On the interactions of peptides with gold nanoparticles: effects of sequence and size

Peptide-based self-assembly and synthesis techniques have emerged as a viable approach to designing active and stable inorganic nanostructures in aqueous media. In the present study, we use all-atom molecular dynamic (MD) simulations to study the interactions of ten short peptides (namely A3, AgBP1, AgBP2, AuBP1, AuBP2, GBP1, Midas2, Pd4, Z1, and Z2) with different gold nanoparticles (of different diameters ranging from 2 to 8 nm). Our MD simulation results imply that the gold nanoparticles have a remarkable effect on the stability and conformational properties of peptides. Moreover, the size of the gold nanoparticles and the type of peptide amino acid sequences play important roles in the stability of the peptide-AuNP complexes. Our results reveal that some amino acids such as Tyr, Phe, Met, Lys, Arg, and Gln have direct contact with the metal surface in comparison with Gly, Ala, Pro, Thr, and Val residues. The peptide adsorption on the surface of the gold nanoparticles is favorable from the energetic viewpoint, in which the van der Waals (vdW) interactions between the peptides and metal surface can be considered as one of the driving forces for the complexation process. The calculated Gibbs binding energies indicate that AuNPs have more sensitivity against the GBP1 peptide in the presence of different peptides. Overall, the results of this study can provide new insight into the peptide interaction with the gold nanoparticles from the molecular viewpoint, which can be important for designing new biomaterials based on the peptides and gold nanoparticles.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Advances in Microfluidic Paper-Based Analytical Devices (µPADs): Design, Fabrication, and Applications

Microfluidic Paper-based Analytical Devices (µPADs) have emerged as a new class of microfluidic systems, offering numerous advantages over traditional microfluidic chips. These advantages include simplicity, cost-effectiveness, stability, storability, disposability, and portability. As a result, various designs for different types of assays are developed and investigated. In recent years, µPADs are combined with conventional detection methods to enable rapid on-site detection, providing results comparable to expensive and sophisticated large-scale testing methods that require more time and skilled personnel. The application of µPAD techniques is extensive in environmental quality control/analysis, clinical diagnosis, and food safety testing, paving the way for on-site real-time diagnosis as a promising future development. This review focuses on the recent research advancements in the design, fabrication, material selection, and detection methods of µPADs. It provides a comprehensive understanding of their principles of operation, applications, and future development prospects.

Colorimetric discrimination and spectroscopic detection of tyrosine enantiomers based on melamine induced aggregation of l-cysteine/Au nanoparticles

Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) are decorated by l-cysteine (L-Cys), and the resultant chiral L-Cys/AuNPs can be used for colorimetric discrimination and spectroscopic detection of the tyrosine (Tyr) enantiomers. Melamine (Mel) can induce the aggregation of the L-Cys/AuNPs through ligand exchange, leading to a distinct color change from wine red to purple. Owing to the same rotatory direction of L-Cys/AuNPs and L-Tyr, the L-Cys/AuNPs exhibit a significantly higher binding affinity toward L-Tyr than D-Tyr, and thus the Mel induced aggregation of the L-Cys/AuNPs is greatly alleviated by the protection from the L-Tyr protective layer. Therefore, the Tyr enantiomers can be simply discriminated by naked eyes. In addition, the absorbance of the aggregated L-Cys/AuNPs at ∼630 nm increases linearly with decreasing concentrations of L-Tyr ranging from 10 nM to 1 mM due to the weakened protection effect from L-Tyr, and thus spectroscopic detection of L-Tyr can also be accomplished by the developed L-Cys/AuNPs with a limit of detection (LOD) of 5.3 nM.

Gold Nanoparticles as Exquisite Colorimetric Transducers for Water Pollutant Detection

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are useful nanomaterials as transducers for colorimetric sensors because of their high extinction coefficient and ability to change color depending on aggregation status. Therefore, over the past few decades, AuNP-based colorimetric sensors have been widely applied in several environmental and biological applications, including the detection of water pollutants. According to various studies, water pollutants are classified into heavy metals or cationic metal ions, toxins, and pesticides. Notably, many researchers have been interested in AuNP that detect water pollutants with high sensitivity and selectivity, while offering no adverse environmental issues in terms of AuNP use. This review provides a representative overview of AuNP-based colorimetric sensors for detecting several water pollutants. In particular, we emphasize the advantages of AuNP as colorimetric transducers for water pollutant detection in terms of their low toxicity, high stability, facile processability, and unique optical properties. Next, we discuss the status quo and future prospects of AuNP-based colorimetric sensors for the detection of water pollutants. We believe that this review will promote research and development of AuNP as next-generation colorimetric transducers for water pollutant detection.

A theoretical approach on the ability of functionalized gold nanoparticles for detection of Cd2

Cadmium (Cd) as a toxic element that is widely present in water, soil, and air has important effects on human health, therefore proposing an accurate and selective method for detection of this element is of importance. In this article, by employing full atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and density functional theory dispersion corrected (DFT-D3) calculations, the effects of 6-mercaptonicotinic acid (MNA) and L-cysteine (CYS) on the stability of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and their sensitivity against Cd²⁺ were investigated. The obtained results indicate that pure AuNPs are not stable in water, while functionalized AuNPs with CYS and MNA groups have considerable stability without aggregation. In other words, the functional groups on the surface of AuNPs elevate their resistance against aggregation by an increase in the repulsive interactions between the gold nanoparticles. Moreover, functionalized AuNPs have considerable ability for selective detection of Cd²⁺ in the presence of different metal ions. Based on the MD simulation results, MNA-CYS-AuNPs (functionalized AuNPs with both functional groups) have the maximum sensitivity against Cd²⁺ in comparison with MNA-AuNPs and CYS-AuNPs due to the strong electrostatic interactions. DFT-D3 calculations reveal that the most probable interactions between the metal ions and functional groups are electrostatic, and Cd²⁺ can aggregate functionalized AuNPs due to strong electrostatic interactions with MNA and CYS groups. Moreover, charge transfer and donor-acceptor analyses show that molecular orbital interactions between the functional groups and Cd²⁺ can be considered as the driving force for AuNPs aggregation. A good agreement between the theoretical results and experimental data confirms the importance of the molecular modeling methods as a fast scientific protocol for designing new functionalized nanoparticles for application in different fields.

Multi-emission metal-organic framework composites for multicomponent ratiometric fluorescence sensing: recent developments and future challenges

Ratiometric fluorescence sensors that are achieved via the ratiometric fluorescence intensity changes of emission peaks based on multi-emission fluorescence probes show a huge advantage. However, the preparation of these multi-emission fluorescence probes is a key challenge, as it is related to having more fluorescence groups with the same excitation but different emission wavelengths, and their assembly is not a simple mixing process. More fluorescent groups or molecules can be assembled into the multi-emission fluorescence probe by covalent bonds and coordination interactions, or by loading in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). MOFs are excellent candidates for constructing complexes with the capability of multicomponent ratiometric fluorescence sensing, but there are some problems that need to be considered. For example, not all fluorophores can be stably loaded in the MOFs' pores, usually due to the size, surface charge and intrinsic properties of the fluorophore. In turn, it is also related to the structure of the MOF, metal nodes, and properties of the organic ligands. This review first introduces the advantages of the MOF-based multi-component fluorescence sensors, and then discusses the synthesis, classification and application of fluorescent MOFs or MOF composites for multi-component ratiometric fluorescence detection. Particular emphasis is focused on the potential, types and characteristics for sensing and biological applications, and the main challenges and limitations are further explored. This review might be helpful for those researchers interested in the application of multi-component ratiometric fluorescence sensing based on fluorescent MOFs or MOF composites.

Highly selective rapid colorimetric sensing of Pb2+ ion in water samples and paint based on metal induced aggregation of N-decanoyltromethamine capped gold nanoparticles

Lead is highly toxic. The detection of lead in the environmental bodies is difficult, because it is colourless and odourless. Herein, we report the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using the interdigitized vesicles formed by N-decanoyltromethamine (NDTM). AuNPs stabilized by NDTM was pink in colour with spherical shape and the size is 29 ± 7 nm. The optical property of the NDTM-AuNPs was explored for the first time to detect toxic chemical, Pb²⁺. The addition of toxic metal ion Pb²⁺ to NDTM-AuNPs rapidly (< 1 min) alters the colour from pink to violet due to aggregation, which was confirmed by particle size analyser and TEM. The aggregation induced colour changes were realized via broad spectra in UV-Vis spectroscopy. NDTM-AuNPs showed a selective and sensitive spectrophotometric signal with Pb²⁺ when compared with other metal ions. The colorimetric change as a function of Pb²⁺ concentration gave a linear response in the range of 0-30 μM (R² = 0.9942). The detection limit was found at 10 μM by naked eye and 0.35 μM by spectrophotometry. The proposed method was successfully applied for the determination of Pb²⁺ ions in tap water and sewage water. Moreover, as a proof of concept, the NDTM-AuNPs sensor system was applied for the detection of lead in commercial paints. The results of the quantitative estimation of lead in paints by NDTM-AuNPs colorimetric sensor were as good as the standard method, atomic absorption spectroscopy.

pH-controlled preferential binding of cucurbit[7]uril-coated iron-oxide nanoparticles to 6-mercaptonicotinic acid for fluorescent detection of cadmium ions in the solid state

A host-guest complex of 6-mercaptonicotinic acid (MNA) and cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) was prepared and conjugated to γ-Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs) to detect toxic cadmium ions in water as a solid-state sensor. The formation of an inclusion host-guest complex with CB7 was confirmed by UV-vis absorption and proton NMR spectroscopy. CB7 preferentially binds the protonated MNA form compared to the neutral form, demonstrated by a binding constant for the protonated form that is four orders of magnitude higher than that of the neutral form. An increase in the pK_a of MNA by 1.2 units was demonstrated after the addition of CB7, which further supports preferential binding between MNA and CB7. The NMR results confirm binding to cadmium via the carboxylic acid moiety. Stationary and time-resolved fluorescence results, in solution and in the solid state, indicate that cadmium and CB7 cause a blue shift in the MNA emission bands and extend its excited-state lifetime due to dissociation of the MNA dimer. In the solid state, switching the emission signals between Cd²⁺-MNA/CB7NPs (ON state) and MNAH⁺/CB7NPs (OFF state) was achieved by controlling the pH. An efficient, regenerable, and stable sensor device was fabricated for sensitive and selective detection of Cd²⁺ in contaminated water samples. Graphical abstract Regeneration of MNA/CB7 nanoparticles for the detection of cadmium ions in the solid state by a visible blue emission signal upon suppression of photoinduced electron transfer (PET).

Preconcentration with Chlorella vulgaris combined with energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry for rapid determination of Cd in water

Freshwater green algae Chlorella vulgaris was selected as an adsorbent, and a simple, rapid, economical and environmentally friendly method for the detection of heavy metal Cd in water samples based on preconcentration with C. vulgaris combined with energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry was proposed.  Chlorella vulgaris could directly and rapidly adsorb Cd²⁺ without any pretreatment, and the maximum adsorption efficiency could be obtained when the contact time was 1 min with an optimal pH of 10. The obtained Cd-enriched thin samples after preconcentration with C. vulgaris by suction filtration of reaction solution had very good uniformity, which could be directly measured by EDXRF spectrometry, and the net integral fluorescence intensity of Cd Kα characteristic peak had a very good linear relationship with the initial concentration of Cd in the range of 0.703-74.957 µg ml^-1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.9979. When the Cd thin samples with a Cd-enriched region of 15.1 mm in diameter were formed by the developed preconcentration method with suction filtration of 10 ml reaction solution, the detection limit of this method was 0.0654 µg ml^-1, which was lower than the maximum allowable discharge concentration of Cd in various industrial wastewaters. The proposed method was simple to operate, and could effectively remove the influence of matrix effect of water samples and effectively improve the sensitivity and stability of EDXRF spectrometry directly detecting heavy metals in water samples, which was successfully applied to detect Cd in real water samples with satisfactory results, and the recoveries ranged from 94.80% to 116.94%. Moreover, this method can be applied to the rapid detection and early warning of excessive Cd in discharged industrial wastewaters. This work will provide a methodological basis for the development of rapid and online monitoring technology and instrument of heavy metal pollutants in water.

Rapid ratiometric detection of Cd2+ based on the formation of ZnSe/CdS quantum dots

Developing simple and sensitive non-aggregation strategy for detecting Cd²⁺ is necessary for improving the selectivity and sensitivity of probe. Here, we establish a simple, rapid and ratiometric strategy for the recognition of Cd²⁺ based on the formation of core-shell ZnSe/CdS structure using ZnSe quantum dots (QDs). The transformation from binary ZnSe QDs to core-shell ZnSe/CdS QDs both change the elemental composition and structure of ZnSe QDs, leading to the changes in band gap of ZnSe QDs, which could be observed in the UV-vis spectra. In the detection process, ZnSe QDs only possess absorption peak at 343 nm, the formation of ZnSe/CdS after the addition of Cd²⁺ leads to the appearance of the new peak at 397 nm, while other heavy metal ions could not cause the appearance of new absorption peak. Therefore, this strategy shows good selectivity for Cd²⁺ detection. Based on this strategy, the limit of detection (LOD) for Cd²⁺ is 11 nM by UV-vis spectroscopy with a desirable relation of linearity (R² = 0.999) between A₃₉₇/A₃₄₃ and Cd²⁺ contents, which is superior to the LOD of most reported nanomaterials. The response time for Cd²⁺ detection is as short as 60 s, which is suitable for rapid detection. This ratiometric probe has also been applied to the detection of Cd²⁺ in tap water samples, the recovery of Cd²⁺ was between 94.9% and 105.6% for tap water samples, indicating the high accuracy of our ratiometric assay. Our strategy not only provided a new method for detecting Cd²⁺, but also put forward an implication that the band energy changes of QDs caused by heavy metal ions can be applied in the selective and sensitive detection of heavy metal ions.

A highly sensitive fluorescent sensor for Cd2+ and Zn2+ based on diarylethene with a pyrene unit

A novel multifunctional diarylethene fluorescence sensor 1O containing pyrene unit was designed and synthesized. The photochromism and fluorescence photoswitching properties of this diarylethene were studied in detail by irradiation of UV/Vis lights and response of metal ions in acetonitrile solution. Diarylethene fluorescence sensor 1O has high selectivity and sensitivity for the detections of Cd²⁺ and Zn²⁺. The limit of detections (LODs) for Cd²⁺ and Zn²⁺ were determined to be 1.85 × 10^-9 mol L^-1 and 7.68 × 10^-9 mol L^-1, respectively. The binding constants (K_a) of 1O with Cd²⁺ and Zn²⁺ in acetonitrile solution were calculated to be 5.8 × 10⁴ mol^-1 L and 6.0 × 10⁴ mol^-1 L, respectively. The compound 1O responded to the metal ions (Cd²⁺/Zn²⁺) to form complexations with 1 : 1 stoichiometry which were verified by Job's plot and MS analysis, respectively. In addition, the fluorescence sensor 1O has been successfully applied to the detection of Cd²⁺ and Zn²⁺ in real water samples and processed into test strips for on-site analysis and testing.

Ammonium Pyrrolidine Dithiocarbamate-Modified CdTe/CdS Quantum Dots as a Turn-on Fluorescent Sensor for Detection of Trace Cadmium Ions

In this work, ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (APDC) was used as a surface etchant to modify CdTe/CdS core-shell quantum dots (QDs). The APDC etchant combines with the cadmium ions (Cd²⁺) on the surface of the QDs, resulting in the formation of surface holes. The formation of these holes changes the QD surface structure, which leads to fluorescence quenching of the QDs. Newly added Cd²⁺ can selectively recognize and combine with these holes; thus, the fluorescence intensity of the QDs can be restored. The linear response of this turn-on fluorescent sensor was found to be 0-100 μg/L and 100-600 μg/L under the determined optimal conditions, and its limit of detection (LOD) for Cd²⁺ was 2.642 μg/L (23.5 nmol/L).

Fe–Ni metal–organic frameworks with prominent peroxidase-like activity for the colorimetric detection of Sn2+ ions

The synthesized Fe–Ni-MOF could oxidize TMB to produce oxTMB with blue color. The presence of Sn²⁺ ions could make the oxTMB color lighter, hence colorimetric detection of Sn²⁺ ions is realized.

Colorimetric detection of Ba2+, Cd2+ and Pb2+ based on a multifunctionalized Au NP sensor

A colorimetric method for the detection of three kinds of ions in water with one kind of detection reagent was developed.

Fluorescence turn-on sensing of trace cadmium ions based on EDTA-etched CdTe@CdS quantum dot

Cadmium-caused environmental pollution and diseases have always been worldwide problems. Thus it is extremely urgent to establish a cheap, rapid, simple and selective detection method for trace cadmium in drinking water. In this study, a fluorescence "turn-on" method based on ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA)-etched CdTe@CdS quantum dots (QDs) was designed to detect Cd²⁺. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were utilized for chemical and structural characterization of the as-prepared QDs. Based on chemical etching of EDTA on the surface of CdTe@CdS QDs, specific Cd²⁺ recognition sites were produced, and then results in fluorescence quenching. The introduction of Cd²⁺ could identify these sites and restore the fluorescence of the EDTA-QDs system. Under the optimum conditions, the nanoprobe shows a linear response range from 0.05 to 9 μM with a very low detection limit of 0.032 μM. In addition, the reported fluorescence probe in this work displays a good selectivity for trace Cd²⁺ over other metal ions and an admirable practicability in real water samples.

Development of extremely stable dual functionalized gold nanoparticles for effective colorimetric detection of clenbuterol and ractopamine in human urine samples

New glutamic acid (Glu) and polyethylenimine (PE) functionalized ultra-stable gold nanoparticles (PE-Glu-AuNPs) were developed via a simple NaBH₄ reduction method. The low toxicity and biocompatibility of PE-Glu-AuNPs were confirmed via an MTT assay in Raw 264.7 cells. Excitingly, PE-Glu-AuNPs were found to be extremely stable at room temperature up to six months and were utilized in an effective colorimetric naked eye assay of clenbuterol (CLB) and ractopamine (RCT) at pH 5. It was found that the selective assay of CLB and RCT is not affected by any other interferences (such as alanine, phenylalanine, NaCl, CaCl₂, threonine, cysteine, glycine, glucose, urea and salbutamol). Furthermore, the detection of these β-agonists can be visually accomplished through change color from wine red to purple blue. Notably, the aggregation induced detection of CLB and RCT was well confirmed through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) studies. DLS investigations, clearly showed, that in the presence of CLB and RCT, the initial size of PE-Glu-AuNPs (12.8 ± 8.6 nm) was changed to 84.8 ± 52.3 and 79.5 ± 47.8 nm, respectively, via aggregation. Furthermore, the colorimetric assays of CLB and RCT with PE-Glu-AuNPs were effective starting from CLB and RCT concentrations of 200 nM and 400 nM, respectively, and could be visualized using the naked eyes. Remarkably, UV-vis titrations of PE-Glu-AuNPs with CLB and RCT could be used to well estimate their sub nanomolar detection limits (LODs) via standard deviation and linear fittings. The contribution of surface functional groups that support the analyte recognition was confirmed by fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Moreover, the CLB and RCT assays with PE-Glu-AuNPs were supported by examination of human urine samples.

Simultaneous colorimetric determination of morphine and ibuprofen based on the aggregation of gold nanoparticles using partial least square

In this work a new method is presented for simultaneous colorimetric determination of morphine(MOR) and ibuprofen(IBU) based on the aggregation of citrate-capped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Citrate-capped gold nanoparticles were aggregated in the presence of morphine and ibuprofen. The difference in kinetics of AuNPs aggregation in the presence of morphine / ibuprofen was used for simultaneous analysis of morphine and ibuprofen. The formation and size of synthesized Au NPs and the aggregated forms were monitored by infra-Red (IR) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) respectively.. By adding morphine or ibuprofen the absorbance was decreased at 520 nm and increased at 620 nm. The difference in kinetic profiles of aggregation was applied for simultaneous analysis of MOR and IBU using partial least square regression as an efficient multivariate calibration method. The number of PLS latent variables was optimized by leave-one-out cross-validation method using predicted residual error sum of square. The proposed model exhibited a high capability in simultaneous prediction of MOR and IBU concentrations in real samples. Our results showed linear ranges of 1.33-33.29 µg/mL (R2=0.9904) and 0.28-6.9 µg/mL (R2=0.9902) for MOR and IBU respectively with low detection limits of 0.15 and 0.03 µg/mL(S/N=5).

Dithizone-etched CdTe nanoparticles-based fluorescence sensor for the off–on detection of cadmium ion in aqueous media

In the present work, a new fluorescence probe based on dithizone-etched CdTe nanoparticles was designed for the sensitive and selective detection of cadmium ion in environmental samplesviaa reversible off–on fluorescence mode.

Functionalization of silver nanoparticles with 5-sulfoanthranilic acid dithiocarbamate for selective colorimetric detection of Mn2+ and Cd2+ ions

A schematic representation of Mn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ ion-induced aggregation of SAA-DTC-Ag NPs.

Green synthesized nanospherical silver for selective and sensitive sensing of Cd2+colorimetrically

We report here a facile, green and one-pot synthesis of nano-spherical silver (NSS) usingBombax ceibaleaf extract (BCLE) as both a reducing and stabilizing agent.

Colorimetric detection of lead(ii) ions based on accelerating surface etching of gold nanorods to nanospheres: the effect of sodium thiosulfate

The lead ion-participated etching of gold nanorods leads to qualitative spectral change from double bands to single band LSPR, which results in a distinct irreversible color change of the gold colloid from blue to red.

Reversible catalysis for the reaction between methyl orange and NaBH4 by silver nanoparticles

The reaction between MO and NaBH4 catalyzed by Ag NPs has been studied. Ag NPs catalyzed the reduction of MO rapidly, while adding CTAB into the solution caused the regeneration of MO. Thus, reversible catalysis for the reaction between MO and NaBH4 by Ag NPs was discovered for the first time.

Study on erythrosine-phen-Cd(II) systems by resonance Rayleigh scattering, absorption spectra and their analytical applications

In pH 7.0-8.0 KH2PO4-Na2HPO4 buffer solution, Cd(II) reacted with 1,10-phenanthroline to form chelate cation [Cd(phen)3]2+, which further reacted with anion of erythrosine to form ternary ion-association complex through electrostatic attraction and hydrophobic effect. This process could result in remarkable absorption spectra change and produce obvious fading reaction at 528 nm. Absorbance change (ΔA) of system was directly proportional to the concentration of Cd(II). Hereby, a highly sensitive spectrophotometric method for the determination of Cd(II) was established. The molar absorption coefficient was 2.29×10(5) L mol(-1) cm(-1) and the detection limit of Cd(II) was 26.5 ng mL(-1). Furthermore, the resonance Rayleigh scattering (RRS) of this system with two peaks located at 371 and 590 nm enhanced significantly, and second-order scattering (SOS) and frequence doubling scattering (FDS) of this system changed notably at 640 and 350 nm, respectively. Under the optimum conditions, the scattering intensities (ΔIRRS, ΔIDWO-RRS, ΔISOS and ΔIFDS) had good linear relationship with the concentration of Cd(II) in certain ranges. The detection limits of Cd(II) were 1.27 ng mL(-1), 1.39 ng mL(-1), 4.03 ng mL(-1), 5.92 ng mL(-1) and 14.7 ng mL(-1) for dual-wavelength overlapping resonance Rayleigh scattering (DWO-RRS), RRS (371 nm), RRS (590 nm), SOS and FDS, respectively. In addition, the suitable reaction conditions and effects of coexisting substances were investigated. The methods had been successfully applied to the determination of Cd(II) in environmental water samples. The recovery range was between 93.0% and 103.0% and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was between 2.5% and 4.3%. The results were in agreement with those obtained from atomic absorption spectroscopy.

Ultrasensitive colorimetric assay of cadmium ion based on silver nanoparticles functionalized with 5-sulfosalicylic acid for wide practical applications

Low-level cadmium ion (Cd(2+)) exposure contributes much toward the causation of chronic disease. Due to its low permissible exposure limit, overexposures may occur even in situations where trace quantities of Cd(2+) exist. So far, no effective treatment for Cd(2+) toxicity has been reported. Prevention of further exposure is the most important step in management of patients suggestive of Cd(2+) intoxication. Development of sensors for Cd(2+) is of great interest to ensure early diagnosis and improve management. We propose here a simple, low-cost (0.1$ per sample) yet very sensitive (limit of detection is 3.0 nM) and selective colorimetric assay for rapid (2 min) determination of Cd(2+) based on 5-sulfosalicylic acid functionalized silver nanoparticles (SAA-AgNPs). This method shows excellent selectivity for Cd(2+) over the other 16 metal ions. It is also precise and highly reproducible in determining Cd(2+) in real samples such as tap water, milk, serum, and urine with recoveries ranging from 93 to 110%, indicating the wide practical application to samples suspected of Cd(2+) exposure.

Bipyridine hydrogel for selective and visible detection and absorption of Cd(2+)

Herein, we report for the first time the use of bipyridine-based hydrogel for selective and visible detection and absorption of Cd(2+). At low concentrations, hydrogelator 1 was applied for selective detection of Cd(2+) in vitro and in living cells with high sensitivity. In the absence of metal ions, 1 is nonfluorescent at 470 nm. Upon addition of metal ions, 1 selectively coordinates to Cd(2+), causing an 86-fold increase of fluorescence intensity at 470 nm via the chelation enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) effect, as revealed by first-principles simulations. At 1.5 wt% and pH 5.5, 1 self-assembles into nanofibers to form hydrogel Gel I. Since Cd(2+) could actively participate in the hydrogelation and promote the self-assembly, we also successfully applied Gel I for visible detection and absorption of Cd(2+). With these excellent properties, Gel I is expected to be explored as one type of versatile biomaterial for not only environmental monitoring but also for pollution treatment in the near future.

Highly responsive glutathione functionalized green AuNP probe for precise colorimetric detection of Cd2+ contamination in the environment

Precise colorimetric detection of Cd²⁺ using a glutathione functionalized phytosynthesized AuNP probe provides an ecofriendly approach to heavy metal detection.

A molecular assembly of piperidine carboxylic acid dithiocarbamate on gold nanoparticles for the selective and sensitive detection of Al3+ion in water samples

Schematic representation for the colorimetric sensing of Al³⁺ion using PCA-DTC-Au NPs as a probe.

A water-stable lanthanide-functionalized MOF as a highly selective and sensitive fluorescent probe for Cd2+

A highly selective and sensitive fluorescent sensor for Cd²⁺in aqueous solution based on a lanthanide post-functionalized metal–organic framework was developed.

Determination of metal ion concentrations by SERS using 2,2′-bipyridyl complexes

SERS of bipyridyl complexes for the discrimination of six different metal ions.

Turn-on electrochemiluminescence sensing of Cd(2+) based on CdTe quantum dots

A simple and sensitive method for the detection of cadmium ion was proposed based on the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of thioglycolic acid capped-CdTe quantum dots (CdTe QDs). The ECL of CdTe QDs was firstly quenched by introduction of S(2)(-) and was restored due to following addition of Cd(2+), on the basis of which, a "turn-on" ECL method for the detection of Cd(2+) was demonstrated. The ECL of CdTe QDs exhibited linear response toward Cd(2+) concentration in the range from 6.3nM to 3.4μM (R=0.999) with a detection limit of 2.1nM. The proposed assay was simple, sensitive, selective, and practicable in real water samples.