The chemistry of the sulfur-gold interface: in search of a unified model

Polarization-Dependent Plasmon-Induced Doping and Strain Effects in MoS2 Monolayers on Gold Nanostructures

Monolayers of transition-metal dichalcogenides, such as MoS2, have attracted significant attention for their exceptional electronic and optical properties, positioning them as ideal candidates for advanced optoelectronic applications. Despite their strong excitonic effects, the atomic-scale thickness of these materials limits their light absorption efficiency, necessitating innovative strategies to enhance light-matter interactions. Plasmonic nanostructures offer a promising solution to overcome those challenges by amplifying the electromagnetic field and also introducing other mechanisms, such as hot electron injection. In this study, we investigate the vibrational and optical properties of MoS2 monolayer deposited on gold substrates and gratings, emphasizing the role of strain and plasmonic effects using conventional spectroscopic techniques. Our results reveal significant biaxial strain in the supported regions and a uniaxial strain gradient in the suspended ones, showing a strain-induced exciton and carrier funneling effect toward the center of the nanogaps. Moreover, we observed an additional polarization-dependent doping mechanism in the suspended regions. This effect was attributed to localized surface plasmons generated within the slits, as confirmed by numerical simulations, which may decay nonradiatively into hot electrons and be injected into the monolayer. Photoluminescence measurements further demonstrated a polarization-dependent trion-to-A exciton intensity ratio, supporting the hypothesis of additional plasmon-induced doping. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the strain-mediated funneling effects and plasmonic interactions in hybrid MoS2/Au nanostructures, offering valuable insights for developing high-efficiency photonic devices and quantum technologies, including polarization-sensitive detectors and excitonic circuits.

Sulfur functionalized diamondoid phosphines enable building nanocomposites interfacing sp3-carbon and gold nanolayers

Interfacing metal frameworks with carbon-based materials is attractive for the bottom-up construction of nanocomposite functional materials. The stepwise layering of difunctionalized diamantanes and gold metal from physical and chemical vapor deposition for the preparation of nanocomposites inverts the conventional preparation of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and self-assemblies, where the metal is introduced first, and this method delivers metal surfaces with modified properties originating from the sp3-carbon core. However, appropriate diamondoid candidates for such an approach are rare. By the mild chemical vapor deposition of the organometallic complex MeAuPMe3, gold coating is achieved on a diamantane SP(V) sulfide primary phosphine diamantanol 2. This later leads to sulfide and polysulfide surface rearrangement and provides a suitable substrate for metal-organic nanocomposite formation through a fully-dry vapor process, with the advantage, in contrast to the P(III) primary phosphine phosphinodiamantanol 1, of being resistant to uncontrolled oxidation at phosphorus during physical vapor deposition (PVD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processing.

A plasmonic biosensor pre-diagnostic tool for Familial Mediterranean Fever

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder, primarily observed in populations around the Mediterranean Sea, linked to MEFV gene mutations. These mutations disrupt inflammatory responses, increasing pyrin-protein production. Traditional diagnosis relies on clinical symptoms, family history, acute phase reactants, and excluding similar syndromes with MEFV testing, which is expensive and often inconclusive due to heterozygous mutations. Here, we present a biosensor platform that detects differences in pyrin-protein levels between healthy and affected individuals, offering a cost-effective alternative to genetic testing. Our platform uses gold nanoparticle-based plasmonic chips enhanced with anti-pyrin antibodies, achieving a detection limit of 0.24 ng/mL with high specificity. The system integrates an optofluidic system and visible light spectroscopy for real-time analysis, with signal stability maintained for up to six months. Our technology will enhance FMF diagnosis accuracy, enabling early treatment initiation and providing a cost-effective alternative to genetic testing, thus improving patient care.

Cancer Nanovaccines: Nanomaterials and Clinical Perspectives

Cancer nanovaccines represent a promising frontier in cancer immunotherapy, utilizing nanotechnology to augment traditional vaccine efficacy. This review comprehensively examines the current state-of-the-art in cancer nanovaccine development, elucidating innovative strategies and technologies employed in their design. It explores both preclinical and clinical advancements, emphasizing key studies demonstrating their potential to elicit robust anti-tumor immune responses. The study encompasses various facets, including integrating biomaterial-based nanocarriers for antigen delivery, adjuvant selection, and the impact of nanoscale properties on vaccine performance. Detailed insights into the complex interplay between the tumor microenvironment and nanovaccine responses are provided, highlighting challenges and opportunities in optimizing therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, the study presents a thorough analysis of ongoing clinical trials, presenting a snapshot of the current clinical landscape. By curating the latest scientific findings and clinical developments, this study aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for researchers and clinicians engaged in advancing cancer immunotherapy. Integrating nanotechnology into vaccine design holds immense promise for revolutionizing cancer treatment paradigms, and this review provides a timely update on the evolving landscape of cancer nanovaccines.

The thermodynamics of self-assembled monolayer formation: a computational and experimental study of thiols on a flat gold surface

A methodology based on molecular dynamics simulations is presented to determine the chemical potential of thiol self-assembled monolayers on a gold surface. The thiol de-solvation and then the monolayer formation are described by thermodynamic integration with a gradual decoupling of one molecule from the environment, with the necessary corrections to account for standard state changes. The procedure is applied both to physisorbed undissociated thiol molecules and to chemisorbed dissociated thiyl radicals, considering in the latter case the possible chemical potential of the produced hydrogen. We considered monolayers formed by either 7-mercapto-4-methylcoumarin (MMC) or 3-mercapto-propanoic acid (MPA) on a flat gold surface: the free energy profiles with respect to the monolayer density are consistent with a transition from a very stable lying-down phase at low densities to a standing-up phase at higher densities, as expected. The maximum densities of thermodynamically stable monolayers are compared to experimental measures performed with reference-free grazing-incidence X-ray fluorescence (RF-GIXRF) on the same systems, finding a better agreement in the case of chemisorbed thiyl radicals.

Chemistry of the Au-Thiol Interface through the Lens of Single-Molecule Flicker Noise Measurements

Chemistry of the Au-S interface at the nanoscale is one of the most complex systems to study, as the nature and strength of the Au-S bond change under different experimental conditions. In this study, using mechanically controlled break junction technique, we probed the conductance and analyzed Flicker noise for several aliphatic and aromatic thiol derivatives and thioethers. We demonstrate that Flicker noise can be used to unambiguously differentiate between stronger chemisorption (Au-SR) and weaker physisorption (Au-SRR') type interactions. The Flicker noise measurements indicate that the gold rearrangement in chemisorbed Au-SR junctions resembles that of the Au rearrangement in pure Au-Au metal contact breaking, which is independent of the molecular backbone structure and the resulting conductance. In contrast, thioethers showed the formation of a weaker physisorbed Au-SRR' type bond, and the Flicker noise measurement indicates the changes in the Au-anchoring group interface but not the Au-Au rearrangement like that in the Au-SR case. Additionally, by employing single-molecular conductance and Flicker noise analysis, we have probed the interfacial electric field-catalyzed ring-opening reaction of cyclic thioether under mild environmental conditions, which otherwise requires harsh chemical conditions for cleavage of the C-S bond. All of our conductance measurements are complemented by NEGF transport calculations. This study illustrates that the single-molecule conductance, together with the Flicker noise measurements can be used to tune and monitor chemical reactions at the single-molecule level.

Solvent effects in anion recognition

Anion recognition is pertinent to a range of environmental, medicinal and industrial applications. Recent progress in the field has relied on advances in synthetic host design to afford a broad range of potent recognition motifs and novel supramolecular structures capable of effective binding both in solution and at derived molecular films. However, performance in aqueous media remains a critical challenge. Understanding the effects of bulk and local solvent on anion recognition by host scaffolds is imperative if effective and selective detection in real-world media is to be viable. This Review seeks to provide a framework within which these effects can be considered both experimentally and theoretically. We highlight proposed models for solvation effects on anion binding and discuss approaches to retain strong anion binding in highly competitive (polar) solvents. The synthetic design principles for exploiting the aforementioned solvent effects are explored.

The Interaction of Amines with Gold Nanoparticles

Understanding the interactions between amines and the surface of gold nanoparticles is important because of their role in the stabilization of the nanosystems, in the formation of the protein corona, and in the preparation of semisynthetic nanozymes. By using fluorescence spectroscopy, electrochemistry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and molecular simulation, a detailed picture of these interactions is obtained. Herein, it is shown that amines interact with surface Au(0) atoms of the nanoparticles with their lone electron pair with a strength linearly correlating with their basicity corrected for steric hindrance. The kinetics of binding depends on the position of the gold atoms (flat surfaces or edges) while the mode of binding involves a single Au(0) with nitrogen sitting on top of it. A small fraction of surface Au(I) atoms, still present, is reduced by the amines yielding a much stronger Au(0)-RN.+ (RN. , after the loss of a proton) interaction. In this case, the mode of binding involves two Au(0) atoms with a bridging nitrogen placed between them. Stable Au nanoparticles, as those required for robust semisynthetic nanozymes preparation, are better obtained when the protein is involved (at least in part) in the reduction of the gold ions.

Advances in colorimetric biosensors of exosomes: novel approaches based on natural enzymes and nanozymes

Exosomes are 30-150 nm vesicles derived from diverse cell types, serving as one of the most important biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis of diseases. However, the conventional detection method for exosomes faces significant challenges, such as unsatisfactory sensitivity, complicated operation, and the requirement of complicated devices. In recent years, colorimetric exosome biosensors with a visual readout underwent rapid development due to the advances in natural enzyme-based assays and the integration of various types of nanozymes. These synthetic nanomaterials show unique physiochemical properties and catalytic abilities, enabling the construction of exosome colorimetric biosensors with novel principles. This review will illustrate the reaction mechanisms and properties of natural enzymes and nanozymes, followed by a detailed introduction of the recent advances in both types of enzyme-based colorimetric biosensors. A comparison between natural enzymes and nanozymes is made to provide insights into the research that improves the sensitivity and convenience of assays. Finally, the advantages, challenges, and future directions of enzymes as well as exosome colorimetric biosensors are highlighted, aiming at improving the overall performance from different approaches.

The role of halogens in Au-S bond cleavage for energy-differentiated catalysis at the single-bond limit

The transformation from one compound to another involves the breaking and formation of chemical bonds at the single-bond level, especially during catalytic reactions that are of great significance in broad fields such as energy conversion, environmental science, life science and chemical synthesis. The study of the reaction process at the single-bond limit is the key to understanding the catalytic reaction mechanism and further rationally designing catalysts. Here, we develop a method to monitor the catalytic process from the perspective of the single-bond energy using high-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy single-molecule junctions. Experimental and theoretical studies consistently reveal that the attack of a halogen atom on an Au atom can reduce the breaking energy of Au-S bonds, thereby accelerating the bond cleavage reaction and shortening the plateau length during the single-molecule junction breaking. Furthermore, the distinction in catalytic activity between different halogen atoms can be compared as well. This study establishes the intrinsic relationship among the reaction activation energy, the chemical bond breaking energy and the single-molecule junction breaking process, strengthening our mastery of catalytic reactions towards precise chemistry.

Affinity-based electrochemical biosensor with antifouling properties for detection of lysophosphatidic acid, a promising early-stage ovarian cancer biomarker

Electrochemical techniques are considered to be highly sensitive, capable of fast response and can be easily miniaturized, properties which can aid with regard to the fabrication of compact point-of-care medical devices; however, the main challenge in developing such a tool is overcoming a ubiquitous, problematic phenomenon known as non-specific adsorption (NSA). NSA is due to the fouling of non-target molecules in the blood on the recognition surface of the device. To overcome NSA, we have developed an affinity-based electrochemical biosensor using medical-grade stainless steel electrodes and following a unique and novel strategy using silane-based interfacial chemistry to detect lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a highly promising biomarker, which was found to be elevated in 90 % of stage I OC patients and gradually increases as the disease progresses to later stages. The biorecognition surface was developed using the affinity-based gelsolin-actin system, which was previously investigated by our group to detect LPA using fluorescence spectroscopy. We demonstrate the capability of this label-free biosensor to detect LPA in goat serum with a detection limit of 0.7 µM as a proof-of-concept for the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

Incorporating Chaotropic/Kosmotropic Chemistries onto Plasmonic Nanoheater to Boost Steam Generation Beyond its Photothermal Property

Photothermal steam generation promises decentralized water purification, but current methods suffer from slow water evaporation even at high photothermal efficiency of ≈98%. This drawback arises from the high latent heat of vaporization that is required to overcome the strong and extensive hydrogen bonding network in water for steam generation. Here, light-to-vapor conversion is boosted by incorporating chaotropic/kosmotropic chemistries onto plasmonic nanoheater to manipulate water intermolecular network at the point-of-heating. The chaotropic-plasmonic nanoheater affords rapid light-to-vapor conversion (2.79 kg m-2  h-1  kW-1 ) at ≈83% efficiency, with the steam generation rate up to 6-fold better than kosmotropic platforms or emerging photothermal designs. Notably, the chaotropic-plasmonic nanoheater also lowers the enthalpy of water vaporization by 1.6-fold when compared to bulk water, signifying that a correspondingly higher amount of steam can be generated with the same energy input. Simulation studies unveil chaotropic surface chemistry is crucial to disrupt water hydrogen bonding network and suppress the energy barrier for water evaporation. Using the chaotropic-plasmonic nanoheater, organic-polluted water is purified at ≈100% efficiency, a feat otherwise challenging in conventional treatments. This study offers a unique chemistry approach to boost light-driven steam generation beyond a material photothermal property.

Toward Continuous Molecular Testing Using Gold-Coated Threads as Multi-Target Electrochemical Biosensors

Analytical systems based on isothermal nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) paired with electroanalytical detection enable cost-effective, sensitive, and specific digital pathogen detection for various in situ applications such as point-of-care medical diagnostics, food safety monitoring, and environmental surveillance. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold surfaces are reliable platforms for electroanalytical DNA biosensors. However, the lack of automation and scalability often limits traditional chip-based systems. To address these challenges, we propose a continuous thread-based device that enables multiple electrochemical readings on a functionalized working electrode Au thread with a single connection point. We demonstrate the possibility of rolling the thread on a spool, which enables easy manipulation in a roll-to-roll architecture for high-throughput applications. As a proof of concept, we have demonstrated the detection of recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) isothermally amplified DNA from the two toxic microalgae species Ostreopsis cf. ovata and Ostreopsis cf. siamensis by performing a sandwich hybridization assay (SHA) with electrochemical readout.

Elucidating Mechanotransduction Processes During Magnetomechanical Neuromodulation Mediated by Magnetic Nanodiscs

Purpose

Noninvasive cell-type-specific manipulation of neural signaling is critical in basic neuroscience research and in developing therapies for neurological disorders. Magnetic nanotechnologies have emerged as non-invasive neuromodulation approaches with high spatiotemporal control. We recently developed a wireless force-induced neurostimulation platform utilizing micro-sized magnetic discs (MDs) and low-intensity alternating magnetic fields (AMFs). When targeted to the cell membrane, MDs AMFs-triggered mechanoactuation enhances specific cell membrane receptors resulting in cell depolarization. Although promising, it is critical to understand the role of mechanical forces in magnetomechanical neuromodulation and their transduction to molecular signals for its optimization and future translation.

Methods

MDs are fabricated using top-down lithography techniques, functionalized with polymers and antibodies, and characterized for their physical properties. Primary cortical neurons co-cultured with MDs and transmembrane protein chemical inhibitors are subjected to 20 s pulses of weak AMFs (18 mT, 6 Hz). Calcium cell activity is recorded during AMFs stimulation.

Results

Neuronal activity in primary rat cortical neurons is evoked by the AMFs-triggered actuation of targeted MDs. Ion channel chemical inhibition suggests that magnetomechanical neuromodulation results from MDs actuation on Piezo1 and TRPC1 mechanosensitive ion channels. The actuation mechanisms depend on MDs size, with cell membrane stretch and stress caused by the MDs torque being the most dominant.

Conclusions

Magnetomechanical neuromodulation represents a tremendous potential since it fulfills the requirements of negligible heating (ΔT < 0.1 °C) and weak AMFs (< 100 Hz), which are limiting factors in the development of therapies and the design of clinical equipment.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12195-023-00786-8.

Probing surface properties of organic molecular layers by scanning tunneling microscopy

In view of the relevance of organic thin layers in many fields, the fundamentals, growth mechanisms, and dynamics of thin organic layers, in particular thiol-based self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on Au(111) are systematically elaborated. From both theoretical and practical perspectives, dynamical and structural features of the SAMs are of great intrigue. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) is a remarkably powerful technique employed in the characterization of SAMs. Numerous research examples of investigation about the structural and dynamical properties of SAMs using STM, sometimes combined with other techniques, are listed in the review. Advanced options to enhance the time resolution of STM are discussed. Additionally, we elaborate on the extremely diverse dynamics of various SAMs, such as phase transitions and structural changes at the molecular level. In brief, the current review is expected to supply a better understanding and novel insights regarding the dynamical events happening in organic SAMs and how to characterize these processes.

Nanoimaging of Facet-Dependent Adsorption, Diffusion, and Reactivity of Surface Ligands on Au Nanocrystals

Analysis of the influence of dissimilar facets on the adsorption, stability, mobility, and reactivity of surface ligands is essential for designing ligand-coated nanocrystals with optimal functionality. Herein, para-nitrothiophenol and nitronaphthalene were chemisorbed and physisorbed, respectively, on Au nanocrystals, and the influence of different facets within a single Au nanocrystal on ligands properties were identified by IR nanospectroscopy measurements. Preferred adsorption was probed on (001) facets for both ligands, with a lower density on (111) facets. Exposure to reducing conditions led to nitro reduction and diffusion of both ligands toward the top (111) facet. Nitrothiophenol was characterized with a diffusivity higher than that of nitronaphthalene. Moreover, the strong thiol-Au interaction led to the diffusion of Au atoms and the formation of thiol-coated Au nanoparticles on the silicon surface. It is identified that the adsorption and reactivity of surface ligands were mainly influenced by the atomic properties of each facet, while diffusion was controlled by ligand-metal interactions.

Photoelectrocatalytic selective removal of group-targeting thiol-containing heterocyclic pollutants

The removal of a class of toxic thiol-containing heterocyclic pollutants from complex water matrices has great environmental significance. In this study, a novel photoanode (Au/MIL100(Fe)/TiO₂) with dual recognition functions was designed for selective group-targeting photoelectrocatalytic removal of thiol-containing heterocyclic pollutants from various aquatic systems. The average degradation and adsorption removal efficiency of 2-mercaptobenzimidazole, 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, and 2-mercaptobenzoxazole were still above 96.7% and 13.5% after selective treatment with Au/MIL100(Fe)/TiO₂ even coexisting with 10-fold concentration of macromolecular interferents (sulfide lignin and natural organic matters) and the same concentration of micromolecular structural analogues. While they were below 71.6% and 3.9% after non-selective treatment with TiO₂. Targets in the actual system were selectively removed to 0.9 µg L^-1, which is 1/10 of that after non-selective treatment. FTIR, XPS and operando electrochemical infrared results proved that the highly specific recognition mechanism was mainly attributable to both the size screening of MIL100(Fe) toward targets and Au-S bond formed between -SH group of targets and Au of Au/MIL100(Fe)/TiO₂. •OH are the reactive oxygen species. The degradation mechanism was further investigated via excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy and LC-MS. This study provides new guidelines for the selective group-targeting removal of toxic pollutants with characteristic functional groups from complex water matrices.

Adsorption of sulfur on Au(111) surface: An extremely stable configuration

The sulfur adsorption on gold surface is a hot topic in catalysis, electrochemistry and chemical sensors. However, the multiple structures of adsorbed sulfur and sulfur-induced reconstruction in gold substrate topography are still open problems until now. Here we performed an extensively study on sulfur adsorption on Au(111) surface based on First-Principles calculation. Our results show that the sulfur adsorption with additional Au atoms is not favorable. Thus, the well-known lifting of the herringbone reconstruction of Au(111) after sulfur adsorption can't be attributed to the lifting gold atoms. More importantly, we proposed an extremely stable configuration of S-Au(111) surface characterized by (√3 × √3)R30° at 0.33 coverage, in which each S atom is chemisorbed in 3-fold coordinated sites and all the surface-Au atoms are terminated. Finally, the good agreement between our simulated STM and LEED images and experimental observations illuminates the truth that our proposed configuration is also favorable in experiment. This super stable S-adsorbed surface can be used as a starting point for the growth of two dimensional transition metal sulfides.

Nanomedicine for drug resistant pathogens and COVID-19 using mushroom nanocomposite inspired with bacteriocin – A Review

Multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogens have become a major global health challenge and have severely threatened the health of society. Current conditions have gotten worse as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and infection rates in the future will rise. It is necessary to design, respond effectively, and take action to address these challenges by investigating new avenues. In this regard, the fabrication of metal NPs utilized by various methods, including green synthesis using mushroom, is highly versatile, cost-effective, eco-compatible, and superior. In contrast, biofabrication of metal NPs can be employed as a powerful weapon against MDR pathogens and have immense biomedical applications. In addition, the advancement in nanotechnology has made possible to modify the nanomaterials and enhance their activities. Metal NPs with biomolecules composite to prevents their microbial adhesion and kills the microbial pathogens through biofilm formation. Bacteriocin is an excellent antimicrobial peptide that works well as an augmentation substance to boost the antimicrobial effects. As a result, we concentrate on the creation of new, eco-compatible mycosynthesized metal NPs with bacteriocin nanocomposite via electrostatic, covalent, or non-covalent bindings. The synergistic benefits of metal NPs with bacteriocin to combat MDR pathogens and COVID-19, as well as other biomedical applications, are discussed in this review. Moreover, the importance of the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) in risk analysis of manufactured metal nanocomposite nanomaterial and their future possibilities also discussed.

SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins react with Au and Si, are electrically conductive and denature at 3 × 108 V m-1: a surface bonding and a single-protein circuit study

Developing means to characterise SARS-CoV-2 and its new variants is critical for future outbreaks. SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins have peripheral disulfide bonds (S-S), which are common in all spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 variants, in other types of coronaviruses (e.g., SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV) and are likely to be present in future coronaviruses. Here, we demonstrate that S-S bonds in the spike S1 protein of SARS-CoV-2 react with gold (Au) and silicon (Si) electrodes. Bonding to Si is induced by a spontaneous electrochemical reaction that involves oxidation of Si-H and the reduction of the S-S bonds. The reaction of the spike protein with Au enabled single-molecule protein circuits, by connecting the spike S1 protein between two Au nano-electrodes using the scanning tunnelling microscopy-break junction (STM-BJ) technique. The conductance of a single spike S1 protein was surprisingly high and ranged between two states of 3 × 10-4 G 0 and 4 × 10-6 G 0 (1G 0 = 77.5 μS). The two conductance states are governed by the S-S bonds reaction with Au which controls the orientation of the protein in the circuit, and via which different electron pathways are created. The 3 × 10-4 G 0 level is attributed to a single SARS-CoV-2 protein connecting to the two STM Au nano-electrodes from the receptor binding domain (RBD) subunit and the S1/S2 cleavage site. A lower 4 × 10-6 G 0 conductance is attributed to the spike protein connecting to the STM electrodes from the RBD subunit and the N-terminal domain (NTD). These conductance signals are only observed at electric fields equal to or lower than 7.5 × 107 V m-1. At an electric field of 1.5 × 108 V m-1, the original conductance magnitude decreases accompanied by a lower junction yield, suggesting a change in the structure of the spike protein in the electrified junction. Above an electric field of 3 × 108 V m-1, the conducting channels are blocked and this is attributed to the spike protein denaturing in the nano-gap. These findings open new venues for developing coronavirus-capturing materials and offer an electrical method for analysing, detecting and potentially electrically deactivating coronaviruses and their future variants.

Gold nanoparticle shape dependence of colloidal stability domains

Controlling the spatial arrangement of plasmonic nanoparticles is of particular interest to utilize inter-particle plasmonic coupling, which allows changing their optical properties. For bottom-up approaches, colloidal nanoparticles are interesting building blocks to generate more complex structures via controlled self-assembly using the destabilization of colloidal particles. For plasmonic noble metal nanoparticles, cationic surfactants, such as CTAB, are widely used in synthesis, both as shaping and stabilizing agents. In such a context, understanding and predicting the colloidal stability of a system solely composed of AuNPs and CTAB is fundamentally crucial. Here, we tried to rationalize the particle behavior by reporting the stability diagrams of colloidal gold nanostructures taking into account parameters such as the size, shape, and CTAB/AuNP concentration. We found that the overall stability was dependent on the shape of the nanoparticles, with the presence of sharp tips being the source of instability. For all morphologies evaluated here, a metastable area was systematically observed, in which the system aggregated in a controlled way while maintaining the colloidal stability. Combining different strategies with the help of transmission electron microscopy, the behavior of the system in the different zones of the diagrams was addressed. Finally, by controlling the experimental conditions with the previously obtained diagrams, we were able to obtain linear structures with a rather good control over the number of particles participating in the assembly while maintaining good colloidal stability.

Recent Progress in Development and Application of DNA, Protein, Peptide, Glycan, Antibody, and Aptamer Microarrays

Microarrays are one of the trailblazing technologies of the last two decades and have displayed their importance in all the associated fields of biology. They are widely explored to screen, identify, and gain insights on the characteristics traits of biomolecules (individually or in complex solutions). A wide variety of biomolecule-based microarrays (DNA microarrays, protein microarrays, glycan microarrays, antibody microarrays, peptide microarrays, and aptamer microarrays) are either commercially available or fabricated in-house by researchers to explore diverse substrates, surface coating, immobilization techniques, and detection strategies. The aim of this review is to explore the development of biomolecule-based microarray applications since 2018 onwards. Here, we have covered a different array of printing strategies, substrate surface modification, biomolecule immobilization strategies, detection techniques, and biomolecule-based microarray applications. The period of 2018-2022 focused on using biomolecule-based microarrays for the identification of biomarkers, detection of viruses, differentiation of multiple pathogens, etc. A few potential future applications of microarrays could be for personalized medicine, vaccine candidate screening, toxin screening, pathogen identification, and posttranslational modifications.

Increasing the Mechanical Stability of Polymer-Gold Interfacial Connection: A Parallel Covalent Strategy

Thiol-gold (S-Au) chemistry has been widely used in coating and functionalizing gold surfaces because it is robust and highly efficient. However, recent studies have shown that the S-Au-based self-assembled monolayers can lead to significant instability under external mechanical loading (e.g., in a swelled polymer film). Such instability limits further applications of S-Au chemistry-based functional materials. Here, we report a surface-modifying procedure based on a parallel covalent strategy. By employing dendritic macromolecules as a "middle layer" between the gold surface and polymer, the interfacial connecting strength increased by at least 350% as revealed by atomic force microscopy-based single molecule force spectroscopy (AFM-SMFS). The ultimate cleavage structure is confirmed to be an amide bond by control SMFS experiments, fluorescent microscopy, and dynamic force spectroscopy. This study/concept paves the way to prepare stable stimuli-responsive polymer brushes on solid surfaces and study mechanophores with high force stability.

Supersensitive detection of single-histamine molecule on nanoplates by turn-on small molecule fluorescence sandwich immunoassay

We develop a supersensitive "turn-on format" fluorescence sandwich immunoassay for detecting small single molecules. Gold nanoplate-based biotin antibodies and streptavidin-fluorophores were used instead of streptavidin-horseradish peroxidase reacting with a biotin tracer in a microplate-based competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Our platform showed a low detection limit of 5 zeptomolar (5 × 10^-21 M), 5.4 × 10¹⁰ times higher detection sensitivity than the conventional tune-off format ELISA.

Facile fabrication of hierarchically nanostructured gold electrode for bio-electrochemical applications

Nanoporous gold (NPG) is one of the most extensively investigated nanomaterials owing to its tunable pore size, ease of surface modification, and range of applications from catalysis, actuation, and molecular release to the development of electrochemical sensors. In an effort to improve the usefulness of NPG, a simple and robust method for the fabrication of hierarchical and bimodal nanoporous gold electrodes (hb-NPG) containing both macro-and mesopores is reported using electrochemical alloying and dealloying processes to engineer a bicontinuous solid/void morphology. Scanning electron microscopy (color SEM) images depict the hierarchical pore structure created after the multistep synthesis with an ensemble of tiny pores below 100 nm in size located in ligaments spanning larger pores of several hundred nanometers. Smaller-sized pores are exploited for surface modification, and the network of larger pores aids in molecular transport. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) was used to compare the electrochemically active surface area of the hierarchical bimodal structure with that of the regular unimodal NPG with an emphasis on the critical role of both dealloying and annealing in creating the desired structure. The adsorption of different proteins was followed using UV-vis absorbance measurements of solution depletion revealing the high loading capacity of hb-NPG. The surface coverage of lipoic acid on the hb-NPG was analyzed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and reductive desorption. The roughness factor determinations suggest that the fabricated hb-NPG electrode has tremendous potential for biosensor development by changing the scaling relations between volume and surface area which may lead to improved analytical performance. We have chosen to take advantage of the surface architectures of hb-NPG due to the presence of a large specific surface area for functionalization and rapid transport pathways for faster response. It is shown that the hb-NPG electrode has a higher sensitivity for the amperometric detection of glucose than does an NPG electrode of the same geometric surface area.

Organoselenium compounds as functionalizing agents for gold nanoparticles in cancer therapy

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) modified with four organoselenium compounds, i.e., 4-selenocyanatoaniline (compound 1), 4,4'-diselanediyldianiline (compound 2), N-(4-selenocyanatophenyl)cinnamamide (compound 3), and N-(3-selenocyanatopropyl)cinnamamide (compound 4), were synthesized following two different approaches: direct conjugation and non-covalent immobilization onto hydrophilic and non-cytotoxic AuNPs functionalized with 3-mercapto-1-propanesulfonate (3MPS). Both free compounds and AuNPs-based systems were characterized via UV-Vis, FTIR NMR, mass spectrometry, and SR-XPS to assess their optical and structural properties. Size and colloidal stability were evaluated by DLS and ζ-potential measurements, whereas morphology at solid-state was evaluated by atomic force (AFM) and scanning electron (FESEM) microscopies. AuNPs synthesized through chemical reduction method in presence of Se-based compounds as functionalizing agents allowed the formation of aggregated NPs with little to no solubility in aqueous media. To improve their hydrophilicity and stability mixed AuNPs-3MPS-1 were synthesized. Besides, Se-loaded AuNPs-3MPS revealed to be the most suitable systems for biological studies in terms of size and colloidal stability. Selenium derivatives and AuNPs were tested in vitro via MTT assay against PC-3 (prostatic adenocarcinoma) and HCT-116 (colorectal carcinoma) cell lines. Compared to free compounds, direct functionalization onto AuNPs with formation of Au-Se covalent bond led to non-cytotoxic systems in the concentration range explored (0-100 μg/mL), whereas immobilization on AuNPs-3MPS improved the cytotoxicity of compounds 1, 3, and 4. Selective anticancer response against HCT-116 cells was obtained by AuNPs-3MPS-1. These results demonstrated that AuNPs can be used as a platform to tune the in vitro biological activity of organoselenium compounds.

DNA-mediated dynamic plasmonic nanostructures: assembly, actuation, optical properties, and biological applications

Recent advances in DNA technology have made it possible to combine with the plasmonics to fabricate reconfigurable dynamic nanodevices with extraordinary property and function. These DNA-mediated plasmonic nanostructures have been investigated for a variety of unique and beneficial physicochemical properties and their dynamic behavior has been controlled by endogenous or exogenous stimuli for a variety of interesting biological applications. In this perspective, the recent efforts to use the DNA nanostructures as molecular linkers for fabricating dynamic plasmonic nanostructures are reviewed. Next, the actuation media for triggering the dynamic behavior of plasmonic nanostructures and the dynamic response in optical features are summarized. Finally, the applications, remaining challenges and perspectives of the DNA-mediated dynamic plasmonic nanostructures are discussed.

Portable electroanalytical nucleic acid amplification tests using printed circuit boards and open-source electronics

The realization of electrochemical nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) at the point of care (POC) is highly desirable, but it remains a challenge given their high cost and lack of true portability/miniaturization. Here we show that mass-produced, industrial standardized, printed circuit boards (PCBs) can be repurposed to act as near-zero cost electrodes for self-assembled monolayer-based DNA biosensing, and further integration with a custom-designed and low-cost portable potentiostat. To show the analytical capability of this system, we developed a NAAT using isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification, bypassing the need of thermal cyclers, followed by an electrochemical readout relying on a sandwich hybridization assay. We used our sensor and device for analytical detection of the toxic microalgae Ostreopsis cf. ovata as a proof of concept. This work shows the potential of PCBs and open-source electronics to be used as powerful POC DNA biosensors at a low-cost.

In vivo efficacy of verteporfin loaded gold nanorods for combined photothermal/photodynamic colon cancer therapy

The high incidence of cancer recurrences and the frequent occurrence of multidrug resistance often stem from a poorly selective and inefficient antineoplastic therapy, responsible for the onset of undesired side effects as well. A combination of minimal-invasive approaches could thus be a useful strategy to surmount these shortcomings, achieving a safe and solid cancer therapy. Herein, a multi-therapeutic nanotool was designed by merging the photothermal properties of gold nanorods (AuNRs) with the photodynamic activity of the photosensitizer verteporfin. AuNRs were coated with the natural materials lipoic acid and gellan gum (AuNRs_LA,GG) and subsequently loaded with verteporfin (AuNRs_LA,GG/Vert) producing stable colloidal dispersions. AuNRs_LA,GG/Vert were characterized in terms of stability, size and morphology. The hyperthermia exhibited after NIR excitation (810 nm) was also evaluated to highlight the effect on increasing the drug released profile in intra-tumoral mimicking media, as well as cytotoxicity on human colon cancer cell line (HCT116). In vivo studies on HCT116 murine xenograft models were carried out to prove the ability of AuNRs_LA,GG to arrest the tumor growth via NIR laser-triggered hyperthermia. Furthermore, the complete xenograft depletion was demonstrated upon AuNRs_LA,GG/Vert administration by combined photothermal (PTT) and photodynamic (PDT) effects.

Effect of Ligands on the Stability of Gold Nanoclusters

Gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) are atomic architectures that can be precisely tailored for catalytic applications. In this work, we studied two benchmark AuNCs, Au₂₅(SR)₁₈ and Au₁₄₄(SR)₆₀, covered by aromatic and aliphatic ligands to envision how the 3D structure of the ligand impacts the stability of the nanomaterial. Surprisingly, we found that increasing the alkanethiol length has a poor or null effect on the stability of the AuNCs, a trend opposite to that on Au(111) surfaces. When considering the aromatic or aliphatic nature, the AuNC stability follows the same trend as on Au(111): the thermodynamical stability is dictated by the ligand density rather than its chemical nature, where the aliphatic ligand imparts more stability than the aromatic one. Our findings provide a tool to predict how an ultrasmall gold core can interact with the environment, substrate, and themselves according to the stability of its protecting ligand shell.

Ultrasensitive Hypoxia Sensing at the Single-Molecule Level via Super-Resolution Quantum Dot-Linked Immunosandwich Assay

Activated hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1α) plays an important role in the adaptive response of tumor cells to oxygen changes through the transcriptional activation of genes that regulate important biological processes required for tumor survival and progression. In this study, we developed an ultrasensitive hypoxia sensor based on read-out with quantum dots on a gold nanodisc (quantum dot-linked immunosandwich assay, QLISA) with excellent selectivity for HIF-1α. The immunoassay platform was established by comparing the immune response results using Qdot525 as a detection nanoprobe instead of a fluorescent dye (Alexa488) (fluorescent-linked immunosandwich assay, FLISA). In addition, using three-dimensional total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, the platform was optically sectioned along the z-axis at 10 nm intervals to compare the height difference between the nanodisc and the nanoprobe following the QLISA and FLISA procedures and to localize the target location. Here, the super-resolution QLISA (srQLISA)-based hypoxia sensor exhibited high accuracy and precision for the detection of HIF-1α-extracted samples in cancer spheroids compared with the super-resolution FLISA (srFLISA) method. The developed nanobiosensor method demonstrated a wide dynamic linear detection range of 32.2 zM-8.0 pM with a limit of detection of 16 zM under optimal experimental conditions for HIF-1α, an approximate 10⁶-fold enhanced detection sensitivity compared with the conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method based on absorbance. The detection of HIF-1α using the newly developed srQLISA sensor allows for independently predicting tumor progression and early cancer onset increases in the microvasculature density of tumor lesions.

Emerging Strategies in Enhancing Singlet Oxygen Generation of Nano-Photosensitizers Toward Advanced Phototherapy

The great promise of photodynamic therapy (PDT) has thrusted the rapid progress of developing highly effective photosensitizers (PS) in killing cancerous cells and bacteria. To mitigate the intrinsic limitations of the classical molecular photosensitizers, researchers have been looking into designing new generation of nanomaterial-based photosensitizers (nano-photosensitizers) with better photostability and higher singlet oxygen generation (SOG) efficiency, and ways of enhancing the performance of existing photosensitizers. In this paper, we review the recent development of nano-photosensitizers and nanoplasmonic strategies to enhance the SOG efficiency for better PDT performance. Firstly, we explain the mechanism of reactive oxygen species generation by classical photosensitizers, followed by a brief discussion on the commercially available photosensitizers and their limitations in PDT. We then introduce three types of new generation nano-photosensitizers that can effectively produce singlet oxygen molecules under visible light illumination, i.e., aggregation-induced emission nanodots, metal nanoclusters (< 2 nm), and carbon dots. Different design approaches to synthesize these nano-photosensitizers were also discussed. To further enhance the SOG rate of nano-photosensitizers, plasmonic strategies on using different types of metal nanoparticles in both colloidal and planar metal-PS systems are reviewed. The key parameters that determine the metal-enhanced SOG (ME-SOG) efficiency and their underlined enhancement mechanism are discussed. Lastly, we highlight the future prospects of these nanoengineering strategies, and discuss how the future development in nanobiotechnology and theoretical simulation could accelerate the design of new photosensitizers and ME-SOG systems for highly effective image-guided photodynamic therapy.

DNA Hairpins and Dumbbell-Wheel Transitions Amplified Walking Nanomachine for Ultrasensitive Nucleic Acid Detection

Nucleic acids, including circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), microRNA, and virus DNA/RNA, have been widely applied as potential disease biomarkers for early clinical diagnosis. In this study, we present a concept of DNA nanostructures transitions for the construction of DNA bipedal walking nanomachine, which integrates dual signal amplification for direct nucleic acid assay. DNA hairpins transition is developed to facilitate the generation of multiple target sequences; meanwhile, the subsequent DNA dumbbell-wheel transition is controlled to achieve the bipedal walker, which cleaves multiple tracks around electrode surface. Through combination of strand displacement reaction and digestion cycles, DNA monolayer at the electrode interface could be engineered and target-induced signal variation is realized. In addition, pH-assisted detachable intermolecular DNA triplex design is utilized for the regeneration of electrochemical biosensor. The high consistency between this work and standard quantitative polymerase chain reaction is validated. Moreover, the feasibilities of this biosensor to detect ctDNA and SARS-CoV-2 RNA in clinical samples are demonstrated with satisfactory accuracy and reliability. Therefore, the proposed approach has great potential applications for nucleic acid based clinical diagnostics.

Portable Pesticide Electrochem-sensor: A Label-Free Detection of Glyphosate in Human Urine

The toxicity levels of and exposure to glyphosate, a widely used herbicide and desiccant, are significant public health issues. In this study, we aim to design a highly sensitive, label-free, portable sensor for the direct detection of glyphosate in human urine. The sensor platform consists of a portable, printed circuit board circular platform with gold working and reference electrodes to enable nonfaradic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The sensing platform was an immunoassay-based, gold electrode surface immobilized with a monolayer of dithiobis(succinimidyl propionate) (DSP), a thiol-based cross-linker, which was then modified with a glyphosate antibody (Glyp-Ab) through the bonding of the ester group of DSP with the amide of the antibody (Glyp-Ab). The sensor was tested electrochemically, first using the laboratory-based benchtop method for the glyphosate-spiked urine samples, resulting in a dynamic response in the concentration range of 0.1-72 ng/mL with a limit of detection of 0.1 ng/mL. The platform showed high selectivity in the presence of major interfering analytes in urine [malathion (Mal), 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (PBA), and chlorpyrifos (Chlp)] and high reproducibility. The sensing platform was then translated into a portable device that showed a performance correlation (r = 0.994) with the benchtop (laboratory method). This developed portable sensing approach can be a highly reliable alternate sensor platform for the direct detection of pesticides in human bodily fluids.

PEDOT-AuNPs-based impedimetric immunosensor for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies

Electrochemical sensors and biosensors are useful techniques for fast, inexpensive, sensitive, and easy detection of innumerous specimen. In face of COVID-19 pandemic, it became evident the necessity of a rapid and accurate diagnostic test, so the impedimetric immunosensor approach can be a good alternative to replace the conventional tests due to the specific antibody-antigen binding interaction and the fast response in comparison to traditional methods. In this work, a modified electrode with electrosynthesized PEDOT and gold nanoparticles followed by the immobilization of truncated nucleoprotein (N aa160-406aa) was used for a fast and reliable detection of antibodies against COVID-19 in human serum sample. The method consists in analyzing the charge-transfer resistance (R_CT) variation before and after the modified electrode comes into contact with the positive and negative serum sample for COVID-19, using [Fe(CN)₆]^3-/4- as a probe. The results show a linear and selective response for serum samples diluted in a range of 2.5 × 10³ to 20 × 10³. Also, the electrode material was fully characterized by Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled with EDS, indicating that the gold nanoparticles were well distributed around the polymer matrix and the presence of the biological sample was confirmed by EDS analysis. EIS measurements allowed to differentiate the negative and positive samples by the difference in the R_CT magnitude, proving that the material developed here has potential properties to be applied in impedimetric immunosensors for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in about 30 min.

Zwitterionic Polymer Coatings Enhance Gold Nanoparticle Stability and Uptake in Various Biological Environments

Zwitterionic polymers are a class of materials that have demonstrated utility as non-fouling surfaces for medical devices and drug delivery vehicles. Here, we develop a synthesis protocol to produce zwitterionic polymers as coatings for gold nanoparticles and evaluate nanoparticle stability and biological function after exposure to various biological fluids. Thiol-functionalized polymethacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine polymers (pMPC) were synthesized in nontoxic solvents via photoinitiated free radical polymerization with a radical addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agent and coated onto gold nanoparticles. pMPC-coated nanoparticles exhibited reduced particle aggregation, improved suspension stability, and decreased protein adsorption upon exposure to serum and lung lavage fluid (BALF). Cell uptake in A549 cells was greater for pMPC-coated particles than uncoated particles after exposure to serum and BALF, with no observed cell toxicity, but pMPC-coated particles experienced higher levels of cell uptake after serum exposure than BALF exposure, suggesting that differences in the composition of the fluids result in differing impacts on particle fate. These zwitterionic polymers may serve as useful nanoparticle coatings to enhance particle stability and uptake in various biological environments.

Reactive-Oxygen-Species-Mediated Surface Oxidation of Single-Molecule DNA Origami by an Atomic Force Microscope Tip-Mounted C60 Photocatalyst

A tripod molecule incorporating a C₆₀ photocatalyst into a rigid scaffold with disulfide legs was designed and synthesized for the stable and robust attachment of C₆₀ onto an Au-coated atomic force microscope (AFM) tip. The "tripod-C₆₀" was immobilized onto the tip by forming S-Au bonds in the desired orientation and a dispersed manner, rendering it suitable for the oxidation and scission of single molecules on a countersurface, thereby functioning as "molecular shears". A DNA origami with a well-defined structure was chosen as the substrate for the tip-induced oxidation. The gold-coated, C₆₀-functionalized AFM tip was used for both AFM imaging and oxidation of DNA origami upon visible-light irradiation. The localized and temporally controlled oxidative damage of DNA origami was successfully performed at the single-molecule level via singlet-oxygen (¹O₂) generation from the immobilized C₆₀ on the AFM tip. This oxidative damage to DNA origami can be carried out under ambient conditions in a fluid cell at room temperature, rendering it well-suited for the manipulation of a variety of species on surfaces via a spatially and temporally controlled oxidation reaction triggered by ¹O₂ locally generated from the immobilized C₆₀ on the AFM tip.

Modified Gold Nanoparticles to Overcome the Chemoresistance to Gemcitabine in Mutant p53 Cancer Cells

Mutant p53 proteins result from missense mutations in the TP53 gene, the most mutated in human cancer, and have been described to contribute to cancer initiation and progression. Therapeutic strategies for targeting mutant p53 proteins in cancer cells are limited and have proved unsuitable for clinical application due to problems related to drug delivery and toxicity to healthy tissues. Therefore, the discovery of efficient and safe therapeutic strategies that specifically target mutant p53 remains challenging. In this study, we generated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) chemically modified with low molecular branched polyethylenimine (bPEI) for the efficient delivery of gapmers targeting p53 mutant protein. The AuNPs formulation consists of a combination of polymeric mixed layer of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and PEI, and layer-by-layer assembly of bPEI through a sensitive linker. These nanoparticles can bind oligonucleotides through electrostatic interactions and release them in the presence of a reducing agent as glutathione. The nanostructures generated here provide a non-toxic and powerful system for the delivery of gapmers in cancer cells, which significantly downregulated mutant p53 proteins and altered molecular markers related to cell growth and apoptosis, thus overcoming chemoresistance to gemcitabine.

Catalytic ferromagnetic gold nanoparticle immunoassay for the detection and differentiation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis

A ferromagnetic gold nanoparticle based immune detection assay, exploiting the enhanced signal amplification of inorganic nanozymes, was developed and evaluated for its potential application in the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) organisms, and simultaneous identification of Mycobacterium bovis. Ferromagnetic gold nanoparticles (Au-Fe₃O₄ NPs) were prepared and their intrinsic peroxidase-like activity exploited to catalyse 3,3',5',5-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). When the Au-Fe₃O₄ NPs were functionalised by direct coupling with MTBC-selective antibodies, a nanoparticle based immune detection assay (NPIDA) was developed which could detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and differentiate M. bovis. In the assay, the intrinsic magnetic capability of the functionalised Au-Fe₃O₄ NPs was used in sample preparation to capture target bacterial cells. These were incorporated into a novel immunoassay which used species selective monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to detect bound target. The formation of a blue TMB oxidation product, with a peak absorbance of 370 nm, indicated successful capture and identification of the target. The detection limit of the NPIDA for both MTB and M. bovis was determined to be comparable to conventional ELISA using the same antibodies. Although limited matrix effects were observed in either assay, the NPIDA offers a reduced time to confirmatory identification. This novel NPIDA was capable of simultaneous sample concentration, purification, immunological detection and speciation. To our knowledge, it represents the first immune-based diagnostic test capable of identifying MTBC organisms and simultaneously differentiating M. bovis.

Electroanalytical Paper-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Biosensors with Integrated Thread Electrodes

Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are very sensitive and specific methods, but they mainly rely on centralized laboratories and therefore are not suitable for point-of-care testing. Here, we present a 3D microfluidic paper-based electrochemical NAAT. These devices use off-the-shelf gold plasma-coated threads to integrate electroanalytical readouts using ex situ self-assembled monolayer formation on the threads prior to assembling into the paper device. They further include a sandwich hybridization assay with sample incubation, rinsing, and detection steps all integrated using movable stacks of filter papers to allow time-sequenced reactions. The devices use glass fiber substrates for storing recombinase polymerase amplification reagents and conducting the isothermal amplification. We used the paper-based device for the detection of the toxic microalgae Ostreopsis cf. ovata. The NAAT, completed in 95 min, attained a limit of detection of 0.06 pM target synthetic DNA and was able to detect 1 ng/μL O. cf. ovata genomic DNA with negligible cross-reactivity from a closely related microalgae species. We think that the integration of thread electrodes within paper-based devices paves the way for digital one-time use NAATs and numerous other advanced electroanalytical paper- or textile-based devices.

Influence of enantiomeric polylysine grafted on gold nanorods on the uptake and inflammatory response of bone marrow-derived macrophages in vitro

The macrophages take significant roles in homeostasis, phagocytosis of pathogenic organisms, and modulation of host defense and inflammatory processes. In this study, the enantiomeric poly-D-lysine (PDL) and poly-L-lysine (PLL) were conjugated to gold nanorods (AuNRs) to study their influence on the polarization of macrophages. The AuNRs capped with cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) (AuNRs@CTAB) exhibited larger toxicity to macrophages when their concentration was higher than 50 μg/ml, whereas the AuNRs@PDL and AuNRs@PLL showed neglectable toxicity at the same concentration compared with the control. The AuNRs@PDL and AuNRs@PLL were internalized into the macrophages with a higher value than the AuNRs@CTAB as revealed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) characterization. Unlike the grafted PDL/PLL on flat substrates, the AuNRs@PDL and AuNRs@PLL were not able to polarize M0 macrophages to any other phenotype after internalization as confirmed by ELISA, flow cytometry, and fluorescence microscopy analysis. Nonetheless, the expression of M1 phenotype markers was reduced after the internalization of AuNRs@PDL and AuNRs@PLL by M1 macrophages. The assays of ELISA, flow cytometry, and reactive oxygen species levels exhibited decrease in inflammation of the M1 macrophages.

Observable but Not Isolable: The RhAu24 (PET)181+ Nanocluster

The synthesis and characterization of RhAu₂₄ (PET)₁₈ (PET = 2-phenylethanethiol) is described. The cluster is cosynthesized with Au₂₅ (PET)₁₈ and rhodium thiolates in a coreduction of RhCl₃ , HAuCl₄ , and PET. Rapid decomposition of RhAu₂₄ (PET)₁₈ occurs when purified from the other reaction products, precluding the study of isolated cluster. Mixtures containing RhAu₂₄ (PET)₁₈ , Au₂₅ (PET)₁₈ , and rhodium thiolates are therefore characterized. Mass spectrometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and chromatography methods suggest a combination of charge-charge and metallophilic interactions among Au₂₅ (PET)₁₈^1- , rhodium thiolates and RhAu₂₄ (PET)₁₈ resulting in stabilization of RhAu₂₄ (PET)₁₈ . The charge of RhAu₂₄ (PET)₁₈ is assigned as 1+ on the basis of its stoichiometric 1:1 presence with anionic Au₂₅ (PET)₁₈ , and its stability is contextualized within the superatom electron counting rules. This analysis concludes that the Rh atom absorbs one superatomic electron to close its d-shell, giving RhAu₂₄ (PET)₁₈¹⁺ a superatomic electron configuration of 1S² 1P⁴ . Overall, an updated framework for rationalizing open d-shell heterometal dopant electronics in thiolated gold nanoclusters emerges.

Visual monitoring and optical recognition of digoxin by functionalized AuNPs and triangular AgNPs as efficient optical nano-probes

In this study, we presented elective, sensitive, and rapid UV-Vis spectrophotometry and calorimetric assay for the recognition of digoxin. Therefore, cysteamine-gold nanoparticles (Cys A-AuNPs) in the presence of cysteine acid amine and Silver nanoparticles in the presence of tetramethyl benzidine and hydrogen peroxide (AgNPs-TMB [3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine]-H₂ O₂ ) were synthesized and utilized as the desired probe. Finally, color variation of probes was observed in the absence and presence of digoxin. Obtained results indicate that the color of Cys A-AuNPs changed from dark pink to light in the absence and the presence of digoxin, respectively. Also, the color of AgNPs-TMB-H₂ O₂ changed from dark blue to light blue, in the absence and the presence of digoxin, respectively. Moreover, UV-Vis spectroscopies results indicate digoxin with a low limit of quantification of 0.125 ppm in human plasma samples which linear range was 0.125 to 11 ppm.