MPA-CdTe Quantum Dots Research Articles

Efficient detection of aklomide/nitromide based on a sensor of MPA capped CdTe QDs using fluorescence quenching method

Based on the fluorescence sensor of 3-Mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs), two novel detection methods for aklomide and nitromide were developed. The MPA-CdTe QDs were synthesized and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet visible (UV–vis) and fluorescence (FL). The quenchings were all static. The binding constants (Ka) at different temperatures were obtained. Electrostatic forces were the main forces for the two bindings. For the detection of aklomide and nitromide, under the optimal conditions, the effects of some metal ions, glucose, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and congeneric drug on the determination were explored. The standard equations were established and the limits of detection (LOD) were 0.0215 and 0.0388 μg mL−1 (3S0/S), repectively. The methods were applied to analyse the samples of chicken and duck, the recoveries were 99.41 % – 101.24 % with RSDs of 0.29 % – 1.19 % (n = 5).

Exploring the Potential of Water-Soluble Cu(II) Complexes with MPA–CdTe Quantum Dots for Photoinduced Electron Transfer

Three water-soluble copper complexes based on the amine/pyridine functionalities were investigated, along with quantum dots, as a catalyst–photosensitizer assembly, respectively, for fundamental understanding of photoinduced electron transfer. Luminescence quenching and lifetime measurements were performed to try and establish the actual process that leads to the quenching, such as electron transfer, energy transfer, or complex formation (static quenching). Cyclic voltammetry and dynamic light scattering experiments were also performed. Irrespective of the similar reduction potentials of the three complexes, very different photoluminescence properties were observed.

MPA-CdTe quantum dots as "on-off-on" sensitive fluorescence probe to detect ascorbic acid via redox reaction.

Mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) capped CdTe quantum dots (MPA-CdTe QDs) were synthesized in aqueous medium by hydrothermal method, which modified by Fe3+ could be used as a fluorescent probe to detect ascorbic acid (AA). MPA-CdTe QDs fluorescence probe could be used as successive sensor for metal ions and AA with "on-off-on" process. The fluorescence of QDs was quenched after adding Fe3+ to MPA-CdTe QDs. Then, the fluorescence of the Fe3+@MPA-CdTe QDs can be sensitively turned on by AA to give an "on-off-on" fluorescence response according to the oxidation-reduction between Fe3+ and AA. There was a linear relationship between fluorescence intensity quenching value and the concentration of Fe3+ in the range of 2-10μM since Fe3+ sensitively reacted with CdTe QDs. The linear detection range for AA was 0.1-1μM with a limit of detection of 6.6nM. The principle is proved by fluorescence emission spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The proposed method is successfully used to detect the AA in human plasma sample.

Synthesis of water-soluble Ni(II) complexes and their role in photo-induced electron transfer with MPA-CdTe quantum dots.

Photocatalytic water splitting using solar energy for hydrogen production offers a promising alternative form of storable and clean energy for the future. To design an artificial photosynthesis system that is cost-effective and scalable, earth abundant elements must be used to develop each of the components of the assembly. To develop artificial photosynthetic systems, we need to couple a catalyst for proton reduction to a photosensitizer and understand the mechanism of photo-induced electron transfer from the photosensitizer to the catalyst that serves as the fundamental step for photocatalysis. Therefore, our work is focused on the study of light driven electron transfer kinetics from the quantum dot systems made with inorganic chalcogenides in the presence of Ni-based reduction catalysts. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of four Ni(II) complexes of tetradentate ligands with amine and pyridine functionalities (N2/Py2) and their interactions with CdTe quantum dots stabilized by 3-mercaptopropionic acid. The lifetime of the quantum dots was investigated in the presence of the Ni complexes and absorbance, emission and electrochemical measurements were performed to gain a deeper understanding of the photo-induced electron transfer process.

Molecular mechanism of CAT and SOD activity change under MPA-CdTe quantum dots induced oxidative stress in the mouse primary hepatocytes.

Quantum dots (QDs) are a unique class of nano-materials that have attractive potentials in biological and biomedical applications, and the concern on their biosafety is concomitantly increasing. The overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is considered to be one of the reasons that induce the in vitro QDs induced toxic response. However, the exact molecular pathways underlying these effects remain poorly clarified and few studies combine the molecular results with the cellular results to explore the cytotoxic effect of QDs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) capped CdTe QDs on the structures and functions of two antioxidant enzymes, catalase (CAT) superoxide dismutase (SOD), and then associated with the cytotoxic effects of oxidative stress induced by MPA-CdTe QDs on mouse hepatocytes to define the toxic underlying mechanism. The molecular experiment results showed that the exposure of QDs significantly changed the conformation of CAT and SOD, and leading to the promotion of molecular CAT activity and the inhibition of molecular SOD activity. Meanwhile, the cellular experiment results demonstrated that exposure to QDs changed the activities of CAT and SOD in mouse primary hepatocytes, led to the break of redox balance and resulted in the oxidative stress and cell apoptosis. This study explores the effects of MPA- CdTe QDs to the CAT and SOD molecules and then demonstrates the subsequent QDs toxic effects at a cellular level, revealing their potential risk in biomedical applications.

Conformational and functional effects of MPA-CdTe quantum dots on SOD: Evaluating the mechanism of oxidative stress induced by quantum dots in the mouse nephrocytes.

The application of quantum dots (QDs) is restricted by the biosafety issue. QDs contribute to the adverse effects of organisms probably because of the ability to induce oxidative stress via changing the activity of antioxidant enzyme, for example, superoxide dismutase (SOD). But the underlying molecular mechanisms still remain unclear. This study investigated the harmful effects of oxidative stress induced by mercaptopropionic acid capped CdTe QDs (MPA-CdTe QDs) on the mouse primary nephrocytes as well as the structure and function of SOD molecule and explored the underlying molecular mechanism. After 24-hour MPA-CdTe QD exposure, the activation level of extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) signaling pathway and cysteinyl-directed aspartate-specific proteases (Caspases) significantly increased, which led to the increasing level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell apoptosis; the group pretreated with ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) significantly reduced the apoptotic cell percentage, indicating that ROS played a critical role in QD-induced cytotoxicity. Further molecular experiments showed that the interacting processes between the MPA-CdTe QDs and SOD were spontaneous which changed the conformation, secondary structure of SOD. The interaction significantly resulted in the tightening of polypeptide chains and the shrinkage of SOD, leading to the inhibition of molecular SOD activity. This study demonstrates the adverse effects of QDs, revealing their potential risk in biomedical applications.

Determination of ethanol in biodiesel samples using mercaptopropionic acid-capped cadmium telluride quantum dots as photoluminescence probes

A method for determining ethanol in biodiesel samples was developed using quantum dots (QDs) as fluorescent probes. The photoluminescence intensity of the mercaptopropionic acid capped cadmium telluride quantum dots (MPA-CdTe QDs) increased linearly in the presence of ethanol as a result of the interaction between the analyte and QDs. MPA-CdTe QDs were synthesized via the colloidal route in aqueous medium. Among the synthesized QDs, a nanoparticle size of 3.44 nm, corresponding to fluorescence emission at 599 nm, was chosen because it presented the most pronounced increase in the analytical response. Experiments were performed at different pH levels and QD concentrations. The system showed the best analytical performance with citrate buffer at pH 4.0 using a 0.5 mM QD solution in the presence of sodium chloride. The system exhibited stability for a period of at least 150 min. The proposed method allowed for the determination of ethanol in the range of 0.003–5.0% (m m−1) with a limit of detection of 0.001% (m m−1). The precision, measured as the relative standard deviation (RSD%, n = 10), was 1.8% for the sample with an ethanol content of 2.0% (m m−1). The proposed method was applied for the determination of ethanol in biodiesel samples after extraction of the analyte with a 1.0% (m v-1) NaCl solution. Recovery tests provided results in the range of 90–114%, and the results of the application showed good agreement with those obtained via the comparative method using gas chromatography.

Multiplexed analysis combining distinctly-sized CdTe-MPA quantum dots and chemometrics for multiple mutually interfering analyte determination

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have demonstrated a great potential as fluorescent probes for heavy metals monitoring. However, their great reactivity, whose tunability could be difficult to attain, could impair selectivity yielding analytical results with poor accuracy. In this work, the combination in the same analysis of multiple QDs, each with a particular ability to interact with the analyte, assured a multi-point detection that was not only exploited for a more precise analyte discrimination but also for the simultaneous discrimination of multiple mutually interfering species, in the same sample. Three different MPA-CdTe QDs (2.5, 3.0 and 3.8nm) with a good size distribution, confirmed by the FWHM values of 48.6, 55.4 and 80.8nm, respectively, were used. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares regression (PLS) were used for fluorescence data analysis. Mixtures of two MPA-CdTe QDs, emitting at different wavelength namely 549/566, 549/634 and 566/634nm were assayed. The 549/634nm emitting QDs mixture provided the best results for the discrimination of distinct ions on binary and ternary mixtures. The obtained RMSECV and R2CV values for the binary mixture were good, namely, from 0.01 to 0.08mgL−1 and from 0.74 to 0.89, respectively. Regarding the ternary mixture the RMSECV and R2CV values were good for Hg(II) (0.06 and 0.73mgL−1, respectively) and Pb(II) (0.08 and 0.87mg L−1, respectively) and acceptable for Cu(II) (0.02 and 0.51mgL−1, respectively). In conclusion, the obtained results showed that the developed approach is capable of resolve binary and ternary mixtures of Pb (II), Hg (II) and Cu (II), providing accurate information about lead (II) and mercury (II) concentration and signaling the occurrence of Cu (II).

The relationship between the length of surface ligand and effects of CdTe quantum dots on the physiological functions of isolated mitochondria

The potential toxicity of Quantum dots (QDs) should be assessed comprehensively for their fast spreading applications. Many studies have shown the toxicity of QDs is associated with their surface ligands. In this work, two analog ligands with one carbon difference, 2-mercaptoacetic acid (TGA) and 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) were used as coating materials in the syntheses of two types of CdTe QDs with similar physicochemical properties. Then the biological effects of QDs on isolated mitochondria were studied. It was found that the two types of QDs could impair mitochondrial respiration and induce mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT). However, as compared with TGA-CdTe QDs, MPA-CdTe QDs had a stronger effect on MPT. The weaker effect of TGA-CdTe QDs on MPT might be owing to their better stability and thus less amount of released Cd2+, which could be further explained by the stronger affinity between the ligand (TGA) and the cadmium complexes in the crystal growth of QDs. These results highlighted the importance of ligands responsible for the toxicity of QDs at the sub-cellular level.

Automated determination of Rifamycins making use of MPA–CdTe quantum dots

Rifamycins are a group of antibiotics particularly effective against mycobacteria and they are used for the treatment of important diseases and disorders such as tuberculosis, cancer, hepatic encephalopathy or intestinal infections. Taking into account the great clinical potential of these drugs it is important to develop a rapid, simple and reliable strategy for its quality control. This paper presents an automated quantum dots-based analytical method making use of a multicommutated flow system and the quenching effect that rifampicin and rifaximin, two important Rifamycin derivatives, have on the fluorescence of water-soluble mercaptopropionic acid-capped CdTe quantum dots.Under the optimized conditions, the relationship between the fluorescence intensity of the quantum dots and rifampicin or rifaximin concentrations were linear in the range of 5–80 and 3–40µgmL−1, with a detection limit of 1.5 and 1.0µgmL−1, respectively. Relative standard deviations (RSD) lower than 3% were observed in all cases. A sample throughput of 70 determinations per hour and good recoveries were also achieved. The proposed method was satisfactorily applied to the determination of rifamycins in pharmaceutical formulations and human urine.

Spectroscopic and Microscopic Studies on the Mechanism of Mitochondrial Toxicity Induced by CdTe QDs Modified with Different Ligands.

Quantum dots (QDs) are increasingly applied in sensing, drug delivery, biomedical imaging, electronics industries, etc. Consequently, it is urgently required to examine their potential threat to humans and the environment. In the present work, the toxicity of CdTe QDs with nearly identical maximum emission wavelength but modified with two different ligands (MPA and BSA) to mitochondria was investigated using flow cytometry, spectroscopic, and microscopic methods. The results showed that QDs induced mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT), which resulted in mitochondrial swelling, collapse of the membrane potential, inner membrane permeability to H(+) and K(+), the increase of membrane fluidity, depression of respiration, alterations of ultrastructure, and the release of cytochrome c. Furthermore, the protective effects of CsA and EDTA confirmed QDs might be able to induce MPT via a Ca(2+)-dependent domain. However, the difference between the influence of CdTe QDs and that of Cd(2+) on mitochondrial membrane fluidity indicated the release of Cd(2+) was not the sole reason that QDs induced mitochondrial dysfunction, which might be related to the nanoscale effect of QDs. Compared with MPA-CdTe QDs, BSA-CdTe QDs had a greater effect on the mitochondrial swelling, membrane fluidity, and permeabilization to H(+) and K(+) by mitochondrial inner membrane, which was caused the fact that BSA was more lipophilic than MPA. This study provides an important basis for understanding the mechanism of the toxicity of CdTe QDs to mitochondria, and valuable information for safe use of QDs in the future.

Probing the sensitive and selective luminescent detection of peroxynitrite using thiol-capped CdTe and CdTe@ZnS quantum dots

CdTe and CdTe@ZnS quantum dots (QDs) capped with 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), thioglycolic acid (TGA), or glutathione (GSH) have been employed for the first time as luminescent probes for the sensitive and selective detection of peroxynitrite (ONOO−) in aqueous solution. The sensitivity of the proposed probe followed the order: MPA–TGA–CdTe@ZnS>GSH–TGA–CdTe@ZnS>MPA–CdTe QDs. The varying degree of quenching is elucidated based on the QD–thiolate bond of CdTe@ZnS being more sensitive to oxidation from ONOO− than CdTe. The selectivity of the probe in the presence of co-existing species followed the order: GSH–TGA–CdTe@ZnS>MPA–TGA–CdTe@ZnS>MPA–CdTe QDs. QDs capped with MPA showed less selectivity for ONOO− than GSH. The best limit of detection (LOD) of 12.6nM was obtained for MPA–TGA–CdTe@ZnS QDs. Time-resolved fluorescence measurements indicated that the interaction between ONOO− and the QDs is static in nature.

A Comparative Study on the Sensitive Detection of Hydroxyl Radical Using Thiol-capped CdTe and CdTe/ZnS Quantum Dots

Four types of water-soluble luminescent quantum dots (QDs) whose surface was functionlaized with thioglycolic acid (TGA), 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), or glutathione (GSH), were investigated for the sensitive and selective detection of hydroxyl radical (·OH) in aqueous media. It was found that the type of capping agent and QD influenced the sensitivity of the probe. The order of sensitivity of the probe was: GSH-CdTe@ZnS > MPA-CdTe@ZnS > TGA-CdTe > MPA-CdTe QDs. Under the optimum conditions, a limit of detection as low as 8.5 × 10(-8) M was obtained using GSH-CdTe@ZnS. The effects of foreign reactive oxygen species and the Fenton reactants and products as possible interferences on the proposed probe were negligible for CdTe@ZnS QDs. Besides, experimental results indicated that CdTe@ZnS QDs were more attractive for the selective recognition of ·OH than CdTe QDs. The mechanistic reaction pathway between the QDs and ·OH is proposed.

Imaging and inhibition of multi-drug resistance in cancer cells via specific association with negatively charged CdTe quantum dots

Photoluminescent semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have received significant attention in biological and biomedical fields because of their attractive properties. In this contribution, we have explored and evaluated the utilization of water-soluble nanocrystal CdTe quantum dots (QDs) capped with negatively charged 3-mercapitalpropionic acid (MPA)-QDs to enhance the drug uptake into the target cancer cells and the efficiency of the biomarker and cancer treatments, by using the cytotoxicity evaluation, total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, electrochemistry and UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy. Our results illustrate that the MPA-CdTe QDs could effectively facilitate the interaction of anticancer agent daunorubicin (DNR) with leukemia cells and the efficiency of biolabeling in cancer cells. Therefore, the present study affords a new potential method for simultaneous cellular inhibition and imaging of cancer cells.

UV-enhanced cytotoxicity of thiol-capped CdTe quantum dots in human pancreatic carcinoma cells

Quantum dots (QDs) have been gaining popularity due to their potential application in cellular imaging and diagnosis, but their cytotoxicity under light illumination has not been fully investigated. In this study, green and red mercaptopropionic acid capped CdTe quantum dots (MPA-CdTe QDs) were employed to investigate their cytotoxicity in human pancreatic carcinoma cells (PANC-1) under UV illumination. MPA-CdTe QDs exhibited excellent photostability under UV illumination and could be easily ingested by cells. The cytotoxicity of MPA-CdTe QDs was significantly enhanced under UV illumination, which was determined by changes in cell morphology as well as by decreases in the metabolic activity and cell counting. Our results indicated that green and red QDs had different cellular distribution and exhibited distinct UV-enhanced cytotoxicity. UV illumination enhanced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells containing QDs, and NAC antioxidant could reduce their damage to cells under UV illumination. Moreover, the influences of different UV illumination conditions on the viability of cells containing QDs were examined and discussed in detail.