Controlled fabrication of gold nanobipyramids/polypyrrole for shell-isolated nanoparticle-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to detect γ-aminobutyric acid

Breaking Barriers: Exploring Neurotransmitters through In Vivo vs. In Vitro Rivalry

Neurotransmitter analysis plays a pivotal role in diagnosing and managing neurodegenerative diseases, often characterized by disturbances in neurotransmitter systems. However, prevailing methods for quantifying neurotransmitters involve invasive procedures or require bulky imaging equipment, therefore restricting accessibility and posing potential risks to patients. The innovation of compact, in vivo instruments for neurotransmission analysis holds the potential to reshape disease management. This innovation can facilitate non-invasive and uninterrupted monitoring of neurotransmitter levels and their activity. Recent strides in microfabrication have led to the emergence of diminutive instruments that also find applicability in in vitro investigations. By harnessing the synergistic potential of microfluidics, micro-optics, and microelectronics, this nascent realm of research holds substantial promise. This review offers an overarching view of the current neurotransmitter sensing techniques, the advances towards in vitro microsensors tailored for monitoring neurotransmission, and the state-of-the-art fabrication techniques that can be used to fabricate those microsensors.

A dense SERS substrate of the AgNPs@GO compound film for detecting homocysteine molecules

This study focuses on the development of a highly sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensor for detecting homocysteine (Hcy) molecules. The Hcy sensor was created by depositing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) onto the surface of graphene oxide (GO) film to form a dense AgNPs@GO composite film. The AgNPs on the composite film interacted with sulfur atoms (S) of Hcy molecules to form Ag-S bonds, which boosted the chemisorption of Hcy molecules and enabled them to be specifically recognized. The SERS sensor exhibited a maximum enhancement factor of up to 1.1 × 104, with a reliable linear response range from 1 to 60 ng mL-1. The limit of detection (LOD) for Hcy molecules was as low as 1.1 × 10-9 M. Moreover, Hcy molecules were successfully distinguished in a mixed solution of γ-aminobutyric acid and Hcy molecules. In this study, a simple preparation process of SERS substrate and a novel detection method for Hcy molecules provided a new pathway for the rapid and effective detection of Hcy molecules in the food and biomedicine fields.

Colorimetric and visual determination of iodide ions via morphology transition of gold nanobipyramids

The gold nanobipyramids (Au NBPs) are widely used in the analytical detection of biochemistry due to their unique localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) properties. In our developed approach, I^- in kelp was detected by etching Au NBPs in the presence of IO₃^-. Under acidic conditions, IO₃^- reacted rapidly with I^- to form I₂, subsequently I₂ reacted with I^- to form the intermediate I₃^-. In the presence of CTAB, Au NBPs were etched by I₂ derived from I₃^-, resulting in a decrease in the aspect ratio of Au NBPs, to form a significant blue shift of LSPR longitudinal peak and color variation of colloid which changed from blue-green to magenta and could be employed to quantitatively detect the concentration of I^- with the naked eye. A linear relationship can be found between the LSPR peak changes with the I^- concentration in a wide range from 4.0 μM to 15.0 μM, and the sensitive limit of detection (LOD) was 0.2 μM for UV-vis spectroscopy and the obvious color changes with a visual LOD was 4.0 μM for the naked eye. Benefiting from the high specificity, the proposed colorimetric detection of I^- in kelp samples was achieved, indicating the available potential of the colorimetric detection for the determination of I^- in real samples. What's more, this detection procedure was time-saving and could avoid tedious procedures.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of blue fluorescent molybdenum nanoclusters with maltose-cysteine Schiff base for detection of myoglobin and γ-aminobutyric acid in biofluids

The fabrication of stable fluorescent MoNCs (molybdenum nanoclusters) in aqueous media is quite challenging as it is not much explored yet. Herein, we report a facile and efficient strategy for fabricating MoNCs using 2,3 dialdehyde maltose-cysteine Schiff base (DAM-cysteine) as a ligand for detecting myoglobin and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in biofluids with high selectivity and sensitivity. The DAM-cysteine-MoNCs displayed fluorescence of bright blue color under a UV light at 365 nm with an emission peak at 444 nm after excitation at 370 nm. The synthesized DAM-cysteine-MoNCs were homogeneously distributed with a mean size of 2.01 ± 0.98 nm as confirmed by the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). Further, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) techniques were utilized to confirm the elemental oxidation states and surface functional groups of the DAM-cysteine-MoNCs. After the addition of myoglobin and GABA, the emission peak of DAM-cysteine-MoNCs at 444 nm was significantly quenched. This resulted in the development of a quantitative assay for the detection of myoglobin (0.1-0.5 μM) and GABA (0.125-2.5 μM) with the lower limit of detection as 56.48 and 112.75 nM for myoglobin and GABA, respectively.

Evaluation of site-selective drug effects on GABA receptors using nanovesicle-carbon nanotube hybrid devices

Site-selective drug effects on the ion-channel activities of γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA_A) receptors are evaluated by using a nanovesicle-carbon nanotube hybrid device. Here, nanovesicles containing GABA_A receptors are immobilized on the channel region of a carbon nanotube field-effect transistor. The receptor responses of this hybrid device to GABA are detected with a high sensitivity down to ∼1 aM even in the presence of other neurotransmitters. Further, sensitivity differences between two GABA_A-receptor-subunit compositions of α5β2γ2 and α1β2γ2 are assessed by normalizing the dose-dependent responses obtained from these hybrid devices. Specifically, the GABA concentration that produces 50% of maximal response (EC₅₀) is obtained as ∼10 pM for α5β2γ2 subunits and ∼1 nM for α1β2γ2 subunits of GABA_A receptor. Significantly, the potency profiles of both antagonist and agonist of GABA_A receptor can be evaluated by analyzing EC₅₀ values in the presence and absence of those drugs. A competitive antagonist increases the EC₅₀ value of GABA by binding to the same site as GABA, while an allosteric agonist reduces it by binding to a different site. These results indicate that this hybrid device can be a powerful tool for the evaluation of candidate drug substances modulating GABA-mediated neurotransmission.

Shell-Isolated Nanoparticle-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for Probing Riboflavin on Graphene

Graphene research and technology development requires to reveal adsorption processes and understand how the defects change the physicochemical properties of the graphene-based systems. In this study, shell-isolated nanoparticle-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS) and graphene-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (GERS) coupled with density functional theory (DFT) modeling were applied for probing the structure of riboflavin adsorbed on single-layer graphene substrate grown on copper. Intense and detailed vibrational signatures of the adsorbed riboflavin were revealed by SHINERS method. Based on DFT modeling and detected downshift of prominent riboflavin band at 1349 cm⁻¹ comparing with the solution Raman spectrum, π-stacking interaction between the adsorbate and graphene was confirmed. Different spectral patterns from graphene-riboflavin surface were revealed by SHINERS and GERS techniques. Contrary to GERS method, SHINERS spectra revealed not only ring stretching bands but also vibrational features associated with ribityl group of riboflavin and D-band of graphene. Based on DFT modeling it was suggested that activation of D-band took place due to riboflavin induced tilt and distortion of graphene plane. The ability to explore local perturbations by the SHINERS method was highlighted. We demonstrated that SHINERS spectroscopy has a great potential to probe adsorbed molecules at graphene.

A stable naked-eye colorimetric sensor for monitoring release of extracellular gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter from SH-SY5Y cells

A novel optical γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-based sensor was developed on interacting thiol compounds and o-phthalaldehyde (OPA) to form thiacetal compounds. Then, the thiacetal interacts with the GABA molecule to form an isoindole compound. The effects of four thiol compounds on the stability of the resulting isoindole compound were assessed. The 2-mercaptoethanol, "one of the most used derivatizing agents," is unexpectedly the least stable; while, 16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid resulted in the most durable isoindole compound. The developed sensor showed the capability for detecting GABA within a wide concentration range spanning from 500 nmol L^-1 to 100 µmol L^-1. The detection limit was about 330 nmol L^-1, which indicated the high sensitivity of the developed sensor compared with those previously reported. The findings illustrated the ability to detect GABA at the physiological pH (pH = 7.4) without adjusting the pH value, opening the door for real applications. Furthermore, the sensor could detect various GABA concentrations in human serum with good recovery percentages (98% to 101.4%). In addition, this assay was applied to monitor GABA release from the SH-SY5Y cell line to convert glutamate into GABA. This result indicates the capability of the proposed assay for visually monitoring the release of GABA neurotransmitters.

Synthesis of gold nanoparticles@reduced porous graphene-modified ITO electrode for spectroelectrochemical detection of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein

Here, we reported the synthesis of reduced porous graphene oxide (rPGO) decorated with gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) to modify the ITO electrode. Then we used this highly uniform Au NPs@rPGO modified ITO electrode as a surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy-active surface and a working electrode. The uses of the Au nanoparticles and porous graphene enhance the Raman signals and the electrochemical conductivity. COVID-19 protein-based biosensor was developed based on immobilization of anti-COVID-19 antibodies onto the modified electrode and its uses as a probe for capturing the COVID-19 protein. The developed biosensor showed the capability of monitoring the COVID-19 protein within a concentration range from 100 nmol/L to 1 pmol/L with a limit of detection (LOD) of 75 fmol/L. Furthermore, COVID-19 protein was detected based on electrochemical techniques within a concentration range from 100 nmol/L to 500 fmol/L that showed a LOD of 39.5 fmol/L. Finally, three concentrations of COVID-19 protein spiked in human serum were investigated. Thus, the present sensor showed high efficiency towards the detection of COVID-19.

Fabrication of Hollow Nanocones Membrane with an Extraordinary Surface Area as CO2 Sucker

Recently, more and more attention has been paid to the development of eco-friendly solid sorbents that are cost-effective, noncorrosive, have a high gas capacity, and have low renewable energy for CO₂ capture. Here, we claimed the fabrication of a three-dimensional (3D) film of hollow nanocones with a large surface area (949.5 m²/g), a large contact angle of 136.3°, and high surface energy. The synthetic technique is based on an electrochemical polymerization process followed by a novel and simple strategy for pulling off the formed layers as a membrane. Although the polymer-coated substrates were reported previously, the membrane formation has not been reported elsewhere. The detachable capability of the manufactured layer as a membrane braked the previous boundaries and allows the membrane’s uses in a wide range of applications. This 3D hollow nanocones membrane offer advantages over conventional ones in that they combine a π-electron-rich (aromatic ring), hydrophobicity, a large surface area, multiple amino groups, and a large pore volume. These substantial features are vital for CO₂ capturing and storage. Furthermore, the hydrophobicity characteristic and application of the formed polymer as a CO₂ sucker were investigated. These results demonstrated the potential of the synthesized 3D hollow polymer to be used for CO₂ capturing with a gas capacity of about 68 mg/g and regeneration ability without the need for heat up.

A Comprehensive Review on Raman Spectroscopy Applications

Raman spectroscopy is a very powerful tool for material analysis, allowing for exploring the properties of a wide range of different materials. Since its discovery, Raman spectroscopy has been used to investigate several features of materials such carbonaceous and inorganic properties, providing useful information on their phases, functions, and defects. Furthermore, techniques such as surface and tip enhanced Raman spectroscopy have extended the field of application of Raman analysis to biological and analytical fields. Additionally, the robustness and versatility of Raman instrumentations represent a promising solution for performing on-field analysis for a wide range of materials. Recognizing the many hot applications of Raman spectroscopy, we herein overview the main and more recent applications for the investigation of a wide range of materials, such as carbonaceous and biological materials. We also provide a brief but exhaustive theoretical background of Raman spectroscopy, also providing deep insight into the analytical achievements.

A label-free electrochemiluminescence immunosensor for carbohydrate antigen 153 based on polypyrrole-luminol-AuNPs nanocomposites with bi-catalysis

Polypyrrole-luminol-AuNPs nanocomposites were prepared and used to develop a sensitive label-free electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor for carbohydrate antigen 153 (CA153) detection. Firstly, polypyrrole (PPY) nanoparticles were synthesized by a chemical oxidation method using FeCl₃ as an oxidizing agent, then luminol and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were combined with PPY nanoparticles through electrostatic interaction to form PPY-luminol-AuNPs nanocomposites. The nanocomposites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-Vis absorption spectra, atomic emission spectrometry (AES), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Especially, iron element was also detected in the nanocomposites. The PPY-luminol-AuNPs nanocomposites showed excellent ECL activity due to the bi-catalysis of iron ion and gold nanoparticles on the ECL of luminol. Furthermore, the nanocomposites showed good film-forming property, and it can be fixed on electrode surface without the assistance of other film-forming materials. On this basis, an ECL immunosensor for CA153 was constructed by covalently immobilizing anti-CA153 on PPY-luminol-AuNPs modified indium-doped tin oxide (ITO) electrode. In the presence of CA153, a remarkable decrease in ECL signals was observed due to the formation of anti-CA153/CA153 complex. The immunosensor showed a good linear relationship in the concentration range of 0.001 to 700 U/mL for CA153, and the detection limit was 5.8 × 10^-4 U/mL (S/N = 3). Furthermore, the ECL immunosensor was applied to the determination of CA153 in practical human serum sample.

Recent Progress in Optical Sensors for Biomedical Diagnostics

In recent years, several types of optical sensors have been probed for their aptitude in healthcare biosensing, making their applications in biomedical diagnostics a rapidly evolving subject. Optical sensors show versatility amongst different receptor types and even permit the integration of different detection mechanisms. Such conjugated sensing platforms facilitate the exploitation of their neoteric synergistic characteristics for sensor fabrication. This paper covers nearly 250 research articles since 2016 representing the emerging interest in rapid, reproducible and ultrasensitive assays in clinical analysis. Therefore, we present an elaborate review of biomedical diagnostics with the help of optical sensors working on varied principles such as surface plasmon resonance, localised surface plasmon resonance, evanescent wave fluorescence, bioluminescence and several others. These sensors are capable of investigating toxins, proteins, pathogens, disease biomarkers and whole cells in varied sensing media ranging from water to buffer to more complex environments such as serum, blood or urine. Hence, the recent trends discussed in this review hold enormous potential for the widespread use of optical sensors in early-stage disease prediction and point-of-care testing devices.