Analytical developments in the synergism of copper particles and cysteine: a review

Cysteine, a sulfur-containing amino acid, is a vital candidate for physiology. Coinage metal particles (both clusters and nanoparticles) are highly interesting for their spectacular plasmonic properties. In this case, copper is the most important candidate for its cost-effectiveness and abundance. However, rapid oxidation destroys the stability of copper particles, warranting the necessity of suitable capping agents and experimental conditions. Cysteine can efficiently carry out such a role. On the contrary, cysteine sensing is a vital step for biomedical science. This review article is based on a comparative account of copper particles with cysteine passivation and copper particles for cysteine sensing. For the deep understanding of readers, we discuss nanoparticles and nanoclusters, properties of cysteine, and importance of capping agents, along with various synthetic protocols and applications (sensing and bioimaging) of cysteine-capped copper particles (cysteine-capped copper nanoparticles and cysteine-capped copper nanoclusters). We also include copper nanoparticles and copper nanoclusters for cysteine sensing. As copper is a plasmonic material, fluorometric and colorimetric methods are mostly used for sensing. Real sample analysis for both copper particles with cysteine and copper particles for cysteine sensing are also incorporated in this review to demonstrate their practical applications. Both cysteine-capped copper particles and copper particles for cysteine sensing are the main essence of this review. The aspect of the synergism of copper and cysteine (unlike other amino acids) is quite promising for future researchers.

Synthesis of High-Fluorescent Diphenyl-anthracene Derivatives and Application in Detection of Nitroaromatic Explosives and Fingerprint Identification

The development of high-intensity fluorescent materials is always the focuses and forefront projects because of their important applications in displays, sensing and detection fields. In recent years, the detection of explosives has attracted increasing attention due to security and counterterrorism issues. Herein, two diphenyl-anthracene (DPA) derivatives were designed and synthesized by introducing strong electron withdrawing fluorine atoms and cyano-groups to DPA, which exhibited strong fluorescence both in the solution and solid phase with the absolute quantum yields up to 70.4 % and 45.9 % respectively. The detection behavior of nitroaromatic explosives such as picric acid (PA), 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and 3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NP) also shows good sensitivity with the quenching constant as high as 6.3×104  L mol-1 . Theoretical calculation demonstrates that the fluorescence quenching behavior of the two DPA derivatives is caused by the behavior of photoinduced electron transfer (PET) and the resonance energy transfer (RET) studies explained the higher sensitivity and selectivity of both compounds towards PA than other nitro-containing explosives. Furthermore, the strong solid-state fluorescence of the DPA derivatives also shows excellent advantages in enhancing latent fingerprint recognition.

Controlling the sensitivity and selectivity for the detection of nitro-based explosives by modulating the electronic substituents on the ligand of AIPE-active cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes

Nitroaromatic compounds are extremely explosive materials that pose a national security risk and raise environmental concerns. The design and development of sensitive and selective compounds for explosive materials are highly desirable. 'Aggregation-Induced Emission' (AIE) active materials are best suited for sensing purposes because of their sensitivity, fast detection time, and easy operation. By rationally incorporating substituents on the cyclometalated (C^N) ligand, four different AIE active iridium(III) based monocyclometalated complexes with the general formula [Ir(PPh3)2(H)(Cl)(C^N)] were synthesized. The phenyl ring of the phenyl pyridine cyclometalated portion of an iridium(III) complex was substituted with the right substituents to adjust the FMO levels thus, leading to appropriate alignment of the energy levels. Each of the resulting complexes displayed a significant property known as 'Aggregation-Induced Phosphorescent Emission' (AIPE). The complexes were subjected to structural characterization, electrochemical analysis, and photophysical property studies. The synthesized complexes were employed for the detection of aromatic nitro explosive compounds such as trinitrophenol (TNP) and trinitrotoluene (TNT) in the aqueous phase with a high degree of sensitivity. The sensing capabilities of each complex were assessed for these nitro explosive compounds and compared to those of the unsubstituted iridium(III) complex (M). Notably, the best limits of detection for TNP and TNT have been achieved with iridium(III) complexes [M1 (489 pM) and M3 (3.6 nM)] within the literature reported until now. For detecting picric acid with M1, FRET was found to be the potential mechanism, and for TNT, PET was found to be the cause of emission quenching by M3. Furthermore, for low-cost detection, filter paper-based sensing was also found effective for each complex. Real-field sensing of PA in soil samples was also performed.

Synthesis, characterization, and photophysical and fluorescence sensor behaviors of a new water-soluble double-bridged naphthalene diimide appended cyclotriphosphazene

A new water-soluble template of double-bridged naphthalene diimide appended cyclotriphosphazene was prepared, and its photophysical and sensor behaviors were evaluated. The characterization of novel double-bridged naphthalene diimide appended cyclotriphosphazene (6) was carried out by NMR (1H, 13C, 31P) and mass spectroscopies. The photophysical behaviors of compound 6 were evaluated by UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies in various solvent systems and different concentrations. As an application for usability of the obtained water-soluble template in different applications, the fluorescence sensor property of compound 6 was investigated in the presence of many different competing species (organic acids, saccharides, nitroaromatic compounds, anions, and metal cations). The results obtained showed that compound 6 had selectivity against only the nitroaromatic species among the competing species tested.

Synthesis of Multifused Pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoline Systems by Tandem Aza-Michael-Aldol Reactions and Their Application to Molecular Sensing Studies

Herein, we have presented a weak acid-promoted tandem aza-Michael-aldol strategy for the synthesis of diversely fused pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoline (tricyclic to pentacyclic scaffolds) by the construction of both pyrrole and quinoline ring in one pot. The described protocol fabricated two C-N bonds and one C-C bond in the pyrrole-quinoline rings which have been sequentially formed under transition-metal-free conditions by the extrusion of eco-friendly water molecules. A ketorolac drug analogue has been synthesized following the current protocol, and one of the synthesized tricyclic pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoline fluorophores has been used to detect highly toxic picric acid via the fluorescence quenching effect.

Pyrene, Anthracene, and Naphthalene-Based Azomethines for Fluorimetric Sensing of Nitroaromatic Compounds

Special attention is given to the development of rapid and sensitive detection of nitroaromatic explosives for homeland security and environmental concerns. As part of our contribution to the detection of nitroaromatic explosives, fluorescent materials (A), (B) and (C) were synthesized from the reaction of 1,2-diaminocyclohexane with pyrene-1-carbaldehyde, anthracene-9-carbaldehyde and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde, respectively. The structures of the prepared fluorescent azomethine probes were confirmed using FTIR, ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR spectroscopies. The basis of the study is the use of the synthesized materials as fluorescent probes in the photophysical and fluorescence detection of some nitroaromatic explosives. Emission increases occurred due to aggregation caused by π-π stacking in synthesized azomethines. To measure the nitroaromatic detection capabilities of fluorescence probes, fluorescence titration experiments were performed using the photoluminescence spectroscopy. It was observed that compound A containing pyrene ring provided the best emission intensity-increasing effect due to aggregation with the lowest LOD value (14.96 μM) for the sensing of 4-nitrophenol. In compounds B and C, nitrobenzene with the lowest LOD (16.15 μM and 23.49 μM respectively) caused the most regular emission increase, followed by picric acid.

Photophysical and Fluorescence Nitroaromatic Sensing Properties of Methylated Derivative of a Pamoic Acid Ester

Rapid and selective detection of nitroaromatic explosives is very important for public safety, life, and environmental health. Current instrumental techniques suffer from high cost and poor site used. In order to investigate fluorescence sensing of nitroaromatics, we prepare a new small fluorescence probe derived from pamoic acid. This study covers the synthesis of Pamoic acid based [diisopropyl 4,4'-methylenebis(3-methoxy-2-naphthoate)] (2) material and characterization of its structure. The methylation of Pamoic acid ester, which we have successfully synthesized in our previous studies, was carried out in this study. Determination of the photophysical and fluorescent nitroaromatic detection properties of the compound forms the basis of the study. Structural characterization of the synthesized compound [diisopropyl 4,4'-methylenebis(3-methoxy-2-naphthoate)] (2) was characterized using spectroscopic methods. In addition, Molecular structure of the synthesized compound was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. In the final step, compounds [diisopropyl 4,4'-methylenebis(3-hydroxy-2-naphthoate)] (1) and [diisopropyl 4,4'-methylenebis(3-methoxy-2-naphthoate)] (2) were tested as fluorescent probes for the detection of some nitroaromatic explosives. It is seen that Nitrobenzene provides the best quenching effect on the compound [diisopropyl 4,4'-methylenebis(3-hydroxy-2-naphthoate)] (1) containing the -OH group, with lowest the limit of detection (LOD) value. It was observed that Picric acid provided the best quenching effect with lowest the limit of detection (LOD) value in the compound [diisopropyl 4,4'-methylenebis(3-methoxy-2-naphthoate)] (2) obtained by methylation of the -OH group in the compound [diisopropyl 4,4'-methylenebis(3-hydroxy-2-naphthoate)] (1).

Investigation of Chemosensing and Color Properties of Schiff Base Compounds Containing a 1,2,3-triazole Group

A series of Schiff base compounds (ER¹-ER⁵) containing a 1,2,3-triazole and carboxylic acid groups were synthesized and their chemosensory properties towards anions (I^-, CO₃^2-, SO₄^2-, NO₂^-, NO₃^-, CH₃COO^-, ClO₃^-, CNO^-, N₃^-) and cations (Al³⁺, Ag⁺, Co²⁺, Cr³⁺, Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺, Hg²⁺, Mn²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺). The compounds were also used as fluorescence probs for the detection of nitroaromatic compounds. The structural characterization of the synthesized compounds was elucidated using methods such as FT-IR, UV, FL, LC-MS, MALDI-TOF MS, ¹H(¹³C) NMR. The effect of substitute groups (-CH₃, -OCH₃, -OH, -Cl and -Br) on the synthesized Schiff bases (ER¹-ER⁵) on the chemosensory properties were compared. As the groups changed, the sensor and quenching effects of the molecule against anions and cations changed. Compound ER³ having methoxy (OCH₃) group exhibited selective sensor properties against Fe³⁺ ion while compound ER⁵ with a chloride substitute (Cl) group showed selectivity for Cr³⁺ ion under 254 nm UV-lamp. The substitute effect was also observed for the sensing of anions. Under 254 nm UV-lamp, ER² having the -OH group has a selective sensing property for CNO^- and ER⁴ with the bromide (Br) group exhibited selectivity for N₃^- ion. The synthesized Schiff base compounds were also tested as fluorescence probs for the sensing of some nitroaromatic explosives.

Engineering of graphene quantum dots by varying the properties of graphene oxide for fluorescence detection of picric acid

The study examines the effect of different forms of graphene oxide (GO) on the synthesis of graphene quantum dots (GQD). GO synthesized at various temperatures i.e. 30, 50, 110 °C possessed different structural and functional properties and was used as a substrate for GQD preparation. Thorough characterization of the GQDs in terms of their structural, morphological, functional, and optical properties was performed. The GQDs exhibited variation in their size and fluorescence properties depending upon the type of GO used. Hydrothermal reduction of GO, prepared at an oxidation temperature of 50 °C (GO-50), minimized the particle size (3.6 nm) and maximized the photoluminescence (PL) intensity and quantum yield (64.8%) of the GQD (GQD-50). GQD-50 was found to detect picric acid (PA) in an aqueous solution via 'turn-off' fluorescence quenching, unlike the other GQDs where the initial precursor is synthesized at 30, 110 °C. Experimental studies summarize that interaction between the fluorophore-quencher resulted in static quenching. The limit of detection was estimated to be 1.2 μM with a detection range of 0-200 μM. The work concludes that optimization of the substrate i.e. GO can result in the development of a simple, non-toxic, cost-effective GQD based sensor for PA detection. The study eliminates the need for doping/functionalization of GQDs as reported previously, and hence finds a promising impact on the development of sensors.

Fluorescein based fluorescent and colorimetric sensors for sensitive detection of TNP explosive in aqueous medium: Application of logic gate

Rapid detection of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) in real samples has recently attained considerable attention from the perspective of national security, human health, and environmental safety. In this context, cost-effective and convenient detection of TNP explosive was accomplished through two new fluorescein based sensors F2 and F3. Sensors displayed effective fluorescence quenching response towards TNP in the aqueous medium. Highly sensitive fluorescence detection of TNP explosive (detection limit, 0.73 (F2) and 1.7 nM (F3)) was governed by ground-state charge transfer complex formation, facilitated by favorable H-bonding between sensor and TNP explosive. Fluorescence quenching mechanism for the detection of TNP explosive was investigated through UV-Visible absorption, dynamic light scattering (DLS), density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the Benesi-Hildebrand, and Job's plots. Advantageously, sensors displayed selective and immediate colorimetric recognition of TNP explosive. Importantly, sensors exhibited quick response time towards TNP even in the presence of potential interferences that make them highly suitable for practical applications. Sensors were successfully applied for fluorescent and colorimetric detection of TNP explosive in industrial water samples and fabrication of logic gates. Further, convenient contact mode and instant surface sensing of TNP explosive were achieved through the fabrication of fluorescent strips and explosive responsive test kits.

Electrochemical Detection of Dinitrobenzene on Silicon Electrodes: Toward Explosives Sensors

Detection of explosives is vital for protection and criminal investigations, and developing novel explosives’ sensors stands at the forefront of the analytical and forensic chemistry endeavors. Due to the presence of terminal nitro groups that can be electrochemically reduced, nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) have been an analytical target for explosives’ electrochemical sensors. Various electrode materials have been used to detect NACs in solution, including glassy carbon electrodes (GCE), platinum (Pt), and gold (Au) electrodes, by tracking the reversible oxidation/reduction properties of the NACs on these electrodes. Here, we show that the reduction of dinitrobenzene (DNB) on oxide-free silicon (Si–H) electrodes is irreversible with two reduction peaks that disappear within the successive voltammetric scanning. AFM imaging showed the formation of a polymeric film whose thickness scales up with the DNB concentration. This suggest that Si–H surfaces can serve as DNB sensors and possibly other explosive substances. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements showed that the limit of detection (LoD) on Si–H is one order of magnitude lower than that obtained on GCE. In addition, EIS measurements showed that the LoD of DNB on Si–H is two orders of magnitude lower than the CV method. The fact that a Si–H surface can be used to track the presence of DNB makes it a suitable surface to be implemented as a sensing platform. To translate this concept into a sensor, however, it would require engineering and fabrication prospect to be compatible with the current semiconductor technologies.

Influence of Air Flow on Luminescence Quenching in Polymer Films towards Explosives Detection Using Drones

Explosive detection has become an increased priority in recent years for homeland security and counter-terrorism applications. Although drones may not be able to pinpoint the exact location of the landmines and explosives, the identification of the explosive vapor present in the surrounding air provides significant information and comfort to the personnel and explosives removal equipment operators. Several optical methods, such as the luminescence quenching of fluorescent polymers, have been used for explosive detection. In order to utilize sensing technique via unmanned vehicles or drones, it is very important to study how the air flow affects the luminescence quenching. We investigated the effects of air flow on the quenching efficiency of Poly(2,5-di(2′-ethylhexyl)-1,4-ethynylene) (PEE) by TNT molecules. We treated the TNT molecules incorporated into the polymer film as non-radiative recombination centers, and found that the time derivative of the non-radiative recombination rates was greater with faster air flows. Our investigations show that relatively high air flow into an optical sensing part is crucial to achieving fast PL quenching. We also found that a “continuous light excitation” condition during the exposure of TNT vapor greatly influences the PL quenching.

Fluorene-Based Fluorometric and Colorimetric Conjugated Polymers for Sensitive Detection of 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol Explosive in Aqueous Medium

Nitroaromatic explosives are a class of compounds that are responsible for various health hazards and terrorist outrages. Among these, sensitive detection of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) explosive has always been highly desirable considering public health and national security. In this regard, three fluorene-based conjugated polymers (CP 1, CP 2, and CP 3) were synthesized through the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction and were found to be highly sensitive for fluorescence detection of TNP with detection limits of 3.2, 5.7, and 6.1 pM, respectively. Excellent selectivity of CPs toward TNP was attributed to their unique π-π interactions based on fluorescence studies and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The high sensitivity of CPs to TNP was attributed to the static quenching mechanism based on the photoinduced electron transfer process and was evaluated by fluorescence, UV-visible absorption, dynamic light scattering, Job's plots, the Benesi-Hildebrand plots, and DFT calculations. CPs were also used for colorimetric and real-water sample analysis for the detection of TNP explosive. Meanwhile, sensor-coated test strips were fabricated for on-site detection of TNP, which makes them convenient solid-supported sensors.

A metal complex based fluorescent chemodosimeter for selective detection of 2,4-dinitrophenol and picric acid in aqueous medium

The work in this report describes the syntheses, characterization, crystal structures, absorption and emission spectra and DFT calculations of three dizinc(II) compounds of composition [ZnII2L(μ1,1-N3)(N3)2] (1), [Zn2L'(2,4-dinitrophenolate)2] (2) and [Zn2L'(picrate)2]...

Rapid optical sensor for recognition of explosive 2,4,6-TNP traces in water through fluorescent ZnSe quantum dots

In this report, blue fluorescent zinc selenide quantum dots (ZnSe QDs) were synthesized using 3-mercaptopropionic acid through a direct aqueous route at a lower temperature of 70 °C. The photoluminescence (PL) characteristics of ZnSe QDs have been employed to recognize nitroaromatic compounds, i.e., traces of 2,4,6-TNP (picric acid) in water. The sensing of nitroaromatic compounds was performed via fluorescence techniques. The PL band of ZnSe QDs observed at 490 nm is selectively quenched with an increasing concentration of picric acid in DI water and river water. For the proposed sensing probe, the Stern-Volmer (S-V) plot shows linearity over the range of 2.0 µM-0.25 mM with the detection limit of 12.4 × 10^-6 M without any interference effect of other nitroaromatic compounds. The plausible mechanism of PL quenching is considered as the inner filter effect, based on absorption, PL and PL lifetimes.

Riboflavin based conjugated biomolecule for ultrasensitive detection of nitrophenols

Real time detection of explosive compounds in today's time is of utmost necessity due to security and severe environmental safety issues. Herein, we have synthesized a biobased conjugated molecular system from riboflavin and l-cystine utilized it for detecting picric acid in trace amount using optical sensing technique. The bioconjugate probe showed high quenching efficiency towards picric acid, which is 92.2%. In depth mechanistic study showed that ground state electrostatic interaction and inner filter effect are the factors leading to the diminishing of the probe's fluorescence intensity on addition of trace amount of the nitrophenol, picric acid. The detection limit of the conjugate is 0.37 nM which is extremely low and highly desirable for clinical applications of this system.

Photographs of fluorescent bioconjugate RC which acts as a very simple and highly efficient optical sensor with practical applicability for real-time detection of picric acid.

Colorimetric sensors and nanoprobes for characterizing antioxidant and energetic substances

The development of analytical techniques for antioxidant compounds is important, because antioxidants that can inactivate reactive species and radicals are health-beneficial compounds, also used in the preservation of food and protection of almost every kind of organic substance from oxidation. Energetic substances include explosives, pyrotechnics, propellants and fuels, and their determination at bulk/trace levels is important for the safety and well-being of modern societies exposed to various security threats. Most of the time, in field/on site detection of these important analytes necessitates the use of colorimetric sensors and probes enabling naked-eye detection, or low-cost and easy-to-use fluorometric sensors. The use of nanosensors brings important advantages to this field of analytical chemistry due to their various physico-chemical advantages of increased surface area, surface plasmon resonance absorption of noble metal nanoparticles, and superior enzyme-mimic catalytic properties. Thus, this critical review focuses on the design strategies for colorimetric sensors and nanoprobes in characterizing antioxidant and energetic substances. In this regard, the main themes and properties in optical sensor design are defined and classified. Nanomaterial-based optical sensors/probes are discussed with respect to their mechanisms of operation, namely formation and growth of noble metal nanoparticles, their aggregation and disaggregation, displacement of active constituents by complexation or electrostatic interaction, miscellaneous mechanisms, and the choice of metallic oxide nanoparticles taking part in such formulations.

Fabrication of amine functionalized CdSe@SiO2 nanoparticles as fluorescence nanosensor for highly selective and sensitive detection of picric acid

In this work, amino functionalized CdSe-silica core-shell nanoparticles (NH₂-CdSe@SiO₂ NPs) were constructed as probe to detect picric acid (PA). The CdSe QDs were embedded in SiO₂ nanoparticles and modified with amino groups on the surface. The nitro explosives are electron deficient in nature, which will have stronger affinity for amines and resulted in fluorescence quenching of quantum dots. It was proved that this strategy is selective, easy and sensitive enough for sensing PA with a detection limit of 0.5 × 10^-7 M.

A highly sensitive and selective detection of picric acid using fluorescent sulfur-doped graphene quantum dots

The development of an analytical probe to monitor highly mutagenic picric acid (PA) carries enormous significance for the environment and for health. A novel, simple and rapid fluorescence analytical assay using sulfur-doped graphene quantum dots (SGQDs) was designed for the highly sensitive and selective detection of PA. SGQDs were synthesized via simple pyrolysis of 3-mercaptopropionic acid and citric acid and characterized using advanced analytical techniques. Fluorescence intensity (FI) of SGQDs was markedly quenched by addition of PA, attributed to the inner filter effect and dominating static quenching mechanism between the two, in addition to a significant colour change. The calibration curve of the proposed assay exhibited a favourable linearity between quenched FI and PA concentration over the 0.1-100 μΜ range with a lowest detection limit of 0.093 μΜ and a correlation coefficient of 0.9967. The analytical assay was investigated for detection of trace amounts of PA in pond and rain water samples and showed great potential for practical applications with both acceptable recovery (98.0-100.8%) and relative standard deviation (1.24-4.67%). Analytical performance of the assay in terms of its detection limit, linearity range, and recovery exhibited reasonable superiority over previously reported methods, thereby holding enormous promise as a simple, sensitive, and selective method for detection of PA.

Electron-Rich π-Extended Diindolotriazatruxene-Based Chemosensors with Highly Selective and Rapid Responses to Nitroaromatic Explosives

A series of electron-rich π-extended diindolotriazatruxene-based compounds DIT, 4Py-DIT (bearing pyrene units) and 4PyF-DIT (bearing fluorene units) have been explored and investigated as fluorescence chemosensors. Quantitative analysis through fluorescence titrations showed that the resulting DIT molecules exhibited highly selective response to electron-deficient nitroaromatic explosives. The calculated Stern-Volmer quenching constants (>4.0×10³  M^-1 ) revealed that these sensors were much more sensitive in solution compared to most of the existing small-molecule fluorescence chemosensors based on pyrene, triphenylene, triphenylamine, and triazatruxene skeletons. Fluorescence quenching showed that the sensors adsorbed on paper were sensitive to explosives in the solid, solution, and vapor phases, with fast response times of about 10 s. Moreover, these chemosensors are reusable for the detection of nitroaromatic compounds as they recover their fluorescence intensity after quenching.

Aggregation induced emission (AIE) active 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide-Tröger's base for the selective sensing of chemical explosives in competitive aqueous media

The 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide Tröger's base based AIE-active supramolecular scaffold was synthesized and employed as a highly selective and sensitive fluorescent sensor for nitroaromatic explosives sensing in competitive aqueous media.