Smart phone assisted, rapid, simplistic, straightforward and sensitive biosensing of cysteine over other essential amino acids by β-cyclodextrin functionalized gold nanoparticles as a colorimetric probe

Herein, we have attempted the synthesis of β-CD functionalized AuNPs and then applied them as a colorimetric assay for the quantification of Cys over other different essential amino acids.

Highly Sensitive Detection of Melamine Based on the Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer between Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles and Gold Nanoparticles

Adding melamine as additives in food products will lead to many diseases and even death. However, the present techniques of melamine detection require time-consuming steps, complicated procedures and expensive analytical apparatus. The fluorescent assay method was facile and highly sensitive. In this work, a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) system for melamine detection was constructed based on conjugated polymer nanoparticles (CPNs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The energy transfer efficiency is up to 82.1%, and the system is highly selective and sensitive to melamine detection with a lower detection limit of 1.7 nmol/L. Moreover, the interaction mechanism was explored. The results showed that the fluorescence of CPNs were firstly quenched by AuNPs, and then restored after adding melamine because of reducing FRET between CPNs and AuNPs. Lastly, the proposed method was carried out for melamine detection in powdered infant formula with satisfactory results.

Design and Characterization of Dicyanovinyl Reactive Dyes for the Colorimetric Detection of Thiols and Biogenic Amines

The synthesis of two new azobenzene dyes, namely CR-528 and CR-555, and their spectral properties in ethanol solution are described. The recognition of sulfur-containing analytes (2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME), sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS)), and biogenic amines (spermine, spermidine, ethanolamine) bestowed significant spectral changes with color changes from pink/purple to pale yellow/orange-yellow. The nitro acceptor group in the dicyanovinyl reactive dye contributes to higher sensitivity and lower detected analyte concentrations. The absorption maxima of both the dyes are at wavelengths compatible with low-cost light sources and detectors, making them excellent candidates for optical probes that are economic, simple to use, and do not require well-trained personnel.

Study on binding and fluorescence energy transfer efficiency of Rhodamine B with Pluronic F127-gold nanohybrid using optical spectroscopy methods

This work focuses on the binding efficiency and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) of fluorescent dye Rhodamine B (Rh B) to Pluronic F127-gold nanohybrid. The formation of gold nanoparticles inside Rh B doped Pluronic F127 copolymer have been characterized using dynamic light scattering study, HR-TEM images, UV-visible spectra and fluorescence studies. Fluorescence quenching and the constant fluorescence lifetime of the Rhodamine B present in the cavity of Pluronic F127-gold nanohybrid suggested a strong binding ability (3.5×10³Lmol^-1), static nature of quenching and better energy transfer efficiency of fluorescent dye towards Pluronic F127-gold (Au) nanohybrids.

Intriguing cysteine induced improvement of the emissive property of carbon dots with sensing applications

A simple fluorometric technique has been adopted for cysteine (Cys) sensing in alkaline medium down to the nM level. The huge fluorescent signal of the solution is a consequence of fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) produced in situ from modified hydrothermal (MHT) reaction between Cys and dopamine (DA). It has been observed that the inherent fluorescence of DA is drastically quenched in alkaline solution. Cys can selectively rescue the fluorescence of DA. Thus, Cys determination in a straightforward way, but only to a micro molar (10(-7) M i.e. 0.1 μM) level is possible through such fluorescence enhancement. Sensitive Cys determination remains associated with the in situ generated CDs, but the external addition of pre-formed CDs to Cys solution fails miserably towards Cys detection. However, CDs prepared from the Cys-DA system in alkaline solution admirably increase the limit of detection (LOD) of Cys at least two orders higher (10(-9) M) than that observed without hydrothermal technique i.e., without CDs. This method finds applications for Cys determination in biological samples and pharmaceutical preparations.