Development of a Low-Cost Paper-Based Platform for Coffee Ring-Assisted SERS

The need for highly sensitive, low-cost, and timely diagnostic technologies at the point of care is increasing. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a vibrational spectroscopic technique that is an advantageous technique to address this need, as it can rapidly detect analytes in small or dilute samples with improved sensitivity compared to conventional Raman spectroscopy. Despite the many advantages of SERS, one drawback of the technique is poor reproducibility due to variable interactions between nanoparticles and target analytes. To overcome this limitation, coupling SERS with the coffee ring effect has been implemented to concentrate and localize analyte-nanoparticle conjugates for improved signal reproducibility. However, current coffee ring platforms require laborious fabrication steps. Herein, we present a low-cost, two-step fabrication process for coffee ring-assisted SERS, utilizing wax-printed nitrocellulose paper. The platform was designed to produce a highly hydrophobic paper substrate that supports the coffee ring effect and tested using gold nanoparticles for SERS sensing. The nanoparticle concentration and solvent were varied to determine the effect of solution composition on ring formation and center clearance. The SERS signal was validated using 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (MBA) and tested with Moraxella catarrhalis bacteria to ensure functionality for chemical and biological applications. The limit of detection using MBA is 41.56 nM, and the biochemical components of the bacterial cell wall were enhanced with low spectral variability. The developed platform is advantageous due to ease of fabrication and use, representing the next step toward implementing low-cost coffee ring-assisted SERS for point-of-care sensing.

A Convenient and Label-Free Colorimetric Detection for L-Histidine Based on Inhibition of Oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-Tetramethylbenzidine-H2O2 System Triggered by Copper Ions

L-Histidine (L-His) is an essential amino acid, which is used to synthesize proteins and enzymes. The concentration of L-His in the body is controlled to regulate tissue growth and repair of tissues. In this study, a rapid and sensitive method was developed for colorimetric L-his detection using Cu²⁺ ions to inhibit the oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB)-H₂O₂ system. H₂O₂ can oxidize TMB to oxTMB in the presence of copper, and the change in color from colorless (TMB) to blue (oxTMB) is similar to that observed in the presence of peroxidase. However, because the imidazole ring and carboxyl group of L-His can coordinate with Cu²⁺ ions to form stable L-His-Cu²⁺ complexes, the color of the TMB-H₂O₂ solution remains unchanged after the addition of L-His. Therefore, because L-His effectively hinders the colorimetric reaction of TMB with H₂O₂, this assay can be used to quantitatively determine the concentration of L-His in samples. Under optimized conditions, our colorimetric sensor exhibited two linear ranges of 60 nM to 1 μM and 1 μM to 1 mM for L-His detection and a detection limit of 50 nM (S/N = 3); furthermore, the assay can be performed within 20 min. Moreover, the proposed assay was used to determine the concentration of L-His in urine samples, suggesting that this convenient and label-free colorimetric method presents promising applications in bioanalytical chemistry and clinical diagnosis.

Functionalized gold nanoparticles for sample preparation: A review

Sample preparation is a crucial step for the reliable and accurate analysis of both small molecule and biopolymers which often involves processes such as isolation, pre-concentration, removal of interferences (purification), and pre-processing (e.g., enzymatic digestion) of targets from a complex matrix. Gold nanoparticle (GNP)-assisted sample preparation and pre-concentration has been extensively applied in many analytical procedures in recent years due to the favorable and unique properties of GNPs such as size-controlled synthesis, large surface-to-volume ratio, surface inertness, straightforward surface modification, easy separation requiring minimal manipulation of samples. This review article primarily focuses on applications of GNPs in sample preparation, in particular for bioaffinity capture and biocatalysis. In addition, their most common synthesis, surface modification and characterization methods are briefly summarized. Proper surface modification for GNPs designed in accordance to their target application directly influence their functionalities, e.g., extraction efficiencies, and catalytic efficiencies. Characterization of GNPs after synthesis and modification is worthwhile for monitoring and controlling the fabrication process to ensure proper quality and functionality. Parameters such as morphology, colloidal stability, and physical/chemical properties can be assessed by methods such as surface plasmon resonance, dynamic light scattering, ζ-potential determinations, transmission electron microscopy, Taylor dispersion analysis, and resonant mass measurement, among others. The accurate determination of the surface coverage appears to be also mandatory for the quality control of functionality of the nanoparticles. Some promising applications of (functionalized) GNPs for bioanalysis and sample preparation are described herein.

A facile molecularly imprinted polymer-based fluorometric assay for detection of histamine

Histamine is a biogenic amine naturally present in many body cells. It is also a contaminant that is mostly found in spoiled food. The consumption of foods containing high levels of histamine may lead to an allergy-like food poisoning. Analytical methods that can routinely screen histamine are thus urgently needed. In this paper, we developed a facile and cost-effective molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based fluorometric assay to directly quantify histamine. Histamine-specific MIP nanoparticles (nanoMIPs) were synthesized using a modified solid-phase synthesis method. They were then immobilized in the wells of a microplate to bind the histamine in aqueous samples. After binding, o-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) was used to label the bound histamine, which converted the binding events into fluorescent signals. The obtained calibration curve of histamine showed a linear correlation ranging from 1.80 to 44.98 μM with the limit of detection of 1.80 μM. This method was successfully used to detect histamine in spiked diary milk with a recovery rate of more than 85%.

A new molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based fluorometric assay was developed to directly quantify histamine in real samples.

Rational design of a highly selective fluorescent sensor forl-histidine detection in aqueous solution

A new highly selective “turn-on” fluorescent sensor (H3-Ni²⁺) forl-histidine was designed and synthesized using computational studies in combination with experimental research.

Highly specific determination of gentamicin by induced collapse of Au–lipid capsules

Residues of gentamicin in food pose a threat to human health.

Structural, morphological and optical studies of l-cysteine modified silver nanoparticles and its application as a probe for the selective colorimetric detection of Hg(2+)

We report an extensive study on the evolution of a highly facile, selective colorimetric probe for Hg(2+) detection using cysteine modified silver nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are stable in a basic medium and the Surface Enhanced Raman Spectrum (SERS) reveal that the cysteine is bound to the Ag surface through the thiolate moiety with the charged carboxylate group pointing outwards in a morphology that lends itself to sensor applications. In the presence of Hg(2+), the absorption peak is quenched resulting in a drastic colour change. The sensor displays high selectivity to Hg(2+) over other metallic ions.

Tween 20-stabilized gold nanoparticles combined with adenosine triphosphate-BODIPY conjugates for the fluorescence detection of adenosine with more than 1000-fold selectivity

This study describes the development of a simple, enzyme-free, label-free, sensitive, and selective system for detecting adenosine based on the use of Tween 20-stabilized gold nanoparticles (Tween 20-AuNPs) as an efficient fluorescence quencher for boron dipyrromethene-conjugated adenosine 5'-triphosphate (BODIPY-ATP) and as a recognition element for adenosine. BODIPY-ATP can interact with Tween 20-AuNPs through the coordination between the adenine group of BODIPY-ATP and Au atoms on the NP surface, thereby causing the fluorescence quenching of BODIPY-ATP through the nanometal surface energy transfer (NSET) effect. When adenosine attaches to the NP surface, the attached adenosine exhibits additional electrostatic attraction to BODIPY-ATP. As a result, the presence of adenosine enhances the efficiency of AuNPs in fluorescence quenching of BODIPY-ATP. The AuNP-induced fluorescence quenching of BODIPY-ATP progressively increased with an increase in the concentration of adenosine; the detection limit at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3 for adenosine was determined to be 60nM. The selectivity of the proposed system was more than 1000-fold for adenosine over any adenosine analogs and other nucleotides. The proposed system combined with a phenylboronic acid-containing column was successfully applied to the determination of adenosine in urine.

A DNA–scaffolded silver nanocluster/Cu2+ ensemble as a turn-on fluorescent probe for histidine

A new type of rapid, sensitive, and selective fluorescence turn-on assay was developed for detection of histidine using a DNA–scaffolded silver nanocluster/Cu²⁺ ensemble (DNA–AgNC/Cu²⁺).

A sensitive localized surface plasmon resonance sensor for determining mercury(II) ion using noble metal nanoparticles as probe

The noble metal nanoparticles (NPs), including gold nanorods (AuNRs), gold nanospheres (AuNSs) and silver nanoplates (AgNPTs), were synthesized and Tween 20 stabilized NPs (Tween 20-NPs) were used as the probes for determining Hg(2+). Hg(2+) was determined based on the strong affinity between Au (Ag) and Hg. Hg(2+) was reduced to Hg in the presence of sodium borohydride. Hg interacts with the NPs and the diameter of the NPs decreases with the increase of Hg(2+) concentration, which causes the shift in absorption peak of Tween 20-NPs. The peak shifts are linearly related to Hg(2+) concentrations. Compared with AuNSs and AgNPTs, when the AuNRs was used, the sensitivity for determining Hg(2+) was higher. The developed method shows a good selectivity for Hg(2+) and can be applied to the determination of Hg(2+) in water samples.

Rapid synthesis of stable and functional conjugates of DNA/gold nanoparticles mediated by Tween 80

Gold nanoparticles conjugated with DNA represent an attractive and alternative platform for broad applications in biosensors, medical diagnostic, and biological analysis. However, current methods to conjugate DNA to gold nanoparticles are time-consuming. In this study, we report a novel approach to rapidly conjugate DNA to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to form functional DNA/AuNPs in 2-3 h using Tween 80 as protective agent. With a fluorescence-based technique, we determine that the DNA density on the surface of AuNPs achieves about ∼60 strands per particles, which is comparable to the loading density in the current methods. Moreover, the DNA/AuNPs synthesized by our approach exhibit an excellent stability as a function of temperature, pH, and freeze-thaw cycle, and the functionality of DNA/AuNPs conjugates is also verified. The work presented here has important implications to develop the fast and reproducible synthesis of stable DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles.

Colorimetric sensing of silver(I) and mercury(II) ions based on an assembly of Tween 20-stabilized gold nanoparticles

We have developed a rapid and homogeneous method for the highly selective detection of Hg(2+) and Ag(+) using Tween 20-modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Citrate ions were found to still be adsorbed on the Au surface when citrate-capped AuNPs were modified with Tween 20, which stabilizes the citrate-capped AuNPs against conditions of high ionic strength. When citrate ions had reduced Hg(2+) and Ag(+) to form Hg-Au alloys and Ag on the surface of the AuNPs, Tween 20 was removed from the NP surface. As a result, the AuNPs were unstable under a high-ionic-strength solution, resulting in NP aggregation. The formation of Hg-Au alloys or Ag on the surface of the AuNPs was demonstrated by means of inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Tween 20-AuNPs could selectively detect Hg(2+) and Ag(+) at concentrations as low as 0.1 and 0.1 microM in the presence of NaCl and EDTA, respectively. Moreover, the probe enables the analysis of AgNPs with a minimum detectable concentration that corresponds to 1 pM. This probe was successfully applied to detect Hg(2+) in drinking water and seawater, Ag(+) in drinking water, and AgNPs in drinking water.