Sulfur Mustard Research Articles

Evaluate the potential adsorption of graphynes (perfect and doped) for nitrogen mustard gas: A first principles study

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to thoroughly examine the reactivity and electronic sensitivity of pristine and BN-doped graphyne (BNG) toward nitrogen mustard (NM). Graphyne’s electrical conductivity is unaffected by the weak adsorption of NM, which occurs via the Cl atom on the material with an adsorption energy of roughly −3.1 kcal.mol−1. In addition to decreasing graphyne’s reactivity and work function, substituting isoelectronic BN linkages for CC linkages enhances the HOMO-LUMO energy gap (Eg). BNG’s electrical conductivity increases when Eg drops from 2.99 to 1.82 eV due to the adsorption of NM. Additionally, a significant change in BNG’s work function results in a variation in the field electron emission current. Lastly, it is anticipated that the desorption of NM from the BNG surface will take a brief recovery time of roughly 0.05 s at room temperature. It has also been demonstrated that NM concentration affects changes in electrical conductivity. The findings also suggest that BNG could be a promising NM sensor.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy Mitigates Acute and Chronic Lung Damages of Sulfur Mustard Analog Exposure

Sulfur mustard (SM) is an established chemical weapon that can result in severe damage to parts of the body. Currently, there are no effective treatments available for SM-caused damage. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AD-MSCs) and conditioned medium (CM-MSCs) in acute and chronic pulmonary mouse models caused by 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES), an SM analog. The mice were divided into 4 experimental groups:(1) CEES+AD-MSCs, (2) CEES+CM-MSCs, (3) CEES, and (4) control. The model observation time was divided into 7 days for the short and 6 months for the long term. AD-MSCs were injected into mice via intraperitoneal injection 24 hours after CEES exposure. The therapeutic effects of AD-MSCs on pulmonary tissue damage were assessed using a histopathologic assay, measuring the neutrophil count, and bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) protein level. The levels of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines were evaluated using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay as the outcomes of interest. Lung damage progression was reduced by AD-MSC treatment in mice after CEES injection into the peritoneum. The proportion of CD11b+F4/80+ macrophages in the peritoneum was significantly lowered by AD-MSC treatment following CEES exposure. AD-MSC administration also reduced the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, BALF protein, and nitric oxide levels in the peritoneal cavity. By reducing inflammation and enhancing tissue healing, AD-MSCs and CM-MSC help prevent acute lung damage caused by CEES. The current study supports the use of a mouse model as a solid experimental foundation and indicates potential use for future cell treatment.

Room Temperature Chemiresistive Sensing of Sulfur Mustard Simulant by 2D Conjugated MOF Surface Modification

Room Temperature Chemiresistive Sensing of Sulfur Mustard Simulant by 2D Conjugated MOF Surface Modification

From Concept to Cure: The Road Ahead for Ruthenium-Based Anticancer Drugs.

The evolution of chemotherapy, especially the dawn of metal-based drugs, represents a transformative era in cancer treatment. From the serendipitous discovery of mustard gas's cytotoxic effects to the sophisticated development of targeted therapies, chemotherapy has significantly refined. Central to this progression is the incorporation of metal-based compounds, such as platinum (Pt), ruthenium (Ru), and gold (Au), which offer unique mechanisms of action, distinguishing them from organic therapeutics. Among these, Ru complexes, exemplified by BOLD-100 and TLD1433, have shown exceptional promise due to their selective activity, lower propensity for resistance, and the ability to target spescific cellular pathways. This paper explores the journey of such Ru candidates, focusing on the mechanisms, efficacy, and clinical potential of these Ru-based drugs, which stand at the forefront of current research, aiming to provide more targeted, less toxic, and highly effective cancer treatments.

Rational fabrication of two polyoxovanadate-based frameworks for efficient detoxifying mustard gas simulant

Two polyoxovanadates (POVs)-based cobalt–organic frameworks, namely [H2Co2(p-bix)4][V8O23] (1) and [Co(o-bix)][V2O6] (2) (where p-bix = 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene and o-bix = 1,2-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene), were synthesized via a hydrothermal process and thoroughly characterized structurally. Compound 1 features a three-dimensional framework where the inorganic layers {V8Co2}, containing circular [V4O12]4− ({V4}) dimers, are interconnected by p-bix ligands. While compound 2 forms a two-dimensional layer structure where the inorganic {V4} clusters are linked by four binuclear [Co2O3(o-bix)2]2− units through the sharing of O atoms from {V4} clusters. Given the catalytic prowess of POVs in oxidizing various organic substrates, we evaluated the catalytic performance of these two compounds as heterogeneous catalysts for detoxifying mustard gas simulant CEES (2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide) into the non-toxic CEESO (2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfoxide). The catalytic tests revealed that both compounds effectively catalyze the oxidation of CEES, yielding solely CEESO. Particularly, catalyst 2 exhibited excellent catalytic properties, achieving nearly 100 % conversion and selectivity within just 40 min at room temperature. The prominent performance of 2 remains consistent through at least five recycling cycles, showcasing its durability and effectiveness. This exceptional performance of 2 was achieved due to the synergistic interaction between V and coordinatively unsaturated Co sites within the structure, as confirmed by detailed comparative studies of structure and catalytic activity as well as density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

Identification of complexes formed between sulphur mustards and arsenic-containing chemical warfare agents

Large quantities of toxic chemical warfare material, such as mixtures of sulphur mustard (HD) and arsenic-containing chemical warfare agents (As-CWAs) have been submerged in the Baltic Sea region after World War II. Little is known about the possible reactivity between HD and As-CWAs. In this study, we used simple reaction mixtures and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometric techniques to study the reactivity of HD and the half-mustard 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulphide (CEES) with As-CWAs. Altogether 22 novel As-CWA-HD- and As-CWA-CEES-complexes were identified. Eight of the As-CWA-HD-complexes were also detected in environmental samples collected from known CWA dumping sites in the Baltic Sea region. Because the As-CWA-HD- and As-CWA-CEES-complexes have structural moieties of both S-mustards and As-CWAs, they might have toxic properties of both CWA-types. Therefore, their occurrence in the environment is concerning and their potential negative effect on the wellbeing of marine biota and humans should be investigated in the future. This is the first time alkylation of As-CWAs is reported, providing new knowledge on the reactivity of S-mustards. The results increase the understanding of the environmental fate of HD and is valuable for the assessment of the environmental threat of sea-dumped CWAs.

“En bloc” combined 270-degree keratolimbal allograft with central lamellar keratoplasty for severe limbal stem cell deficiency secondary to mustard gas exposure

BackgroundSevere limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) resulting from chronic and delayed-onset mustard gas keratopathy (MGK) presents substantial management challenges. This article introduces an “en bloc” surgical procedure combining a 270-degree keratolimbal allograft (KLAL) with central lamellar keratoplasty (CLK) as a novel approach to treat this condition. MethodsA retrospective case series was conducted at Labbafinejad Medical Center in Tehran, Iran, from 2002 to 2019, including 13 eyes from 13 male patients diagnosed with chronic and delayed-onset MGK. Each patient underwent the combined 270-degree KLAL and central LK procedure. A 270-degree peritomy, sparing the superior quadrant, was performed. A lamellar dissection using a crescent blade and a blunt Melles dissector was carried out, extending 2 mm from the limbus. Fresh donor tissue with intact 270-degree limbo-conjunctiva, obtained from a whole globe, was prepared to match the recipient bed and sutured into place. Postoperative outcomes and success including ocular surface integrity, graft longevity, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), were evaluated. ResultsThe average follow-up period was 87.6 ± 49.8 months. Surgical success was achieved in 12 of 13 patients (92.3 %). Preoperative BCVA improved from 1.07 ± 0.24 (approximately 20/250) logMAR to 0.63 ± 0.30 (approximately 20/80) logMAR postoperatively. One patient experienced immune rejection of the KLAL graft, while two patients had episodes of corneal rejection, all successfully managed with aggressive immunosuppressive therapy. ConclusionsThe “en bloc KLAL + CLK” procedure demonstrates promising long-term outcomes in managing chronic and delayed-onset MGK associated with severe LSCD. This approach offers advantages, including reduced surgical complexity, minimized antigenic load, and better anatomical alignment, leading to successful ocular surface restoration and improved visual acuity.

Microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of highly dispersed cerium–zirconium solid solution on Ti3C2Tx nanosheets as an efficient decontamination towards sulfur mustard simulants

The microwave-assisted hydrothermal method has facilitated the straightforward and efficient production of nanoscale CexZr1-xO2/Ti3C2Tx composites. This technique has greatly shortened the synthesis time several hours required by conventional hydrothermal method to merely 10minutes. Due to the unique mechanism of microwave-hydrothermal synthesis, composites with excellent crystallinity, uniform particle size, and superior degradation capabilities can be obtained without calcination. Our investigation systematically explores the influence of various factors including mineralizer concentration, dispersant types, synthesis duration, cerium-to-zirconium ratio, as well as MXene content on the material properties. Optimal degradation of 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide, sulfur mustard simulants, is achieved using PEG1000 as the dispersant, a cerium-to-zirconium ratio of 1:2, along with 15mL of MXene, resulting in a remarkably short half-life of only 6.5min. Furthermore, it is confirmed that the incorporation of cerium atoms into ZrO2 lattice, forming a solid solution that is deposited onto the interlayer and surface of Ti3C2Tx nanosheets, with the composite particles measuring approximately 5.01nm. The reduced size and increased specific surface area, coupled with the synergistic effects of oxygen vacancies and acid-base sites, ultimately contribute to the hydrolysis and elimination reactions occurring on 2-CEES. This research offers fresh perspectives on the development of novel materials for the degradation of chemical warfare agents.

The role of carbon textile surface functionalities in reactive adsorption of vapor and liquid 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide: Evaluating interactions at the interface

A carbon textile (CT) was chemically modified to increase its surface activity and promote the adsorption and degradation of 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) - a surrogate for mustard gas. CT was initially subjected to oxidation (CTO), and then heated under ammonia (CTON) or hydrogen sulfide (CTOS) atmosphere to incorporate nitrogen or sulfur functionalities, respectively. Detoxification experiments were performed in closed vials using either vapor or liquid forms of CEES. The maximum vapor weight uptakes on CT, CTO, CTOS, and CTON were 399, 372, 434, and 489 mg/g, respectively. All textiles were able to prevent the vaporization of CEES liquid droplets. Although similar reaction products were detected in both vapor and liquid systems, the marked differences in the extent of CEES chemical transformation on the surfaces of the textiles indicate distinct detoxification pathways influenced by surface chemistry. Even though the heterogeneous surface of CTO, enriched with oxygen surface groups, facilitated various reactions, hydrolysis was the predominant pathway. The thermal treatment, regardless of the atmosphere, reduced the oxygen content, decreasing the extent of hydrolysis. However, incorporating basic surface groups such as pyridines, amines, or weak acids such as thiols promoted dehydrohalogenation as the main detoxification pathway on these samples.

Doxycycline versus Curcumin for Inhibition of Matrix Metalloproteinase Expression and Activity Following Chemically Induced Inflammation in Corneal Cells.

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a potent blistering agent. This alkylating chemical agent has extremely toxic effects on the eye. MMP-2 and MMP-9 are the two most important matrix metalloproteinase enzymes involved in the pathology of chemical eye injuries. Curcumin is regarded as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. This study aims to compare the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin versus doxycycline on chemically induced corneal injuries. The HCE-2 cell line was used as a model for corneal cells. The effective concentrations of 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) - as an analog of SM - doxycycline, and curcumin were determined using the MTT assay. The gene expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1) was evaluated by the real-time PCR method. Also, the activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 enzymes was determined by zymography. The expression of the MMP-2 and MMP-9 genes increased 5- and 3.3-fold after exposure to CEES, respectively. Following the treatment with curcumin and doxycycline, MMP-2 expression decreased significantly. Also, after treatment with curcumin and doxycycline, the MMP-9 expression decreased 2.5- and 1.6-fold, respectively. The reduction in activity was 32% for MMP-2 and 56% for MMP-9 after treatment with curcumin. The corresponding values were 12% and 40% following doxycycline treatment. There was no significant difference between the effects of curcumin and doxycycline on reducing MMP-2 expression, but the difference was statistically significant in the case of MMP-9. Doxycycline and curcumin can inhibit MMP expression and activity in chemically exposed corneal cells. Curcumin has a greater ability than doxycycline to inhibit MMP-2 and MMP-9 enzymes; however, the difference is statistically significant only in the case of MMP-9. After further validation, these substances can be introduced as anti- inflammatory agents to treat corneal chemical burns.

Photothermal-enhanced detoxification metal-organic framework microneedle array for 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide-poisoned wound healing

Sulfur mustard (2,2′-dichloroethylsulfide; SM) is a bifunctional alkylating agent that can easily penetrate skin and cause persistent pain and damage. Effective biological dressings are required to treat wounds caused or poisoned by SM. Though the use of SM is regulated under the Chemical Weapons Convention, it is still a threat during wars and terrorist attacks. Herein, we present a photothermal-enhanced detoxification microneedles array (MNA) encapsulated with ZnIn2S4@UiO-66-NH2 (ZnInS/UIO) catalysts for the treatment of 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES, SM analog)-poisoned wounds under simulated sunlight (SSL) irradiation. Due to the excellent photothermal detoxification capability possessed by ZnInS/UIO, the conversion rate of CEES can be significantly increased under SSL exposure. When encased in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) MNA and piercing into the skin, ZnInS/UIO catalysts can be released quickly from MNA for detoxification. After applying the resultant ZnInS/UIO-MNA to the CEES-poisoned wound bed, acceleration of the wound healing process and a reduced inflammatory response can be confirmed. In conclusion, ZnInS/UIO-MNA has encouraging potential as a first-aid dressing for CEES-poisoned wound healing in battlefields and injuries related to acts of terrorism.

Enhanced interfacial charge transfer in WO3-Bi2WO6 heterostructures: Toward trace detection of mustard gas simulant

Developing reliable and portable sensors for detection of highly toxic mustard gas is extremely important for public security. However, gas sensors based on pristine metal oxide semiconductors often suffer from high working temperature, inferior response, and inadequate detection limit owing to their poor intrinsic conductivity and weak adsorption toward target gases, thereby hindering their wide application. Herein, hierarchical WO3-Bi2WO6 heterostructures were fabricated as sensing materials to comprehensively improve their sensing properties to 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (2-CEES, a mustard gas simulant). The optimized sensor based on WO3-Bi2WO6-2 displayed short response time of 1.4 s and high sensing response (Ra/Rg = 63) to 50 ppm 2-CEES at 133 °C, together with an ultra-low detection limit of 10 ppb. The improvement of WO3-Bi2WO6-2 in sensing properties are synergistically attributed to the amount of heterojunction and surface adsorption sites, which were proved by DFT calculations and a series of characterizations. This work might pave the way for further developing heterostructure-based sensors for 2-CEES detection with superior sensing properties.

The blistering warfare agent O-mustard (agent T) generates protein-adducts with human serum albumin useful for biomedical verification of exposure and forms intramolecular cross-links.

The highly blistering sulfur mustard analogue agent T (bis(2-chloroethylthioethyl) ether), also known as O-mustard or oxy-mustard, is a common impurity in military grade sulfur mustard (SM) and a component of mixtures such as "HT" that are still found in old munitions. Together with sesquimustard (Q), it is the most important SM analogue and tightly regulated as a Schedule 1 chemical under the Chemical Weapons Convention. We report the adducts of T with nucleophilic Cys34 and other residues in human serum albumin (HSA) formed in vitro. A micro liquid chromatography electrospray ionization high-resolution tandem-mass spectrometry method (µLC-ESI MS/HRMS) was developed for the detection and identification of biomarker peptides alkylated by a T-derived hydroxyethylthioethyloxyethylthioethyl (HETEOETE)-moiety (as indicated by an asterisk below). Following proteolysis of T-exposed human plasma with pronase, the dipeptide Cys34*Pro and the single amino acid residue His* were produced. The use of proteinaseK yielded Cys34*ProPhe and theuse of pepsin generated ValThrGlu48*Phe, AlaGlu230*ValSerLysLeu, and LeuGlyMet329*Phe. Corresponding peptide-adducts of SM and Q were detected in a common workflow that in principle allowed the estimation of the mustard or mustard composition encountered during exposure. Novel adducts of Q at the Glu230 and Met239 residues were detected and are reported accordingly. Based on molecular dynamics simulations, we identified regular interactions of the Cys34(-HETEOETE)-moiety with several glutamic acid residues in HSA including Glu86, which is not an obvious interaction partner by visual inspection of the HSA crystal structure. The existence of this and other intramolecular cross-links was experimentally proven for the first time.

The adsorption and sensing performances of (6,0) boron nitride nanotube toward mustard gas: a DFT study

The adsorption and sensing performances of (6,0) boron nitride nanotube toward mustard gas: a DFT study

Transcription of biological aging markers (ANRIL, P16INK4a, TBX2, and TERRA) and their correlations with severity of sulfur mustard exposure in veterans

Sulfur mustard (SM) exposure has delayed harmful effects, including premature biological aging. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of aging markers (i.e., ANRIL, P16INK4a, TBX2, and TERRA) and assess their correlation with the severity of SM exposure in the long term. The study was conducted on two volunteer groups. 1) SM-exposed group, exposed to SM once in 1987 during the war; divided into three subgroups based on the injury severity, asymptomatic (without any clinical signs), mild, and severe; 2) Non-exposed group. In the SM-exposed group, ANRIL transcript was decreased, especially in subgroups of mild and severe. TBX2 transcript was also decreased in the total SM-exposed group. This decrease was more significant in the mild and severe subgroups than in asymptomatic ones. P16INK4a transcript was increased in the SM-exposed group, especially in the asymptomatic subgroup. The increase in TERRA transcript was also significant in all subgroups. There was a positive correlation between the TERRA transcript and the severity of injury, while this correlation was negative for the ANRIL. It is concluded that the delayed toxicity of SM may be associated with dysregulation of aging markers leading to premature cellular aging. These markers’ alterations differed according to the severity of SM injury.

A colorimetric pocket sensor for rapid detection of chemical injuries caused by sulfur mustard in the war veterans using plasma composition analysis

A pocket sensor was provided by immobilizing twelve color mixtures containing organic dyes and copper-silver bimetallic nanoparticles coated with dopamine (Dopamine/Ag@Cu BMNPs) on a paper substrate. Due to the catalytic properties of the BMNPs, the index metabolites of the plasma were converted into aldehyde or acid compounds that interacted with the organic dyes. The assay was presented to monitor the changes in the plasma sample’s metabolites of 123 injured veteran and 40 healthy people. It is possible to observe the response of sensor with the naked eye within 3 min. To perform this discrimination, the proposed sensor was found to be 87% accurate. The quantitative responses of the sensor were indicated a strong correlation with the severity of the injury. The low cost of the fabrication process, availability, and non-invasiveness of the prepared assay make it an acceptable diagnostic method in hospitals and medical centers.

Unveiling Ru(bpy)3 2+-Encapsulated Zeolite Y as Photocatalyst: Harnessing Photocatalytic Singlet Oxygen Generation for Mustard Gas Simulant Detoxification.

This study explores the encapsulation of Ru(bpy)3 2+ within Zeolite Y (ZY) to improve photocatalytic singlet oxygen generation for the degradation of a mustard gas simulant, namely 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES). Mustard gas simulants are known to disrupt several biological processes; thus, their effective degradation is essential. Zeolite Y, with its hierarchical structure and adjustable Si/Al ratios, is an ideal host for Ru(bpy)3 2+, significantly improving its photocatalytic efficiency and stability. It is demonstrated through XRD and spectroscopic analyses that encapsulated Ru(bpy)3 2+ maintains its structural and photophysical properties, which are essential for generating singlet oxygen. Ru(bpy)3(1.0) loaded ZY(15) (where 1.0 and 15 represent the encapsulated amount of Ru(bpy)3 2+ and Si/Al ratio, respectively) outperforms other investigated photocatalytic systems in the oxidation of CEES, demonstrating high conversion rates and selectivity toward nontoxic sulfoxide products. Immobilization of Ru(bpy)3 2+-encapsulated zeolite Y onto cotton fabric results in effective degradation of CEES. The experimental results, validated by theoretical calculations, indicate an improved oxygen affinity and accessibility in zeolites with higher Si/Al ratios. This study advances the design of photocatalytic materials for environmental and defense applications, providing sustainable solutions for hazardous chemical degradation.

A new kinetic model on hydrolysis of sulfur mustard non-dissolved and dissolved in aqueous solution

This paper aims to establish a hydrolysis extent equation and rate dependence of initial and boundary conditions for sulfur mustard (HD) non-dissolved and dissolved in water by the following work. Firstly, non-homogeneous hydrolysis extent was found to be accurately described by a product of logistic with exponential convex growth function because of slow collision-complex formation between activated H2O and HD molecule to non-linearly couple with transition state decay, while the homogeneous has grown up only in an exponential convex function because of fast collision-complex formation to make its initial extent ratio extremely quickly close to unity. Secondly, initial non-temperature effects from (ethanol, acid, base) additives, HD concentration and droplet size, and rotation speed on hydrolysis rate could be summarized into a Boltzmann function of rate constant with initial molar free energy because of a thermal equilibrium distribution of internal quantum state at a given energy for bi-molecular structures before and after complexing. The results from 5 mL solution under vortex was nearly similar to the stirring 100 mL solution and would helpfully clarify the detoxification kinetics to establish a standard method for evaluating reactivity of aqueous decontaminants against chemical warfare agents at necessarily specified conditions.

Development of a Multiparticulate Metal-Organic Framework/Textile Fiber Swatch.

The versatility of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has led to groundbreaking applications in a wide variety of fields, especially in the areas of energy, environment, and sustainability. For example, MOFs can be designed for high uptake of toxic gases and pollutants, such as CO2, NH3, and SO2, but designing a single MOF that shows tangible uptake for all of these gases is challenging due to the differences in the chemical and physical properties of these molecules. To this end, integrating multiple MOFs onto textile fibers and crafting various structures have emerged as pivotal developments, enhancing framework durability and usability. MOF composites prepared on readily available textile fibers offer the flexibility essential for critical applications, including heterogeneous catalysis, chemical sensing, toxic gas adsorption, and drug delivery, while preserving the unique characteristics of MOFs. This study introduces a scalable and adaptable method for seamlessly embedding multiple high-performing MOFs onto a single textile fiber using a dip-coating method. We explored the uptake capacity of these multi-MOF composites for CO2, NH3, and SO2 and observed a performance similar to that of traditional powdered materials. Along with harmful gas adsorption, we also have evaluated the permeation and reactivity of these MOF/textile composites toward chemical warfare agents (CWAs) like GD (soman), HD (mustard gas), and VX. In combination, these results demonstrate a fundamental advancement toward establishing a consistent strategy for the hydrolysis of nerve agents in real-world scenarios. This approach can substantially increase the protection toward CWAs and enhance the effectiveness of protective equipment such as fabrics for protective garments. This dip-coating method for the integration of multiple MOFs on a single textile fiber unlocks a wealth of possibilities and paves the way for future innovations in the deployment of MOF-based composites.

Effect of wavelength and liquid on formation of Ag, Au, Ag/Au nanoparticles via picosecond laser ablation and SERS-based detection of DMMP.

The present study investigates the effects of input wavelength (1064, 532, and 355 nm) and surrounding liquid environment (distilled water and aqueous NaCl solution) on the picosecond laser ablation on silver (Ag), gold (Au), and Ag/Au alloy targets. The efficacy of the laser ablation technique was meticulously evaluated by analyzing the ablation rates, surface plasmon resonance peak positions, and particle size distributions of the obtained colloids. The nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized using the techniques of UV-visible absorption, transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Furthermore, NPs of various sizes ranging from 6 to 35 nm were loaded onto a filter paper by a simple and effective drop-casting approach to achieve flexible surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates/sensors. These substrates were tested using a simple, portable Raman device to identify various hazardous chemicals (malachite green, methyl salicylate, and thiram). The stability of the substrates was also systematically investigated by determining the decay percentages in the SERS signals over 60 days. The optimized SERS substrate was subsequently employed to detect chemical warfare agent (CWA) simulants such as methyl salicylate (a CWA simulant for sulfur mustard) and dimethyl methyl phosphonate (has some structural similarities to the G-series nerve agents) at different laser excitations (325, 532, and 633 nm). A notably higher SERS efficiency for CWA simulants was observed at a 325 nm Raman excitation. Our findings reveal that a higher ablation yield was observed at IR irradiation than those obtained at the other wavelengths. A size decrease of the NPs was noticed by changing the liquid environment to an electrolyte. These findings have significant implications for developing more efficient and stable SERS substrates for chemical detection applications.