Naked Eye Research Articles

Advanced “turn-on” colorimetric uranium platform based on the enhanced nanozyme activity of a donor-acceptor structured covalent organic framework

BackgroundThe increasing uranium containing wastes generated during uranium mining and finishing pose a huge threat to the environment and human health, and thus robust strategies for on-site monitoring of uranium pollutant are of great significance for environmental protection around uranium tailings. ResultsHerein, a facile “turn-on” colorimetric platform that can achieve uranium detection by spectrometry and naked eyes was developed based on the uranium-enhanced nanozyme activity of covalent organic framework (JUC-505). Thanks to the extended π-conjugated skeleton and donor-acceptor (D-A) structure, JUC-505 exhibited superior photo-activated nanozyme activity, which would be prohibited when the cyano group in JUC-505 skeleton was transformed to the amidoxime group. Further results elucidated that the coordination of uranium with amidoxime groups led to the electron transfer between uranium and the JUC-505-AO skeleton, and thus significantly restored the nanozymatic activity of JUC-505-AO with the subsequent remarkable color changes. Moreover, the uranium concentrations in uranium tailing wastewater detected by the present “turn-on” colorimetric method were well agreed with those by ICP-MS, demonstrating a high accuracy of the present method in real samples. SignificanceThe D-A structured JUC-505 with superior photocatalytic property and nanozymatic activity was applied to facilitate colorimetric detection of uranium, which displays the advantages of low detection limit, excellent selectivity, fast response and simple operation for uranium detection in real samples, and shows a great potential in on-site monitoring of uranium pollutant around uranium tailings as well as nuclear power plant.

Comprehensive understanding of the mutant 'giant' Arthrospira platensis developed via ultraviolet mutagenesis.

Cyanobacteria are typically of a size that can be observed under a microscope. Here, we present cyanobacteria of a size that can be observed with the naked eye. Arthrospira platensis NCB002 strain showed differentiated morphological characteristics compared to previously reported Arthrospira spp. Arthrospira platensis NCB002 was obtained by the UV irradiation of Arthrospira sp. NCB001, which was isolated from freshwater and owned by NCell Co., Ltd. A. platensis NIES-39 was obtained from the National Institute for Environmental Studies (Tsukuba, Japan). We used various analytical techniques to determine its overall characteristics. The draft genome of strain NCB002 consists of five contigs comprising 6,864,973 bp with a G+C content of 44.3 mol%. The strain NCB002 had an average length of 11.69 ± 1.35 mm and a maximum of 15.15 mm, which is 23.4-50.5 times longer than the length (0.3-0.5 mm) of previously known Arthrospira spp., allowing it to be harvested using a thin sieve. Transcriptome analysis revealed that these morphological differences resulted from changes in cell wall formation mechanisms and increased cell division. Our results show that NCB002 has outstanding industrial value and provides a comprehensive understanding of it.

A "Pincer" Type of Acridine-Triazole Fluorescent Dye for Iodine Detection by Both 'Naked-Eye' Colorimetric and Fluorometric Modes.

Iodine, primarily in the form of iodide (I-), is the bioavailable form for the thyroid in the human body. Both deficiency and excess intake of iodide can lead to serious health issues, such as thyroid disease. Selecting iodide ions among anions has been a significant challenge for decades due to interference from other anions. In this study, we designed and synthesized a new pincer-type acridine-triazole fluorescent probe (probe 1) with an acridine ring as a spacer and a triazole as a linking arm attached to two naphthol groups. This probe can selectively recognize iodide ions in a mixed solvent of THF/H2O (v/v, 9/1), changing its color from colorless to light yellow, making it suitable for highly sensitive and selective colorimetric and fluorescent detection in water systems. We also synthesized another molecular tweezer-type acridine-triazole fluorescent probe (probe 2) that exhibits uniform detection characteristics for iodide ions in the acetonitrile system. Interestingly, compared to probe 2, probe 1 can be detected by the naked eye due to its circulation effect, providing a simple method for iodine detection. The detection limit of probe 1 is determined to be 10-8 mol·L-1 by spectrometric titration and isothermal titration calorimetry measurements. The binding stoichiometry between probe 1 and iodide ions is calculated to be 1:1 by these methods, and the binding constant is 2 × 105 mol·L-1.

Four birds with one stone: Aggregation-induced emission-type zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 based bionic nanoreactor for portable detection of olaquindox in environmental water and swine urine by smartphone

The abuse of olaquindox (OLA) as both an antimicrobial agent and a growth promoter poses significant threats to the environment and human health. While nanoreactors have proven effective in hazard detection, their widespread adoption has been hindered by tedious chemical processes and limited functionality. In this study, we introduce a novel green self-assembly strategy utilizing invertase, horseradish peroxidase, antibodies, and gold nanoclusters to form an aggregation-induced emission-type zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 nanoreactor. The results demonstrate that the lateral flow immunoassay not only allows for qualitative naked eye detection but also enables optical analysis through the fluorescence generated by aggregated gold nanoclusters and enzyme-catalyzed enhancement of visible colorimetric signals. To accommodate more detection scenarios, the photothermal effects and redox reactions of the nanoreactor can fulfill the requirements of thermal sensing and electrochemical analysis for smartphone applications. Remarkably, the proposed approach achieves a detection limit 17 times lower than conventional methods. Besides, the maximum linear range spans from 0.25 to 5 μg/L with high specificity, and the recovery is 85.2–112.9% in environmental water and swine urine. The application of this high-performance nanoreactor opens up avenues for the construction of multifunctional biosensors with great potential in monitoring hazardous materials.

Development of lateral flow immunoassay strip for rapid detection of acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease-causing PirAB toxins in shrimp

Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) is currently the most affected disease of shrimp farms worlwide As rapid and specific detection methods are essential to improve disease management, a lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) was designed for the detection of PirAvp and PirBvp toxins in shrimp. In this study, polyclonal antibody based lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) strip has been developed. The recombinant PirAvp and PirBvp toxin‐like proteins of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (VPAHPND) was used to immunize rabbits with the highest antibody titre after the third booster. This polyclonal rabbit antiserum was purified and used to develop a LFIA strip for the detection of AHPND pathogen. This test strip could detect PirAvp and PirBvp toxins up to 125 ng/mL by naked eye within 15 min. No cross-reactivity was observed with VPnon-AHPND. Furthermore, the sensitivity and specificity of LFIA were 94.0% and 98.0%, respectively. This LFIA strip could be used as a handy tool by the farmers and technicians in situ. ® 2023 Journal of Science and Technology - NTTU

The impact of using near-infrared autofluorescence on parathyroid gland parameters and clinical outcomes during total thyroidectomy: a meta-analytic study of randomized controlled trials.

The added benefit of using near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) during total thyroidectomy (TT) remains controversial. This study investigated whether or not NIRAF results in improved patient outcomes postoperatively. We analyzed 1711 TT patients, reported in nine randomized controlled trials, following a systematic search of five databases. NIRAF was compared to the standard of care (naked eye with/without white light). Outcomes included parathyroid gland (PG) and calcium parameters and other clinical outcomes. For dichotomous outcomes, the log odds ratio (logOR) was calculated, and for continuous outcomes, the crude mean difference (MD) was measured. Sensitivity analysis was performed when heterogeneity was significant. The revised Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the methodological quality. Compared to the standard of care, the use of NIRAF was associated with a significant reduction in postoperative hypoparathyroidism [logOR=-0.31; 95% CI: -0.57: -0.05], inadvertent PG removal [logOR=-0.93; 95% CI: -1.60: -0.26], and postoperative hypocalcemia [logOR=-0.43mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.77: -0.09]. It was also associated with significantly higher postoperative PTH levels [MD=4.78pg/mL; 95% CI: 2.13: 7.43], PG identification rate [logOR=1.02; 95% CI: 0.31: 1.72], postoperative serum calcium [MD=0.05; 95% CI: 0.00: 0.09], and operative time [MD=9.38 minutes; 95% CI: 6.68: 12.09]. No difference was seen regarding PG autotransplantation, length of hospital stay, and hospitalization due to hypocalcemia. Seven trials had low risk and the remainder had some concerns. NIRAF is superior to the naked eye in identifying all four parathyroid glands during total thyroidectomy. The reduced risk of postoperative hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia reflected this preservation value. However, it was not associated with a change in the length of hospital stay. Although rare, the readmission rate due to hypocalcemia was similar across both methods.

Urine Test Strip Quantitative Assay with a Smartphone Camera.

Urine test strips for urinalysis are a common diagnostic tool with minimal costs and are used in various situations including homecare and hospitalization. The coloration scaled by the naked eye is simple, but it is suitable for semiquantitative analysis only. In this paper, a colorimetric assay is developed based on a smartphone digital camera and urine test strips. Assays of pH, albumin, glucose, and lipase activity were performed as a tool for the diagnosis of aciduria, alkaluria, glycosuria, proteinuria, and leukocyturia. The RGB color channels were analyzed in the colorimetric assay, and the assay exerted good sensitivity, and all the particular diagnoses proved to be reliable. The limits of detection for glucose (0.11 mmol/L), albumin (0.15 g/L), and lipase (2.50 U/μL) were low enough to cover the expected physiological concentration, and the range for pH was also satisfactory. The urine test strips with a camera as an output detector proved applicability to spiked urine samples, and the results were also well in comparison to the standard assays which confirms the practical relevance of the presented findings.

PXRF and Polychromy: Identifying Pigments on Limestone Statuary from the Roman Limes, Preliminary Results

This paper presents the preliminary results of an investigation on the unexplored topic of polychromy on provincial stone sculptures from the Roman provinces in Germania through the innovative application of heritage materials science techniques. A group of three life-sized statues dating to the 1st Century CE recovered from Ingelheim, near Mainz, retains remarkably well-preserved traces of pigments. These are ripe for emerging non-invasive technologies supplemented by micro-sampling to validate results and provide information relating to mixing and layering not available to the naked eye. The most strikingly visible areas of extant polychromy were retained on the sculpture of a young woman, reported on here as the first phase of this programme of research. The results suggest that the statue was originally covered in a gypsum layer before the application of complex and diverse recipes of pigment applied as mixtures and in layers to create required hues and shadowing on sculpted features. The palette includes ochres and green earth mixed with small amounts of minium (red lead), realgar and lapis lazuli (ultramarine blue) added to create skin tones, and a vibrant blue-green tunic created from Egyptian blue, bone black, ochres, cinnabar and green earth; the palla and peplos contained ochres, bone black, and orpiment, and mixes of these created the detail of coloured jewellery. Of great interest was the detection of bone black on many features, particularly as a shading agent to enhance sculpted features, such as folds in cloth, providing a more realistic and flowing articulation. This is a revolutionary observation that provides previously unexplored insights into artistic polychromic practice in Antiquity.

A review on stereomicroscope

The specimens are frequently observed utilizing a magnifying tool and the naked eye during the grossing method. The stereomicroscope is a vital instrument for viewing a variety of specimens and enables us to effectively analyse the specimen's surface attributes In order to assess the stereomicroscope's effectiveness in grossing and histological diagnosis, it is essential to assess its role in macroscopic examination along with its effectiveness in examining the specimen's surface characteristics.

Os documentos do palimpsesto de Santa Sofia di Benevento (século XI) estudados através da técnica de “imagem multiespectral”

Although the palimpsests codes are not longer a rarity, the rescripti documents are still very rare. It was the practice of reusing parchments already written, then erased and subjected to a particular treatment, for the purpose of recycling for the preparation of a new document. The study in question examines the parchments of Santa Sofia di Benevento and the conspicuous dossier consisting of documents concerning the monastery of Sant’Angelo di Ariano. The membranes examined for this study are twenty-two (twenty-one have double palimpsests, while one is triple), for a total of forty-five documents, all relating to the eleventh century. The new multispectral imaging technique has allowed the identification of new occurrences relating to the sofiano parchment background, through the experimentation of multispectral digital photography and the digital manipulation of dissected images, able to bring out, in their clarity, the traces of the writings no longer visible either to the naked eye, or through the classic use of the Wood Lamp; this new photographic technique allows the isolation and separation of one or more levels of writing.

Comparison of comfort and tear stability with two novel silicone-hydrogel daily disposable contact lenses.

The surface wettability of soft contact lenses (SCLs) affects the wearing comfort. Verofilcon A is a daily disposable silicone hydrogel contact lens with SMARTSURFACE® technology, ensuring high surface wettability. To evaluate tear stability on the surface of verofilcon A and narafilcon A SCLs and correlate these findings with clinical parameters and patients' discomfort. Sixty-two SCL wearers (124 eyes) with SCL discomfort were randomly assigned to use narafilcon A (control SCL) and verofilcon A for 2weeks each by crossover. The noninvasive tear break-up time (NIBUT) of the naked eye at baseline and pre-lens NIBUT (PL-NIBUT) of the SCL surface after 2weeks of using each SCL were measured using the DR-1α® dry eye observation device. Corneal superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK) (0-3) and conjunctival hyperemia (0-3), and comfort level of SCL wear (1-10) were also evaluated. NIBUT and PL-NIBUT values were 4.6 ± 2.3s for the naked eye, 6.6 ± 6.6s for narafilcon A, and 11.3 ± 3.5s for verofilcon A. verofilcon A had significantly higher PL-NIBUT than the naked eye and narafilcon A (p < 0.05). SPK (0.16 ± 0.48 vs. 0.00 ± 0.00, p < 0.01) and conjunctival hyperemia (1.15 ± 0.82 vs. 0.49 ± 0.50, p < 0.01) scores were lower when wearing verofilcon A than narafilcon A. The ocular comfort score of wearing SCLs was higher with verofilcon A than with narafilcon A (8.7 ± 1.8 vs. 9.8 ± 0.5, p < 0.01). The ocular comfort score for wearing verofilcon A was higher, regardless of the baseline NIBUT. The results of this study showed a consistent surface-wetting advantage of verofilcon A in patients with ocular discomfort. verofilcon A was used comfortably in patients with low NIBUT scores at baseline. The findings suggest that verofilcon A is recommended for SCL wearers experiencing SCL-related dry eye symptoms and discomfort.

A bacterial biosensor based on gold nanoparticles functionalized by a hydrophobin-chimera and combined with machine learning for user-friendly detection

A chimeric protein, in which a cationic antimicrobial peptide was fused to the adhesive self-assembling moiety of a fungal class I hydrophobin, was produced and used to easily functionalize gold nanoparticles (f-AuNPs). f-AuNPs are able to bind Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria, tested as model organisms. A reverse colorimetric assay was then set up based on the induced aggregation of the free f-AuNPs. This leads to changes in optical properties of the solution, visible even by naked eyes. This approach allows detection of 10 CFU mL−1 of E. coli within 15 min and can be applicable to detect bacterial contamination in real matrices. Notably, the colorimetric variation was combined to machine-learning methodologies inferring data from photos of the colored solutions, acquired by smartphones. This fast, highly practical and flexible system, would enable on-site measurements and, therefore, help to prevent significant contaminations.

Selective visual detection of multiplex PCR amplicon using magnetic microbeads

Nucleic acid amplification tests (NATs), such as genetic tests using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), are sensitive methods for detecting pathogens and food contamination. The rapid, easy, and inexpensive detection of amplicons, DNA, or RNA is key to realizing on-site NATs. We have previously developed a novel amplicon detection method using magnetic microbeads based on the hydrophobicity of DNA in deionized water. In this study, we aimed to expand the method for the detection of multiplex DNA amplicons. Tagged primers and probes for selective attachment were used to detect amplicons from two strawberry pathogens. The amplicon-labeled magnetic microbeads were placed in the round-bottom well of a hydrophilic glass substrate. The attachment of amplicons to the magnetic microbeads changed their surface from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. The magnetized microbeads concentrated at the bottom when the substrate was placed on a permanent magnet, and the concentrated microbeads were easily recognizable by the naked eye. Microbeads without amplicons were adsorbed over a broad area of the bottom of the glass well owing to their hydrophilicity. The appropriate tag probe was attached to specific amplicons for detection, and each amplicon from multiplex PCR was selectively detected within approximately 15 min. Notably, this method requires no electric power and contributes to the realization of on-site NAT detection. This study presents a simple and rapid method for the selective detection of multiplex PCR amplicons using DNA–DNA hybridization.

Multi-mode excited upconversion and downshifting of Ho3+/Yb3+ doped lead-free double perovskite Cs2NaBiCl6 for anti-counterfeiting and thermometry

Rear earth(RE)-doped halide perovskite has generated as an amazing optical material for multicolor luminescence. Free-lead halide double perovskites have attracted interesting because of their non-toxicity and higher instability. Here, RE3+ doped chloride-based double perovskite phosphors are reported. A series of heavy concentration Ho3+/Yb3+ doped Cs2NaBiCl6(CNBC) phosphors are prepared with a solvothermal route. The band structure of CNBC is calculated through density functional theory (DFT). The luminescence properties of CNBC:Ho3+ and CNBC:Ho3+/Yb3+ are investigated through upconversion(UC) and downshifting(DS) processes. From CNBC:Ho3+, the brightness orange, deep red and pale green lights are achieved under excitation at 365, 452 and 980 nm. The multicolor emissions of CNBC:Ho3+ are used to multimode fluorescent anti-counterfeiting. Comparing with CNBC:Ho3+ samples, the UC emission intensity of CNBC:Ho3+/Yb3+ are dramatically enhanced. The brightness green light can be seen by naked eyes under super lower power pumping(∼10 mW). The temperature sensing properties of CNBC:Ho3+/Yb3+ phosphor are investigated systematically based on the luminescence intensity ratio(LIR) of thermally coupled levels(TCLs)(5F1/5G6,5F2,3/3K8) and non-TCLs(5F4/5S2,5F5). The maximum relative sensitivity(SR) reaches 5.089% K−1 at 293 K according to the LIR of non-TCLs. The work will broaden the application field of RE3+-doped free-lead perovskite such as anti-counterfeiting and thermometry.

Facile Synthesis of PEGylated Gold Nanoparticles for Enhanced Colorimetric Detection of Histamine.

Histamine is among the biogenic amines that are formed during the microbial decarboxylation of amino acids in various food products, posing a significant threat to both food safety and human health. Herein, we present a one-step synthesis of PEGylated gold nanoparticles (PEG-AuNPs) for rapid, simple, and cost-effective colorimetric histamine detection. PEG-AuNPs' surface plasmon resonance (SPR) range at 520-530 nm with a hydrodynamic size distribution of 20-40 nm. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra confirmed the reduction of AuNPs at 1645 cm-1 along with the other observed peaks at 2870, 1350, and 1100 cm-1 as a strong evidence for the presence of PEG. Upon the addition of histamine to the PEG-AuNP solution, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) highlighted the aggregation of nanoparticles. In addition, red shifting and a decrease in the absorbance of the SPR peak along with the appearance of an additional peak at ∼690 nm was observed in the PEG-AuNP absorption spectra in the presence of histamine. Increasing the PEG concentration in the gold colloids leads to the formation of a protective barrier around the surface of nanoparticles, which influences the colloidal stability by impeding the aggregation of PEG-AuNPs upon histamine addition. The minimum colorimetric response of PEG-AuNPs to histamine concentration is 30 ppm, as assessed by the naked eye. The absorption ratio (A690/A526) showed a linear dynamic range from 20 to 100 ppm with a limit of detection of 9.357 μM. Additionally, the assay demonstrates a commendable selectivity toward histamine analyte.

Electrochemical synthesis of donor-acceptor triazine based polymers with halochromic and electrochromic properties

Two triazine monomers substituted with aromatic α,β unsaturated ketones (chalcones) as connecting arms, holding triphenylamine or carbazole ending groups, were by the first time synthesized using commercial and inexpensive starting materials in just two steps. Triphenylamine and carbazole groups were strategically introduced in order to allow electrochemical polymerization and redox activity of the obtained films. The chalcone, together with the triphenylamine or carbazole outer groups, give rise to the formation of a donor-acceptor systems, allowing the generation of photoinduced intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) electronic transitions and providing basic sites for protonation. Because of the star-like chemical structure of the used triazine, electrochemical polymerization of these monomers conducted to the formation of hyperbranched structures. The polymeric materials exhibited not only electrochromic properties but also showed a halochromic behavior. Spectroelectrochemical studies of the films showed different colorations in the three redox states (neutral, semioxidized and fully oxidized). The color changes are fast and easily detected by the naked eye. Electrochemical parameters such as optical contrast, coloration efficiency, optical memory, and long-term stability for both films were obtained and compared. A quasi-solid window-type electrochromic device was assembled using the electrogenerated polymer with the best electrochromic performance and stability. Moreover, the triphenylamine based polymer showed reversible color changes upon acid-base vapor exposure cycles, demonstrating that this polymer can be used not only in electrochromic devices but also in acid vapor sensors.

Exploring the Utilization of Imaging Modalities in the Diagnosis of Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Scoping Review.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common skin cancer that occurs due to various genetic and environmental factors. Diagnosis is made by a combination of clinical appearance, biopsy, imaging, and histopathological analysis. This review describes the current array of imaging modalities available to physicians to aid in the diagnosis of BCC. It is important to stay up-to-date with improvements in diagnostic screening, and knowledge of these options is instrumental in providing the best care to patients. Embase, Medline Industries, and PubMed were searched for articles within the past 10 years based on a search query that looked for imaging modalities used in the diagnosis and evaluation of a variety of dermatologic conditions. The search was further refined to focus on BCC and satisfy the inclusion/exclusion criteria determined by the authors. The research process was detailed in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses diagram. Dermoscopy is a non-invasive in vivo microscopic technique used to evaluate skin lesions. Features of dermoscopy cannot be visualized with the naked eye, and studies found that dermoscopy increased diagnostic accuracy. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) examines skin morphology, and recent studies found that 100% of patients with BCC had tumor-free margins when diagnosed with RCM. It allows for a one-stop-shop for diagnosis. Optical spectroscopy samples multiple sites without removing tissue. It helps detect subtle biophysical differences, allowing for earlier diagnosis. High-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) helps determine tumor size, structure, depth of invasionand spread. Studies found statistically significant positive correlations between depth of spread and HFUS readings. Optical coherence tomography takes cross-sectional images to analyze histopathology and morphology. It produces high-resolution images, confers slightly more accurate results than a biopsy, and expedites the treatment process through an earlier diagnosis without a biopsy.These results will advance the fields of dermatology and radiology as they describe unique uses for these imaging modalities. There are a variety of ways to use microscopy, and these techniques may be applied to many different lesions and help revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer and other lesions without the need for multiple, sometimes disfiguring surgical procedures. With the increase in diagnostic accuracy and decrease in diagnosis time, advanced imaging studies will become an integral part of dermatologic diagnosis and be included in future management and treatment plans, especially in the case of BCC.

Viscoelasticity-Controlled Relaxation in Wrinkling Surface for Multistage Time-Resolved Optical Information Encryption.

As counterfeit techniques continue to evolve, ensuring the security of conventional "static" encryption methods becomes increasingly challenging. Here, the viscoelasticity-controlled relaxation is introduced for the first time in a bilayer wrinkling system by regulating the density of hydrogen bond networks in polymer to construct a "dynamic" encryption material. The wrinkling surface can manipulate light during the dynamic relaxation process, exhibiting three stages with frosted glass, structural color, and mirror reflection. By regulating the viscoelasticity of skin layer through UV irradiation, the wavelength and the relaxation rate of the wrinkles can be controlled. As a result, dynamic wrinkling anti-counterfeiting patterns and time-resolved multistage information encryption are achieved. Crucially, the encryption material is developed as an anti-counterfeiting label for packing boxes in daily applications, allowing the encrypted information to be activated manually and identified by naked eyes, surpassing the existing time-resolved encryption materials in utilization potential. Besides, the dynamic hydrogen bond networks are extended to various dynamic interaction networks, demonstrating the versatility of the dynamic encryption strategy. This work not only provides an additional dimension for dynamic information encryption in daily practical use, but also offers theoretical guidance for the development of advanced optical anti-counterfeiting and smart display materials in the future.

A novel fluorescence probe for ultrafast detection of SO2 derivatives/biogenic amines and its multi-application: Detecting food and fish freshness, fluorescent dye and bioimaging

In this study, we have effectively prepared a novel fluorescent probe named HDXM based on benzopyran derivatives for the ultrafast detection (within 3 s) of SO2 derivatives or biogenic amines. HDXM showed a noticeable color change after the addition of SO2 derivatives (from purple to colorless) or biogenic amines (from purple to blue), indicating that HDXM can identify two analytes with the naked eye. It is worth noting that HDXM can be used to detect SO2 derivatives in actual sugar samples, and to image HSO3−/SO32− in living cells. More importantly, sensing labels (HDXM-loaded filter paper or agarose hydrogel) enable real-time visual monitoring of salmon freshness through colorimetric and fluorescence dual channels. Compared with the Chinese national standard method, the sensing label is an effective tool for evaluating the freshness of fish. Benefiting from its excellent solubility and fluorescence performance, HDXM can be used as a versatile fluorescent material in various applications, including flexible films, glass coatings, impregnating dyes, printing, and fingerprint ink. HDXM is expected to be a promising and valuable multifunctional tool for food safety and fluorescent materials.

Peptide-Decorated Microneedles for the Detection of Microplastics.

The escalating utilization of plastics in daily life has resulted in pervasive environmental pollution and consequent health hazards. The challenge of detecting and capturing microplastics, which are imperceptible to the naked eye, is exacerbated by their diminutive size, hydrophobic surface properties, and capacity to absorb organic compounds. This study focuses on the application of peptides, constituted of specific amino acid sequences, and microneedles for the rapid and selective identification of microplastics. Peptides, due to their smaller size and greater environmental stability compared with antibodies, emerge as a potent solution to overcome the limitations inherent in existing detection methodologies. To immobilize peptides onto microneedles, this study employed microneedles embedded with gold nanorods, augmenting them with sulfhydryl (SH) groups at the peptides' termini. The sensor developed through this methodology exhibited efficient peptide binding to the microneedle tips, thereby facilitating the capture of microplastics. Raman spectroscopy was employed for the detection of microplastics, with the results demonstrating successful attachment to the microneedles. This novel approach not only facilitates localized analysis but also presents a viable strategy for the detection of microplastics across diverse environmental settings.