Magnetic Dots Research Articles

MBE growth of highly sensitive silicon PIN diode with magnetic Mn-doped Ge quantum dots for photodetector and solar cell applications

MBE growth of highly sensitive silicon PIN diode with magnetic Mn-doped Ge quantum dots for photodetector and solar cell applications

Magnetic nanoparticles and quantum dots coupled immuno nano fluorescence assay for visual detection of HPV16-induced cervical cancer cells from cytology/biopsy samples

Biopsy-based histopathology and immunohistochemistry for cervical cancer detection are costly, time-consuming, and require expert personnel for data interpretation. We developed a simple magnetic nanoparticle (MNPs) and quantum dots (QD) coupled immuno nano fluorescence assay (MNPQDCINFA) for visual detection of HPV16-induced cervical cancer cells under UV light from cytology/biopsy samples exploiting host cancer cells expressing viral E7 protein as a biomarker. The E7 domain-specific polyclonal antibodies were generated against the 1–44 amino acid N-terminal (anti-domainN antibody) and 48–98 amino acid C-terminal domain (anti-domainC antibody). These antibodies were bioconjugated with nonfluorescent MNPs (60 % efficiency) and fluorescent QDs (66 % efficiency) to generate capturing (MNPs-anti-domainN antibody) and detecting (QDs-anti-domainC antibody) nano-complex, respectively. Assay conditions, such as concentration of capturing (20 μM) and detecting (50 nM) antibody nano-complexes and incubation duration (30 min), were standardized. The analytical sensitivity using pure HPV16 E7 protein was recorded up to 200 ng with very high specificity to differentiate from other HPV strains E7 proteins. The diagnostic performance characteristics with cytology samples showed 100 % sensitivity and specificity compared to immunofluorescence and biopsy-based histopathology analysis. The present invention can be effectively used for a quick, disposable, rapid cervical cancer cell detection system as an alternate test for immunofluorescence and histopathology.

Synthesis and characterization of magnetic carbon dots (CDs)-based hybrid material as an adsorbent for the removal of organic dye from water

In recent years, the rapid advancement of materials science and the desire for new functions has led to an enormous demand for novel materials, which could be used in various applications. As a result, hybrid materials have gained the interest of the scientific community due to the infinite combinations of individual components, which could lead to materials with unique properties. In this study, a carbon dots (CDs)-CuFe2O4 nanohybrid material was successfully prepared through a solvothermal process and utilized as an adsorbent for the removal of Congo Red (CR) dye from aqueous environment. The nanohybrid material combines interactive surface functional groups due to CDs and high magnetic saturation due to CuFe2O4 nanoparticles, resulting in enhanced selectivity towards CR dye and easy separation after utilization with an external magnet. The as-prepared material was characterized by various techniques, including XRD, micro-Raman, FT-IR, HR-TEM/EDS, N2 porosimetry, and SQUID. Finally, its capability in the removal efficiency of CR dye was investigated at different initial CR concentrations, contact times and pH values via UV–Vis spectroscopy.

Bifunctional magnetic carbon dots for the rapid fluorescent detection and the efficient adsorptive removal of copper ion

Developing a bifunctional material capable of both sensing and removing heavy metal ions is crucial but remains a significant challenge. Herein, magnetic carbon dots (M/CDs) were developed using ferroferric oxide (Fe3O4) and riboflavin (C17H20N4O6). M/CDs with optimal fluorescence properties were obtained under the specific preparation conditions of a molar ratio of riboflavin / Fe3O4 of 6:5, at a temperature of 200 °C and following a reaction time of 24 h. The structure of M/CDs was characterized using TEM, XRD, FTIR and VSM, which exhibited the prepared M/CDs contained high-affinity groups (–CN, C=O) and excellent magnetic separation properties (83.87 emu/g), offering selective detection and higher separation capacity for copper ion (Cu2+). The fluorescence intensity of the M/CDs progressively decreased with increasing concentrations of Cu2+, and the calculated detection limit was determined to be 0.096 mg/L, which was below the permissible limit. Moreover, the M/CDs demonstrated a removal efficiency of 89 % for 5 mg/L of Cu2+ across a broad pH range. The adsorption data were well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Freundlich isotherm models. Notably, the reusability could be achieved by recycling at least five turns by using an external magnet. All of these indicate magnetic carbon dots hold great promise for simultaneous detection and removal of Cu2+, offering a feasible solution for assessing water quality and treating wastewater.

Impact of carbon dots on the structural, morphological, magnetic, and electrochemical performance of Zn ferrite for energy storage applications

Magnetic core-shell Zn ferrite and carbon dots (C-dots) composite have been synthesized in this work using a simple coprecipitation and hydrothermal process, respectively. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns demonstrate an inverse spinel structure of Zn ferrites; the lattice parameter has decreased from 8.19 Å to 8.10 Å with C-dots. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images reveal rods-like structures for C-dots, and in the composite case, it is uniformly dispersed using low contrast consecutive C-dot layers to produce a core-shell structure. Zn ferrites are non-uniform in size, whereas C-dots and their composites are in uniform shape according to SEM images. The energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) study indicates that the substitution has been successful. For Zn ferrites, and composite, the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra shows that the absorption band of the tetrahedral site at 990 cm−1, and 870 cm−1, respectively. Different bonds in the infrared spectrum match specific function groups and bonding in various chemicals. The vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) results indicates that the composite displays ferrimagnetic behavior. The specific capacity for composite has been found to be 2351 and 1790 F/g using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) measurements, respectively. Higher electrochemical performance of the prepared composites may be helpful for energy storage systems.

Effect of Polymer and Cell Membrane Coatings on Theranostic Applications of Nanoparticles: A Review.

The recent decade has witnessed a remarkable surge in the field of nanoparticles, from their synthesis, characterization, and functionalization to diverse applications. At the nanoscale, these particles exhibit distinct physicochemical properties compared to their bulk counterparts, enabling a multitude of applications spanning energy, catalysis, environmental remediation, biomedicine, and beyond. This review focuses on specific nanoparticle categories, including magnetic, gold, silver, and quantum dots (QDs), as well as hybrid variants, specifically tailored for biomedical applications. A comprehensive review and comparison of prevalent chemical, physical, and biological synthesis methods are presented. To enhance biocompatibility and colloidal stability, and facilitate surface modification and cargo/agent loading, nanoparticle surfaces are coated with different synthetic polymers and very recently, cell membrane coatings. The utilization of polymer- or cell membrane-coated nanoparticles opens a wide variety of biomedical applications such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), hyperthermia, photothermia, sample enrichment, bioassays, drug delivery, etc. With this review, the goal is to provide a comprehensive toolbox of insights into polymer or cell membrane-coated nanoparticles and their biomedical applications, while also addressing the challenges involved in translating such nanoparticles from laboratory benchtops to in vitro and in vivo applications. Furthermore, perspectives on future trends and developments in this rapidly evolving domain are provided.

Phenylboronic Acid-Modified Membrane-Like Magnetic Quantum Dots Enable the Ultrasensitive and Broad-Spectrum Detection of Viruses by Lateral Flow Immunoassay.

Although lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (LFIA) is an effective point-of-care testing technology, it still cannot achieve broad-spectrum and ultrasensitive detection of viruses. Herein, we propose a multiplex LFIA platform using a two-dimensional graphene oxide (GO)-based magnetic fluorescent nanofilm (GF@DQD) as a multifunctional probe and 4-aminophenylboronic acid (APBA) as a broad-spectrum recognition molecule for viral glycoprotein detection. GF@DQD-APBA with enhanced magnetic/fluorescence properties and universal capture ability for multiple viruses was easily prepared through the electrostatic adsorption of one layer of density-controlled Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) and thousands of small CdSe/ZnS-MPA quantum dots (QDs) on a monolayer GO sheet followed by chemical coupling with APBA on the QD surface. The GF@DQD-APBA probe enabled the universal capture and specific determination of different target viruses on the test strip through an arbitrary combination with the antibody-modified LFIA strip, thus greatly improving detection efficiency and reducing the cost and difficulty of multiplex LFIA for viruses. The proposed technique can simultaneously and sensitively diagnose three newly emerged viruses within 20 min with detection limits down to the pg/mL level. The excellent practicability of GF@DQD-APBA-LFIA was also demonstrated in the detection of 34 clinical specimens positive for SARS-CoV-2, revealing its potential for epidemic control and on-site viral detection.

Multiplex fluorescence quenching immunoassay based on multicolor magnetic quantum dot and dual spectral-overlapped polydopamine nanospheres for ultrasensitive detection of aflatoxin B1, zearalenone, ochratoxin A, and fumonisin B1

Due to the increasing fungal infections and the implementation of strict food safety regulations, the demand for sensitive, rapid, and easy assays for testing co-contaminated mycotoxins in food has grown in recent years. In this study, a multiplex fluorescence quenching immunoassay is developed to simultaneously detect prevalent mycotoxins in cereals, namely aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), zearalenone (ZEN), ochratoxin A (OTA), and fumonisin B1 (FB1). Four spherical nanocomposites with magnetic core and three-layer quantum dot (QD) shell (MagTQD) are fabricated. These nanocomposites exhibit different maximum emission peaks without overlap and interference at the same excitation wavelength. Four MagTQD conjugated with corresponding coating antigens to prepare four fluorescence signal probes with rapid magnetic enrichment ability, respectively. Moreover, polydopamine nanospheres (PDANs) with dual-spectral overlapped fluorescence quenching properties are conjugated with four mycotoxin antibodies to prepare four fluorescence quenching probes, respectively. The established immunoassay has the low detection limit at 1.29 pg mL−1 for AFB1, 0.80 pg mL−1 for ZEN, 1.97 pg mL−1 for OTA, and 13.89 pg mL−1 for FB1, respectively. This developed assay can provide a new approach to realize the efficient detection of multi-mycotoxins in food safety supervision.

Boosting energy levels in graphene magnetic quantum dots through magnetic flux and inhomogeneous gap

We study the effects of a magnetic flux and an inhomogeneous gap on the energy spectrum of graphene magnetic quantum dots (GMQDs). By considering the Dirac equation in the infinite mass framework, we can analytically obtain eigenspinor expressions. By applying boundary conditions, we obtain an energy spectrum equation in terms of system parameters such as radius, magnetic field, energy, flux, and gap. In the infinite limit, we recover Landau levels for graphene in a magnetic field. We show that the energy spectrum increases significantly in the presence of flux and a gap inside the GMQDs, which prolongs the lifetime of the trapped electron states. We show that higher flux also produces new Landau levels of negative angular momentum. Meanwhile, we find that the gap increases the separation between the electron and hole energy bands. As shown in the radial probability analysis, flux and gap emerge as influential factors in controlling electron mobility, affecting confinement, and prolonging the presence of quasi-bound states.

A CRISPR-Cas12a-powered, quantum dot-based and magnetic nanoparticle-assisted (QD-CRISPR-MNP) biosensor for the screening of Salmonella

Rapid detection methods are urgently needed to help prevent the spread of Salmonella among food products. Herein, a CRISPR-Cas12a-powered, quantum dot-based and magnetic nanoparticle-assisted (QD-CRISPR-MNP) biosensor was proposed for the screening of Salmonella. The QD-CRISPR-MNP biosensor was designed and fabricated relying on the CRISPR-Cas12a system for better guidance of the coupling between magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and quantum dots (QDs). In this biosensor, the activity of the CRISPR-Cas12a system was unlocked by Salmonella and displayed collateral cleavage activity towards linker DNAs, which inhibited the coupling of the MNPs and QDs. Then, Salmonella could be quantitatively detected by simply measuring the fluorescence emitted by the QDs on the MNPs surface. This biosensor showed good detection performance for Salmonella with a detection limit of 86 CFU mL−1, and exhibited a satisfactory specificity as well. Moreover, it overcomes the low fluorescence quantum yields and the possible high fluorescence background noise in conventional dye-based CRISPR detection platforms, acting as a powerful alternative for the detection of foodborne pathogens.

Carbon quantum dots-based palladium complex: A versatile nano-catalyst for the green synthesis of pyrazoles

The palladium complex based on the magnetic carbon quantum dots [Fe3O4@CQDS@Si(CH2)3 NH@CC@ATT@Pd (CQDPd = F)] was synthesized by preparation of Fe3O4, its further reactions with carbon quantum dots (CQDs), (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane [Si(OEt)3(CH2)3NH2], cyanuric chloride (CC), and 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole-5-thiol (ATT), and complexation of the product with PdCl2. Then, it was characterized by several techniques such as FT-IR, XRD, EDX, SEM, TEM, VSM, and used as a novel catalyst for the green synthesis of diverse pyrazoles from the reaction of aldehydes, ethyl acetoacetate and phenylhydrazine at 70 °C under solvent-free conditions with high yields and short reaction times. Aldehydes bearing the electron-withdrawing groups exhibit the superior reactivity. Remarkably, the F catalyst showed strong recyclability over six consecutive cycles with negligible loss of activity, emphasizing its sustainability and high efficiency in chemical transformations as well as the catalytic potential of the used magnetic carbon quantum dots and their ability to revolutionize green and efficient synthetic methodologies.

A Magnetic-Optical Triple-Mode Lateral Flow Immunoassay for Sensitive and Rapid Detection of Respiratory Adenovirus.

Human respiratory adenovirus (ADV) is a highly infectious respiratory virus with potential for pandemics. There are currently no specific drugs to treat ADV worldwide, so early rapid detection of ADV infection is essential. In this study, we developed an innovative magnetic-optical triple-mode lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) using magnetic quantum dots as immunomarkers. This novel approach addresses the need for rapid and accurate ADV detection, allowing for multimodal quantitative/semiquantitative analysis of magnetic, fluorescent, and visible signals within a mere 15 min. The lower limit of detection (LOD) for magnetic, fluorescent, and visual signals was determined to be 5.6 × 103, 1.2 × 103, and 1.95 × 104 copies/mL, respectively. The detection range for ADV using this approach was 1.2 × 103-5 × 107 copies/mL. Additionally, semiquantitative analysis, which is user-friendly and does not necessitate specialized equipment, was successfully implemented. Notably, seven respiratory viruses showed no cross-reactivity with the generated LFIA test strips. The intrabatch repeatability exhibited a coefficient of variation (CV) of less than 5%, while the interbatch repeatability had a CV of less than 15%. Furthermore, recovery values ranged from 95% to 106.8% for samples analyzed concurrently with dual signals at the same spiking concentration. The assay developed in this study boasts a wide detection range and exceptional sensitivity and specificity. This technique is exceptionally well-suited for on-site rapid detection, with the potential for personal self-testing and early ADV infection diagnosis. Its versatility extends to a broad array of application scenarios.

Writing temperature and thickness dependence of perpendicular magnetic-dot magnetization reversal probability

Investigation is necessary to figure out magnetization dynamics at high temperatures due to the low power requirement for heat-assisted magnetic recording technology. The Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation was employed to assess the dynamic of magnetization in perpendicular magnetic-dots at elevated temperatures, considering the thermal contribution to the effective field. The simulated perpendicular magnetic-dot has a 50×50 nm2 surface area with thicknesses of 10 nm, 50 nm, and 100 nm. This study reveals that the probability of magnetization reversal and the threshold field in the thermally-assisted magnetic reversal process of a magnetic dot is influenced by the thickness and writing temperature. Below the Curie point, as sample thickness increases, demagnetization energy increases, requiring a larger external magnetic field for magnetization reversal. For the thicker sample, the magnitude of the writing field decreases as the temperature increases, which corresponds to temperature-dependent magnetization. Meanwhile, the optimum writing field is obtained below the Curie point. The magnetic-dot with 100 nm of thickness has an effective writing temperature of 739.7 K with a corresponding writing field is 250 Oe while its reversal probability at zero magnetic field is up to 0.2. Magnetic-dot thickness affects magnetization reversal probability due to domain wall propagation mechanisms during magnetic switching that result from the demagnetization factor. Moreover, as the temperature approaches the Curie temperature, the probability of zero-field magnetization reversal in the absence of an external magnetic field is observed to escalate which has a direct impact on the writing field magnitude. It was found that the effective writing temperature is below the Curie temperature, which allows several hundred Oersted of the writing field.

Colorimetric aptasensor based on peroxidase-mimetic metal-organic framework nanoparticles and magnetic carbon dots for visual detection of Staphylococcus aureus.

A colorimetric aptasensor based on the dual recognition of magnetic carbon dots (M-CDs) and copper-based metal-organic frameworks (Cu-MOFs) was constructed for the visual detection of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Aptamer-modified Cu-MOFs could specifically identify target bacteria and exhibited peroxidase-like activity by catalyzing the colorimetric reaction of the 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine-H2O2 (TMB-H2O2) system. M-CDs electrostatically attracted bacteria because of their strong positive electrical properties and offered better capturing performance compared with magnetic beads owing to their smaller size. Visual detection of the target was achieved using the color change of the reaction catalyzed by the resuspension of the sandwich-structured complex. The bacteria were sensitively detected with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1 CFU mL-1 using the peroxidase catalytic activity of Cu-MOFs. Non-target bacteria produced negative results, demonstrating the excellent selectivity of the proposed aptasensor. The strategy showed good recovery in real sample detection, showing great potential for visual monitoring of pathogenic bacteria, and could provide a reference for further development of novel sensing platforms for bacterial detection.

The interplay between magnetism and structure in Co/Fe-CdSe diluted magnetic quantum dots

Revealing the structure-dependent properties of Co/Fe-CdSe DMQD. Co-ions form a β-Co(OH)2 shell, showing soft ferromagnetism and enhanced PL by 250%. Conversely, Fe-ions lead to room-temperature ferromagnetic DMQD, forming a FeSe core in the CdSe QD.

Lithographically Ordered FePt L10 Dots with High Coercivity for Logic-Conditioned Magnetic Nanostructures

In order to develop the building blocks for future biosensing and spintronic applications, an engraving technique using electron beam lithography is employed in order to develop nanomagnetic pre-patterned structures with logic potential. The paper describes the realization and morphological and magnetic characterization of potentially logic-conditioned substrates, a building block to be further used as an integration platform upon which nanodevices, such as magnetic wires, or various geometrical shapes, circles, triangles, can be considered as pre-requisite for full integration into logic devices. As a proof of concept, regular arrays of FePt circles or magnetic dots were devised and structural characterization by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy proved the occurrence of the tetragonal L10 phase. Moreover, the magnetic characterization provided more insight into the potential of such arrays of magnetic devices as the hysteresis provided good values of magnetic coercivity, remanent and saturation magnetization. These findings show good potential for developing regular arrays of uniformly shaped magnetic entities with encouraging magnetic performances in view of potential applications in various applications.

Construction of specific molecularly imprinted electrochemical probe utilizing magnetic carbon dots for effective measurement of bisphenol AP in plastic products

A creative electrochemical probe utilizing molecularly imprinted modified magnetic carbon dots was designed and fabricated. Carbon dots are a new kind of green, pollution-free, cheap and easy to obtain nanomaterials. The combination of Fe3O4 and carbon dots improved the defect of ferric oxide being easy to aggregate, and their co-modification significantly enhanced the electrochemical activity of the electrode. Cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry were executed to evaluate the electrochemical behavior of the co-modified electrode surface and performance of the probe. The constructed probe exhibited excellent selectivity and sensitivity for determining bisphenol AP in plastic products. The introduction of molecularly imprinted polymers endowed the sensor excellent selectivity, ensuring specific recognition of bisphenol AP. The fabricated sensor demonstrated a good two-stage linear range of 0.07–0.3 μM and 0.3–10 μM, and the detection limit was 0.027 μM. The constructed probe was validated to detect bisphenol AP in self-heating hot pot, instant noodle bucket and disposable plastic cup, and satisfactory results were achieved. These results indicated that the fabricated sensor was a cheap, rapid, and selective sensing-platform for detecting bisphenol AP, and could be employed as a reliable routine tool.

Effect of magnetic flux on scattering in a graphene magnetic quantum dot

Our theoretical investigation focuses on the impact of a magnetic flux on two aspects related to the trapping time of electrons within a graphene magnetic quantum dot (GMQD), which results from an applied magnetic field. Specifically, we examine the electron diffusion and trapping time of the quasi-states within the GMQD. Employing the Dirac equation, we derive solutions for the energy spectrum in each region comprising the GMQD, serving as mathematical tools to assess diffusion efficiency and estimate trapping time. Our findings reveal that an increase in magnetic flux enhances scattering efficiency, even in the absence of magnetic field. Through a scattering analysis in real space, we observe a significant improvement in the probability density within the GMQD. We demonstrate the feasibility of extending the trapping time of an electron within a GMQD by adjusting the magnetic flux.

Highly Coercive L10-Phase Dots Obtained through Low Temperature Annealing for Nano-Logic Magnetic Structures

Nano-logic magnetic structures are of great interest for spintronic applications. While the methods used for developing arrays of magnetic L10-phase dots are, in most cases, based on deposition followed by annealing at high temperatures, usually around 700 °C, we demonstrate here a technique where a much lower annealing temperature (i.e., 400 °C) is needed in order to promote fully the disorder–order phase transformation and achievement of highly coercive L10-phase dots. In order to develop building blocks based on arrays of L10-phase FePt dots for further spintronic applications, an engraving technique using electron beam lithography is employed. This paper describes the fabrication, as well as the morphological and magnetic characterization, of regularly placed FePt dots of various shapes, as pre-requisites for integration into nano-logic devices. As a proof of concept, regular arrays of FePt circular dots were devised and their structural characterization, using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), was performed. It has been shown that annealing at only 400 °C for 30 min proved the occurrence of the tetragonal L10 phase. Moreover, structural characterization showed that the disorder–order phase transformation was complete with only the L10 phase detected in high resolution TEM. The magnetic characterization provided more insight into the potential of such arrays of magnetic devices with convenient values of magnetic coercivity, remanent and saturation magnetization. These findings show good potential for developing regular arrays of uniformly shaped magnetic entities with encouraging magnetic performances in view of various applications.

Ruthenium nanoparticles encrusted with nitrogen & sulphur magnetic quantum dots as an efficient electrochemical sensor for simultaneous determination of itraconazole and terbinafine; a dual regimen for black fungus: Magnetic solid phase micro-extraction for urine and plasma analysis

After COVID-19 pandemic, Mucormycosis (black fungus) spreads as one of its related complications, due to the decrease in immunity system after administration of COVID-19 treatment drugs. A combination therapy of Itraconazole (ITR) and Terbinafine (TEB) was proved to be effective for treatment of black fungus. A novel electrochemical sensor was designed for estimation of ITR & TEB simultaneously by square wave voltammetric (SWV) technique. The sensor was fabricated using N&S-codoped magnetic quantum dots (N,S-MQDs) and ruthenium nanoparticles (Ru NPs). The fabricated sensor was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), scanning electron microscope (SEM), powder X ray diffraction (pXRD), Fourier transform-Infrared (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Full optimization study for various experimental and instrumental parameters, in addition to method validation following International conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines was achieved. A good linearity in the range of 0.5–30 μg mL−1 with limit of detection (LOD) 0.24 and 0.19 μg mL−1 for ITR and TEB, respectively were obtained. The sensor was applied for analysis of ITR and TEB simultaneously in human plasma and urine samples without any interferences by applying dispersive magnetic solid phase micro-extraction (dMSPE) technique, where excellent recovery results exceeding 95 % were achieved.