Constructing a novel 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine electrochemical sensor and application in evaluating the oxidative damages of DNA and guanine

BRD2-specific inhibitor, BBC0403, inhibits the progression of osteoarthritis pathogenesis in osteoarthritis-induced C57BL/6 male mice

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The discovery of new bromo- and extra-terminal inhibitors presents new drugs to treat osteoarthritis (OA).

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The new drug, BBC0403, was identified in the DNA-encoded library screening system by searching for compounds that target BRD (bromodomain-containing) proteins. The binding force with BRD proteins was evaluated using time-resolved fluorescence energy transfer (TR-FRET) and binding kinetics assays. Subsequently, in vitro and ex vivo analyses demonstrated the effects of the BRD2 inhibitor, BBC0403, on OA. For animal experiments, medial meniscus destabilization was performed to create a 12-week-old male C57BL/6 mouse model, and intra-articular (i.a.) injections were administered. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were then performed. The underlying mechanism was confirmed by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) using RNA-seq.

KEY RESULTS

TR-FRET and binding kinetics assays revealed that BBC0403 exhibited higher binding specificity for BRD2 compared to BRD3 and BRD4. The anti-OA effects of BBC0403 were tested at concentrations of 5, 10 and 20 μM (no cell toxicity in the range tested). The expression of catabolic factors, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation was reduced. Additionally, the i.a. injection of BBC0403 prevented OA cartilage degradation in mice. Finally, BBC0403 was demonstrated to suppress NF-κB and MAPK signalling pathways.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

This study demonstrated that BBC0403 is a novel BRD2-specific inhibitor and a potential i.a.-injectable therapeutic agent to treat OA.

Ecotoxicological impact of dinotefuran insecticide and its metabolites on non-targets in agroecosystem: Harnessing nanotechnology- and bio-based management strategies to reduce its impact on non-target ecosystems

The class of insecticides known as neonicotinoid insecticides has gained extensive application worldwide. Two characteristics of neonicotinoid pesticides are excellent insecticidal activity and a wide insecticidal spectrum for problematic insects. Neonicotinoid pesticides can also successfully manage pest insects that have developed resistance to other insecticide classes. Due to its powerful insecticidal properties and rapid plant absorption and translocation, dinotefuran, the most recent generation of neonicotinoid insecticides, has been widely used against biting and sucking insects. Dinotefuran has a wide range of potential applications and is often used globally. However, there is growing evidence that they negatively impact the biodiversity of organisms in agricultural settings as well as non-target organisms. The objective of this review is to present an updated summary of current understanding regarding the non-target effects of dinotefuran; we also enumerated nano- and bio-based mitigation and management strategies to reduce the impact of dinotefuran on non-target organisms and to pinpoint knowledge gaps. Finally, future study directions are suggested based on the limitations of the existing studies, with the goal of providing a scientific basis for risk assessment and the prudent use of these insecticides.

Novel molecule BBC0901 inhibits BRD4 and acts as a catabolic regulator in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is induced by matrix degradation and inflammation mediated by bromo-domain-containing protein 4 (BRD4)-dependent catabolic factors. BRD4 acts as both a transcriptional regulator and an epigenetic reader. BBC0901 was identified as an inhibitor of BRD4 using a DNA-encoded library screening system. We aimed to demonstrate the effects of BBC0901 on OA pathogenesis by in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo analyses. BBC0901 inhibited the expression of catabolic factors that degrade cartilage without significantly affecting the viability of mouse articular chondrocytes. Additionally, ex vivo experiments under conditions mimicking OA showed that BBC0901 suppressed extracellular matrix degradation. RNA sequencing analysis of gene expression patterns showed that BBC0901 inhibited the expression of catabolic factors, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cyclooxygenase (COX)2, along with reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Furthermore, intra-articular (IA) injection of BBC0901 into the knee joint blocked osteoarthritic cartilage destruction by inhibition of MMP3, MMP13, COX2, interleukin (IL)6, and ROS production, thereby obstructing the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell and mitogen activated protein kinase signaling. In conclusion, BBC0901-mediated BRD4 inhibition prevented OA development by attenuating catabolic signaling and hence, can be considered a promising IA therapeutic for OA.

In situ hierarchical encapsulation of bimetallic selenides into honeycomb-like nitrogen doped porous carbon nanosheets for highly sensitive and selective guanosine detection

An innovative electrochemical nanocomposite for the detection of guanosine (Gua) was proposed by in situ encapsulation of nickel-iron bimetallic selenides confined into honeycomb-like nitrogen doped porous carbon nanosheets, denoted as (Ni,Fe)Se₂/N-PCNs. The porous carbon nanosheets were prepared by utilizing nickel-iron layered double hydroxide (Ni-Fe LDH) as the substrate and zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF-67) nanocrystals as the sacrificial templates via hydrothermal synthesis, followed by a process of acid etching and pyrolysis selenylation. Interestingly, the nickel-ferric bimetallic selenides material (Ni,Fe)Se₂, is rarely fabricated successfully using selenylation treatment, which is a highly conductive and robust support to promote the electron transport. Meanwhile, the obtained (Ni,Fe)Se₂/N-PCNs have the favorable architectural features of both unique three-dimensional (3D) porous structural and hierarchical connectivity, which are expected to provide more active sites for electrochemical reactions and ease of electron, ion, and biomolecule penetration. Benefiting from the inherent virtues of its composition, together with unique structural advantages, the (Ni,Fe)Se₂/N-PCNs possess ideal sensing properties for guanosine detection with a low detection limit of 1.20 × 10^-8 M, a wide linear range of 5.30 × 10^-8 ~ 2.27 × 10^-4 M and a good stability. Superb selectivity for potential interfering species and superb recoveries in serum suggests its feasibility for practical applications.

Highly sensitive detection of DNA damage in living cells by SERS and electrochemical measurements using a flexible gold nanoelectrode

Guanine (G) oxidation products, such as 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and 8-oxo-guanine (8-OXOG), have been widely studied as promising biomarkers for DNA oxidative damage. In this work, we develop a new method to detect G oxidative products released from live cells after chromium (vi) ion or hydrogen peroxide treatments by using a glass nanopipette-based flexible gold nanoelectrode (fGNE). Specific response to G oxidative products with high sensitivity can be detected from the fGNE tip through integrated electrochemical measurements and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. The fGNE apex can be positioned very close to the cell membrane noninvasively because of its high flexibility and nanoscale tip size. With the assistance of the electrophoretic force, the fGNEs can effectively collect and detect the G-derived DNA damage products released from individual cells in the cell culture medium with high sensitivity.

Biosensors in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most critical disorders of the elderly and strongly associated with increased disability, and reduced quality of life. PD is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting more than six million people worldwide. Evaluation of clinical manifestations, as well as movement disorders by a neurologist and some routine laboratory tests are the most important diagnostic methods for PD. However, routine and old methods have several disadvantages and limitations such as low sensitivity and selectivity, high cost, and need for advanced equipment. Biosensors technology opens up new diagnoses approach for PD with the use of a new platform that allows reliable, repeatable, and multidimensional identification to be made with minimal problem and discomfort for patients. For instance, biosensing systems can provide promising tools for PD treatment and monitoring. Amongst biosensor technology, electrochemical techniques have been at the frontline of this progress, thanks to the developments in material science, such as gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), quantum dots (QDs), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). This paper evaluates the latest progress in electrochemical and optical biosensors for PD diagnosis.

Enantioselective residues and toxicity effects of the chiral triazole fungicide hexaconazole in earthworms (Eisenia fetida)

The enantioselective toxic effect and environmental behavior of chiral pesticides have attracted increasing research attention. In this study, the enantioselective toxicity and residues of hexaconazole (HEX) in earthworms (Eisenia fetida) were investigated. In the present study, significant enantioselective degradation characteristics were observed in artificial soil with the R-enantiomer preferentially degrading (p < 0.05); however, no significant enantioselective bioaccumulation was observed in the earthworms (p > 0.05). The acute toxicity of S-(+)-HEX was higher than that of R-(-)-HEX in earthworms, with 48-h LC₅₀ values of 8.62 and 22.35 μg/cm², respectively. At 25 mg/kg, enantiospecific induction of oxidative stress was observed in earthworms; moreover, S-(+)-HEX had a greater influence on the contents of malonaldehyde, cytochrome P450, and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine than R-(-)-HEX. These results were consistent with those of the enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes. The transcriptome sequencing results showed that S-(+)-HEX had a more significant influence on steroid biosynthesis, arachidonic acid metabolism, and cell cycle processes than R-(-)-HEX, leading to abnormal biological function activities. These results indicate that S-(+)-HEX may pose a higher risk to soil organisms than R-(-)-HEX. This study suggests that the environmental risk of chiral pesticides to nontarget organisms should be assessed at the enantiomeric level.

Nanostructured material-based electrochemical sensing of oxidative DNA damage biomarkers 8-oxoguanine and 8-oxodeoxyguanosine: a comprehensive review

Oxidative DNA damage plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Among oxidative DNA lesions, 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) and its corresponding nucleotide 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG), the guanine and deoxyguanosine oxidation products, have gained much attention, being considered biomarkers for oxidative DNA damage. Both 8-oxoG and 8-oxodG are used to predict overall body oxidative stress levels, to estimate the risk, to detect, and to make prognosis related to treatment of cancer, degenerative, and other age-related diseases. The need for rapid, easy, and low-cost detection and quantification of 8-oxoG and 8-oxodG biomarkers of oxidative DNA damage in complex samples, urine, blood, and tissue, caused an increasing interest on electrochemical sensors based on modified electrodes, due to their high sensitivity and selectivity, low-cost, and easy miniaturization and automation. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and exhaustive overview of the fundamental principles concerning the electrochemical determination of the biomarkers 8-oxoG and 8-oxodG using nanostructured materials (NsM), such as carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, graphene-related materials, gold nanomaterials, metal nanoparticles, polymers, nanocomposites, dendrimers, antibodies and aptamers, and modified electrochemical sensors.

A Sensitive FRET Biosensor Based on Carbon Dots-Modified Nanoporous Membrane for 8-hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) Detection with Au@ZIF-8 Nanoparticles as Signal Quenchers

A sensitive fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensor is proposed to detect 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), which is a typical DNA oxidation damage product excreted in human urine. The FRET biosensor was based on carbon dots (CDs)-modified nanoporous alumina membrane with CDs as fluorescence donors. Gold nanoparticles were encapsulated in zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 to form Au@ZIF-8 nanoparticles as signal quenchers. CDs and Au@ZIF-8 nanoparticles were biofunctionalized by 8-OHdG antibody. The capture of 8-OHdG on the membrane substrates can bring Au@ZIF-8 nanoparticles closely to CDs. With 350 nm excitation, the fluorescence of CDs was quenched by Au@ZIF-8 nanoparticles and FRET effect occurred. The quenching efficiency was analyzed. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.31 nM. Interference experiments of the FRET biosensor showed good specificity for 8-OHdG detection. The biosensor could detect urinary 8-OHdG sensitively and selectively with simple sample pretreatment processes. It shows applicability for detecting biomarkers of DNA damage in urine or other biological fluids.

Analytical and Structural Studies for the Investigation of Oxidative Stress in Guanine Oligonucleotides

DNA damage plays a decisive role in epigenetic effects. The detection and analysis of DNA damages, like the most common change of guanine (G) to 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (OG), is a key factor in cancer research. It is especially true for G quadruplex structure (GQ), which is one of the best-known examples of a non-canonical DNA arrangement. In the present work, we provided an overview on analytical methods in connection with the detection of OG in oligonucleotides with GQ-forming capacity. Focusing on the last five years, novel electrochemical tools, like dedicated electrodes, were overviewed, as well as different optical methods (fluorometric assays, resonance light scattering or UV radiation) along with hyphenated detection and structural analysis methods (CD, NMR, melting temperature analysis and nanopore detection) were also applied for OG detection. Additionally, GQ-related computational simulations were also summarized. All these results emphasize that OG detection and the analysis of the effect of its presence in higher ordered structures like GQ is still a state-of-the-art research line with continuously increasing interest.

Organic small molecule for detection and photodegradation of mitochondrial DNA mutations

A detection and degradation platform was developed to optically quantify the 6-enolate, 8-keto-dG, an important tautomer of mitochondrial mutated DNA 8-oxo-dG. We first found that 6-enolate, 8-keto-dG offers particular fluorescence emission under the conditions between pH ∼ 7 and ∼11. Thus, a mitochondria-targeting photosensitizer NV-12P was prepared to offer simultaneously photoinduced electron transfer and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) with 6-enolate, 8-keto-dG. Furthermore, NV-12P can also generate a reactive oxygen species to degrade 6-enolate, 8-keto-dG under irradiation conditions. This is the first publication about optical characterization, concentration detection and photodegradation of 6-enolate, 8-keto-dG, either in biological or in vitro applications.

Detection of 8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine Biomarker with a Screen-Printed Electrode Modified with Graphene

In this work we present the preparation of graphene material by exfoliation of graphite rods via pulses of current in electrolyte, containing a mixture of boric acid (0.05 M) and sodium chloride (0.05 M). The material was morphologically and structurally characterized by SEM/TEM/HR-TEM, XRD and FTIR techniques. TEM investigation of graphene flakes deposited onto carbon-coated grids allowed the visualization of thin and transparent regions, attributed to few-layer graphene (FLG), as well as thick and dark regions attributed to multi-layer graphene (MLG). The mixed composition of the material was additionally confirmed by XRD, which further indicated that the amount of FLG within the sample was around 83%, while MLG was around 17%. The performance of a screen-printed electrode (SPE) modified with graphene (SPE-Gr) was tested for 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine detection. The graphene-modified electrode had a higher sensitivity in comparison with that of SPE, both in standard laboratory solutions (phosphate buffered saline—PBS) and in human saliva.

Ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescence aptasensor for 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine detection based on target-induced multi-DNA release and nicking enzyme amplification strategy

8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) is a principal stable marker of DNA oxidative damage. Sensitive and specific detection of 8-OH-dG is of great importance for early disease diagnosis. In this paper, we developed an electrochemiluminescence aptasensor for 8-OH-dG detection based on target induced multi-DNA release and nicking enzyme signaling amplification strategy. First, three kinds of short DNAs were aligned on the aptamers immobilized on the magnetic beads. In the presence of 8-OH-dG, the aptamer recognized and specifically bound with 8-OH-dG, leading to the release of three kinds of short DNAs and three-fold signal amplification. Then the released short DNAs hybridized with ferrocence (Fc) labeled hairpin DNA (Fc-HP) immobilized on the gold electrode to form a double strand DNA. Subsequently, nicking endonuclease (Nt.AlwI) recognized the asymmetric sequence in the dsDNA and cleaved the substrate strand (Fc-HP) into two parts, one fragments containing Fc would leave the surface of electrode. Based on the quenching effect of Fc on the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺/TPA, a signal-on ECL aptasensor was developed. At the same time, three kinds of short DNAs were released again and reused to initiate the repeated cycles of hybridization-cleavage. Under double signal amplification, this aptasensor achieved a low detection of 25 fM and a wide linear range from 100 fM to 10 nM for 8-OH-dG. Besides, the amount of 8-OH-dG in urine samples derived from different people were determined with satisfactory results.

Controlling parameters and characteristics of electrochemical biosensors for enhanced detection of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine

This work discusses the parameters and characteristics required on the development of a scalable and reliable electrochemical sensor board for detecting 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), an oxidative stress biomarker for diabetic nephropathy, cancer and Parkinson’s disease. We used Printed Circuit Board (PCB) technology to make a precise, low-cost bare sensor board. ZnO nanorods (NRs) and ZnO NRs: reduced graphene oxide (RGO) composites were used as a pathway for antibody immobilization on the working electrode (WE). The parameters and characteristics of the WE were controlled for enhancing the quality of the electrochemical sensor board. Thickness of the gold and the presence of ZnO NRs or their composite on the WE have influence on charge transference process and reproducibility of the sensor board. The amount of the antibody, and its incubation period are crucial to avoid saturation of the sites during immobilization step and reduce the cost of the sensor. Our ZnO NRs-based electrochemical sensor board showed high sensitivity and selectivity to 8-OHdG with detection capacity in the range of 0.001–5.00 ng.mL⁻¹. The successful application of our immunosensor to detect 8-OHdG in urine was evidenced.

Ultrasmall HKUST-1 nanoparticles decorated graphite nanosheets for highly sensitive electrochemical sensing of DNA damage biomarker 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine

Herein, graphite nanosheets (GN) were first prepared through simple liquid-phase exfoliation of graphite powder in N, N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC). After then, ultrasmall Cu-based metal organic frame (HKUST-1) nanoparticles (less than 5 nm) were in-situ anchored on the surface of graphite nanosheets with high degree of dispersion. Due to the intrinsic structural advantages of the as-synthesized HKUST-1 nanoparticles decorated graphite nanosheets (HKUST-1/GN) hybrids, including superior electron transfer ability and the greatly enhanced adsorption property, HKUST-1/GN shows excellent electrochemical sensing performance toward DNA damage biomarker 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine with fast detection speed (∼240 s), wide linear window (10 nM-1 μM), high sensitivity (346857 μA mM^-1 cm^-2), low detection limit (∼2.5 nM), and good reproducibility. As a result, a highly sensitive electrochemical sensing platform for the detection of DNA damage biomarker 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine was fabricated basing the as-prepared HKUST-1/GN hybrids. What is more, the developed electrochemical method was successfully used for the detection of real samples and exhibited satisfied result.

Nitrogen doped chiral carbonaceous nanotube for ultrasensitive DNA direct electrochemistry, DNA hybridization and damage study

In the interest of developing novel electrocatalyst for high performance DNA biosensing, with distinctive chiral double helix nanostructure, nitrogen doped chiral carbonaceous nanotube (Chiral-CNT) was employed for ultrasensitive label-free DNA biosensing research. Chiral-CNT can quantitative detection of four DNA bases with high sensitivity and selectivity. Without any prehydrolysis and labeling process, direct electrochemistry of single-stranded DNA and double-stranded DNA, qualitative and quantitative detection of DNA hybridization (low detection limit: 0.0268 g L^-1) were realized. Moreover, sensitive detection of DNA damage induced by fenton reagent was also realized with low detection limit of 0.0350 mg mL^-1 and high sensitivity of 7.42 μA mg^-1 mL. The high biosensing performance attributes to the unique chiral structure of Chiral-CNT, leads to efficient interreaction between Chiral-CNT and DNA molecule.

Electrochemical DNA Sensor Based on Carbon Black-Poly(Neutral Red) Composite for Detection of Oxidative DNA Damage

Voltammetric DNA sensor has been proposed on the platform of glassy carbon electrode covered with carbon black with adsorbed pillar[5]arene molecules. Electropolymerization of Neutral Red performed in the presence of native or oxidatively damaged DNA resulted in formation of hybrid material which activity depended on the DNA conditions. The assembling of the surface layer was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The influence of DNA and pillar[5]arene on redox activity of polymeric dye was investigated and a significant increase of the peak currents was found for DNA damaged by reactive oxygen species generated by Cu²⁺/H₂O₂ mixture. Pillar[5]arene improves the electron exchange conditions and increases the response and its reproducibility. The applicability of the DNA sensor developed was shown on the example of ascorbic acid as antioxidant. It decreases the current in the concentration range from 1.0 μM to 1.0 mM. The possibility to detect antioxidant activity was qualitatively confirmed by testing tera infusion. The DNA sensor developed can find application in testing of carcinogenic species and searching for new antitumor drugs.

Carbon quantum dots encapsulated in super small platinum nanocrystals core-shell architecture/nitrogen doped graphene hybrid nanocomposite for electrochemical biosensing of DNA damage biomarker-8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine

In this work, carbon quantum dots (CQD) encapsulated in super small platinum nanocrystals core-shell architecture/nitrogen doped graphene hybrid nanocomposite (CQD@PDA@PtNCs-NGR) was design synthesized. Without using any capping reagent, stabilizer and surfactant, very small CQD was served as template and anchoring point for the synthesis of Pt NCs with a super small size (2.25 nm) and a uniform distribution. Meanwhile, dopamine (DA) was used as bridging agent, positioning agent and weak reducing agent to make Pt²⁺ grow on the CQD. Combine the high dispersed Pt NCs with high specific surface area and high conductivity of NGR, the CQD@PDA@PtNCs-NGR shows excellent electrocatalytic performance towards the biosensing of DNA damage biomarker- 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG). A very low detection limit of 0.45 nM and 0.85 nM (S/N = 3), a wide linear range of 0.013 μM-109.78 μM and a high sensitivity of 7.912 μA μM^-1cm^-2 and 4.190 μA μM^-1cm^-2 were obtained. The fabricated CQD@PDA@PtNCs-NGR realized the detection of 8-OH-dG in human urine practical sample. Furthermore, CQD@PDA@PtNCs-NGR was applied for the determination of 8-OH-dG generated from damaged DNA and damaged guanine (G), respectively. This work effectively combines the electrochemical signal of 8-OH-dG with DNA damage, confirms the mechanism of DNA damage, which might pave a new way to establish the associations between degree of DNA damage and 8-OH-dG.

Resonance light scattering aptasensor for urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine based on magnetic nanoparticles: a preliminary study of oxidative stress association with air pollution

An aptamer based method is described for the determination of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) using resonance light scattering (RLS). Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were employed as RLS probes. The probe DNA was placed on the surface of MNPs, which produces a rather low RLS signal. If, however, probe DNA hybridizes with the aptamer against 8-OHdG, a sandwich structure will be formed. This results in a significant enhancement of RLS intensity. The aptamer was used as the recognition element to capture 8-OHdG. 8-OHdG has a stronger affinity for the aptamer than probe DNA, and the conformation of the aptamer therefore switches from a double-stranded to a G-quadruplex structure. As a result, MNPs labeled with probe DNA are released, and RLS intensity decreases. The method allows 8-OHdG to be detected with a linear response in the 32 pM - 12.0 nM concentration range and an 11 pM limit of detection (at 3.29S_B/m, according to the recent recommendation of IUPAC). The MNPs can be reused 5 times by applying an external magnetic field for collection. The method was successfully applied to analyze human urine samples for its content of 8-OHdG. It was also found that the levels of 8-OHdG noticeably increased with the increase of the Air Quality Index. Conceivably, the method is a viable tool to investigate the relationship between 8-OHdG levels and the effect of air pollution. Graphical abstract A reusable sensing strategy was constructed to detect urinary 8-OHdG based on "turn-off" resonance light scattering. The LOD was as low as 11 pM. This study showed some preliminary data for the association between oxidative stress and air pollution.

Reduced graphene oxide-ZnO nanocomposite based electrochemical sensor for sensitive and selective monitoring of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine

Developing reliable and feasible electrochemical sensors for the detection of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) is important because the urinary level of 8-OHdG is related to cancer disease. Moreover, the co-existed uric acid (UA) as an interference severe affects the sensitive detection of 8-OHdG. Herein, sensitive monitoring of 8-OHdG was conducted using a nanocomposite of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO@rGO) as the sensing material. This nanocomposite was prepared via in-situ reduction of GO with Zn powders. Compared with those obtained on the unmodified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and GO modified GCE (GO/GCE) the oxidation signals of 8-OHdG are significantly enhanced on the ZnO@rGO nanocomposite coated GCE (ZnO@rGO/GCE). Moreover, uricase has been employed successfully to eliminate the interferences of UA. A large amount of UA did not affect the oxidation signals of trace level of 8-OHdG. The linear range for the detection of 8-OHdG using ZnO@rGO/GCE was from 5.0 to 5000.0 nM. The detection limit was 1.25 nM calculated from a three-signal-to-noise ratio. The developed monitoring system is sensitive and selective for the determination of 8-OHdG and thus useful in practical applications, such as for the monitoring of 8-OHdG in the clinic urine samples.

Luminescent Device for the Detection of Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Artificial Urine

A luminescent paper-based device for the visual detection of oxidative stress biomarkers is reported. The device consists of a polyvinylidene fluoride membrane impregnated with poly(3-alkoxy-4-methylthiophene) (PT) for colorimetric detection. 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a biomarker associated with oxidative stress, is used as a model system for validating the proposed methodology. The detection strategy is based on monitoring the changes in optical properties of PT associated with its conformational changes upon interaction with an aptamer in the presence and in the absence of 8-OHdG. Fluorometric and colorimetric monitoring revealed linear responses for 8-OHdG concentrations between 50 pM and 500 nM (∼14 pg/mL to 140 ng/mL), with limits of detection of ∼300 pM and  ∼350 pM, respectively for ( n = 3). Colorimetric responses in artificial urine ascertained rapid, sensitive, and selective detection of 8-OHdG at clinically relevant (pM to nM) concentration levels. Furthermore, the proposed methodology enables point-of-care diagnostics for oxidative stress without requiring sophisticated instrumentation.

Comparative toxicity and bioaccumulation of two dinotefuran metabolites, UF and DN, in earthworms (Eisenia fetida)

Dinotefuran, as the latest generation of neonicotinoid insecticide, has broad application prospects around the world. However, dinotefuran is easily metabolized and the two main metabolites are 1-methyl-3-(tetrahydro-3-furylmethyl) urea (UF) and 1-methyl-3-(tetrahydro-3-furylmethyl) guanidium dihydrogen (DN). In the present study, the risks of UF and DN in soil on typical non-target species earthworm were investigated. In the same time, the degradation in soil and accumulation in earthworms of UF and DN were monitored. The present results showed that the toxicities of UF and DN were similar in their effect on earthworms and they were supertoxic pollutants to earthworms. The degradation trend in soil and accumulation trend in earthworms of UF and DN were consistent throughout the whole exposure period. At 1.0 mg/kg and 2.0 mg/kg, UF and DN could induce the excess production of ROS, resulting in oxidative stress effects in earthworm cells. The excess ROS induce changes in antioxidant enzyme activities, damage in biomacromolecules, and abnormal expression of function genes. The present results showed that UF and DN may have high risks for earthworms.

Design synthesis of a controllable flower-like Pt-graphene oxide architecture through electrostatic self-assembly for DNA damage biomarker 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine biosensing research

A flower-like Pt-graphene oxide (PtNF-GO) architecture for DNA damage biomarker 8-OHdG biosensing research.