasensitive colorimetric immunoassay for hCG detection based on dual catalysis of Au@Pt core-shell nanoparticle functionalized by horseradish peroxidase

In this paper, an ultrasensitive colorimetric biosensor for human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) detection was designed from bottom-up method based on the dual catalysis of the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and Au@Pt nanoparticles (NPs) relative to H₂O₂-TEM system. HRP and monoclonal mouse anti-hCG antibody (β-submit, mAb₁) were co-immobilized onto the Au@Pt NP surface to improve catalytic efficiency and specificity, which formed a dual functionalized Au@Pt-HRP probe with the mean size of 42.8nm (D₅₀). The colorimetric immunoassay was developed for the hCG detection, and the Au@Pt-HRP probe featured a higher sensitivity in the concentration range of 0.4-12.8IUL^-1 with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.1IUL^-1 compared with the LODs of 0.8IUL^-1 for BA-ELISA and of 2.0IUL^-1 for Au@Pt, which indicated that the Au@Pt-HRP probe possessed higher catalytic efficiency with 2.8-fold increase over Au@Pt and 33.8-fold increase over HRP. Also, the Au@Pt-HRP probe exhibited good precision and reproducibility, high specificity and acceptable accuracy with CV being less than 15%. The dual functionalized Au@Pt-HRP probe as a type of signal amplified method was firstly applied in the colorimetric immunoassay for the hCG detection.