Ferrocene probe-assisted fluorescence quenching of PEI-carbon dots for NO detection and the logic gates based sensing of NO enabled by trimodal detection

Our research demonstrates the effectiveness of fluorescence quenching between polyethyleneimine functionalised carbon dots (PEI-CDs) and cyclodextrin encapsulated ferrocene for fluorogenic detection of nitric oxide (NO). We confirmed that ferrocene can be used as a NO probe by observing its ability to quench the fluorescence emitted from PEI-CDs, with NO concentrations ranging from 1 × 10-6 M to 5 × 10-4 M. The photoluminescence intensity (PL) of PEI-CDs decreased linearly, with a detection limit of 500 nM. Previous studies have shown that ferrocene is a selective probe for NO detection in biological systems by electrochemical and colorimetric methods. The addition of fluorogenic NO detection using ferrocene as a probe enables the development of a three-way sensor probe for NO. Furthermore, the triple mode NO detection (electrochemical, colorimetric, and fluorogenic) with ferrocene aids in processing sensing data in a controlled manner similar to Boolean logic operations. This work presents key findings on the mechanism of fluorescence quenching between ferrocene hyponitrite intermediate and PEI-CDs, the potential of using ferrocene for triple channel NO detection as a single molecular entity, and the application of logic gates for NO sensing.

Bimetallic Cu-Zn Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks as Peroxidase Mimics for the Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide: Electrochemical and Spectrophotometric Evaluation

A copper incorporated zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) has been synthesized and demonstrated to be a potential material for a peroxidase mimic. The resultant bimetallic Cu-Zn incorporated MOF is used for the dual mode sensing of hydrogen peroxide by following electrochemical as well as spectrophotometric methods. Using 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) as a chromogenic substrate, spectrophotometric studies are carried out, and the steady state kinetic parameters are determined for two different concentrations of Cu incorporated ZIF-8 (viz Cu@ZIF-8-1 and Cu@ZIF-8-2). It is found that both Cu@ZIF-8-1 and Cu@ZIF-8-2 exhibit more affinity toward the TMB substrate than the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzyme as indicated by the low Km values obtained for the substrate. Also, as the concentration of incorporated Cu increases, Vmax values are also found to be enhanced. Electrochemically, the Cu@ZIF-8 modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) showed a good response for peroxide detection in the concentration range from 0.5 mM to 5 mM at a working potential of -0.25 V in PBS (pH 7.0) with a limit of detection (LOD) value of 0.46 mM and a sensitivity of 20.25 μA/mM. Further, the chromogenic substrate TMB is successfully immobilized on the electrode surface and subsequently used for the peroxide detection along with Cu@ZIF-8. Here, TMB acts as a mediator and shifted the working potential to 0.1 V in acetate buffer (pH 5.0) in the concentration range from 0.5 mM to 5 mM with an LOD value of 0.499 mM and a sensitivity of 0.097 μA/mM. Interestingly, the same electrode in PBS of pH 7.0 showed a response to peroxide at a working potential of -0.1 V in the concentration range from 0.5 mM to 5 mM with an LOD value of 0.143 mM and a sensitivity of 0.33 μA/mM. Moreover, the applicability of this material for peroxide sensing is evaluated using milk samples, and the proposed material is able to recover the peroxide present in milk. Thus, the bimetallic Cu-Zn MOF can be utilized for the dual mode sensing of peroxide and can be extended for various real time applications.

Hollow spheres of iron oxide as an “enzyme-mimic”: preparation, characterization and application as biosensors

Nanostructured hollow spheres of iron oxide are demonstrated as “nanozymes” for the dual mode (spectrophotometric and electrochemical) detection of hydrogen peroxide & cholesterol biomarkers and a novel electrochemical sensing mechanism is proposed.

Dual enzyme-like properties of silver nanoparticles decorated Ag2WO4 nanorods and its application for H2O2 and glucose sensing

The facile one-pot hydrothermal synthesis of silver nanoparticles decorated silver tungstate nanorods (Ag@Ag₂WO₄ NRs) and their catalytic activities similar to those of natural enzymes catalase and peroxidase were reported. The Ag@Ag₂WO₄ NRs could catalyze the decomposition reaction of H₂O₂ into water and oxygen besides catalyzing the reduction of H₂O₂ into water in the presence of peroxidase substrates. Spectrophotometric and electrochemical methods were used to investigate the pH-dependent dual enzyme mimics exhibited by Ag@Ag₂WO₄ NRs. The Ag@Ag₂WO₄ NRs showed a lower Km value when compared to the natural horseradish peroxidase enzyme showing the stronger affinity for hydrogen peroxide and TMB. The peroxidase-like property of the synthesized Ag@Ag₂WO₄ NRs was exploited to develop a H₂O₂ sensor with a broad linear range and low detection limit. Thus, a wide linear range of 45.4 μM- 2.38 mM and a low detection limit of 5.4 μM was obtained by spectrophotometry while a wide linear range of 62.34 μM- 2.4 mM and a low detection limit of 6.25 μM was obtained by amperometry for H₂O₂. Further, the detection method was extended for the detection of glucose with a wide linear range of 27.7 μM- 0.33 mM and a low detection limit of 2.6 μM.

A Robust strategy enabling addressable porous 3D carbon-based functional nanomaterials in miniaturized systems

3D-porous carbon nanomaterials and their hybrids are ideal materials for energy storage and conversion, biomedical research, and wearable sensors, yet today's fabrication methods are too complicated and inefficient to implement into miniaturized systems. Instead, it is shown here that 3D-carbon nanofibrous electrodes of various designs, shapes and sizes, on flexible substrates, under ambient conditions and without complicated equipment and procedures can simply be "written" via a one-step laser-induced carbonization on electrospun nanofibers. Analytical functionalities are realized as full control over native polymer chemistry doping of the polymer (e.g. with metals) is provided. Similarly, being able to control mat morphology and its impact on the electroanalytical performance was studied. Ultimately, optimized writing conditions were harnessed for superior (bio)analytical sensing of important biomarkers (NADH, dopamine). The new procedure hence paves the way for future controlled studies on this 3D nanomaterial, for a multitude of functionalization and design possibilities, and for mass production capabilities necessary for their application in the real world.

PAMAM Dendrimer Modified Reduced Graphene Oxide Postfunctionalized by Horseradish Peroxidase for Biosensing H2O2

In this chapter, we describe the tethering of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) to reduced graphene oxide (RGO) for sensing H₂O₂ in serum. To accomplish this, RGO was synthesized through a green route by reducing graphene oxide (GO) prepared by Hummers method with carrot extract. The RGO was then covalently functionalized by electrochemical amination using fourth generation, amine-terminated PAMAM dendrimers. Subsequently, HRP was postfunctionalized through glutaraldehyde linkage. The synthesized RGO and the functionalization steps were well characterized by spectroscopic, microscopic, and electrochemical techniques. The application of HRP tethered RGO was demonstrated for H₂O₂ sensing in blood serum. This work provides scope for extending this functionalization strategy for other carbonaceous materials as well.

Rewiring the microbe-electrode interfaces with biologically reduced graphene oxide for improved bioelectrocatalysis

The aim of this work was to study biologically reduced graphene oxide (RGO) for engineering the surface architecture of the bioelectrodes to improve the performance of Bioelectrochemical System (BES). Gluconobacter roseus mediates the reduction of graphene oxide (GO). The RGO modified bioelectrodes produced a current density of 1 mA/cm² and 0.69 mA/cm² with ethanol and glucose as substrates, respectively. The current density of RGO modified electrodes was nearly 10-times higher than the controls. This study, for the first time, reports a new strategy to improve the yield as well as efficiency of the BES by wrapping and wiring the electroactive microorganisms to the electrode surfaces using RGO. This innovative wrapping approach will decrease the loss of electrons in the microbe-electrolyte interfaces as well as increase the electron transfer rates at the microorganism-electrode interfaces.

Effect of composites based nickel foam anode in microbial fuel cell using Acetobacter aceti and Gluconobacter roseus as a biocatalysts

This study explores the use of materials such as chitosan (chit), polyaniline (PANI) and titanium carbide (TC) as anode materials for microbial fuel cells. Nickel foam (NF) was used as the base anode substrate. Four different types of anodes (NF, NF/PANI, NF/PANI/TC, NF/PANI/TC/Chit) are thus prepared and used in batch type microbial fuel cells operated with a mixed consortium of Acetobacter aceti and Gluconobacter roseus as the biocatalysts and bad wine as a feedstock. A maximum power density of 18.8Wm(-3) (≈2.3 times higher than NF) was obtained in the case of the anode modified with a composite of PANI/TC/Chit. The MFCs running under a constant external resistance of (50Ω) yielded 14.7% coulombic efficiency with a maximum chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal of 87-93%. The overall results suggest that the catalytic materials embedded in the chitosan matrix show the best performance and have potentials for further development.

Dual enzyme mimicry exhibited by ITO nanocubes and their application in spectrophotometric and electrochemical sensing

Schematic illustration of the peroxidase/catalase-like activities of ITO nanocubes.

Electrochemical amination of graphene using nanosized PAMAM dendrimers for sensing applications

Electrochemically aminated graphene as an effective platform for immobilization of enzymes, proteins, DNA, antibodies, antigens, etc. resulting development of highly sensitive graphene based bio and chemical sensors.

Tailored interfacial architecture of chitosan modified glassy carbon electrodes facilitating selective, nanomolar detection of dopamine

Chitosan was tailored directly on the electrode surface to detect DA selectively in nanomolar level at physiological pH.

Investigations on the antiretroviral activity of carbon nanotubes using computational molecular approach

Carbon nanotubes are the interesting class of materials with wide range of applications. They have excellent physical, chemical and electrical properties. Numerous reports were made on the antiviral activities of carbon nanotubes. However the mechanism of antiviral action is still in infancy. Herein we report, our recent novel findings on the molecular interactions of carbon nanotubes with the three key target proteins of HIV using computational chemistry approach. Armchair, chiral and zigzag CNTs were modeled and used as ligands for the interaction studies. The structure of the key proteins involved in HIV mediated infection namely HIV- Vpr, Nef and Gag proteins were collected from the PDB database. The docking studies were performed to quantify the interaction of the CNT with the three different disease targets. Results showed that the carbon nanotubes had high binding affinity to these proteins which confirms the antagonistic molecular interaction of carbon nanotubes to the disease targets. The modeled armchair carbon nanotubes had the binding affinities of -12.4 Kcal/mole, -20 Kcal/mole and -11.7 Kcal/mole with the Vpr, Nef and Gag proteins of HIV. Chiral CNTs also had the maximum affinity of -16.4 Kcal/mole to Nef. The binding affinity of chiral CNTs to Vpr and Gag was found to be -10.9 Kcal/mole and -10.3 Kcal/mole respectively. The zigzag CNTs had the binding affinity of -11.1 Kcal/mole with Vpr, -18.3 Kcal/mole with Nef and -10.9 with Gag respectively. The strong molecular interactions suggest the efficacy of CNTs for targeting the HIV mediated retroviral infections.

Tunable release of clavam from clavam stabilized gold nanoparticles--design, characterization and antimicrobial study

A facile one-step approach is developed to synthesize highly stable (up to 6months) gold nanoparticles (GNPs) using Clavam, pharmaceutical form of amoxicillin which contains a mixture of amoxicillin and potassium salt of clavulanic acid, at room temperature (25-30°C). The clavam stabilized GNPs are characterized using various techniques including UV-Visible, FT-IR spectrophotometry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Tunable release of clavam from clavam stabilized GNPs is demonstrated using intracellular concentrations of glutathione (GSH). The process is monitored using an UV-Vis spectroscopy and the amount of clavam released in terms of amoxicillin concentration is quantitatively estimated using reverse phase high performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) technique. In vitro study reveals that the clavam released from GNPs' surface was found to show a significant enhancement in antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and the cause of enhancement is addressed.

Non-enzymatic detection of bilirubin based on a graphene–polystyrene sulfonate composite

A reduced graphene oxide–poly styrene sulfonate (RGO–PSS) modified GC electrode for the detection of bilirubin.

Liquid crystal (LC) monolayer on Indium Tin Oxide (ITO): structural and electrochemical characterization

Superior quality, stable monolayers of LC compounds on ITO substrates are found to be very effective in orienting bulk LC samples.

Facile and green synthesis of graphene

Herein, we report a simple, facile, green and cost effective strategy for the synthesis of graphene using naturally available anti-oxidants such as carotenoids present in vegetable (carrot, sweet potato, etc.) extracts.

S-nitrosothiol tethered polymer hexagons: synthesis, characterisation and antibacterial effect

In this work, we portray a new controlled nitric oxide (NO) delivery platform by grafting S-nitrosothiol derived from cysteine into the polymeric backbone of poly(vinyl methyl ether-co-maleic anhydride). Nitrosothiols (RSNO's) are linked to the polymeric backbone through solvent displacement method. By adjusting solvent polarity, materials of different shapes and sizes varying between μm and nm are prepared. More often our method of preparation resulted in hexagonally shaped polymeric materials. The structure and RSNO conjugation analysis was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FT-IR, UV-Vis spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Bactericidal efficacy of nitric oxide releasing polymer hexagons, a novel antibacterial agent is demonstrated against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Confocal microscopic studies revealed the enhanced bactericidal effect of polymer hexagons via membrane destruction. Results suggest that this biocompatible NO releasing RSNO conjugated polymer hexagons could be potentially useful for antimicrobial applications.

Nitric oxide releasing photoresponsive nanohybrids as excellent therapeutic agent for cervical cancer cell lines

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) that can release nitric oxide (NO) on visible-light irradiation were prepared using 2-mercapto-5-nitro benzimidazole (MNBI) as stabilizer. These nanoparticles meet overall prerequisites for biomedical applications like small sizes, water solubility, and stability. It was found that even a very low dosage of MNBI-stabilized GNPs exhibit appreciable tumor cell mortality against cervical cancer cell lines, demonstrating the role of NO in killing cancer cells.

Simultaneous degradation of bad wine and electricity generation with the aid of the coexisting biocatalysts Acetobacter aceti and Gluconobacter roseus

This study describes the cooperative effect of the two biocatalysts Acetobacter aceti and Gluconobacter roseus for biodegradation as well as current generation. The electro activity of the biofilms of these two microorganisms was investigated by the bioelectrocatalytic oxidation of ethanol and glucose using cyclic voltammetry. Two chamber microbial fuel cells (MFCs) were constructed using single culture of A. aceti (A-MFC), and G. roseus (G-MFC) and also using mixed culture (AG-MFC). Each MFC was fed with four different substrates viz., glucose, ethanol, acetate and bad wine. AG-MFC produced higher power density with glucose (1.05 W/m(3)), ethanol (1.97 W/m(3)), acetate (1.39 W/m(3)) and bad wine (3.82 W/m(3)). COD removal (94%) was maximum for acetate fed MFCs. Higher coulombic efficiency was obtained with bad wine (45%) as the fuel. This work provides the scope of using these biofuel cells in wineries for performing the dual duty of bad wine degradation along with current generation.

Synthesis of gold nanoparticles: an ecofriendly approach using Hansenula anomala

This work describes a bioassisted approach for the preparation of metal nanoparticles using yeast species Hansenula anomala. Gold nanoparticles were prepared using gold salt as the precursor, amine-terminated polyamidoamine dendrimer as the stabilizer, and the extracellular material from H. anomala as the bioreductant. It could also be demonstrated that, using our approach, small molecules such as cysteine can act as stabilizers as well. This synthetic approach offers a greener alternative route to the preparation of gold sols that are devoid of cellular and toxic chemical components. The ability of as-synthesized gold sol to function as biological ink for producing patterns for the analysis of fingerprints and to act as an antimicrobial reagent is evaluated. The generality of this toxin-free synthetic approach to other metals was assessed using palladium and silver.

Bioelectrocatalysis of Acetobacter aceti and Gluconobacter roseus for current generation

Acetobacter aceti and Gluconobacter roseus, which are known to be responsible for the spoilage of wine, are used for current generation in batch-type microbial biofuel cells and it has been shown for the first time that these two microorganisms do not require mediators for the transfer of electrons to the anode. Three biofuel cells were constructed with two cells containing the pure cultures of each of the microorganisms as the biocatalyst (A-MFC, G-MFC) and the third cell was constructed with the mixed culture of these two microorganisms as the biocatalyst (AG-MFC). The performance of the biofuel cells was evaluated in terms of open circuit voltage (OCV), fuel consumption rate, internal resistance, power output, and coulombic efficiency. The mixed culture cell (AG-MFC) exhibits a better overall performance compared to the other cells.

PAMAM Dendrimers as Anchors for the Preparation of Electrocatalytically Active Ultrathin Metallic Films

This paper describes the formation of catalytically active thin films of Pt, Pt/Au, and Pt/Ru on gold substrates stabilized by amine-terminated polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers. A monolayer of dendrimer is initially self-assembled on the gold substrate, which serves as a template for the growth of catalytically active thin films. As dendrimers contain tens to hundreds of functional groups at the periphery, the aggregate strength of the multidentate interactions with the gold substrate leads to the formation of robust films. The films were found to exhibit high catalytic activity for the oxidation of small hydrocarbons such as methanol. Such films offer versatility and scope for the design of effective electrocatalysts, especially in the context of microfuel cells and "dendrichips"; hence, they could find applications in the fields of sensors, fuel cells, and waste-water treatment.

Electrochemical investigations of 3-(3-thienyl) acrylic acid protected nanoclusters and planar gold surfaces

Formation of self assembled monolayers on gold surface by thiols and disulphides is a well known phenomenon and extensive research work has been carried out in this area with envisaged applications in the area of sensors, molecular electronics, lithography, device fabrication using bottom-up approach, etc. Recently, it has been established that thiophene molecules can self assemble on gold surface due to Au-S interactions. 3-(3-thienyl) acrylic acid, a bifunctional ligand is used in this work to form self-assembled monolayers on planar gold surfaces (two dimensional assemblies) and to prepare monolayer protected gold nano clusters (three-dimensional assemblies). The electron transfer blocking properties of the two-dimensional monolayers were evaluated by using standard redox probes like ferrocyanide anions and Ruthenium hexamine cations. The functionalisation of the two-dimensional and three-dimensional assemblies has been carried out with ferrocene carboxylic acid and the functionalised monolayers were characterized by Cyclic voltammetry. The formation of thienyl acrylic acid protected nanoclusters has been verified by TEM and surface plasmon resonance absorption. It has been observed that when thiophene based ligands are used as stabilizers for the formation of metal nanoparticles, they tend to aggregate as a result of pi-pi interactions between adjacent thiophene ligands. In this case it is found that aggregation is prevented. The substituent at the thiophene ring hinders pi-pi interactions. The quantised nature of electrochemical charging of these nanoparticles has been demonstrated by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), which exhibit peak like features (coulomb's staircase). This work also explores the possibility of using 3-(3-thienyl) acrylic acid as building blocks or spacers on planar and colloidal gold surfaces for potential applications in the field of sensors and devices.

Direct electron transfer with yeast cells and construction of a mediatorless microbial fuel cell

The direct electron transfer exhibited by the yeast cells, Hansenula anomala has been demonstrated using the electrochemical technique cyclic voltammetry by immobilizing the microorganisms by two different methods viz., physical adsorption and covalent linkage. The analysis of redox enzymes present in the outer membrane of the microorganisms has been carried out in this work. This paper demonstrates that yeast cells with redox enzymes present in their outer membrane are capable of communicating directly with the electrode surface and contribute to current generation in a mediatorless biofuel cells. The efficiency of current generation has been evaluated using three anode materials.

Templated synthesis of silver nanowires based on the layer-by-layer assembly of silver with dithiodipropionic acid molecules as spacers

The layer-by-layer assembly of silver nanoclusters with 3,3'-dithiodipropionic acid (DTDPA) as spacers was prepared through self-assembly on a gold foil and has been characterized by cyclic voltammetric and AFM techniques. The DTDPA molecules acting as spacers between the layers of silver serve as molecular interconnects for the four layers prepared in this work. The organization of layers was found to decrease with an increase in the number of layers. The layer-by-layer assembly of silver clusters motivated us to prepare silver nanowires stabilized by the bifunctional molecules DTDPA through template synthesis using cellulose nitrate membranes. The nanostructures formed by this method were characterized by SEM, TEM, AFM, FTIR, CV, and photoluminescence studies. It is observed that the DTDPA molecules, instead of forming molecular interconnects, protect the structures by self-assembling themselves along the edges of the nanostructures. The concept of self-assembly protecting the nanostructures is demonstrated in this work.