Plasmon Enhancement and Surface Wave Quenching for Phase Ratiometry in Coextraction-Based Fluorosensors

A Novel Rhodamine Probe Acting as Chemosensor for Selective Recognition of Cu2+ and Hg2+ Ions: An Experimental and First Principle Studies

Copper and Mercury ions have vital role to play in biological world as their excess or deficiency can cause different type of diseases in human being as well as biological species including plants and animals. Therefore, their detection at trace level becomes very important in term of biological. The current studies embody the fabrication, structural characterization and recognition behavior of a novel rhodamine B hydrazone formed when hydrazide of rhodamine B was condensed with 5-Allyl-3-methoxy salicylaldehyde (RBMA). RBMA was found to be responsive towards the very trace level of Cu2+ and Hg2+ among other tested cations so far. The sensing procedure is based on the classical opening of the spiroatom ring of rhodamine. The limit of detection (LOD) and binding constant is 5.35 ppm, 2.06 × 104 M-1 and 5.16 ppm, 1.26 × 104 M-1 for Cu2+ and Hg2+ ions respectively. The probable mechanism correlates the specific binding of RBMA with Cu2+ and Hg2+ ions. The 1:1 stoichiometry of RBMA with Cu2+ and Hg2+ ions have been supported by HRMS, FT-IR data, Job's plot, and binding constant data. Reversibility is well exhibited by RBMA by the involvement of CO32- ions via demetallation process. The real time application is well demonstrated by the use of paper strip test. The DFT study also carried out which agrees well with the experimental findings. The results displayed the novelty of this current work towards the trace level analysis of the Cu2+ and Hg2+ of the cations which are play the crucial role in industry.

A dual channel rhodamine appended smart probe for selective recognition of Cu2+ and Hg2+ via "turn on" optical readout

A new rhodamine-6G hydrazone RHMA has been synthesized using rhodamine-6G hydrazide and 5-Allyl-3-methoxysalicylaldehyde. RHMA has been fully characterized with different spectroscopic methods and single crystal XRD. RHMA can selectively recognize Cu²⁺ and Hg²⁺ in aqueous media amongst other common competitive metal ions. A significant change in absorbance was observed with Cu²⁺ and Hg²⁺ ions with emergence of a new peak at λ_max 524 nm and 531 nm respectively. Hg²⁺ ions lead to "turn-on" fluorescence enhancement at λ_max 555 nm. This event of absorbance and fluorescence marks the opening of spirolactum ring causing visual color change from colorless to magenta and light pink.RHMA-Cu²⁺ and RHMA- Hg²⁺complexes are found to be reversible in presence of EDTA^2-ions. RHMA has real application in form of test strip. Additionally, the probe exhibits turn-on readout-based sequential logic gate-based monitoring of Cu²⁺ and Hg²⁺ at ppm levels, which may be able to address real-world challenges through simple synthesis, quick recovery, response in water, "by-eye" detection, reversible response, great selectivity, and a variety of output for accurate investigation.

A novel quinoline-based turn-on fluorescent probe for the highly selective detection of Al (III) and its bioimaging in living cells, plants tissues and zebrafish

A novel quinoline fluorescent probe QNP ((E)-N'-(5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzylidene) quinoline-2-carbohydrazide) for detection of Al3+ ion was designed, synthesized and characterized. QNP displayed a high fluorescence enhancement in the presence of Al3+ ion in DMF:PBS (99:1, v/v) solution and the detection limit was as low as 1.25 μM with high selectivity and excellent sensitivity from 0 to 3 μM. The sensing ability of QNP towards Al3+ ion is attributed to the synergistic effect of PET and ICT. Furthermore, the binding stoichiometry between QNP and Al3+ ion is of 1:1 by Job's plot and mass spectrum, and the calculated binding constant is 4.29 × 108 M-1. The detection of Al3+ ion in water samples illustrates that QNP could be applied to the detection of practical samples in the environment. Bioimaging experiments on Hela cells, zebrafish and soybean root tissues demonstrate that it has potential application to investigate biological processes involving Al3+ ion within living cells. A quinoline-based turn-on fluorescence probe for the detection of Al3+ and its bioimaging in living cells, plant, and zebrafish.

CdS quantum dots embedded in PVP: Inorganic phosphate ion sensing in real sample and its antimicrobial activity

Polyvinyl-pyrrolidone capped spherical cadmium sulphide quantum dots (CdS-PVP QDs), 2-6 nm in size, were developed as a selective turn-on fluorescence nanosensor for monohydrogen phosphate ion (HPO₄^2-) in aqueous medium. Fluorescence intensity of CdS-PVP QDs significantly increased with addition of HPO₄^2- ions, whereas the other common inorganic ions had very little effect on the fluorescence intensity. The proposed sensor may be efficiently used for the detection of HPO₄^2- ions at a low level of concentration up to 213 nM in real urine sample. Cell imaging study indicates that the CdS-PVP QDs are cell permeable and can detect the intracellular distribution of HPO₄^2- ions under fluorescence microscope. The CdS-PVP QDs showed considerable activity against Staphylococcus aureus also.

Selective surface-enhanced Raman scattering detection of Tabun, VX and Cyclosarin nerve agents using 4-pyridine amide oxime functionalized gold nanopillars

We have earlier demonstrated sensitive detection of low the volatile nerve agents Tabun, Cyclosarin and VX by using handheld Raman instrumentation in conjunction with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) attained with gold and silver coated Si nanopillar substrates. In the present proof-of-concept study, the gold substrates chemically are functionalized to realize selectivity towards organophosphorus compounds (OPs) with high sensitivity. A potential capturer and reporter molecule, chemical nerve agent antidote, 4-pyridine amide oxime, is evaluated due to its high Raman cross section, high chemical affinity towards gold, and binding specificity to the target substances Tabun, VX and Cyclosarin via the oxime group. Upon selective and covalent binding, the SERS probe undergoes structural changes which are reflected in the spectral SERS responses, making it suitable for indirect monitoring of nerve agents in aqueous solution. With the probe attached to the hotspots of Au-coated Si nanopillars, the SERS signals distinctly discriminate between specific and non-specific analyte binding of Tabun, Cyclosarin and VX down to sub ppm levels. SERS spectrum of 4-PAO is measured after microliter drop coating of aqueous sample solution onto the functionalized substrates and subsequent water evaporation from surfaces. This binding assay is complemented by letting functionalized substrates being immersed into sample solutions 1 h before measuring. Binding specific SERS response decreases in following order: Tabun > VX > Cyclosarin. Overall, the concept looks promising, as expected the candidate probe 4-PAO introduces selectivity to the nanopillar gold substrates without loss of sensitivity.

A naphthylamide based fluorescent probe for detection of Al3+, Fe3+, and CN- with high sensitivity and selectivity

A naphthylamide based fluorescent chemosensor, N,N'-(1,2-phenylene)bis(1-hydroxy-2-naphthamide) (H₄L), for detection of Fe³⁺ and Al³⁺ cations as well as CN^- anion is reported. This compound has been synthesized by a novel and facile synthetic method with high yield and characterized by FT-IR, ¹H NMR, elemental analysis, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. It could detect Fe³⁺ and Al³⁺ ions in different media with different excitation and emission wavelengths. In DMSO solution, H₄L showed selective ON-OFF quenching of its 451 nm emission in the presence of Fe³⁺. On the other hand, in DMF solution, H₄L exhibited selective OFF-ON fluorescence upon the addition of Al³⁺, the intensity at 429 nm increases drastically by 24-fold. Also, among the anions, the probe can selectively distinguish CN^- by deprotonation of OH and NH groups, as proved by ¹H NMR titration. TD-DFT calculation supports the UV-Vis and fluorescence measurements of the chemosensor.

Synthesis, characterization, and supramolecular architectures of two distinct classes of probes for the visualization of endogenously generated hypochlorite ions in response to cellular activity

Two distinct classes of compounds, (E)-2-(((3-amino-4-nitrophenyl) imino) methyl)-5-(diethylamino) phenol (SB) and 5-(diethylamino)-2-(5-nitro-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl) phenol (IM) were synthesized. SB, a bright red colored compound was crystallized in acetonitrile as a triclinic crystal system while IM, yellow colored compound crystallized as a monoclinic crystal system in dimethylformamide by vapor diffusion of diethylether. These compounds were characterized using spectroscopic techniques (IR, UV-visible, ¹H, and ¹³C NMR), and X-ray crystallography. SB and IM displayed classical and non-classical H-bonding involving C-H…O and π…π interactions. These compounds detected hypochlorite ions in aqueous DMSO (1: 9, v/v, HEPES buffer, pH 7.4), and detection was visible via color changes by naked eye. We also performed UV-visible and fluorescence titrations, showing detection limits of 8.82 × 10^-7 M for SB and 2.44 × 10^-7 M for IM. The fluorometric responses from SB and IM were also studied against different ROS and anions. DFT calculations were performed to strengthen the proposed sensing mechanisms of both SB and IM. Hypochlorite, which is endogenously generated by myeloperoxidase in endosomes, was specifically visualized using SB and IM in lipopolysaccharide-treated RAW264.7 cells. These probes were also used to image the generation of hypochlorite by RAW264.7 cells during phagocytosis of non-fluorescent polystyrene beads.

A benzimidazolyl terpyridine-Fe2+ system and its recognition driven molecular model of a traffic light

A benzimidazolyl terpyridine (BIT) selectively detects Fe²⁺, F⁻ and CN⁻; its Fe²⁺ complex 1 detects TNP, F⁻ and CN⁻, with concomitant color changes from purple to red, yellow and green, respectively, which makes it a molecular model of a traffic light.

Media Dependent Switching of Selectivity and Continuous near Infrared Turn-on Fluorescence Response through Cascade Interactions from Noncovalent to Covalent Binding for Detection of Serum Albumin in Living Cells

Abnormal level of proteins is proved to be associated with diseases. Thus, protein sensing is helpful for clinical diagnosis and therapy. However, there is a great variety of protein species and relatively low concentration of each protein in complicated biological systems including other nonprotein biomolecules. Therefore, it remains challenging to develop an effective method for detecting protein with high selectivity and sensitivity. Herein, a new self-assembly method based on a robust dye SQSS of which two squaraine molecules were conjugated through disulfide bond was developed for highly selective and sensitive detection of serum albumin (SA) in aqueous solution and live cells. SQSS can self-assemble into "compact" aggregates, offering "inert" disulfide group and very low background fluorescence through the combination of aggregation quenching and homogeneous fluorescence resonance energy transfer (homoFRET) quenching. The response of SQSS to SA undergoes two cascade stages. At the first stage, SA drives the compact assemblies of SQSS to form loose ones with fast speed (30 s) through noncovalent interaction, resulting in the enhancement of fluorescence to some extent. In this loose assembly state, the disulfide bond in SQSS is reactive. At the second stage, the Cys34 in SA slowly induced further disassembly through covalent binding with reactive disulfide bond, resulting in fluorescence further increasing and SQSS labeling to SA that cannot be displaced by site binding ligands of SA. The self-assemblies of SQSS can selectively detect SA with continuous near-infrared (NIR) turn-on fluorescence response in 100% aqueous buffer solution. In addition, SQSS showed the potential application of imaging SA in living cells. On the other hand, the loose assembly state of SQSS was also achieved in aqueous solution with 20% CH₃CN. In this media, thiol-containing glutathione (GSH) caused the disassembly of SQSS with turn-on fluorescence response through interaction with disulfide bond. SQSS can selectively recognize GSH over other amino acids even in the presence of other sulfhydryl amino acids. As a proof-of-concept method, the molecular self-assembly through multisteps interactions would provide an ideal strategy for detection and live-cell imaging of biorelated molecules with high selectivity and signal-to-noise ratio.

Fluorescence and Naked-Eye Detection of Pb2+ in Drinking Water Using a Low-Cost Ionophore Based Sensing Scheme

Drinking water contamination of lead from various environmental sources, leaching consumer products, and intrinsic water-pipe infrastructure is still today a matter of great concern. Therefore, new highly sensitive and convenient Pb2+ measurement schemes are necessary, especially for in-situ measurements at a low cost. Within this work dye/ionophore/Pb2+ co-extraction and effective water phase de-colorization was utilized for highly sensitive lead measurements and sub-ppb naked-eye detection. A low-cost ionophore Benzo-18-Crown-6-ether was used, and a simple test-tube mix and separate procedure was developed. Instrumental detection limits were in the low ppt region (LOD = 3, LOQ = 10), and naked-eye detection was 500 ppt. Note, however, that this sensing scheme still has improvement potential as concentrations of fluorophore and ionophore were not optimized. Artificial tap-water samples, leached by a standardized method, demonstrated drinking water application. Implications for this method are convenient in-situ lead ion measurements.

Determination of nanomolar levels of reactive oxygen species in microorganisms and aquatic environments using a single nanoparticle-based optical sensor

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are strong oxidants, and have attracted considerable attention in both biological and environmental fields. Although various methods for ROS detection, including optical and electrochemical techniques, have been developed, they still face challenging issues in terms of poor sensitivity, reproducibility, stability, and in vivo applicability. Here, we present a sensitive and selective optical sensor for ROS detection, based on single plasmonic nanoprobes and redox-active cytochrome c (Cyt c)-mediated plasmon resonance energy transfer. By measuring the spectral changes of plasmonic nanoprobes, derived from the unique molecular absorption of Cyt c in accordance with the redox state, calibration curves for H₂O₂, a representative ROS, in various media were obtained over a wide concentration range from 100 mM to 1 nM. Limit of detection and limit of quantification in accordance with the used medium were determined from 8.3 to 12.8 nM and from 27.6 to 42.7 nM, respectively. Selectivity coefficients for major interfering solutes were much lower than 0.1 indicating a good selectivity for ROS. From the dynamic spectral changes, we sensitively monitored ROS generated in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) exposed to graphene oxide. Based on the calibration curves, we also determined ROS levels in various aquatic environments, such as river streams and a small pond, as a way of environmental monitoring. We believe that our approach could provide an avenue for achieving dynamic and sensitive monitoring of ROS in toxicological, biological, and environmental fields in the future.

Hand-Held Femtogram Detection of Hazardous Picric Acid with Hydrophobic Ag Nanopillar SERS Substrates and Mechanism of Elasto-Capillarity

Picric acid (PA) is a severe environmental and security risk due to its unstable, toxic, and explosive properties. It is also challenging to detect in trace amounts and in situ because of its highly acidic and anionic character. Here, we assess sensing of PA under nonlaboratory conditions using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) silver nanopillar substrates and hand-held Raman spectroscopy equipment. The advancing elasto-capillarity effects are explained by molecular dynamics simulations. We obtain a SERS PA detection limit on the order of 20 ppt, corresponding attomole amounts, which together with the simple analysis methodology demonstrates that the presented approach is highly competitive for ultrasensitive analysis in the field.

Fluorescein hydrazone-based supramolecular architectures, molecular recognition, sequential logic operation and cell imaging

A fluorescein hydrazone (FDNS) displays molecular recognition of multiple ions with its supramolecular architectures. Real sample analysis, cell imaging, paper strip detection and sequential logic operation endows FDNS of great economic significance.

A novel aptasensor for thrombin detection based on alkaline phosphatase decorated ZnO/Pt nanoflowers as signal amplifiers

To remedy the problems caused by the introduction of an additional electron mediator and realize signal amplification, a new strategy has been presented to construct an electrochemical aptasensor for thrombin detection based on the cascade electrocatalysis of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Pt nanoparticle (PtNP)-functionalized ZnO nanoflowers.

Detection of nerve gases using surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrates with high droplet adhesion

Threats from chemical warfare agents, commonly known as nerve gases, constitute a serious security issue of increasing global concern because of surging terrorist activity worldwide. However, nerve gases are difficult to detect using current analytical tools and outside dedicated laboratories. Here we demonstrate that surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) can be used for sensitive detection of femtomol quantities of two nerve gases, VX and Tabun, using a handheld Raman device and SERS substrates consisting of flexible gold-covered Si nanopillars. The substrate surface exhibits high droplet adhesion and nanopillar clustering due to elasto-capillary forces, resulting in enrichment of target molecules in plasmonic hot-spots with high Raman enhancement. The results may pave the way for strategic life-saving SERS detection of chemical warfare agents in the field.

A smart switchable module for the detection of multiple ions via turn-on dual-optical readout and their cell imaging studies

A rhodamine based switchable module, RHTH, displays multi-stimuli responses and logic gate based detection of Fe³⁺, Hg²⁺, CN⁻ and S²⁻ ions at ppm levels together with the imaging of these cations in HeLa cell lines.

A unique fluorescence biosensor for selective detection of tryptophan and histidine

A novel photoinduced electron transfer (PET) based substituted calix[4]arene fluoroionophore has been used for the selective recognition of tryptophan (L-Trp) and histidine (L-His) by emission spectroscopy. The detection limit of the synthesized receptor was found to be 0.00826 nM for L-Trp and 0.00158 nM for L-His. Moreover, this probe has been applied for the recognition of L-Trp and L-His from blood serum.

Two decades of chemical imaging of solutes in sediments and soils--a review

The increasing appreciation of the small-scale (sub-mm) heterogeneity of biogeochemical processes in sediments, wetlands and soils has led to the development of several methods for high-resolution two-dimensional imaging of solute distribution in porewaters. Over the past decades, localised sampling of solutes (diffusive equilibration in thin films, diffusive gradients in thin films) followed by planar luminescent sensors (planar optodes) have been used as analytical tools for studies on solute distribution and dynamics. These approaches have provided new conceptual and quantitative understanding of biogeochemical processes regulating the distribution of key elements and solutes including O2, CO2, pH, redox conditions as well as nutrient and contaminant ion species in structurally complex soils and sediments. Recently these methods have been applied in parallel or integrated as so-called sandwich sensors for multianalyte measurements. Here we review the capabilities and limitations of the chemical imaging methods that are currently at hand, using a number of case studies, and provide an outlook on potential future developments for two-dimensional solute imaging in soils and sediments.

A fluorescent sensor with a detection level of pM for Cd2+ and nM for Cu2+ based on different mechanisms

L showed excellent selectivity and sensitivity towards Cd²⁺ in acetonitrile–H₂O buffer solution and towards Cu²⁺ in pure water.

Highly sensitive detection of low-level water content in organic solvents and cyanide in aqueous media using novel solvatochromic AIEE fluorophores

Two novel solvatochromic AIEE probes, BDM and BDBM have been successfully developed, which can be utilized as fluorescent sensors for the qualitative and quantitative low-level water content in THF or dioxane and cyanide in aqueous media.

Strong fluorescence emission localized at a tapered silver-plated sub-wavelength pore

Up to 200 times fluorescence enhancement was observed inside a tapered silver-plated sub-wavelength pore.

A new rhodamine derivative as a single optical probe for the recognition of Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions

A rhodamine-based chemosensor exhibits pink color on addition of Cu²⁺ ions and is returned to colorless by addition of aqueous solution of Na₂EDTA. It fluoresces in the presence of Zn²⁺ ions, displaying a color change from colorless to orange in the presence of UV light.

Detection of thiocyanate through limiting growth of AuNPs with C-dots acting as reductant

We have found that hydroxyl-rich carbon dots (C-dots) have the ability to reduce Au³⁺to form gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) which can be used as an optical sensor to detect SCN⁻in raw milk with satisfactory results.

A bio-attuned ratiometric hydrogen sulfate ion selective receptor in aqueous solvent: structural proof of the H-bonded adduct

A new cell permeable quinazoline based receptor (1) behaves as a highly selective chemosensor for HSO₄⁻ ions at nanomolar concentration in aqueous medium by formation of the adduct [LHSO₄]⁻LH⁺·3H₂O confirmed by single crystal X-ray crystallography.

A rhodamine-based ‘turn-on’ Al3+ ion-selective reporter and the resultant complex as a secondary sensor for F− ion are applicable to living cell staining

A new cell permeable rhodamine based Schiff base (L) senses nanomolar level of Al³⁺ ions through CHEF process and its Al(iii) complex (2) behaves as a highly F⁻ ions selective biomarker through fluorescence quenching in HEPES buffer.

A “turn-on” fluorescent sensor for ultrasensitive detection of melamine based on a new fluorescence probe and AuNPs

A new fluorescence sensor for melamine was fabricated by combining a new fluorescent probe 7-(benzylamino)-9,9-dibutyl-9H-fluorene-2-carbaldehyde and AuNPs. This nanosensor has been applied to the determination of melamine in milk samples with satisfactory results.

Digital colour tone for fluorescence sensing: a direct comparison of intensity, ratiometric and hue based quantification

Standard digital cameras combined with hue-parameter photoscopy demonstrate simple yet superior and high-performance quantitative fluorescence sensing and imaging of pH.

A carbazole–fluorene molecular hybrid for quantitative detection of TNT using a combined fluorescence and quartz crystal microbalance method

Self-assembled fluorescent rods and nanoparticles prepared from a carbazole–fluorene molecular hybrid have been used for the sensing of TNT.

A FRET-based ‘off–on’ molecular switch: an effective design strategy for the selective detection of nanomolar Al3+ ions in aqueous media

A FRET-based ratiometric chemosensor (L1) is highly selective for Al³⁺ ions (as low as 6.19 × 10⁻⁹ M) and could be used to acquire images of Al³⁺ ions in living cells.

Novel and selective detection of Tabun mimics

Detection of nerve agent-related molecules based on BODIPY–salicylaldehyde oxime conjugation was studied.

Substituent effect on fluorescence signaling of the cell permeable HSO4− receptors through single point to ratiometric response in green solvent

Effect of substituents on tuning of fluorescence signaling of the cell permeable HSO₄⁻ ions receptors through single point to ratiometric response in green solvent was systematically explored through analytical and biological studies.

Fluorescence ratiometric properties induced by nanoparticle plasmonics and nanoscale dye dynamics

Nanoscale transport of merocyanine 540 within/near the plasmon field of gold nanoparticles was recognized as an effective inducer of single-excitation dual-emission ratiometric properties. With a high concentration of the signal transducer (ammonium), a 700% increase in fluorescence was observed at the new red-shifted emission maximum, compared to a nanoparticle free sensor membrane. A previously nonrecognized isosbestic point is demonstrated at 581.4 ± 0.1 nm. The mechanism can be utilized for enhanced and simplified ratiometric optical chemical sensors and potentially for thin film engineering to make solar cells more effective and stable by a broader and more regulated absorption.

Plasmophore sensitized imaging of ammonia release from biological tissues using optodes

A plasmophore sensitized optode was developed for imaging ammonia (NH(3)) concentrations in muscle tissues. The developed ammonia sensor and an equivalent non plasmophore version of the sensor were tested side by side to compare their limit of detection, dynamic range, reversibility and overall imaging quality. Bio-degradation patterns of ammonia release from lean porcine skeletal muscle were studied over a period of 11 days. We demonstrate that ammonia concentrations ranging from 10nM can be quantified reversibly with an optical resolution of 127 μm in a sample area of 25 mm × 35 mm. The plasmophore ammonia optode showed improved reversibility, less false pixels and a 2 nM ammonia detection limit compared to 200 nM for the non-plasmophore sensor. Main principles of the sensing mechanism include ammonia transfer over a gas permeable film, ammonia protonation, nonactin facilitated merocyanine-ammonium coextraction and plasmophore enhancement. The vast signal improvement is suggested to rely on solvatochroism, nanoparticle scattering and plasmonic interactions that are utilized constructively in a fluorescence ratio. In addition to fundamental medicinal and biological research applications in tissue physiology, reversible ammonia quantification will be possible for a majority of demanding imaging and non imaging applications such as monitoring of low ammonia background concentrations in air and non-invasive medicinal diagnosis through medical breath or saliva analysis. The nanoparticle doped sensor constitutes a highly competitive technique for ammonia sensing in complex matrixes and the general sensing scheme offers new possibilities for the development of artificial optical noses and tongues.