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Simons J, Hazra N, Petrunin AV, Crassous JJ, Richtering W, Hohenschutz M. Nonionic Microgels Adapt to Ionic Guest Molecules: Superchaotropic Nanoions. ACS NANO 2024; 18:7546-7557. [PMID: 38417118 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c12357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Microgels are commonly applied as solute carriers, where the size, density, and functionality of the microgels depend on solute binding. As representatives for ionic solutes with high affinity for the microgel, we study here the effect of superchaotropic Keggin polyoxometalates (POMs) PW12O403- (PW) and SiW12O404- (SiW) on the aqueous swelling and internal structure of nonionic poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNiPAM) microgels by light scattering techniques and small-angle X-ray scattering. Due to their weak hydration, these POMs bind spontaneously to the microgels at millimolar concentrations. The microgels thus become charged and swell at low POM concentration, surprisingly without strongly increasing the volume phase transition temperature, and deswell at higher POM concentration. The swelling arises because of the osmotic pressure of dissociated counterions of the POMs, while the deswelling is due to POMs acting as physical cross-links in the microgels under screened electrostatics in NaCl or excess POM solution. This swelling/deswelling transition is sharper for PW than for SiW related to the lower charge density, weaker hydration, and stronger binding of PW. The POMs elicit qualitatively and quantitatively different swelling effects from ionic surfactants and classical salts. Moreover, the network softness and topology govern the swelling response upon POM binding. The softer the microgel, the stronger is the swelling response, while, inside the microgel, regions of high polymer density swell/contract more upon electric charging/cross-linking than regions with low polymer density. POM binding thus enables fine-tuning of microgel properties and highlights the role of network topology in microgel swelling. Because POMs decompose at an alkaline pH, these POM/microgel systems also exhibit pH-responsive swelling in addition to the typical temperature responsiveness of pNiPAM microgels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Simons
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, DE-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Nabanita Hazra
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, DE-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Alexander V Petrunin
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, DE-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Jérôme J Crassous
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, DE-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Walter Richtering
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, DE-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Max Hohenschutz
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, DE-52074 Aachen, Germany
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2
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Wen SH, Zhang H, Yu S, Ma J, Zhu JJ, Zhou Y. Complementary Homogeneous Electrochemical and Photothermal Dual-Modal Sensor for Highly Sensitive Detection of Organophosphorus Pesticides via Stimuli-Responsive COF/Methylene Blue@MnO 2 Composite. Anal Chem 2023; 95:14914-14924. [PMID: 37769195 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c02171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Credible and on-site detection of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) in complex matrixes is significant for food security and environmental monitoring. Herein, a novel COF/methylene blue@MnO2 (COF/MB@MnO2) composite featured abundant signal loading, a specific recognition unit, and robust oxidase-like activity was successfully prepared through facile assembly processes. The multifunctional composite acted as a homogeneous electrochemical and photothermal dual-mode sensing platform for OPs detection through stimuli-responsive regulation. Without the presence of OPs, the surface MnO2 coating could recognize thiocholine (TCh), originating from acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-catalyzed hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine (ATCh), and exhibited a distinctly amplified diffusion current due to the release of plentiful MB; while the residual MnO2 nanosheets could only catalyze less TMB into oxidized TMB (oxTMB) with a typical near-infrared (NIR) absorption, enabling NIR-driven photothermal assay with a low temperature using a portable thermometer. Based on the inhibitory effect of OPs on AChE activity and OP-regulated generation of TCh, chlorpyrifos as a model target can be accurately detected with a low limit of detection of 0.0632 and 0.108 ng/mL by complementary electrochemical and photothermal measurements, respectively. The present dual-mode sensor was demonstrated to be excellent for application to the reliable detection of OPs in complex environmental and food samples. This work can not only provide a complementary dual-mode method for convenient and on-site detection of OPs in different scenarios but also expand the application scope of the COF-based multifunctional composite in multimodal sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Hua Wen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Hengyuan Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Sha Yu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Junping Ma
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Jun-Jie Zhu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yuanzhen Zhou
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
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3
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Sigolaeva LV, Shalybkova AA, Sharifullin TZ, Pergushov DV. Adsorption of Preformed Microgel-Enzyme Complexes as a Novel Strategy toward Engineering Microgel-Based Enzymatic Biosensors. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1629. [PMID: 37630165 PMCID: PMC10456651 DOI: 10.3390/mi14081629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
A novel approach to surface modification, which consists of the adsorption of microgel-enzyme complexes preformed in solution, is highlighted. Accordingly, the microgel-enzyme complexes were formed due to the electrostatic interaction of the oppositely charged interacting components, that is, a cationic poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based microgel and glucose oxidase taken as a model enzyme. The spontaneous adsorption of the prepared microgel-enzyme complexes, examined by means of quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring and atomic force microscopy, was observed, resulting in the formation of well-adhered microgel-enzyme coatings. Further, the preformed microgel-enzyme complexes were adsorbed onto the modified graphite-based screen-printed electrodes, and their enzymatic responses were determined by means of amperometry, demonstrating a remarkable analytical performance toward the quantification of β-D-glucose in terms of high sensitivity (0.0162 A × M-1 × cm-2), a low limit of detection (1 μM), and an expanded linear range (1-2000 μM). The fabricated microgel-enzyme biosensor constructs were found to be very stable against manifold-repeated measurements. Finally, the pH- or salt-induced release of glucose oxidase from the adsorbed preformed microgel-enzyme complexes was demonstrated. The findings obtained for the microgel-enzyme coatings prepared via adsorption of the preformed microgel-enzyme complexes were compared to those found for the microgel-enzyme coatings fabricated via a previously exploited two-stage sequential adsorption, which includes the adsorption of the microgel first, followed by the electrostatic binding of glucose oxidase by the adsorbed microgel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa V. Sigolaeva
- Department of Chemistry, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1/3, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.S.); (T.Z.S.)
| | | | | | - Dmitry V. Pergushov
- Department of Chemistry, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1/3, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.S.); (T.Z.S.)
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4
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Hagemans F, Camerin F, Hazra N, Lammertz J, Dux F, Del Monte G, Laukkanen OV, Crassous JJ, Zaccarelli E, Richtering W. Buckling and Interfacial Deformation of Fluorescent Poly( N-isopropylacrylamide) Microgel Capsules. ACS NANO 2023; 17:7257-7271. [PMID: 37053566 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c10164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Hollow microgels are fascinating model systems at the crossover between polymer vesicles, emulsions, and colloids as they deform, interpenetrate, and eventually shrink at higher volume fraction or when subjected to an external stress. Here, we introduce a system consisting of microgels with a micrometer-sized cavity enabling a straightforward characterization in situ using fluorescence microscopy techniques. Similarly to elastic capsules, these systems are found to reversibly buckle above a critical osmotic pressure, conversely to smaller hollow microgels, which were previously reported to deswell at high volume fraction. Simulations performed on monomer-resolved in silico hollow microgels confirm the buckling transition and show that the presented microgels can be described with a thin shell model theory. When brought to an interface, these microgels, that we define as microgel capsules, strongly deform and we thus propose to utilize them to locally probe interfacial properties within a theoretical framework adapted from the Johnson-Kendall-Roberts (JKR) theory. Besides their capability to sense their environment and to address fundamental questions on the elasticity and permeability of microgel systems, microgel capsules can be further envisioned as model systems mimicking anisotropic responsive biological systems such as red blood and epithelial cells thanks to the possibility offered by microgels to be synthesized with custom-designed properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Hagemans
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, DE-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Fabrizio Camerin
- CNR-ISC, Sapienza University of Rome, p.le A. Moro 2, 00185 Roma, Italy
- Department of Physics, Sapienza University of Rome, p.le A. Moro 2 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Nabanita Hazra
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, DE-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Janik Lammertz
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, DE-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Frédéric Dux
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, DE-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Giovanni Del Monte
- CNR-ISC, Sapienza University of Rome, p.le A. Moro 2, 00185 Roma, Italy
- Department of Physics, Sapienza University of Rome, p.le A. Moro 2 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Olli-Ville Laukkanen
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, DE-52074 Aachen, Germany
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, Koivurannantie 1, 40400 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Jérôme J Crassous
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, DE-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Emanuela Zaccarelli
- CNR-ISC, Sapienza University of Rome, p.le A. Moro 2, 00185 Roma, Italy
- Department of Physics, Sapienza University of Rome, p.le A. Moro 2 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Walter Richtering
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, DE-52074 Aachen, Germany
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Marcisz K, Sawicka M, Jagleniec D, Romanski J, Karbarz M, Stojek Z, Kaniewska K. Temperature and ionic strength modulated responses of modified with viologen derivative electrosensitive microgel. J Electroanal Chem (Lausanne) 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelechem.2023.117418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
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6
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Yuan L, Tian X, Fan Y, Sun Z, Zheng K, Zou X, Zhang W. TPB-DMTP@S-CDs/MnO 2 Fluorescence Composite on a Dual-Emission-Capture Sensor Module for Fingerprint Recognition of Organophosphorus Pesticides. Anal Chem 2023; 95:2741-2749. [PMID: 36689633 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c03738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Residues of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) raise considerable concern, while identifying OPs from unknown sources is still a challenge to onsite fluorescence techniques. Herein, a dual-emission-capture sensor module, based on a TPB-DMTP@S-CDs/MnO2 fluorescence composite, is developed for OP fingerprint recognition. TPB-DMTP@S-CDs/MnO2, synthesized by a hydrothermal method and self-assembly, is spectrographically validated as a dual-wavelength fluorescence source. OP-sensitive catalysis (acetylcholinesterase on acetylthiocholine chloride) is designed to regulate fluorescence by decomposing quenchable MnO2. A flexibly fabricated sensor module supports the optimal dual-wavelength fluorescence excitations and captures and converts fluorescence emissions into equivalent photocurrents for feasible access. The most prominent finding is that dual-fluorescence emissions alternatively respond to levels, species, and multi-pH pretreatments of OPs due to varied MnO2 sizes and distributions. Therefore, OP fingerprint recognition is conducted by refining the multidimensional information from fluorescence-triggered photocurrents and preset hydrolyzation using principal component analysis and the rule of maximum covariance. The recommended method provides a wide dynamic range (1 × 10-6 ∼ 12 μg mL-1), a good limit of detection (7.9 × 10-7 μg mL-1), 15-day stability, and good selectivity to guarantee fingerprint recognition. For laboratory and natural samples, this method credibly identifies a single kind of OPs from multiple species at trace levels (10-5 μg mL-1) and performs well in two-component and multicomponent analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yuan
- Department of Food & Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China.,College of Photoelectric Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Xiaoyu Tian
- Department of Food & Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Yushan Fan
- Department of Food & Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Zongbao Sun
- Department of Food & Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Kaiyi Zheng
- Department of Food & Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Xiaobo Zou
- Department of Food & Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- College of Photoelectric Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
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Zholudev SI, Gumerov RA, Larina AA, Potemkin II. Swelling, collapse and ordering of rod-like microgels in solution: Computer simulation studies. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 629:270-278. [PMID: 36155922 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2022.09.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Polymer microgels have proven to be highly promising macromolecular objects for a wide variety of applications. In particular, the soft particles of an anisotropic (rod-like) shape are of special interest because of their potential use in tissue engineering or materials design. However, a little is known about the physical behavior of such microgels in solution, which inspired us to study them using mesoscopic computer simulations. For single networks, depending on the solvent quality, the dimensional characteristics were obtained for microgels of different molecular weight, crosslinking density and aspect ratio. In particular, the conditions for the rod-to-rod (preserving the nonspherical shape) and rod-to-sphere collapse were found. In addition, the effect of the liquid-crystalline (LC) ordering was demonstrated for the ensemble of rod-like microgels at different swelling ratios, and the influence of microgel aspect ratio on the volume fraction of the LC transition was shown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stepan I Zholudev
- Physics Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1-2, Moscow 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Rustam A Gumerov
- Physics Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1-2, Moscow 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Alexandra A Larina
- Physics Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1-2, Moscow 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Igor I Potemkin
- Physics Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1-2, Moscow 119991, Russian Federation; National Research South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk 454080, Russian Federation.
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8
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Tang L, Wang C, Tian S, Zhang Z, Yu Y, Song D, Zhang Z. Label-Free and Ultrasensitive Detection of Butyrylcholinesterase and Organophosphorus Pesticides by Mn(II)-Based Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy with a Zero Background Signal. Anal Chem 2022; 94:16189-16195. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c03708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Li Tang
- College of Chemistry, Jilin Province Research Center for Engineering and Technology of Spectral Analytical Instruments, Jilin University, Qianjin Street 2699, Changchun 130012, PR China
| | - Chunyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Jilin University, Qianjin Street 2699, Changchun 130012, PR China
| | - Sizhu Tian
- College of Chemistry, Jilin Province Research Center for Engineering and Technology of Spectral Analytical Instruments, Jilin University, Qianjin Street 2699, Changchun 130012, PR China
| | - Zhimin Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Jilin Province Research Center for Engineering and Technology of Spectral Analytical Instruments, Jilin University, Qianjin Street 2699, Changchun 130012, PR China
| | - Yong Yu
- College of Instrumentation and Electrical Engineering, Jilin University, West Minzhu Street 938, Changchun 130061, PR China
| | - Daqian Song
- College of Chemistry, Jilin Province Research Center for Engineering and Technology of Spectral Analytical Instruments, Jilin University, Qianjin Street 2699, Changchun 130012, PR China
| | - Ziwei Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Jilin Province Research Center for Engineering and Technology of Spectral Analytical Instruments, Jilin University, Qianjin Street 2699, Changchun 130012, PR China
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Xu Y, Zhu H, Denduluri A, Ou Y, Erkamp NA, Qi R, Shen Y, Knowles TPJ. Recent Advances in Microgels: From Biomolecules to Functionality. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2200180. [PMID: 35790106 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202200180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The emerging applications of hydrogel materials at different length scales, in areas ranging from sustainability to health, have driven the progress in the design and manufacturing of microgels. Microgels can provide miniaturized, monodisperse, and regulatable compartments, which can be spatially separated or interconnected. These microscopic materials provide novel opportunities for generating biomimetic cell culture environments and are thus key to the advances of modern biomedical research. The evolution of the physical and chemical properties has, furthermore, highlighted the potentials of microgels in the context of materials science and bioengineering. This review describes the recent research progress in the fabrication, characterization, and applications of microgels generated from biomolecular building blocks. A key enabling technology allowing the tailoring of the properties of microgels is their synthesis through microfluidic technologies, and this paper highlights recent advances in these areas and their impact on expanding the physicochemical parameter space accessible using microgels. This review finally discusses the emerging roles that microgels play in liquid-liquid phase separation, micromechanics, biosensors, and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufan Xu
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Hongjia Zhu
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Akhila Denduluri
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Yangteng Ou
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Nadia A Erkamp
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Runzhang Qi
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Yi Shen
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- The University of Sydney Nano Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Tuomas P J Knowles
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
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10
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Marcisz K, Romanski J, Karbarz M. Electroresponsive microgel able to form a monolayer on gold through self-assembly. POLYMER 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2021.123992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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11
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Cioffi A, Mancini M, Gioia V, Cinti S. Office Paper-Based Electrochemical Strips for Organophosphorus Pesticide Monitoring in Agricultural Soil. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:8859-8865. [PMID: 34165948 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c01931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Although the use of pesticides has highlighted obvious advantages on agricultural yields, intensive and widespread pesticide use raises serious environmental and health concerns. In particular, organophosphate pesticides represent >40% of the totality used in the field of agriculture, and developing countries face the issue of agricultural poisoning, also due to scarce monitoring programs. In this work, a decentralized, miniaturized, sustainable, and portable paper-based electrochemical biosensor for the quantification of organophosphorus pesticides' level has been realized. The proposed approach highlights the use of a very common paper-based substrate, namely, office paper. Office paper offers several advantages due to its nature: it allows one to print conductive strips for electrochemical connection, loading bio-hybrid nanosized probes (Prussian blue, carbon black, and butyrylcholinesterase), evaluating pesticides and reducing waste disposal compared to plastic-based strips. The portable system has been characterized by a low detection limit of 1.3 ng/mL, and accordingly to total discovered pesticide contents in EU agricultural soils, up to ca. 3 μg/mL, it can offer a valuable tool for fast monitoring. To demonstrate its effectiveness, soil and fruit vegetables have been used to perform in situ quantification. Good recovery percentages between 90 and 110% have been achieved in different matrices, highlighting to be suitable for field measurements, and a good correlation has been obtained in comparison with LC-MS analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Cioffi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Mancini
- Acea ElaboRi SpA, Via Vitorchiano 165, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Cinti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
- BAT Center-Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, University of Napoli "Federico II", 80055 Portici, Naples, Italy
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12
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Dan A, Agnihotri P, Bochenek S, Richtering W. Adsorption dynamics of thermoresponsive microgels with incorporated short oligo(ethylene glycol) chains at the oil-water interface. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:6127-6139. [PMID: 34076021 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm00146a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we report a systematic study of the adsorption behaviour of short oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) chains incorporated into poly(N-isopropylaccrylamide) (PNIPAM) microgels at the dodecane-water interface as a function of the microgel concentration at two different temperatures: 298 and 313 K. The dynamic interfacial tension of the interface for the adsorption of these functional microgels is measured by means of a pendent drop method. We find that similar to pure PNIPAM microgels, the functionalized microgels initially get transported from the bulk to the interface, where they undergo the deformability dependent spreading process, and thus leading to a reduction of interfacial tension. However, the OEG chains significantly influence the dynamic processes of the microgels at the interface, enabling precise control over the interfacial activity. A tuneability of adsorption behaviour that is interpreted in terms of the diversity of structural and morphological features of the microgels, can be achieved by changing the temperature and/or the OEG chain length of the comonomer. While the temperature induced phase transition generally slows down the adsorption kinetics of the microgels, increasing the temperature from 298 to 313 K allows faster reduction of interfacial tension for the adsorption of the microgels with long OEG chains among the studied comonomers, making them a unique interfacially active functional material. Overall, incorporation of OEG chains allows tailoring the interfacial activity of microgels, thereby paving the way for the use of these microgels to act as effective Pickering emulsion stabilizers in a range of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhijit Dan
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Advanced Studies in Chemistry, Panjab University - Chandigarh, Sector 14, Chandigarh 160014, India.
| | - Priyanshi Agnihotri
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Advanced Studies in Chemistry, Panjab University - Chandigarh, Sector 14, Chandigarh 160014, India.
| | - Steffen Bochenek
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, 52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Walter Richtering
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, 52056 Aachen, Germany
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13
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Hofzumahaus C, Strauch C, Schneider S. Monte Carlo simulations of weak polyampholyte microgels: pH-dependence of conformation and ionization. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:6029-6043. [PMID: 34076026 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm00433f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We performed Metropolis Monte Carlo simulations to investigate the impact of varying acid and base dissociation constants on the pH-dependent ionization and conformation of weak polyampholyte microgels under salt-free conditions and under explicit consideration of the chemical ionization equilibria of the acidic and basic groups and their electrostatic interaction. Irrespective of their relative acid and base dissociation constant, all of the microgels undergo a pH-dependent charge reversal from positive to negative with a neutral charge at the isoelectric point. This charge reversal is accompanied by a U-shaped swelling transition of the microgels with a minimum of their size at the point of charge neutrality. The width of the U-shaped swelling transition, however, is found to depend on the chosen relative acid and base dissociation constants through which the extent of the favorable electrostatic intramolecular interaction of the ionized acidic and basic groups is altered. The pH-dependent swelling transition of the microgels is found to become broader, the stronger the intramolecular electrostatic interaction of the oppositely charged ionized species is. In addition, the intramolecular charge compensation of the acidic and basic groups of the microgels allows their counterions to abandon the microgel and the associated gain in translational entropy further amplifies the broadening of the pH-dependent swelling transition. The analysis of the radial ionization profiles of the acidic and basic groups of the differently composed microgels reveals a variety of radial ionization patterns with a dependence on the overall charge of the microgels.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Hofzumahaus
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, D-52056 Aachen, Germany.
| | - C Strauch
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, D-52056 Aachen, Germany.
| | - S Schneider
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, D-52056 Aachen, Germany.
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14
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An electrochemical aptasensor of malathion based on ferrocene/DNA-hybridized MOF, DNA coupling-gold nanoparticles and competitive DNA strand reaction. Microchem J 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2020.105829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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15
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Schulte MF, Bochenek S, Brugnoni M, Scotti A, Mourran A, Richtering W. Stiffness Tomography of Ultra-Soft Nanogels by Atomic Force Microscopy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:2280-2287. [PMID: 33459462 PMCID: PMC7898630 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202011615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The softness of nanohydrogels results in unique properties and recently attracted tremendous interest due to the multi-functionalization of interfaces. Herein, we study extremely soft temperature-sensitive ultra-low cross-linked (ULC) nanogels adsorbed to the solid/water interface by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The ultra-soft nanogels seem to disappear in classical imaging modes since a sharp tip fully penetrates these porous networks with very low forces in the range of steric interactions (ca. 100 pN). However, the detailed evaluation of Force Volume mode measurements allows us to resolve their overall shape and at the same time their internal structure in all three dimensions. The nanogels exhibit an extraordinary disk-like and entirely homogeneous but extremely soft structure-even softer than polymer brushes. Moreover, the temperature-sensitive nanogels can be switched on demand between the ultra-soft and a very stiff state.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steffen Bochenek
- Institute of Physical ChemistryRWTH Aachen UniversityLandoltweg 252056AachenGermany
| | - Monia Brugnoni
- Institute of Physical ChemistryRWTH Aachen UniversityLandoltweg 252056AachenGermany
| | - Andrea Scotti
- Institute of Physical ChemistryRWTH Aachen UniversityLandoltweg 252056AachenGermany
| | - Ahmed Mourran
- DWI—Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstr. 5052056AachenGermany
| | - Walter Richtering
- Institute of Physical ChemistryRWTH Aachen UniversityLandoltweg 252056AachenGermany
- DWI—Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstr. 5052056AachenGermany
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16
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Loading of doxorubicin into surface-attached stimuli-responsive microgels and its subsequent release under different conditions. POLYMER 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2020.123227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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17
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Schulte MF, Bochenek S, Brugnoni M, Scotti A, Mourran A, Richtering W. Stiffness Tomography of Ultra‐Soft Nanogels by Atomic Force Microscopy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202011615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Friederike Schulte
- Institute of Physical Chemistry RWTH Aachen University Landoltweg 2 52056 Aachen Germany
| | - Steffen Bochenek
- Institute of Physical Chemistry RWTH Aachen University Landoltweg 2 52056 Aachen Germany
| | - Monia Brugnoni
- Institute of Physical Chemistry RWTH Aachen University Landoltweg 2 52056 Aachen Germany
| | - Andrea Scotti
- Institute of Physical Chemistry RWTH Aachen University Landoltweg 2 52056 Aachen Germany
| | - Ahmed Mourran
- DWI—Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials Forckenbeckstr. 50 52056 Aachen Germany
| | - Walter Richtering
- Institute of Physical Chemistry RWTH Aachen University Landoltweg 2 52056 Aachen Germany
- DWI—Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials Forckenbeckstr. 50 52056 Aachen Germany
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18
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Li W, Rong Y, Wang J, Li T, Wang Z. MnO2 switch-bridged DNA walker for ultrasensitive sensing of cholinesterase activity and organophosphorus pesticides. Biosens Bioelectron 2020; 169:112605. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2020.112605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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19
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20
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Cao J, Wang M, Yu H, She Y, Cao Z, Ye J, Abd El-Aty AM, Hacımüftüoğlu A, Wang J, Lao S. An Overview on the Mechanisms and Applications of Enzyme Inhibition-Based Methods for Determination of Organophosphate and Carbamate Pesticides. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2020; 68:7298-7315. [PMID: 32551623 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c01962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Acetylcholinesterase inactivating compounds, such as organophosphate (OP) and carbamate (CM) pesticides, are widely used in agriculture to ensure sustainable production of food and feed. As a consequence of their applications, they would result in neurotoxicity, even death. In this essence, the development of enzyme inhibition methods still shows great significance as rapid detection techniques for on-site large-scale screening of OPs and CMs. Initially, mechanisms and applications of various enzyme-inhibition-based methods and devices, including optical colorimetric assay, fluorometric assays, electrochemical biosensors, rapid test card, and microfluidic device, are highlighted in the present overview. Further, to enhance the enzyme sensitivity for detection; alternative enzyme sources or high yield enrichment methods (such as abzyme, artificial enzyme, and recombinant enzyme), as well as enzyme reactivation and identification, are also addressed in this comprehensive overview.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Cao
- Institute of Quality Standardization & Testing Technology for Agro-products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 100081, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agrofood Safety and Quality (Beijing), Ministry of Agriculture, 100193, Beijing, China
| | - Miao Wang
- Institute of Quality Standardization & Testing Technology for Agro-products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 100081, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agrofood Safety and Quality (Beijing), Ministry of Agriculture, 100193, Beijing, China
| | - He Yu
- Institute of Quality Standardization & Testing Technology for Agro-products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 100081, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agrofood Safety and Quality (Beijing), Ministry of Agriculture, 100193, Beijing, China
| | - Yongxin She
- Institute of Quality Standardization & Testing Technology for Agro-products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 100081, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agrofood Safety and Quality (Beijing), Ministry of Agriculture, 100193, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Cao
- Institute of Quality Standardization & Testing Technology for Agro-products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 100081, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agrofood Safety and Quality (Beijing), Ministry of Agriculture, 100193, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaming Ye
- Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, 314006, Jiaxing, China
| | - A M Abd El-Aty
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, College of Food Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Science, Jinan 250353, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, 12211, Giza, Egypt
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Ataturk University, 25240, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Ataturk University, 25240, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Jing Wang
- Institute of Quality Standardization & Testing Technology for Agro-products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 100081, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agrofood Safety and Quality (Beijing), Ministry of Agriculture, 100193, Beijing, China
- Agro-products Quality Safety and Testing Technology Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 53003, Nanning, China
| | - Shuibing Lao
- Agro-products Quality Safety and Testing Technology Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 53003, Nanning, China
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21
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Schulte MF, Scotti A, Brugnoni M, Bochenek S, Mourran A, Richtering W. Tuning the Structure and Properties of Ultra-Low Cross-Linked Temperature-Sensitive Microgels at Interfaces via the Adsorption Pathway. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:14769-14781. [PMID: 31638406 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.9b02478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The structure of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) microgels adsorbed onto a solid substrate is investigated in the dry and hydrated states by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM). We compare two different systems: a regularly cross-linked microgel containing 5 mol % cross-linker and ultra-low cross-linked microgels (ULC) prepared without a dedicated cross-linker. Furthermore, we compare three different adsorption processes: (i) in situ adsorption from solution, (ii) spin-coating, and (iii) Langmuir-Blodgett deposition from an oil-water interface. The results demonstrate that the morphology and the temperature-induced collapse of microgels adsorbed onto a solid substrate are very different for ultra-low cross-linked microgels as compared to regularly cross-linked microgels, despite the fact that their general behavior in solution is very similar. Furthermore, the morphology of ULC microgels can be controlled by the adsorption pathway onto the substrate. Absorbed ULC microgels are strongly deformed when being prepared either by spin-coating or by Langmuir-Blodgett deposition from an oil-water interface. After rehydration, the ULC microgels cannot collapse as entire objects, instead small globules are formed. Such a strong deformation can be avoided by in situ adsorption onto the substrate. Then, the ULC microgels exhibit half-ellipsoidal shapes with a smooth surface in the collapsed state similar to the more cross-linked microgels. As ULC microgels can be selectively trapped either in a more particle-like or in a more polymer-like behavior, coatings with strongly different topographies and properties can be prepared by one and the same ultra-low cross-linked microgel. This provides new opportunities for the development of smart polymeric coatings.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Friederike Schulte
- Institute of Physical Chemistry , RWTH Aachen University , Landoltweg 2 , 52056 Aachen , Germany
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials , Forckenbeckstr. 50 , 52056 Aachen , Germany
| | - Andrea Scotti
- Institute of Physical Chemistry , RWTH Aachen University , Landoltweg 2 , 52056 Aachen , Germany
| | - Monia Brugnoni
- Institute of Physical Chemistry , RWTH Aachen University , Landoltweg 2 , 52056 Aachen , Germany
| | - Steffen Bochenek
- Institute of Physical Chemistry , RWTH Aachen University , Landoltweg 2 , 52056 Aachen , Germany
| | - Ahmed Mourran
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials , Forckenbeckstr. 50 , 52056 Aachen , Germany
| | - Walter Richtering
- Institute of Physical Chemistry , RWTH Aachen University , Landoltweg 2 , 52056 Aachen , Germany
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials , Forckenbeckstr. 50 , 52056 Aachen , Germany
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22
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Optical Detection of Fe 3+ Ions in Aqueous Solution with High Selectivity and Sensitivity by Using Sulfasalazine Functionalized Microgels. SENSORS 2019; 19:s19194223. [PMID: 31569397 PMCID: PMC6806204 DOI: 10.3390/s19194223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
A highly selective and sensitive optical sensor was developed to colorimetric detect trace Fe3+ ions in aqueous solution. The sensor was the sulfasalazine (SSZ) functionalized microgels (SSZ-MGs), which were fabricated via in-situ quaternization reaction. The obtained SSZ-MGs had hydrodynamic radius of about 259 ± 24 nm with uniform size distribution at 25 °C. The SSZ-MG aqueous suspensions can selectively and sensitively response to Fe3+ ions in aqueous solution at 25 °C and pH of 5.6, which can be quantified by UV-visible spectroscopy and also easily distinguished by the naked eye. Job’s plot indicated that the molar binding ratio of SSZ moiety in SSZ-MGs to Fe3+ was close to 1:1 with an apparent association constant of 1.72 × 104 M−1. A linear range of 0–12 μM with the detection limit of 0.110 μM (0.006 mg/L) was found. The obtained detection limit was much lower than the maximum allowance level of Fe3+ ions in drinking water (0.3 mg/L) regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the United States. The existence of 19 other species of metal ions, namely, Ag+, Li+, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Ba2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Mn2+, Pb2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Co2+, Cr3+, Yb3+, La3+, Gd3+, Ce3+, and Bi3+, did not interfere with the detection of Fe3+ ions.
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23
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Edwards C, Duanghathaipornsuk S, Goltz M, Kanel S, Kim DS. Peptide Nanotube Encapsulated Enzyme Biosensor for Vapor Phase Detection of Malathion, an Organophosphorus Compound. SENSORS 2019; 19:s19183856. [PMID: 31500124 PMCID: PMC6767285 DOI: 10.3390/s19183856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study explores the use of a butyrylcholinesterase (BChE)-based, reversible reaction biosensor using screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) having a smaller working surface area than the single-use electrodes previously studied. Previous research demonstrated the prospective application of a single-use biosensor fabricated with an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme encapsulated in peptide nanotubes (PNTs) and enhanced with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) to detect organophosphorus compounds (OPCs) in aqueous and gas phases. In the current study, potential improvements to the biosensor are investigated. BChE-based biosensors were fabricated using PNTs, HRP, and Nafion in combination to increase the reactive surface area, enhance sensitivity, and maintain enzyme stability. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) was used along with the new modified sensor to measure malathion concentration in the gas phase. The results show that a BChE-based biosensor could reliably measure gas phase malathion concentrations between 6–25 ppbv by CV with the extent of inhibition linearly proportional to the malathion concentration (R2 = 0.941). This research demonstrated that fabricated BChE-based biosensors could be stored without cold storage requirement for up to six weeks with minimal performance degradation. Moreover, the sensor electrodes were each reused several times, and were still useable at the conclusion of the research. This research demonstrates the potential of fabricating a reusable, inexpensive biosensor that is capable of OPC detection with high sensitivity and a low detection limit without a long-term cold storage requirement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Edwards
- Department of Systems Engineering and Management, Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), WPAFB, OH 45433, USA.
| | | | - Mark Goltz
- Department of Systems Engineering and Management, Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), WPAFB, OH 45433, USA.
| | - Sushil Kanel
- Department of Systems Engineering and Management, Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), WPAFB, OH 45433, USA.
| | - Dong-Shik Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA.
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24
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Scotti A, Denton AR, Brugnoni M, Houston JE, Schweins R, Potemkin II, Richtering W. Deswelling of Microgels in Crowded Suspensions Depends on Cross-Link Density and Architecture. Macromolecules 2019. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.9b00729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Scotti
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, 52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Alan R. Denton
- Department of Physics, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58108-6050 United States
| | - Monia Brugnoni
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, 52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Judith E. Houston
- Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS) at Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Lichtenbergstr. 1, 85748 Garching, Germany
- European Spallation
Source ERIC, Box 176, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Ralf Schweins
- Institut Laue-Langevin
ILL DS/LSS, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Igor I. Potemkin
- Physics Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russian Federation
- DWI - Leibniz
Institute
for Interactive Materials, Aachen 52056, Germany
- National Research South
Ural State University, Chelyabinsk 454080, Russian Federation
| | - Walter Richtering
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, 52056 Aachen, Germany
- JARA, Jülich Aachen
Research Alliance, 52056 Aachen, Germany
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25
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Karg M, Pich A, Hellweg T, Hoare T, Lyon LA, Crassous JJ, Suzuki D, Gumerov RA, Schneider S, Potemkin II, Richtering W. Nanogels and Microgels: From Model Colloids to Applications, Recent Developments, and Future Trends. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:6231-6255. [PMID: 30998365 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b04304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 310] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Nanogels and microgels are soft, deformable, and penetrable objects with an internal gel-like structure that is swollen by the dispersing solvent. Their softness and the potential to respond to external stimuli like temperature, pressure, pH, ionic strength, and different analytes make them interesting as soft model systems in fundamental research as well as for a broad range of applications, in particular in the field of biological applications. Recent tremendous developments in their synthesis open access to systems with complex architectures and compositions allowing for tailoring microgels with specific properties. At the same time state-of-the-art theoretical and simulation approaches offer deeper understanding of the behavior and structure of nano- and microgels under external influences and confinement at interfaces or at high volume fractions. Developments in the experimental analysis of nano- and microgels have become particularly important for structural investigations covering a broad range of length scales relevant to the internal structure, the overall size and shape, and interparticle interactions in concentrated samples. Here we provide an overview of the state-of-the-art, recent developments as well as emerging trends in the field of nano- and microgels. The following aspects build the focus of our discussion: tailoring (multi)functionality through synthesis; the role in biological and biomedical applications; the structure and properties as a model system, e.g., for densely packed arrangements in bulk and at interfaces; as well as the theory and computer simulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Karg
- Physical Chemistry I , Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf , 40204 Duesseldorf , Germany
| | - Andrij Pich
- DWI-Leibnitz-Institute for Interactive Materials e.V. , 52056 Aachen , Germany
- Functional and Interactive Polymers, Institute for Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry , RWTH Aachen University , 52056 Aachen , Germany
| | - Thomas Hellweg
- Physical and Biophysical Chemistry , Bielefeld University , 33615 Bielefeld , Germany
| | - Todd Hoare
- Department of Chemical Engineering , McMaster University , Hamilton , Ontario L8S 4L8 , Canada
| | - L Andrew Lyon
- Schmid College of Science and Technology , Chapman University , Orange , California 92866 , United States
| | - J J Crassous
- Institute of Physical Chemistry , RWTH Aachen University , 52056 Aachen , Germany
| | | | - Rustam A Gumerov
- DWI-Leibnitz-Institute for Interactive Materials e.V. , 52056 Aachen , Germany
- Physics Department , Lomonosov Moscow State University , Moscow 119991 , Russian Federation
| | - Stefanie Schneider
- Institute of Physical Chemistry , RWTH Aachen University , 52056 Aachen , Germany
| | - Igor I Potemkin
- DWI-Leibnitz-Institute for Interactive Materials e.V. , 52056 Aachen , Germany
- Physics Department , Lomonosov Moscow State University , Moscow 119991 , Russian Federation
- National Research South Ural State University , Chelyabinsk 454080 , Russian Federation
| | - Walter Richtering
- Institute of Physical Chemistry , RWTH Aachen University , 52056 Aachen , Germany
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26
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Scotti A, Bochenek S, Brugnoni M, Fernandez-Rodriguez MA, Schulte MF, Houston JE, Gelissen APH, Potemkin II, Isa L, Richtering W. Exploring the colloid-to-polymer transition for ultra-low crosslinked microgels from three to two dimensions. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1418. [PMID: 30926786 PMCID: PMC6441029 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09227-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Microgels are solvent-swollen nano- and microparticles that show prevalent colloidal-like behavior despite their polymeric nature. Here we study ultra-low crosslinked poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) microgels (ULC), which can behave like colloids or flexible polymers depending on dimensionality, compression or other external stimuli. Small-angle neutron scattering shows that the structure of the ULC microgels in bulk aqueous solution is characterized by a density profile that decays smoothly from the center to a fuzzy surface. Their phase behavior and rheological properties are those of soft colloids. However, when these microgels are confined at an oil-water interface, their behavior resembles that of flexible macromolecules. Once monolayers of ultra-low crosslinked microgels are compressed, deposited on solid substrate and studied with atomic-force microscopy, a concentration-dependent topography is observed. Depending on the compression, these microgels can behave as flexible polymers, covering the substrate with a uniform film, or as colloidal microgels leading to a monolayer of particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Scotti
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, 52056, Aachen, Germany.
| | - S Bochenek
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, 52056, Aachen, Germany
| | - M Brugnoni
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, 52056, Aachen, Germany
| | - M A Fernandez-Rodriguez
- Laboratory for Interfaces, Soft Matter and Assembly, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - M F Schulte
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, 52056, Aachen, Germany
| | - J E Houston
- Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS) at Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ) Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 85748, Garching, Germany
- European Spallation Source ERIC, Box 176,, SE-221 00, Lund, Sweden
| | - A P H Gelissen
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, 52056, Aachen, Germany
| | - I I Potemkin
- Physics Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991, Moscow, Russian Federation
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Aachen, 52056, Germany
- National Research South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, 454080, Russian Federation
| | - L Isa
- Laboratory for Interfaces, Soft Matter and Assembly, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - W Richtering
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, 52056, Aachen, Germany.
- JARA-SOFT, 52056, Aachen, Germany.
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27
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Mergel O, Schneider S, Tiwari R, Kühn PT, Keskin D, Stuart MCA, Schöttner S, de Kanter M, Noyong M, Caumanns T, Mayer J, Janzen C, Simon U, Gallei M, Wöll D, van Rijn P, Plamper FA. Cargo shuttling by electrochemical switching of core-shell microgels obtained by a facile one-shot polymerization. Chem Sci 2019; 10:1844-1856. [PMID: 30842853 PMCID: PMC6371888 DOI: 10.1039/c8sc04369h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Controlling and understanding the electrochemical properties of electroactive polymeric colloids is a highly topical but still a rather unexplored field of research. This is especially true when considering more complex particle architectures like stimuli-responsive microgels, which would entail different kinetic constraints for charge transport within one particle. We synthesize and electrochemically address dual stimuli responsive core-shell microgels, where the temperature-responsiveness modulates not only the internal structure, but also the microgel electroactivity both on an internal and on a global scale. In detail, a facile one-step precipitation polymerization results in architecturally advanced poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-vinylferrocene) P(NIPAM-co-VFc) microgels with a ferrocene (Fc)-enriched (collapsed/hard) core and a NIPAM-rich shell. While the remaining Fc units in the shell are electrochemically accessible, the electrochemical activity of Fc in the core is limited due to the restricted mobility of redox active sites and therefore restricted electron transfer in the compact core domain. Still, prolonged electrochemical action and/or chemical oxidation enable a reversible adjustment of the internal microgel structure from core-shell microgels with a dense core to completely oxidized microgels with a highly swollen core and a denser corona. The combination of thermo-sensitive and redox-responsive units being part of the network allows for efficient amplification of the redox response on the overall microgel dimension, which is mainly governed by the shell. Further, it allows for an electrochemical switching of polarity (hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity) of the microgel, enabling an electrochemically triggered uptake and release of active guest molecules. Hence, bactericidal drugs can be released to effectively kill bacteria. In addition, good biocompatibility of the microgels in cell tests suggests suitability of the new microgel system for future biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Mergel
- Institute of Physical Chemistry , RWTH Aachen University , Landoltweg 2 , 52056 Aachen , Germany
- Department of Biomedical Engineering-FB40 , University of Groningen , University Medical Center Groningen , A. Deusinglaan 1 , Groningen , 9713 AV , The Netherlands
| | - Sabine Schneider
- Institute of Physical Chemistry , RWTH Aachen University , Landoltweg 2 , 52056 Aachen , Germany
| | - Rahul Tiwari
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials , RWTH Aachen University , Forckenbeckstraße 50 , 52056 Aachen , Germany
| | - Philipp T Kühn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering-FB40 , University of Groningen , University Medical Center Groningen , A. Deusinglaan 1 , Groningen , 9713 AV , The Netherlands
| | - Damla Keskin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering-FB40 , University of Groningen , University Medical Center Groningen , A. Deusinglaan 1 , Groningen , 9713 AV , The Netherlands
| | - Marc C A Stuart
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute , Stratingh Institute for Chemistry , University of Groningen , Nijenborgh 7 , 9747 AG Groningen , The Netherlands
| | - Sebastian Schöttner
- Ernst-Berl-Institute for Chemical Engineering and Macromolecular Chemistry , Technische Universität Darmstadt , Alarich-Weiss-Straße 4 , D-64287 Darmstadt , Germany
| | - Martinus de Kanter
- Chair for Laser Technology LLT , RWTH Aachen University , Steinbachstr. 15 , 52074 Aachen , Germany
| | - Michael Noyong
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry , JARA-SOFT , RWTH Aachen University , Landoltweg 1 , 52056 Aachen , Germany
| | - Tobias Caumanns
- GFE Central Facility for Electron Microscopy , RWTH Aachen University , Ahornstraße 55 , D-52074 Aachen , Germany
| | - Joachim Mayer
- GFE Central Facility for Electron Microscopy , RWTH Aachen University , Ahornstraße 55 , D-52074 Aachen , Germany
| | - Christoph Janzen
- Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT) , Steinbachstr. 15 , 52074 Aachen , Germany
| | - Ulrich Simon
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry , JARA-SOFT , RWTH Aachen University , Landoltweg 1 , 52056 Aachen , Germany
| | - Markus Gallei
- Ernst-Berl-Institute for Chemical Engineering and Macromolecular Chemistry , Technische Universität Darmstadt , Alarich-Weiss-Straße 4 , D-64287 Darmstadt , Germany
| | - Dominik Wöll
- Institute of Physical Chemistry , RWTH Aachen University , Landoltweg 2 , 52056 Aachen , Germany
| | - Patrick van Rijn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering-FB40 , University of Groningen , University Medical Center Groningen , A. Deusinglaan 1 , Groningen , 9713 AV , The Netherlands
| | - Felix A Plamper
- Institute of Physical Chemistry , RWTH Aachen University , Landoltweg 2 , 52056 Aachen , Germany
- Institute of Physical Chemistry , TU Bergakademie Freiberg , Leipziger Straße 29 , 09599 Freiberg , Germany . ; ; Tel: +49-3731-39-2139
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28
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Lu X, Li Y, Tao L, Song D, Wang Y, Li Y, Gao F. Amorphous metal boride as a novel platform for acetylcholinesterase biosensor development and detection of organophosphate pesticides. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 30:055501. [PMID: 30499458 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/aaee3f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The exploration of new materials for modifying electrodes is important to advance electrochemical biosensors. Herein, we demonstrated that amorphous bimetallic boride material (Co-2Ni-B) prepared by a simple and facile aqueous reaction is an efficient matrix to immobilize acetylcholinesterase (AChE) to construct a biosensor for the determination of organophosphate pesticides. The effects of different composition and crystallinity on its electrochemical performance are investigated, and the optimization studies of the biological transducer were also discussed. Under optimal conditions, the fabricated sensor showed good analytical performance for the determination of chlorpyrifos with a low limit of detection (2.83 pM) and a wide linear range (3 pM-300 nM). The proposed biosensor also demonstrated high reproducibility, stability and accuracy. The impressive performance was due to the excellent conductivity and the unique amorphous bimetal-metalloid complex nanostructure. These results introduce a new class of promising materials as a robust platform for biosensor applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Lu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Department of Applied Chemistry, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, People's Republic of China
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29
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Xu YL, Li FY, Ndikuryayo F, Yang WC, Wang HM. Cholinesterases and Engineered Mutants for the Detection of Organophosphorus Pesticide Residues. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2018; 18:E4281. [PMID: 30563111 PMCID: PMC6312092 DOI: 10.3390/s18124281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, pesticide residues constitute an increasing public health concern. Cholinesterases, acetylcholinesterase, and butyrylcholinesterase, are reported to be involved in detoxification processes owing to their capability of scavenging organophosphates and carbamates. Thus, these enzymes are targeted for the discovery of sensors aiming at detecting pesticide residues. In recent years, cholinesterase-based biosensors have attracted more and more attention in the detection of pesticides. Herein, this review describes the recent progress on the engineering of cholinesterases and the development of the corresponding sensors that could be used for the detection of organophosphorus pesticide residues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ling Xu
- School of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China.
| | - Feng-Ye Li
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, and International Joint Research Center for Intelligent Biosensor Technology and Health, and Chemical Biology Center, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China.
| | - Ferdinand Ndikuryayo
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, and International Joint Research Center for Intelligent Biosensor Technology and Health, and Chemical Biology Center, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China.
| | - Wen-Chao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, and International Joint Research Center for Intelligent Biosensor Technology and Health, and Chemical Biology Center, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China.
| | - Hong-Mei Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China.
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30
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Wen B, Xue J, Zhou X, Wu Q, Nie J, Xu J, Du B. Highly Selective and Sensitive Detection of Pb 2+ in Aqueous Solution Using Tetra(4-pyridyl)porphyrin-Functionalized Thermosensitive Ionic Microgels. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:25706-25716. [PMID: 29984989 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b08497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Tetra(4-pyridyl)porphyrin (TPyP)-functionalized thermosensitive ionic microgels (TPyP5-MGs) were synthesized by a two-step quaternization method. The obtained TPyP5-MGs have a hydrodynamic radius of about 189 nm with uniform size distribution and exhibit thermosensitive character. The TPyP5-MG microgel suspensions can optically respond to trace Pb2+ ions in aqueous solution with high sensitivity and selectivity over the interference of other 19 species of metal ions (Yb3+, Gd3+, Ce3+, La3+, Bi3+, Ba2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Co2+, Mn2+, Cr3+, K+, Na+, Li+, Al3+, Cu2+, Ag+, Cd2+, and Fe3+) by using UV-visible spectroscopy. The sensitivity of TPyP5-MGs toward Pb2+ can be further improved by increasing the solution temperature. The limit of detection for TPyP5-MG microgel suspensions in the detection of Pb2+ in aqueous solution at 50 °C is about 25.2 nM, which can be further improved to be 5.9 nM by using the method of higher order derivative spectrophotometry and is much lower than the U. S. EPA standard for the safety limit of Pb2+ ions in drinking water. It is further demonstrated that the TPyP5-MG microgel suspensions have a potential application in the detection of Pb2+ in real world samples, which give consistent results with those obtained by elemental analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science & Engineering , Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310027 , China
| | - Jinqiao Xue
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science & Engineering , Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310027 , China
| | - Xianjing Zhou
- Department of Chemistry , Zhejiang Sci-Tech University , Hangzhou 310018 , China
| | - Qingwen Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science & Engineering , Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310027 , China
| | - Jingjing Nie
- Department of Chemistry , Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310027 , China
| | - Junting Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science & Engineering , Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310027 , China
| | - Binyang Du
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science & Engineering , Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310027 , China
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31
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Sigolaeva LV, Pergushov DV, Oelmann M, Schwarz S, Brugnoni M, Kurochkin IN, Plamper FA, Fery A, Richtering W. Surface Functionalization by Stimuli-Sensitive Microgels for Effective Enzyme Uptake and Rational Design of Biosensor Setups. Polymers (Basel) 2018; 10:E791. [PMID: 30960716 PMCID: PMC6403641 DOI: 10.3390/polym10070791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We highlight microgel/enzyme thin films that were deposited onto solid interfaces via two sequential steps, the adsorption of temperature- and pH-sensitive microgels, followed by their complexation with the enzyme choline oxidase, ChO. Two kinds of functional (ionic) microgels were compared in this work in regard to their adsorptive behavior and interaction with ChO, that is, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N-(3-aminopropyl)methacrylamide), P(NIPAM-co-APMA), bearing primary amino groups, and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N-[3-(dimethylamino) propyl]methacrylamide), P(NIPAM-co-DMAPMA), bearing tertiary amino groups. The stimuli-sensitive properties of the microgels in the solution were characterized by potentiometric titration, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and laser microelectrophoresis. The peculiarities of the adsorptive behavior of both the microgels and the specific character of their interaction with ChO were revealed by a combination of surface characterization techniques. The surface charge was characterized by electrokinetic analysis (EKA) for the initial graphite surface and the same one after the subsequent deposition of the microgels and the enzyme under different adsorption regimes. The masses of wet microgel and microgel/enzyme films were determined by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) upon the subsequent deposition of the components under the same adsorption conditions, on a surface of gold-coated quartz crystals. Finally, the enzymatic responses of the microgel/enzyme films deposited on graphite electrodes to choline were tested amperometrically. The presence of functional primary amino groups in the P(NIPAM-co-APMA) microgel enables a covalent enzyme-to-microgel coupling via glutar aldehyde cross-linking, thereby resulting in a considerable improvement of the biosensor operational stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa V Sigolaeva
- Department of Chemistry, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1/3, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Dmitry V Pergushov
- Department of Chemistry, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1/3, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Marina Oelmann
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Str. 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Simona Schwarz
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Str. 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Monia Brugnoni
- Institute of Physical Chemistry II, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, 52056 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Ilya N Kurochkin
- Department of Chemistry, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1/3, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
- N.M. Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kosygina Str. 4, 119334 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Felix A Plamper
- Institute of Physical Chemistry II, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, 52056 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Andreas Fery
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Str. 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany.
- Physical Chemistry of Polymeric Materials, Technical University of Dresden, Hohe Str. 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Walter Richtering
- Institute of Physical Chemistry II, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, 52056 Aachen, Germany.
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Gelissen APH, Scotti A, Turnhoff SK, Janssen C, Radulescu A, Pich A, Rudov AA, Potemkin II, Richtering W. An anionic shell shields a cationic core allowing for uptake and release of polyelectrolytes within core-shell responsive microgels. SOFT MATTER 2018; 14:4287-4299. [PMID: 29774926 DOI: 10.1039/c8sm00397a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
To realize carriers for drug delivery, cationic containers are required for anionic guests. Nevertheless, the toxicity of cationic carriers limits their practical use. In this study, we investigate a model system of polyampholyte N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM)-based microgels with a cationic core and an anionic shell to study whether the presence of a negative shell allows the cationic core to be shielded while still enabling the uptake and release of the anionic guest polyelectrolytes. These microgels are loaded with polystyrene sulfonate of different molecular weights to investigate the influence of their chain length on the uptake and release process. By means of small-angle neutron scattering, we evaluate the spatial distribution of polystyrene sulfonate within the microgels. The guest molecules are located in different parts of the core-shell microgels depending on their size. By combining these scattering results with UV-vis spectroscopy, electrophoretic mobility and potentiometric titrations we gain complementary results to investigate the uptake and release process of polyelectrolytes in polyampholyte core-shell microgels. Moreover, Brownian molecular dynamic simulations are performed to compare the experimental and theoretical results of this model. Our findings demonstrate that the presence of a shell still enables efficient uptake of guest molecules into the cationic core. These anionic guest molecules can be released through an anionic shell. Furthermore, the presence of a shell enhances the stability of the microgel-polyelectrolyte complexes with respect to the cationic precursor microgel alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjan P H Gelissen
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, 52056 Aachen, Germany.
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33
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Schulte MF, Scotti A, Gelissen APH, Richtering W, Mourran A. Probing the Internal Heterogeneity of Responsive Microgels Adsorbed to an Interface by a Sharp SFM Tip: Comparing Core-Shell and Hollow Microgels. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2018; 34:4150-4158. [PMID: 29509428 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.7b03811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Microgels composed of thermoresponsive polymer poly( N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) are interfacial active. Their adsorption leads to deformation, causing conformational changes that have profound effects on the macroscopic properties of these films. Yet, methods to quantitatively probe the local density are lacking. We introduced scanning force microscopy (SFM) to quantitatively probe the internal structure of microgels physically adsorbed on a solid (SiO2)/water interface. Using a sharp SFM tip, we investigated the two types of microgels: (i) core-shell microgels featuring a hard silica core and a PNIPAM shell and (ii) hollow microgels obtained by dissolution of the silica core. Thus, both systems have the same polymer network as the peripheral structure but a distinctly different internal structure, that is, a rigid core versus a void. By evaluating the force-distance curves, the force profile during insertion of the tip into the polymer network enables to determine a depth-dependent contact resistance, which closely correlates with the density profiles determined in solution by small-angle neutron scattering. We found that the cavity of the swollen hollow microgels is still present when adsorbed to the solid substrate. Remarkably, while currently used techniques such as colloidal probe or reflectometry only provide an average of the z-profile, the methodology introduced herein actually probes the real three-dimensional density profile, which is ultimately important to understand the macroscopic behavior of microgel films. This will bridge the gap between the colloidal probe experiments that deform the microgel globally and the insertion in which the disturbance is located near the tip.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Friederike Schulte
- Institute of Physical Chemistry , RWTH Aachen University , Landoltweg 2 , 52056 Aachen , Germany
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials , Forckenbeckstr. 50 , 52056 Aachen , Germany
| | - Andrea Scotti
- Institute of Physical Chemistry , RWTH Aachen University , Landoltweg 2 , 52056 Aachen , Germany
| | - Arjan P H Gelissen
- Institute of Physical Chemistry , RWTH Aachen University , Landoltweg 2 , 52056 Aachen , Germany
| | - Walter Richtering
- Institute of Physical Chemistry , RWTH Aachen University , Landoltweg 2 , 52056 Aachen , Germany
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials , Forckenbeckstr. 50 , 52056 Aachen , Germany
| | - Ahmed Mourran
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials , Forckenbeckstr. 50 , 52056 Aachen , Germany
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34
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Brugnoni M, Scotti A, Rudov AA, Gelissen APH, Caumanns T, Radulescu A, Eckert T, Pich A, Potemkin II, Richtering W. Swelling of a Responsive Network within Different Constraints in Multi-Thermosensitive Microgels. Macromolecules 2018. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.7b02722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrey A. Rudov
- DWI - Leibniz Institute
for Interactive Materials e.V., 52056 Aachen, Germany
- Physics Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | | | - Tobias Caumanns
- GFE Central Facility for Electron Microscopy, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Aurel Radulescu
- Jülich
Centre
for Neutron Science, Outstation at MLZ, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | | | - Andrij Pich
- DWI - Leibniz Institute
for Interactive Materials e.V., 52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Igor I. Potemkin
- DWI - Leibniz Institute
for Interactive Materials e.V., 52056 Aachen, Germany
- Physics Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russian Federation
- National Research
South
Ural State University, 454080 Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation
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