Ultrasensitive Visual Tracking of Toxic Cyanide Ions in Biological Samples Using Biocompatible Metal-Organic Frameworks Architectures

The extraordinary accumulation of cyanide ions within biological cells is a severe health risk. Detecting and tracking toxic cyanide ions within these cells by simple and ultrasensitive methodologies are of immense curiosity. Here, continuous tracking of ultimate levels of CN--ions in HeLa cells was reported employing biocompatible branching molecular architectures (BMAs). These BMAs were engineered by decorating colorant-laden dendritic branch within and around the molecular building hollows of the geode-shelled nanorods of organic-inorganic Al-frameworks. Batch-contact methods were utilized to assess the potential of hollow-nest architecture for inhibition/evaluation of toxicant CN--ions within HeLa cells. The nanorod BMAs revealed significant potential capabilities in monitoring and tracking of CN- ions (88 parts per trillion) in biological trials within seconds. These results demonstrated sufficient evidence for the compatibility of BMAs during HeLa cell exposure. Under specific conditions, the BMAs were utilized for in-vitro fluorescence tracking/sensing of CN- in HeLa cells. The cliff swallow nest with massive mouths may have the potential to reduce the health hazards associated with toxicant exposure in biological cells.

Comparative study between three carbonaceous nanoblades and nanodarts for antimicrobial applications

The design of nanostructured materials occupies a privileged position in the development and management of affordable and effective technology in the antibacterial sector. Here, we discuss the antimicrobial properties of three carbonaceous nanoblades and nanodarts materials of graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (RGO), and single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) that have a mechano-bactericidal effect, and the ability to piercing or slicing bacterial membranes. To demonstrate the significance of size, morphology and composition on the antibacterial activity mechanism, the designed nanomaterials have been characterized. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), standard agar well diffusion, and transmission electron microscopy were utilized to evaluate the antibacterial activity of GO, RGO, and SWCNTs. Based on the evidence obtained, the three carbonaceous materials exhibit activity against all microbial strains tested by completely encapsulating bacterial cells and causing morphological disruption by degrading the microbial cell membrane in the order of RGO > GO > SWCNTs. Because of the external cell wall structure and outer membrane proteins, the synthesized carbonaceous nanomaterials exhibited higher antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacterial strains than Gram-negative and fungal microorganisms. RGO had the lowest MIC values (0.062, 0.125, and 0.25 mg/mL against B. subtilis, S. aureus, and E. coli, respectively), as well as minimum fungal concentrations (0.5 mg/mL for both A. fumigatus and C. albicans). At 12 hr, the cell viability values against tested microbial strains were completely suppressed. Cell lysis and death occurred as a result of severe membrane damage caused by microorganisms perched on RGO nanoblades. Our work gives an insight into the design of effective graphene-based antimicrobial materials for water treatment and remediation.

Bioinspired Graphene Oxide-Magnetite Nanocomposite Coatings as Protective Superhydrophobic Antifouling Surfaces

Antifouling (AF) nanocoatings made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) are more cost-efficient and eco-friendly substitutes for the already outlawed tributyltin-based coatings. Here, a catalytic hydrosilation approach was used to construct a design inspired by composite mosquito eyes from non-toxic PDMS nanocomposites filled with graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets decorated with magnetite nanospheres (GO-Fe₃O₄ nanospheres). Various GO-Fe₃O₄ hybrid nanofillers were dispersed into the PDMS resin through a solution casting method to evaluate the structure-property relationship. A simple coprecipitation procedure was used to fabricate magnetite nanospheres with an average diameter of 30-50 nm, a single crystal structure, and a predominant (311) lattice plane. The uniform bioinspired superhydrophobic PDMS/GO-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite surface produced had a micro-/nano-roughness, low surface-free energy (SFE), and high fouling release (FR) efficiency. It exhibited several advantages including simplicity, ease of large-area fabrication, and a simultaneous offering of dual micro-/nano-scale structures simply via a one-step solution casting process for a wide variety of materials. The superhydrophobicity, SFE, and rough topology have been studied as surface properties of the unfilled silicone and the bioinspired PDMS/GO-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites. The coatings' physical, mechanical, and anticorrosive features were also taken into account. Several microorganisms were employed to examine the fouling resistance of the coated specimens for 1 month. Good dispersion of GO-Fe₃O₄ hybrid fillers in the PDMS coating until 1 wt % achieved the highest water contact angle (158° ± 2°), the lowest SFE (12.06 mN/m), micro-/nano-roughness, and improved bulk mechanical and anticorrosion properties. The well-distributed PDMS/GO-Fe₃O₄ (1 wt % nanofillers) bioinspired nanocoating showed the least biodegradability against all the tested microorganisms [Kocuria rhizophila (2.047%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1.961%), and Candida albicans (1.924%)]. We successfully developed non-toxic, low-cost, and economical nanostructured superhydrophobic FR composite coatings for long-term ship hull coatings. This study may expand the applications of bio-inspired functional materials because for multiple AF, durability and hydrophobicity are both important features in several industrial applications.

Vancomycin-Loaded Furriness Amino Magnetic Nanospheres for Rapid Detection of Gram-Positive Water Bacterial Contamination

Bacterial pathogens pose high threat to public health worldwide. Different types of nanomaterials have been synthesized for the rapid detection and elimination of pathogens from environmental samples. However, the selectivity of these materials remains challenging, because target bacterial pathogens commonly exist in complex samples at ultralow concentrations. In this study, we fabricated novel furry amino magnetic poly-L-ornithine (PLO)/amine-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-COOH/vancomycin (VCM) (AM-PPV) nanospheres with high-loading VCM for vehicle tracking and the highly efficient capture of pathogens. The magnetic core was coated with organosilica and functionalized with cilia. The core consisted of PEG/PLO loaded with VCM conjugated to Gram-positive bacterial cell membranes, forming hydrogen bonds with terminal peptides. The characterization of AM-PPV nanospheres revealed an average particle size of 56 nm. The field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) micrographs showed well-controlled spherical AM-PPV nanospheres with an average size of 56 nm. The nanospheres were relatively rough and contained an additional 12.4 nm hydrodynamic layer of PLO/PEG/VCM, which provided additional stability in the suspension. The furry AM-PPV nanospheres exhibited a significant capture efficiency (>90%) and a high selectivity for detecting Bacillus cereus (employed as a model for Gram-positive bacteria) within 15 min, even in the presence of other biocompatible pathogens. Moreover, AM-PPV nanospheres rapidly and accurately detected B. cereus at levels less than 10 CFU/mL. The furry nano-design can potentially satisfy the increasing demand for the rapid and sensitive detection of pathogens in clinical and environmental samples.

Hierarchical engineering of Mn2O3/carbon nanostructured electrodes for sensitive screening of acetylcholine in biological samples

Enzymeless electrochemical sensors have received considerable interest for the direct, sensitive, and selective monitoring of biomolecules in a complex biological environment.

Inorganic-organic mesoporous hybrid segregators for selective and sensitive extraction of precious elements from urban mining

This study aimed to develop a highly selective extraction protocol for gold (Au^III) ions from electronic urban waste (EUW) using simple, low-cost Inorganic-organic mesoporous hybrid segregators. The unique features of mesoporous hybrid segregator architectures are of particular to ensure effective adsorption system in terms of selective and sensitive recovery of Au^III ions from EUW. The segregator platform featured 3D micrometric, mesocage double-serrated plant-leaf-like γ-Al₂O₃ sheets with hierarchy surfaces containing tri-modal mesopores interiorly and uniformly arranged toothed edges of ~20-40 and ~15 nm groove width and depth at the exterior surfaces, respectively. Rational incorporation of actively organic chelates into hierarchical γ-Al₂O₃ sheet platforms leads to the production of a couple of selective segregators 1 and 2 (namely, SC1 and SC2) for Au^III ions at specific conditions by applying batch and fixed-bed columnar techniques. The mesocage SC segregators offer a selective extraction approach of Au^III ions from mixed element contents released from a computer motherboard (CMB). Our finding indicated that the textural and hierarchal features of the mesocage SC segregators played key roles in the selective adsorption/recovery of Au^III ions at pH 2-2.5 with high capacity (136-141 mg/g range) and effective reusability ≫10 consecutive cycles. In general, the developed SCs could be utilized as a real extractor of Au^III recovery from spent CMBs.

Optical glucose biosensor built-in disposable strips and wearable electronic devices

On-demand screening, real-time monitoring and rapid diagnosis of ubiquitous diseases, such as diabetes, at early stages are indispensable in personalised treatment. Emerging impacts of nano/microscale materials on optical and portable biosensor strips and devices have become increasingly important in the remarkable development of sensitive visualisation (i.e. visible inspection by the human eye) assays, low-cost analyses and personalised home testing of patients with diabetes. With the increasing public attention regarding the self-monitoring of diabetes, the development of visual readout, easy-to-use and wearable biosensors has gained considerable interest. Our comprehensive review bridges the practical assessment gap between optical bio-visualisation assays, disposable test strips, sensor array designs and full integration into flexible skin-based or contact lens devices with the on-site wireless signal transmission of glucose detection in physiological fluids. To date, the fully modulated integration of nano/microscale optical biosensors into wearable electronic devices, such as smartphones, is critical to prolong periods of indoor and outdoor clinical diagnostics. Focus should be given to the improvements of invasive, wireless and portable sensing technologies to improve the applicability and reliability of screen display, continuous monitoring, dynamic data visualisation, online acquisition and self and in-home healthcare management of patients with diabetes.

Microporous P-doped carbon spheres sensory electrode for voltammetry and amperometry adrenaline screening in human fluids

An electrochemical sensor-based phosphorus-doped microporous carbon spheroidal structures (P-MCSs) has been designed for selective adrenaline (ADR) signaling in human blood serum. The P-MCS electrode sensor is built with heterogeneous surface alignments including multiple porous sizes with open holes and meso-/macro-grooves, rough surface curvatures, and integral morphology with interconnected and conjugated microspheres. In addition, the P atom-doped graphitic carbon forms highly active centers, increases charge mobility on the electrode surface, creates abundant active centers with facile functionalization, and induces binding to ADR molecules. The designed P-MCS electrode exhibits ultrasensitive monitoring of ADR with a low detection limit of 0.002 μM and high sensitivity of 4330 μA μM^-1 cm^-2. In addition, two electrochemical techniques, namely, square wave voltammetry (SWV) and chronoamperometry (CA), were used; these techniques achieve high stability, fast response, and a wide linear range from 0.01 to 6 μM. The sensing assays based on P-MCSs provide evidence of the formation of active interfacial surface-to-ADR binding sites, high electron diffusion, and heavy target loads along with/without a plane of spheroids. Thus, P-MCSs can be used for the routine monitoring of ADR in human blood serum, providing a fast response, and requiring highly economical materials at extremely low concentrations. Electrode surface modulation based on P-doped carbon spheres (P-MCS) exhibits high electrochemical activity with fast charge transport, multi-diffusible active centers, high loading of ADR, and facile molecular/electron diffusion at its surface. The P-MCS sensitively and selectively detects the ADR in human fluids and can be used for clinical investigation of some neuronal diseases such as Alzheimer diseases.

Mesoscopic engineering materials for visual detection and selective removal of copper ions from drinking and waste water sources

The monitoring and removal of abundant heavy metals such as Cu ions are considerable global concerns because of their severe impact on the health of humans and other living organisms. To meet this global challenge, we engineered a novel mesoscopic capture protocol for the highly selective removal and visual monitoring of copper (Cu²⁺) ions from wide-ranging water sources. The capture hierarchy carriers featured three-dimensional, microsized MgO mesoarchitecture rectangular sheet-like mosaics that were randomly built in horizontal and vertical directions, uniformly arranged sheet faces, corners, and edges, smoothly quadrilateral surface coverage for strong Cu²⁺-to-ligand binding exposure, and multidiffusible pathways. The Cu²⁺ ion-selectively active captor surface design was engineered through the simple incorporation/encapsulation of a synthetic molecular chelation agent into hierarchical mesoporous MgO rectangular sheet platforms to produce a selective, visual mesoscopic captor (VMC). The nanoscale VMC dressing of MgO rectangular mosaic hierarchy by molecularly electron-enriched chelates with actively double core bindings of azo- and sulfonamide- groups and hydrophobic dodecyl tail showed potential to selectively trap and efficiently remove ultratrace Cu²⁺-ions with an extreme removal capability of ~233 mg/g from watery solutions, such as drinking water, hospital effluent, and food-processing wastewater at specific pH values. In addition to the Cu²⁺ ion-selective removal, the VMC design enabled the continuous visual monitoring of ultratrace Cu²⁺ ions (~3.35 × 10^-8 M) as a consequence of strong chelate-to-Cu²⁺ binding events among all accumulated matrices in water sources. Our experimental recycle protocol provided evidence of reusability and recyclability of VMC (≥10 cycles). With our mesoscopic capture protocol, the VMC can be a promising candidate for the selective decontamination/removal and sensitive detection of hazardous inorganic pollutants from different water sources with indoor or outdoor applications.

Influence of hollow sphere surface heterogeneity and geometry of N-doped carbon on sensitive monitoring of acetaminophen in human fluids and pharmaceutical products

A sensitive and selective acetaminophen sensor assay was designed based on N-HCCS. The surface morphology, and composition of open hollow conjugated spheres of N-HCCS resulted in facile AC diffusion/loading and electrocatalytic oxidation.

Mesoscopic open-eye core-shell spheroid carved anode/cathode electrodes for fully reversible and dynamic lithium-ion battery models

We report on the key influence of mesoscopic super-open-eye core-shell spheroids of TiO₂- and LiFePO₄-wrapped nanocarbon carved anode/cathode electrodes with uniform interior accommodation/storage pockets for the creation of fully reversible and dynamic Li-ion power battery (LIB) models. The mesoscopic core-shell anode/cathode electrodes provide potential half- and full-cell LIB-CR2032 configuration designs, and large-scale pouch models. In these variable mesoscopic LIB models, the broad-free-access and large-open-eye like gate-in-transport surfaces featured electrodes are key factors of built-in LIBs with excellent charge/discharge capacity, energy density performances, and outstanding cycling stability. Mesoscopic open-eye spheroid full-LIB-CR2032 configuration models retain 77.8% of the 1^st cycle discharge specific capacity of 168.68 mA h g^-1 after multiple cycling (i.e., 1^st to 2000^th cycles), efficient coulombic performance of approximately 99.6% at 0.1C, and high specific energy density battery of approximately 165.66 W h kg^-1 at 0.1C. Furthermore, we have built a dynamic, super-open-mesoeye pouch LIB model using dense packing sets that are technically significant to meet the tradeoff requirements and long-term driving range of electric vehicles (EVs). The full-pouch package LIB models retain a powerful gate-in-transport system for heavy loaded electron/Li⁺ ion storage, diffusion, and truck movement through open-ended out/in and then up/downward eye circular/curvy folds, thereby leading to substantial durability, and remarkable electrochemical performances even after long-life charge/discharge cycling.

Anisotropic alignments of hierarchical Li2SiO3/TiO2 @nano-C anode//LiMnPO4@nano-C cathode architectures for full-cell lithium-ion battery

We report on low-cost fabrication and high-energy density of full-cell lithium-ion battery (LIB) models. Super-hierarchical electrode architectures of Li2SiO3/TiO2@nano-carbon anode (LSO.TO@nano-C) and high-voltage olivine LiMnPO4@nano-carbon cathode (LMPO@nano-C) are designed for half- and full-system LIB-CR2032 coin cell models. On the basis of primary architecture-power-driven LIB geometrics, the structure keys including three-dimensional (3D) modeling superhierarchy, multiscale micro/nano architectures and anisotropic surface heterogeneity affect the buildup design of anode/cathode LIB electrodes. Such hierarchical electrode surface topologies enable continuous in-/out-flow rates and fast transport pathways of Li+-ions during charge/discharge cycles. The stacked layer configurations of pouch LIB-types lead to excellent charge/discharge rate, and energy density of 237.6 Wh kg-1. As the most promising LIB-configurations, the high specific energy density of hierarchical pouch battery systems may improve energy storage for long-driving range of electric vehicles. Indeed, the anisotropic alignments of hierarchical electrode architectures in the large-scale LIBs provide proof of excellent capacity storage and outstanding durability and cyclability. The full-system LIB-CR2032 coin cell models maintain high specific capacity of ∼89.8% within a long-term life period of 2000 cycles, and average Coulombic efficiency of 99.8% at 1C rate for future configuration of LIB manufacturing and commercialization challenges.

Progress in biomimetic leverages for marine antifouling using nanocomposite coatings

Because of the environmental and economic casualties of biofouling on maritime navigation, modern studies have been devoted toward formulating advanced nanoscale composites in the controlled development of effective marine antifouling self-cleaning surfaces.

Meso/macroscopically multifunctional surface interfaces, ridges, and vortex-modified anode/cathode cuticles as force-driven modulation of high-energy density of LIB electric vehicles

Modulation of lithium-ion battery (LIB) anodes/cathodes with three-dimensional (3D) topographical hierarchy ridges, surface interfaces, and vortices promotes the power tendency of LIBs in terms of high-energy density and power density. Large-scale meso-geodesics offer a diverse range of spatial LIB models along the geodetically shaped downward/upward curvature, leading to open-ended movement gate options, and diffusible space orientations. Along with the primary 3D super-scalable hierarchy, the formation of structural features of building block egress/ingress, curvature cargo-like sphere vehicles, irregularly located serrated cuticles with abundant V-undulated rigidness, feathery tube pipe conifers, and a band of dagger-shaped needle sticks on anode/cathode electrode surfaces provides high performance LIB modules. The geodetically-shaped anode/cathode design enables the uniqueness of all LIB module configurations in terms of powerful lithium ion (Li+) movement revolving in out-/in- and up-/downward diffusion regimes and in hovering electron density for high-speed discharge rates. The stability of built-in anode//cathode full-scale LIB-model meso-geodesics affords an outstanding long-term cycling performance. The full-cell LIB meso-geodesics offered 91.5% retention of the first discharge capacity of 165.8 mAhg-1 after 2000 cycles, Coulombic efficiency of ~99.6% at the rate of 1 C and room temperature, and high specific energy density of ≈119 Wh kg-1. This LIB meso-geodesic module configuration may align perfectly with the requirements of the energy density limit mandatory for long-term EV driving range and the scale-up commercial manufactures.

Theoretical and Experimental Sets of Choice Anode/Cathode Architectonics for High-Performance Full-Scale LIB Built-up Models

To control the power hierarchy design of lithium-ion battery (LIB) built-up sets for electric vehicles (EVs), we offer intensive theoretical and experimental sets of choice anode/cathode architectonics that can be modulated in full-scale LIB built-up models. As primary structural tectonics, heterogeneous composite superstructures of full-cell-LIB (anode//cathode) electrodes were designed in closely packed flower agave rosettes TiO2@C (FRTO@C anode) and vertical-star-tower LiFePO4@C (VST@C cathode) building blocks to regulate the electron/ion movement in the three-dimensional axes and orientation pathways. The superpower hierarchy surfaces and multi-directional orientation components may create isosurface potential electrodes with mobile electron movements, in-to-out interplay electron dominances, and electron/charge cloud distributions. This study is the first to evaluate the hotkeys of choice anode/cathode architectonics to assemble different LIB-electrode platforms with high-mobility electron/ion flows and high-performance capacity functionalities. Density functional theory calculation revealed that the FRTO@C anode and VST-(i)@C cathode architectonics are a superior choice for the configuration of full-scale LIB built-up models. The integrated FRTO@C//VST-(i)@C full-scale LIB retains a huge discharge capacity (~ 94.2%), an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.85% after 2000 cycles at 1 C, and a high energy density of 127 Wh kg-1, thereby satisfying scale-up commercial EV requirements.

3D-Ridge Stocked Layers of Nitrogen-Doped Mesoporous Carbon Nanosheets for Ultrasensitive Monitoring of Dopamine Released from PC12 Cells under K+ Stimulation

3D-ridge nanosheets of N-doped mesoporous carbon (NMCS)-based electrodes are fabricated as ultrasensitive biosensors for in vitro monitoring of dopamine (DA) released from living cells. The large-scale ranges of dense-layered sheets are arranged linearly with a thickness of <10 nm, soft tangled edges, stocked layer arrangements, and tunable mesoporous frameworks with 3D orientations. The intrinsic features of the active interfacial surface of the electrode based on NMCS along with polarized surfaces, dense surface-charged matrices, fast electron transfer, and easy molecular diffusion, are present in the highly active electrode for biosensing applications. The designed electrode based on the NMCS shows high sensitivity and selectivity for DA sensing even in the presence of physiological interference molecules, such as ascorbic acid and/or uric acid, at a low applied potential of 0.25 V versus Ag/AgCl. The large-scale NMCS-based electrode shows low detection limits as low as 10 nmol L^-1 , wide linear range up to 0.5 mmol L^-1 , long-term stability for more than 15 d (relative standard deviation (RSD)= 5.8%), and a low cytotoxicity with high biocompatibility. The findings demonstrated that the NMCS-based electrode is a reliable modified electrode for ultratrace sensitivity of DA, which is secreted normally from dopaminergic cells (PC12) or under a stimulating agent (K⁺ ).

Linseed oil-based alkyd/Cu2O nanocomposite coatings for surface applications

An ecofriendly series of linseed oil based hyperbranched alkyd/Cu₂O-nanocube composites was developed as a modern stream for surface coating applications.

Facile synthesis of microporous sulfur-doped carbon spheres as electrodes for ultrasensitive detection of ascorbic acid in food and pharmaceutical products

The active interfacial surface of S-doped microporous carbon spheres strongly binds with ascorbic acid in food and pharmaceutical products.

Broccoli-shaped biosensor hierarchy for electrochemical screening of noradrenaline in living cells

Monitoring and determination of ultra-trace concentrations of monoamine neurotransmitter such as noradrenaline (NA) in living cells with simple, sensitive and selective assays are significantly interesting. We design NA-electrode sensing system based on C-, N-doped NiO broccoli-like hierarchy (CNNB). The spherical broccoli-head umbrella architectures associated with nano-tubular arrangements enabled to tailor NA biosensor design. The homogenous doping and anisotropic dispersion of CN nanospheres along the entire NB head nanotubes lead to creating of abundant electroactive sites in the interior tubular vessels and outer surfaces for ultrasensitive detection of NA in living cells such as PC12. The CNNB biosensor electrodes showed efficient electrocatalytic activity, enhanced kinetics for electrooxidation of NA, and fast electron-transfer between electrode-electrolyte interface surfaces, enabling synergistic enhancement in sensitivity, and selectivity at a low-detectable concentration of ∼ 6nM and reproducibility of broccoli-shaped NA-electrodes. The integrated CNNB biosensor electrodes showed evidence of monitoring and screening of NA released from PC12 cells under K⁺ ion-extracellular stimulation process. The unique features of CNNB in terms of NA-selectivity among multi-competitive components, long-term stability during the detection of NA may open their practical, in-vitro application for extracellular monoamine neurotransmitters detection in living cells.

Bushy sphere dendrites with husk-shaped branches axially spreading out from the core for photo-catalytic oxidation/remediation of toxins

This work describes densely interlinked bushy "tree-like chains" characterized by neatly branched sphere dendrites (bushy sphere dendrites, BSD) with long fan-like, husk-shaped branching paths that extend longitudinally from the core axis of the {110}-exposed plane. We confirmed that the hierarchical dendrite surfaces created bowls of swirled caves along the tree-tube in the mat-like branches. These surfaces had high-index catalytic site facets associated with the formation of ridges/defects on the dominant {110}-top-cover surface. These swirled caves along the branches were completely filled with 50-100 nm poly-CN nano-sphere-fossils with orb-like appearance. Such structural features are key issues of the inherent surface reactivity of a powerful catalyst/trapper, enabling photocatalytic oxidation and trapping of extremely toxic arsenite (AsO₃^3-) species and photo-induced recovery of arsenate (AsO₄^3-) products from catalyst surfaces. The light-induced release of produced AsO₄^3- from BSD indicates (i) highly controlled waste collection/management (i.e., recovery), (ii) low cost and ecofriendly photo-adsorbent, (iii) selective trapping of real sample water to produce water-free arsenite species; (iv) multiple reuse cycles of catalysts (i.e., reduced waste volume). Matrixed dendrites, covered with 3D microscopic sphere cores that capture solar-light, trap toxins, and are triggered by light, were designed. These dendrites can withstand indoor and outdoor recovery of toxins from water sources.

Fabrication of photo-electrochemical biosensors for ultrasensitive screening of mono-bioactive molecules: the effect of geometrical structures and crystal surfaces

The controlled design of hierarchical CN-ST flowers is a key feature for creating biosensor surface electrodes for photo-electrochemical, ultrasensitive screening of mono-bioactive molecules.

Sunflower oil-based hyperbranched alkyd/spherical ZnO nanocomposite modeling for mechanical and anticorrosive applications

Approaches for designing advanced nanomaterials with hyperbranched architectures and lack of volatile organic content (VOC) have attracted considerable attention.

Trimethyl-β-cyclodextrin-encapsulated monolithic capillary columns: Preparation, characterization and chiral nano-LC application

Trimethylated-β-cyclodextrin (TM-β-CD) was encapsulated within several polymer monolithic capillary columns for reversed-phase chiral nano-liquid chromatography (nano-LC). The monolithic phases were prepared using the one-pot in situ copolymerization of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EDMA), glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) monomers and 1-propanol, 1,4-butanediol as progenic solvents in presence of TM-β-CD solution within fused silica capillaries (150µm I.D.). The obtained chiral monolithic stationery phases were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N₂ adsorption/desorption isotherms, wide angle x-ray diffraction (WAXRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The materials characterization demonstrated that monolithic phases with higher concentration of TM-β-CD have relatively larger surface area, smaller pore size and larger total pore volume compared to those with lower concentration TM-β-CD. The prepared columns were tested for their enantioseparation efficiency of a range of racemic pharmaceuticals. The screening results demonstrated the potential of functionalizing polymer monolithic stationary phases with TM-β-CD using the in situ encapsulation approach.

Detection and Recovery of Palladium, Gold and Cobalt Metals from the Urban Mine Using Novel Sensors/Adsorbents Designated with Nanoscale Wagon-wheel-shaped Pores

Developing low-cost, efficient processes for recovering and recycling palladium, gold and cobalt metals from urban mine remains a significant challenge in industrialized countries. Here, the development of optical mesosensors/adsorbents (MSAs) for efficient recognition and selective recovery of Pd(II), Au(III), and Co(II) from urban mine was achieved. A simple, general method for preparing MSAs based on using high-order mesoporous monolithic scaffolds was described. Hierarchical cubic Ia3d wagon-wheel-shaped MSAs were fabricated by anchoring chelating agents (colorants) into three-dimensional pores and micrometric particle surfaces of the mesoporous monolithic scaffolds. Findings show, for the first time, evidence of controlled optical recognition of Pd(II), Au(III), and Co(II) ions and a highly selective system for recovery of Pd(II) ions (up to ~95%) in ores and industrial wastes. Furthermore, the controlled assessment processes described herein involve evaluation of intrinsic properties (e.g., visual signal change, long-term stability, adsorption efficiency, extraordinary sensitivity, selectivity, and reusability); thus, expensive, sophisticated instruments are not required. Results show evidence that MSAs will attract worldwide attention as a promising technological means of recovering and recycling palladium, gold and cobaltmetals.

One-Pot Fabrication of Dendritic NiO@carbon-nitrogen Dot Electrodes for Screening Blood Glucose Level in Diabetes

Selective and sensitive glucose sensors with fast response for screening diabetic blood level are demanded. In this paper, the one-pot nanoarchitecture of dendritic NiO@carbon-nitrogen (C-N) dots (designated as NCD) sphere-wrapping Ni foam electrodes are reported as an effective and sensitive glucose sensor in blood samples. In this construction design, the NCD sphere electrode with excessive surface defects, large fractions of catalytic active sites, high surface area, and mobility of electron transfer through the actively surface NCD sphere can massively enhance the electrocatalytic activity for nonenzymatic glucose detection in diabetic blood. This portable sensor enables highly sensitive recognition of glucose detection (≈0.01 × 10^-6 m) over a wider linear range (≈0.005-12 × 10^-3 m) with rapid response time of a few seconds. The key result is that the engineered NCD sphere electrodes function as simple, easy-to-use electrochemical sensing assays of glucose levels in diabetic blood patients with a wide range of precision or linearity, recyclability, and excellent selectivity, even in the presence of potentially interfering organic (ascorbic acid, uric acid, dopamine, lactose, maltose, and sucrose) and inorganic (NaCl, Na₂ SO₄ , KCl, and K₂ SO₄ ) species. The results demonstrate the potential for the electrochemical sensors to be used in preventing serious health problems associated with diabetes mismanagement.

Nanomembrane Canister Architectures for the Visualization and Filtration of Oxyanion Toxins with One-Step Processing

Nanomembrane canister-like architectures were fabricated by using hexagonal mesocylinder-shaped aluminosilica nanotubes (MNTs)-porous anodic alumina (PAA) hybrid nanochannels. The engineering pattern of the MNTs inside a 60 μm-long membrane channel enabled the creation of unique canister-like channel necks and cavities. The open-tubular canister architecture design provides controllable, reproducible, and one-step processing patterns of visual detection and rejection/permeation of oxyanion toxins such as selenite (SeO3(2-)) in aquatic environments (i.e., in ground and river water sources) in the Ibaraki Prefecture of Japan. The decoration of organic ligand moieties such as omega chrome black blue (OCG) into inorganic Al2O3@tubular SiO2/Al2O3 canister membrane channel cavities led to the fabrication of an optical nanomembrane sensor (ONS). The OCG ligand was not leached from the canister as observed in washing, sensing, and recovery assays of selenite anions in solution, which enabled its multiple reuse. The ONS makes a variety of alternate processing analyses of selective quantification, visual detection, rejection/permeation, and recovery of toxic selenite quick and simple without using complex instrumentation. Under optimal conditions, the ONS canister exhibited a high selectivity toward selenite anions relative to other ions and a low-level detection limit of 0.0093 μM. Real analytical data showed that approximately 96% of SeO3(2-) anions can be recovered from aquatic and wastewater samples. The ONS canister holds potential for field recovery applications of toxic selenite anions from water.

Mesosponge Optical Sinks for Multifunctional Mercury Ion Assessment and Recovery from Water Sources

Using the newly developed organic-inorganic colorant membrane is an attractive approach for the optical detection, selective screening and removal, and waste management recovery of highly toxic elements, such as Hg(II) ions, from water sources. In the systematic mesosponge optical sinks (MOSs), anchoring organic colorants into 3D, well-defined cage cavities and interconnected tubular pores (10 nm) in the long microscale channels of membrane scaffolds enhances the requirements and intrinsic properties of the hierarchal membrane. This scalable design is the first to allow control of the multifunctional processes of a membrane in a one-step screening procedure, such as the detection/recognition, removal, and filtration of ultratrace Hg(II) ions, even from actual water sources (i.e., tap, underground). The selective recovery, detection, and extraction processes of Hg(II) ions in a heterogeneous mixture with inorganic cations and anions as well as organic molecules and surfactants are mainly dependent on the structure of the colorant agent, the pH conditions, competitive ion-system compositions and concentrations, and Hg-to-colorant binding events. Our result shows that the solid MOS membrane arrays can be repeatedly recycled and retain their hierarchal mesosponge sink character, avoiding fouling via the precipitation of metal salts as a result of the reuse cycle. The Hg(II) ion rejection and the permeation of nonselective elements based on the membrane filtration protocol may be key considerations in water purification and separation requirements. The selective recovery process of Hg(II) ions in actual contaminated samples collected from tap and underground water sources in Saudi Arabia indicates the practical feasibility of our designed MOS membrane arrays.