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De Iacovo A, Mitri F, De Santis S, Giansante C, Colace L. Colloidal Quantum Dots for Explosive Detection: Trends and Perspectives. ACS Sens 2024; 9:555-576. [PMID: 38305121 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c02097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Sensitive, accurate, and reliable detection of explosives has become one of the major needs for international security and environmental protection. Colloidal quantum dots, because of their unique chemical, optical, and electrical properties, as well as easy synthesis route and functionalization, have demonstrated high potential to meet the requirements for the development of suitable sensors, boosting the research in the field of explosive detection. Here, we critically review the most relevant research works, highlighting three different mechanisms for explosive detection based on colloidal quantum dots, namely photoluminescence, electrochemical, and chemoresistive sensing. We provide a comprehensive overview and an extensive discussion and comparison in terms of the most relevant sensor parameters. We highlight advantages, limitations, and challenges of quantum dot-based explosive sensors and outline future research directions for the advancement of knowledge in this surging research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea De Iacovo
- Department of Industrial, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering, Roma Tre University, Via Vito Volterra 62, Rome I-00146, Italy
| | - Federica Mitri
- Department of Industrial, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering, Roma Tre University, Via Vito Volterra 62, Rome I-00146, Italy
| | - Serena De Santis
- Department of Industrial, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering, Roma Tre University, Via Vito Volterra 62, Rome I-00146, Italy
| | - Carlo Giansante
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Nanotecnologia CNR-NANOTEC, Via Monteroni, Lecce I-73100, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Colace
- Department of Industrial, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering, Roma Tre University, Via Vito Volterra 62, Rome I-00146, Italy
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Gupta A, Kaur S, Singh H, Garg S, Kumar A, Malhotra E. Quantum dots: a tool for the detection of explosives/nitro derivatives. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2023; 15:6362-6376. [PMID: 37975188 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay01566a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Nitro derivatives are considered as major environmental pollutants and issues of health concern. In current times, a variety of methods and techniques have been utilized for the sensing of these nitro derivatives. In view of this, the remarkable fluorescence properties of quantum dots (QDs) provide a great opportunity to detect these nitro derivatives. This review highlighted the recent reports of QDs as the sensing material for these nitro derivative explosives. Different modifications in QDs using physical and chemical approaches can be used to improve their sensing output. Various interaction mechanisms have been discussed between QDs and nitro derivatives to change their fluorescence properties. Finally, the current challenges and the perspective for the forthcoming future are provided in the concluding section. We hope this review will be beneficial in guiding the utilization of QDs in sensing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankush Gupta
- Department of Chemistry, DAV University, Jalandhar 144012, Punjab, India.
| | - Sharanjeet Kaur
- Department of Chemistry, DAV University, Jalandhar 144012, Punjab, India.
| | - Harminder Singh
- Department of Chemistry, DAV University, Jalandhar 144012, Punjab, India.
| | - Shelly Garg
- Department of Mathematics, DAV University, Jalandhar 144012, Punjab, India
| | - Akshay Kumar
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Sciences, Central University of Jammu, Jammu 181143, India
| | - Ekta Malhotra
- Department of Chemistry, DAV University, Jalandhar 144012, Punjab, India.
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Alizadeh N, Yoosefian J. Chemical reduction as a facile colorimetric approach for selective TNT detection by spectrophotometry and photothermal lens spectroscopy. Talanta 2023; 257:124334. [PMID: 36773511 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the simple determination of TNT is achieved through the vivid stable red color products generated after chemically reduction by NaBH4 as a common and accessible reducing/colorimetric reagent. Some other nitroaromatics were impressed under reduction reaction and led to the colorful products. The color of these reduced nitroaromatics were unstable and approximately vanished after some few minutes which ameliorated the selectivity in TNT determination. Utilizing the time-dependent selectivity, the method was applied specifically for discriminating of TNT from other nitroaromatic compounds (NACs). UV-vis spectrophotometry and photothermal lens spectrometry were employed as detection techniques. The former was simpler and more available in various laboratories while the latter provides higher sensitivity. It was revealed that the photothermal lens responses were linear from 2.0 to 55.0 nM with a limit of detection (LOD) of about 0.8 nM. The LOD of the photothermal lens measurement were found to be 241 times lower than that of the UV-vis spectrophotometry in TNT quantification. The evolved method was successfully carried out for TNT vapor determination after trapping into the colorimetric reagent. The recoveries and relative standard deviations (RSD, n = 3) calculated for 3 gas samples were ≥91% and ≤7%, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naader Alizadeh
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, P.O. Box 14115-175, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Javad Yoosefian
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, P.O. Box 14115-175, Tehran, Iran
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Mitri F, De Iacovo A, De Santis S, Quarta D, Giansante C, Orsini M, Colace L. Optical gas sensor based on the combination of a QD photoluminescent probe and a QD photodetector. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 33:475501. [PMID: 35944493 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ac8814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We report on a sensor architecture for detection of hazardous gases. The proposed device is based on the integration of a solid-state quantum dot (QD) photoluminescent probe with a QD photodetector on the same substrate. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated by developing a compact optical sensor for trace detection of explosives in air. The proposed architecture is very simple and consists of a silicon substrate with both surfaces coated with QD films. The upper layer acts as photoluminescent probe, pumped by a blue LED. The change of photoluminescence intensity associated to the interaction between the QDs and the target analyte is measured by the QD photodetector fabricated on the opposite side of the substrate. The sensor is mounted into a small chamber provided with the LED and the front-end electronics. The device is characterized by using nitrobenzene as representative nitroaromatic compound. Extremely low concentrations (down to 0.1 ppm) can be detected by the proposed device, with a theoretical detection limit estimated to be as low as 2 ppb. Results are repeatable and no ageing effect is observed over a 70 d period. The proposed architecture may provide a promising solution for explosive detection in air as well as other sensing applications, thanks to its sensitivity, simple fabrication process, practical usability and cost effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Mitri
- Department of Industrial, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering, Roma Tre University, Via Vito Volterra 62, I-00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea De Iacovo
- Department of Industrial, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering, Roma Tre University, Via Vito Volterra 62, I-00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Serena De Santis
- Department of Industrial, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering, Roma Tre University, Via Vito Volterra 62, I-00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Danila Quarta
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Nanotecnologia CNR-NANOTEC, Via Monteroni, Lecce I-73100, Italy
| | - Carlo Giansante
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Nanotecnologia CNR-NANOTEC, Via Monteroni, Lecce I-73100, Italy
| | - Monica Orsini
- Department of Industrial, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering, Roma Tre University, Via Vito Volterra 62, I-00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Colace
- Department of Industrial, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering, Roma Tre University, Via Vito Volterra 62, I-00146, Rome, Italy
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Li Q, Guo YM, Gao Y, Li G. Polyethyleneimine-protected silver cluster for label-free and highly selective detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2022; 276:121224. [PMID: 35397448 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2022.121224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Sensitive and selective detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) is critical for environmental protection and public health. In this work, a convenient synthesis strategy for preparation of fluorescent PEI-AgNCs was described and further a facile and label-free sensing strategy for detection of TNT was developed. The hyperbranched polyethyleneimine (PEI) were used as template to one-step synthesize functional PEI-AgNCs with bright fluorescence signal and rich amino groups on their surface. PEI can specifically bind to electron-deficient TNT through donor-receptor interaction to form Meissenheimer complex. Interestingly, the absorption spectra of the Meissenheimer complex overlap with the fluorescence emission peak of PEI-AgNCs, thus quenching fluorescence of PEI-Ag NCs through fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Furthermore, this bonding process also initiate aggregation of PEI-AgNCs and quench the fluorescence of PEI-AgNCs by the aggregation-induced quenching (AIQ) effect. The novel method demonstrates sensitivity with a detection limit for TNT have been obtained as 17 nM. In addition, the proposed sensing method also has good selectivity over other potential interference and displayed a good potential application value in real water samples with satisfactory recoveries, offering a promising platform for sensing TNT in public safety and security environment protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Li
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, College of Life Science and Chemistry, Hunan University of Technology, 412007, China; State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Yu-Meng Guo
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, College of Life Science and Chemistry, Hunan University of Technology, 412007, China
| | - Yue Gao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, College of Life Science and Chemistry, Hunan University of Technology, 412007, China
| | - Guangli Li
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, College of Life Science and Chemistry, Hunan University of Technology, 412007, China.
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Abstract
Quantum dots (QDs) possess exceptional optoelectronic properties that enable their use in the most diverse applications, namely, in the medical field. The prevalence of cancer has increased and has been considered the major cause of death worldwide. Thus, there has been a great demand for new methodologies for diagnosing and monitoring cancer in cells to provide an earlier prognosis of the disease and contribute to the effectiveness of treatment. Several molecules in the human body can be considered relevant as cancer markers. Studies published over recent years have revealed that micro ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) play a crucial role in this pathology, since they are responsible for some physiological processes of the cell cycle and, most important, they are overexpressed in cancer cells. Thus, the analytical sensing of miRNA has gained importance to provide monitoring during cancer treatment, allowing the evaluation of the disease's evolution. Recent methodologies based on nanochemistry use fluorescent quantum dots for sensing of the miRNA. Combining the unique characteristics of QDs, namely, their fluorescence capacity, and the fact that miRNA presents an aberrant expression in cancer cells, the researchers created diverse strategies for miRNA monitoring. This review aims to present an overview of the recent use of QDs as biosensors in miRNA detection, also highlighting some tutorial descriptions of the synthesis methods of QDs, possible surface modification, and functionalization approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina
S. M. Martins
- International
Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal,LAQV,
REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Department of Chemical
Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University
of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, No. 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Alec P. LaGrow
- International
Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal
| | - João A. V. Prior
- LAQV,
REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Department of Chemical
Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University
of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, No. 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal,
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Computational design of a nanoconjugate model of pyrene-linked CdTe quantum dot for the detection of trinitrotoluene. COMPUT THEOR CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.comptc.2022.113681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Abstract
The continuously rising interest in chemical sensors’ applications in environmental monitoring, for soil analysis in particular, is owed to the sufficient sensitivity and selectivity of these analytical devices, their low costs, their simple measurement setups, and the possibility to perform online and in-field analyses with them. In this review the recent advances in chemical sensors for soil analysis are summarized. The working principles of chemical sensors involved in soil analysis; their benefits and drawbacks; and select applications of both the single selective sensors and multisensor systems for assessments of main plant nutrition components, pollutants, and other important soil parameters (pH, moisture content, salinity, exhaled gases, etc.) of the past two decades with a focus on the last 5 years (from 2017 to 2021) are overviewed.
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Harathi J, Thenmozhi K. Water-soluble ionic liquid as a fluorescent probe towards distinct binding and detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene and 2,4,6-trinitrophenol in aqueous medium. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 286:131825. [PMID: 34375830 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Owing to the escalating threat of criminal activities and pollution aroused by 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP), development of a proficient sensor for the detection of these explosives is highly demanded. Herein, a water-soluble ionic liquid-tagged fluorescent probe, 1-ethyl-3-(3-formyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-1H-benzimidazol-3-ium chloride (EB-IL) has been designed and synthesized for the detection of TNT and TNP in 100% aqueous medium. The EB-IL fluorescent probe displayed strong cyan-blue fluorescence at 500 nm which gets quenched upon the addition of TNT/TNP over other concomitant nitro-compounds. The distinct binding response of EB-IL towards TNT could be due to the formation of hydrogen bonding between the acidic proton of benzimidazolium (C2-H) and nitro group of TNT. Meanwhile, the selective binding of TNP with EB-IL could be due to the exchange of counter Cl- anion of EB-IL with picrate anion. The fluorescence quenching of EB-IL by TNT could be attributed to the resonance energy transfer (RET) and that of TNP is ascribed to the anion-exchange process. The developed sensor is extremely selective and sensitive towards TNT and TNP with high quenching constants of 1.94 × 105 M-1 and 2.32 × 106 M-1 and shows a lower detection limit of 159 nM and 282 nM, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonnagaddala Harathi
- Department of Chemistry, School of Advanced Sciences, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, 632014, India
| | - Kathavarayan Thenmozhi
- Department of Chemistry, School of Advanced Sciences, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, 632014, India.
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To KC, Ben-Jaber S, Parkin IP. Recent Developments in the Field of Explosive Trace Detection. ACS NANO 2020; 14:10804-10833. [PMID: 32790331 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c01579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Explosive trace detection (ETD) technologies play a vital role in maintaining national security. ETD remains an active research area with many analytical techniques in operational use. This review details the latest advances in animal olfactory, ion mobility spectrometry (IMS), and Raman and colorimetric detection methods. Developments in optical, biological, electrochemical, mass, and thermal sensors are also covered in addition to the use of nanomaterials technology. Commercially available systems are presented as examples of current detection capabilities and as benchmarks for improvement. Attention is also drawn to recent collaborative projects involving government, academia, and industry to highlight the emergence of multimodal screening approaches and applications. The objective of the review is to provide a comprehensive overview of ETD by highlighting challenges in ETD and providing an understanding of the principles, advantages, and limitations of each technology and relating this to current systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Chuen To
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1H 0AJ, United Kingdom
| | - Sultan Ben-Jaber
- Department of Science and Forensics, King Fahad Security College, Riyadh 13232, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ivan P Parkin
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1H 0AJ, United Kingdom
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