Enhanced removal of bilirubin on molecularly imprinted titania film

A high-performance nonenzymatic piezoelectric sensor based on molecularly imprinted transparent TiO2 film for detection of urea

Transparent photocatalytic surfaces are of ever increasing importance for the enhancement of the photocatalytic efficiency. Here, the highly ordered transparent TiO2 nanotube arrays were prepared by the anodization and thermal annealing of titanium layer deposited onto the glass substrate, and a novel nonenzymatic piezoelectric sensor was developed for urea detection based on the modification of molecularly imprinted TiO2 thin film onto transparent TiO2 nanotube arrays. The performance of the fabricated sensor was evaluated and the results indicated that the sensor exhibited high sensitivity in urea detection, with a linear range from 0.04 to 120 μM and a limit of detection of 0.01 μM. Moreover, the sensor presented outstanding selectivity while used in coexisting systems containing various interferents with high concentration. The analytical application of the urea sensor confirmed the feasibility of urea detection in urine sample.

Molecular imprinting science and technology: a survey of the literature for the years 2004-2011

Herein, we present a survey of the literature covering the development of molecular imprinting science and technology over the years 2004-2011. In total, 3779 references to the original papers, reviews, edited volumes and monographs from this period are included, along with recently identified uncited materials from prior to 2004, which were omitted in the first instalment of this series covering the years 1930-2003. In the presentation of the assembled references, a section presenting reviews and monographs covering the area is followed by sections describing fundamental aspects of molecular imprinting including the development of novel polymer formats. Thereafter, literature describing efforts to apply these polymeric materials to a range of application areas is presented. Current trends and areas of rapid development are discussed.

A highly selective photoelectrochemical biosensor for uric acid based on core-shell Fe3O4@C nanoparticle and molecularly imprinted TiO2

Combining the surface modification and molecular imprinting technique, a novel photoelectrochemical sensing platform with excellent photochemical catalysis and molecular recognition capabilities was established for the detection of uric acid based on the magnetic immobilization of Fe3O4@C nanoparticles onto magnetic glassy carbon electrode (MGCE) and modification of molecularly imprinted TiO2 film on Fe3O4@C. The developed biosensor was highly sensitive to uric acid in solutions, with a linear range from 0.3 to 34µM and a limit of detection of 0.02μM. Furthermore, the biosensor exhibited outstanding selectivity while used in coexisting systems containing various interferents with high concentration. The practical application of the biosensor was also realized for the selective detection of uric acid in spiked samples. The study made a successful attempt in the development of highly selective and sensitive photoelectrochemical biosensor for urine monitoring.

Modulation of defect-mediated energy transfer from ZnO nanoparticles for the photocatalytic degradation of bilirubin

In recent years, nanotechnology has gained significant interest for applications in the medical field. In this regard, a utilization of the ZnO nanoparticles for the efficient degradation of bilirubin (BR) through photocatalysis was explored. BR is a water insoluble byproduct of the heme catabolism that can cause jaundice when its excretion is impaired. The photocatalytic degradation of BR activated by ZnO nanoparticles through a non-radiative energy transfer pathway can be influenced by the surface defect-states (mainly the oxygen vacancies) of the catalyst nanoparticles. These were modulated by applying a simple annealing in an oxygen-rich atmosphere. The mechanism of the energy transfer process between the ZnO nanoparticles and the BR molecules adsorbed at the surface was studied by using steady-state and picosecond-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. A correlation of photocatalytic degradation and time-correlated single photon counting studies revealed that the defect-engineered ZnO nanoparticles that were obtained through post-annealing treatments led to an efficient decomposition of BR molecules that was enabled by Förster resonance energy transfer.

Selective adsorption of bilirubin against albumin to oxidized single-wall carbon nanohorns

Bilirubin adsorption capacities of single-wall carbon nanohorns (SWNHs) are investigated to develop an efficient adsorbent in plasma apheresis. Pristine, thermally oxidized and H2O2-oxidized SWNHs are examined and it is demonstrated that higher oxidization levels of the SWNHs enhance bilirubin adsorption capacity owing to increase in their dispersibility and formation of nanoscaled holes on the SWNH walls. Under co-existance of albumin molecules, the bilirubin adsorption capacity of the SWNHs increases with the oxidation level whereas the albumin adsorption capacity is kept small. Bilirubin is selectively adsorbed to the SWNHs, especially to the SWNHs with high oxidation levels, against albumin. This selectivity is maintained under high-concentrations of albumin in the near-clinical environment.