Abstract
Auniversal strategy for a rapid colorimetric method for Hg2+ in an aqueous solutionis described. The specific binding of Hg2+ (thymine-Hg2+-thymine) with thiolated DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) via Au-S bonds increases the spatial hindrance of the AuNP surface, resulting in a weakened catalytic ability of AuNPs to catalyze the reaction between p-nitrophenol and NaBH4. Therefore, the color change time (CCT) of the solution from yellow to colorless becomes longer. Based on the kinetic curve of absorbance over time measured by a UV spectrometer, the level of Hg2+ in aqueous solutionscan be easily quantified. A linear relationship between CCT and Hg2+ concentration was obtained in the 10-600-nM range with a detection limit of 0.20nM, which is much lower than the limit value (10nM) defined by the US Environmental Protection Agency for Hg2+ indrinking water. The excellent sensitivity comes from CCT as the signal output of the probe, rather than the absorbance or wavelength change used in traditional colorimetric probes as the signal output.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
