Gold Nanoparticle-based Colorimetric Sensor for pH Sensing

We present a newly designed colormetric sensor sensitive to pH value based on a gold nanocomposite composed of gold nanoparticles and pH-sensitive polymer{dodecylthioether end functionalized poly[2-(diethlamino) ethyl methacrylate], poly(DEAEMA)-DDT}. We have shown that this design can produce stable GNP precipitate under weakly basic condition(pH=7.5) and this precipitate can be dispersed in acidic solution(pH=4.0), due to the 2-(diethylamino) ethyl methacrylate protonated by H+.

Facile preparation of water-soluble fluorescent silver nanoclusters using a polyelectrolyte template

We report a new approach for the synthesis of fluorescent and water-soluble Ag nanoclusters, using the common polyelectrolyte poly(methacrylic acid) as the template.

Silver nanocluster-based fluorescent sensors for sensitive detection of Cu(II)

In this work, we report the first application of water-soluble fluorescent Ag nanoclusters in fluorescent sensors. The fluorescence of poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA)-templated Ag nanoclusters was found to be quenched effectively by Cu2+, but not when other common metal ions were present. By virtue of the specific response toward the analyte, a new, simple, and sensitive fluorescent method for detecting Cu2+ has been developed based on Ag nanoclusters.

Preparation of nanoparticles of bipyridineruthenium and silicotungstate and application as electrochemiluminescence sensor

The novel nanoparticles, [Ru(bPY)(3)](2)SiW12O40 center dot 2H(2)O(2) were firstly synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, and TEM. The nanoparticles were used to fabricate a chemically modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) by dispersing nanoparticles and graphite powder in silicone grease. Thus-prepared CPE shows bifunctional electrocatalytic activities towards the reduction of nitrite and the oxidation of oxalate, and exhibits sensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL).

Layer-by-layer assembly of functional silica and Au nanoparticles for fabricating electrogenerated chemiluminescence sensor

We described the use of silica nanoparticles as building blocks for the immobilization of electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) reagent Ru(bpy)3" and the fabrication of layer-by-layer assembly film by alternating the deposition of the Ru(bpy)3 2'-doped silica nanoparticles and Au nanoparticles.

Quantitative electrochemiluminescence detection of proteins: Avidin-based sensor and tris(2,2 '-bipyridine) ruthenium(II) label

Quantitative electrochemilumineseence (ECL) detection of a model protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA) was achieved via biotin-avidin interaction using an avidin-based sensor and a well-developed ECL system of tris(2,2'-bipyridine) ruthenium(II) derivative as label and tri-n-propylamine (TPA) as coreactant. To detect the protein, avidin was linked to the glassy carbon electrode through passive adsorptions and covalent interaction with carboxylate-terminated carbon nanotubes that was used as binder to immobilize avidin onto the electrode. Then, biotinylated BSA tagged with tris(2,2'-bipyridine) ruthenium(II) label was attached to the prepared avidin surface.

DNAzyme-based Colorimetric Sensing of Lead (Pb2+) Using Unmodified Gold Nanoparticle Probes

Novel functional oligonucleotides, especially DNAzymes with RNA-cleavage activity, have been intensively studied due to their potential applications in therapeutics and sensors. Taking advantage of the high specificity of 17E DNAzyme for Pb2+, highly sensitive and selective fluorescent, electrochemical and colorimetric sensors have been developed for Pb2+. In this work, we report a simple, sensitive and label-free 17E DNAzyme-based sensor for Pb2+ detection using unmodified gold nanoparticles (GNPs) based on the fact that unfolded single-stranded DNA could be adsorbed on the citrate protected GNPs while double-stranded DNA could not. By our method the substrate cleavage by the 17E DNAzyme in the presence of Pb2+ could be monitored by color change of GNPs, thereby Pb2+ detection was realized.

Effects of divalent metal ions on electrochemiluminescence sensor with Ru(bPY)(3)(2+) immobilized in Eastman-AQ membrane

Different effects of divalent metal ions on electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor with Ru(bPY)(3)(2+) immobilized in Eastman-AQ membrane were investigated. Mg2+,Ca2+ and Fe2+ can elevate the ECL of Ru(bpY)(3)(2+)/proline; while metal ions that underwent redox reactions on the electrode such as Mn2+ and Co2+ presented intensive quenching effects on Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) ECL. Also, the quenching effect of Mn2+ on the ECL sensor with Ru(bpY)(3)(2+) immobilized in Eastman-AQ membrane enhanced to about 30-folds compared with the case that Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) was dissolved in phosphate buffer, and the enhanced quenching effects of Mn2+ were studied.

SiO2 nanoparticles as scatterers for random organic laser action in red fluorescent dye 4-(dicyanomethylene)-2-tert-butyl-6(1,1,7,7-tetramethyljulolidyl-9-enyl)-4H-pyran doped polystyrene films

Random multimode lasers are achieved in 4-(dicyanomethylene)-2-tert-butyl-6(1,1,7,7-tetramethyljulolidyl-9-enyl)-4H-pyran (DCJTB) doped polystyrene thin films by introducing silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles as scatterers. The devices emit a resonance multimode peak at a center wavelength of 640 nm with a mode linewidth less than 0.87 nm. The threshold excitation intensity is as low as 0.25 mJ pulse(-1) cm(-2). It can be seen that the microscopic random resonance cavities can be formed by multiple scattering of SiO2 nanoparticles.

Microwave synthesis of fluorescent carbon nanoparticles with electrochemiluminescence properties

We present a facile, economical microwave pyrolysis approach to synthesize fluorescent carbon nanoparticles with electrochemiluminescence properties.

Synthesis and fluorescent property of NH4Y1.9Eu0.1F7 nanoparticles with the temperature effect on the morphology

Sphere NH4Y1.9Eu0.1F7 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal method at 180 degrees C for 10 h. SEM and TEM images show the particles are spheres and have lots of hollows in them. The mean particle size is about 60 nm. The shape and size of the particles can be controlled by changing temperature and time of reactants. The luminescent property of the sample indicates that strong emission peaks of the Eu3+ ions are located at about 589 and 612 mm.

Ultrasound-promoted chiral fluorescent organogel

In this paper, we have described a chiral binaphthyl-based fluorescent organogel. Very interestingly, similar to sonocrystallisation of organics, ultrasound can promote the gelation while it cannot occur spontaneously at relatively high temperature or low concentration. The fluorescence enhancement of the gel obtained via ultrasound irradiation is observed. In solution there exist rapid dynamic equilibria between (S)-1 oligomers. The association interactions both between gelator molecules and between solvent and gelator molecules could together effect the helical growth of distorted (S)-1 nanocrystals.