Shift Of Surface Plasmon Resonance Research Articles

A paper-based colorimetric sensor using Au/Ag nanocages for sensitive detection of hydrazine in water samples by smartphone

In this work, Au/Ag nanocages have been used as an effective platform for sensitive colorimetric detection of hydrazine. By adding hydrazine together with silver ions to the hollow Au/Ag nanocages, they undergo a morphological transformation to closed nanoboxes. This leads to a noticeable blue shift in the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peak position and a distinct color change from blue to purple in the solution. The extent of shift in the LSPR peak of the Au/Ag nanocages exhibited a direct correlation with the concentration of hydrazine within the range of 0.1 to 10.0 µM. The limit of detection (LOD) achieved was 0.03 µM, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 1.7% at a concentration of 0.5 µM. Furthermore, we developed a paper-based sensor with smartphone readout for hydrazine detection within the range of 0.5 to 10.0 µM, with an LOD of 0.3 µM and an RSD of 3.3% at a concentration of 2.0 µM. The effectiveness of the sensor was successfully demonstrated in the analysis of hydrazine in environmental samples. This is the first time that Au/Ag nanocages are used for simple paper-based assay. With its high sensitivity, low cost, and rapid analysis time, this method offers a promising solution for the quantitative measurement of hydrazine in environmental samples by portable paper-based test strips.

Ultrasensitive Dual-Mode Visual/Photoelectrochemical Bioassay for Antibiotic Resistance Genes through Incorporating Rolling Circle Amplicons into a Tailored Nanoassembly.

As emerging contaminants in the environment, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have aroused a global health crisis and posed a serious threat to ecological safety and human health. Thus, efficient and accurate onsite detection of ARGs is crucial for environmental surveillance. Here, we presented a colorimetric-photoelectrochemical (PEC) dual-mode bioassay for simultaneous detection of multiple ARGs by smartly incorporating rolling circle amplification (RCA) into a stimuli-responsive DNA nanoassembly, using the tetracycline resistance genes tetA and tetC as models. The tailored DNA nanoassembly containing RCA amplicons hybridized with specific signal probes: CuO nanoflowers-anchored signal DNA1 and HgO nanoparticles-anchored signal DNA2, respectively. Upon exposure to an acidic stimulus, numerous Cu2+ and Hg2+ were released, serving as the reporting agent of colorimetric/PEC dual-mode assay. The released Cu2+ and Hg2+ induced localized surface plasmon resonance shifts in Au nanorods and triangular Ag nanoplates through an etching process, respectively, enabling visual analysis of ARGs with distinguishing color changes. Meanwhile, numerous Cu2+ and Hg2+ triggered the amplified PEC variations via reacting with the photoactive layers of CuS/CdS and ZnS, respectively. Thus, a rapid and ultrasensitive colorimetric/PEC dual-mode detection of multiple ARGs was achieved with the detection limit down to 17.2 aM. Furthermore, such dual-mode bioassay could discriminate single-base mismatch and successfully determine ARGs in E. coli plasmids and sludge samples, holding great promise for point-of-care genetic diagnostics.

Plant protein-mediated size-controlled synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles – Studies on optical properties

In today’s scenario nanotechnology has great importance in all scientific and non-scientific sectors. In this study, we have synthesized magnetite nanoparticles coated by the proteins available in the Datura leaf extract through a green and eco-friendly method. From the resulting spectrum obtained on Fe3O4 for different volumes of leaf extract of Datura leaf, the surface plasmon resonance seems to be varying with the volume of capping agent. The data shows that as the volume of capping agent increases the SPR value is shifted to red-end. The Eg values increase with the increasing volume of capping agents. The evaluated band gap (Eg) values are close to semiconductors (0-3 eV). The values indicate that the formed Fe3O4 nanoparticles are marginally semiconducting. The Eg values are found to be dependent upon the volume of the capping agent. The properties of nano-sized semiconductor particles depend on particle size. Here, the absorption peaks (λmax) are consistently increased giving rise to red-shift. The value of surface plasmon resonance shift confirmed that particle size is decreased.
 KEY WORDS: Green synthesis, Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs), Leaf extract, Band gap, Optical properties, Surface plasmon resonance
 Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(2), 493-499. 
 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i2.16

Microstrain effects of laser-ablated Au nanoparticles in enhancing CZTS-based 1 Sun photodetector devices.

Copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) thin films were synthesized on soda lime glass using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) at room temperature. Introducing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in a sandwich structure led to increased CZTS particle size and a shift in the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peak of the AuNPs, influenced by different laser energy levels. The absorption measurements revealed intriguing behavior across the visible and near-infrared (NIR) regions, making these films appealing for 1 Sun photodetectors. Furthermore, the presence of AuNPs in the sandwich structure reduced microstrain effects, measuring 1.94 × 10-3 compared to 3.38 × 10-3 in their absence. This reduction directly enhances carrier transport, which is particularly beneficial for accelerating the performance of photodetector devices. This effect of AuNPs also contributed to higher dielectric coefficients, further improving the photodetector performance. Under 1 Sun illumination conditions, this enhancement resulted in a rapid rising time of 95.4 ms, showcasing the potential for faster photodetection.

Anomalous spectral shift of localized surface plasmon resonance.

We report the first observation of spectral blue shift of plasmon resonance of synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) due to a negative optical nonlinearity of a local ambient medium, i.e., indigo carmine (IC) solution at around 420 nm wavelength. The blue shift occurred at a larger concentration of AgNPs or at a larger concentration of IC solution, being in obvious contrast to spectral red shift which was widely witnessed in plasmon spectral shift in a linear regime. Plasmon-enhanced local fields could excite the third-order optical nonlinearity for blue shift even under continuous (non-pulsed) light illumination. We also found that the plasmon-excited nonlinearity could allow for differential nonlinear response of the IC solution to be even greater than its differential linear response, though appearing to be somewhat inconsistent with what was generally known in light-matter interaction. The demonstrated properties of such anomalous shift of plasmon spectral peaks and its accompanying properties indicated that plasmon technologies could be exploited not only in linear but also in nonlinear aspects for critical optimization in plasmon-energy harvesting systems such as in surface enhanced spectroscopy/microscopy, biomedical imaging/sensing, laser frequency conversion, ultrashort pulse generation, and all-optical switching.

Simple method for optical characterization of surface agents on conjugated silver nanoparticles

In this study, a simple formula has been proposed to calculate the refractive index of surface agents of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) by using the plasmonic peak of the absorption spectra of dispersed Ag nano-colloids. The basis of the study is the shift in the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of Ag NPs upon alteration of surface agents. The color changes in a typical metal nano-colloid are mainly due to the shift in the LSPR, which is caused because of electrical interactions of surface agents on the particles. There are some theoretical models to simulate the absorption spectrum, but using these methods to evaluate the plasmonic peak is not facile for a wide range of users. Here, the required simulations were performed for different values of the refractive index of surface agents and particle sizes, and the absorption spectrum and dispersive curves were accordingly plotted. A simple formula was obtained between the wavelength of the plasmonic peak, the refractive index of the shell of surface agents, and the ratio of the hydrodynamic diameter to Feret size of the particles (R0). The refractive index of the surface agents can be calculated by n2=λmax−(202.3R02−748.6R0+947.4)−152.2R02+561.3R0−405.1, where λmax (in nanometer) is the wavelength of the absorption peak due to LSPR. This method can pave the way for experimenters to obtain the refractive index and consequently the type of surface agents around Ag NPs without the need for numerical or mathematical operations. It can also be useful in analyzing the spectral diagnosis of biological agents such as viral antibodies and antigens.

Colorimetric detection of oral bacteria using functionalized gold nanoparticles as a plasmonic biosensor array.

Early detection of specific oral bacterial species would enable timely treatment and prevention of certain oral diseases. In this work, we investigated the sensitivity and specificity of functionalized gold nanoparticles for plasmonic sensing of oral bacteria. This approach is based on the aggregation of positively charged gold nanoparticles on the negatively charged bacteria surface and the corresponding localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) shift. Gold nanoparticles were synthesized in different sizes, shapes and functionalization. A biosensor array was developed consisting of spherical- and anisotropic-shaped (1-hexadecyl) trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and spherical mercaptoethylamine (MEA) gold nanoparticles. It was used to detect four oral bacterial species (Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Actinomyces naeslundii, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus oralis). The plasmonic response was measured and analysed using RGB and UV-vis absorbance values. Both methods successfully detected the individual bacterial species based on their unique responses to the biosensor array. We present an in-depth study relating the bacteria zeta potential and AuNP aggregation to plasmonic response. The sensitivity depends on multiple parameters, such as bacterial species and concentration as well as gold nanoparticle shape, concentration and functionalization.

Specific detection of CA242 by antibody-modified chiral symmetric double “N” metasurface biosensor

In this work, a biosensor based on Fano resonance metasurface is proposed for the specific detection of CA242 which is a typical marker of pancreatic cancer. The biosensor consists of a chiral symmetric plasma double “N” structure, which utilises coherent coupling of bright and dark modes to generate Fano resonance, achieving suppression of radiation loss, concentrating and storing energy more efficiently in the structure, and contributing to increased sensitivity to changes in ambient refractive index, resulting in a sensitivity of the sensor of up to 842.8 nm /RIU. After a series of antibody functionalization modifications, the metasurface has become an immune biosensor that can specifically detect the tumor marker CA242 of pancreatic cancer. The detection of mixed and single antigen solutions with different concentrations has verified the high sensitivity, high specificity, and high linear relationship of the biosensor to CA242, and the detection limit is as low as 0.0692 ng/mL. It is superior to other common methods and breaks the traditional disadvantages of lower detection accuracy and greater damage in tumour detection methods. The detection of the wavelength shift of localized surface plasmon resonance in plasma metasurface has been successfully applied to the highly sensitive detection of tumor markers. This study demonstrates the sensitivity and maneuverability of the chiral symmetric double “N” plasmonic metasurface biosensor, suggesting the potential application of metamaterials in biosensing based on environmental refractive index changes.

Optoelectronic tuning of plasmon resonances via optically modulated hot electrons.

Fast optical modulation of nanoplasmonics is fundamental for on-chip integration of all-optical devices. Although various strategies have been proposed for dynamic modulation of surface plasmons, critical issues of device compatibility and extremely low efficiency in the visible spectrum hamper the application of optoplasmonic nanochips. Here we establish an optoplasmonic system based on Au@Cu2-xS hybrid core-shell nanoparticles. The optical excitation of hot electrons and their charge transfer to the semiconductor coating (Cu2-xS) lead to lowered electron density of Au, which results in the red shift of the localized surface plasmon resonance. The hot electrons can also transport through the Cu2-xS layer to the metal substrate, which increases the conductance of the nanogap. As such, the coupled gap plasmon blue-shifts with a magnitude of up to ∼15nm, depending on the excitation power and the thickness of the coatings, which agrees with numerical simulations. All of this optoelectronic tuning process is highly reversible, controllable and fast with a modulated laser beam, which is highly compatible and sufficiently useful for on-chip integration of nanophotonic devices.

Discriminative detection of morphine and methamphetamine-like street samples by label-free Cu doped-silver nanoparticles chemosensor

This research provides a straightforward and sensitive method for detecting morphine (MOR) and methamphetamine (MET) by colorimetry. In order to characterize the nanoprobe as it was prepared, XRD, FT-IR, XPS, UV–vis, TEM, ICP, DLS, and EDS analyses were conducted. We evaluated the performance of Ag/Cu nanoparticles for colorimetric sensing of MOR and MET. As well as naked-eye detection (photographs), UV–visible spectroscopy was used to monitor and record the results. Color shifts of colloidal NP solutions or surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorbance bands were used to differentiate between MOR and MET, leading to the discovery that NP could distinguish between the two. Based on the linearity of the calibration curves' ranges, MOR and MET were found to have different limits of detection (LODs), which are 0.21 µg/mL and 0.49 µg/mL for each, respectively. In addition, they displayed a linear range of 0–50 µg/mL and 0–100 µg/mL, for MOR and MET, respectively. When Ag/Cu NPs are exposed to MOR and MET, they aggregate and exhibit noticeable color changes. For MOR, the changes ranged from bright yellow to smoky, while for MET, they were dark orange. The optimal incubation time for sensing MOR and MET was 7 and 35 min, respectively.

Dual signal AA detection based on fluorescence and local surface plasmon resonance absorption technology

The core/shell Au@MnO2 nanoparticles (Au@MnO2 NPs) were prepared and characterized by UV–vis spectrum, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS). It was found that MnO2 in the shell of Au@MnO2 NPs could oxidize thiamine (VB1) into blue fluorescent thiochrome (TC). The reduction of MnO2 in the shell layer could lead to a decrease of Au@MnO2 NPs size along with a blue shift of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peak. Once ascorbic acid (AA) was introduced, MnO2 in the shell was rapidly reduced to Mn2+ ions. Accordingly, the oxidation of VB1 was inhibited and the fluorescence of TC was weakened. Based on these phenomena, we have established a dual signal method for AA determination with the help of UV–vis and fluorescence spectrophotometer. Under the optimum conditions, the LSPR absorption peak shift (Δλ) of Au@MnO2 NPs and the decrease in fluorescence of TC correlated well with AA concentration ranging from 0.75 to 17.5 μM. The detection limits of LSPR absorption assay and fluorescence assay were 0.18 and 0.47 μM, respectively. More importantly, this dual-signal detection method has been used for the determination of AA in vitamin C tablets with high accuracy and precision, indicating its promising potential applications.

Tightly focused linearly and radially polarized beam effect on the LSPR peak with varying particle size

Interactions of gold and silver spherical nanoparticles (NPs) of a wide range of radius size with tightly focused beams are investigated for a wide range of wavelengths. The scattering of tightly focused beams with a single NP of varying size is examined using a generalized Mie theory and average intensity enhancement in the near-field due to localized surface plasmons is examined for different tightly focused beams. A multipole expansion approach is used to observe the contribution of modes in shaping the scattered light intensity. Influence of particle size and tightly focused beam on intensity enhancement factor is investigated and a shift in localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peak towards higher wavelength is observed with increasing particle size. Maximum intensity enhancement factor due to scattering of different incident beams by a metallic NP is theoretically examined and reported. Gold and silver NP having radius size ranging from 30–60 nm and 1–15 nm respectively showed a maximum intensity enhancement factor in different media. A significant enhancement for the tightly focused radially polarized beam is observed for gold and silver NPs of radius size between 50 nm and 100 nm. Variation towards higher wavelength in LSPR peak due to involvement of higher order of multipoles, and the surrounding medium are also examined in detail.

Tuning LSPR of Thermal Spike-Induced Shape-Engineered Au Nanoparticles Embedded in Si3N4 Thin-Film Matrix for SERS Applications.

While gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) are widely used as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates, their agglomeration and dynamic movement under laser irradiation result in the major drawback in SERS applications, viz., the repeatability of SERS signals. We tune the optical and structural properties of size- and shape-modified Au NPs embedded in a thin silicon nitride (Si3N4) matrix by intense electronic excitation with swift heavy ion (SHI) irradiation with the aim of overcoming this classical SERS disadvantage. We demonstrate the shape evolution of a single layer of Au NPs inserted between amorphous Si3N4 thin films under fluences of 120 MeV Au9+ ions ranging between 1 × 1011 and 1 × 1013 ions cm-2. This shape modification results in the gradual blue shift of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) dip until 1 × 1012 ions/cm2 and then a sudden diminishment at 1 × 1013 ions/cm2. Finite domain time difference (FDTD) simulations further justify our experimental optical spectra. The dynamical NP aggregation and dissolution, in addition to NP elongation and deformation at different fluences, are noted from 2D grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) profiles, as well as cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (X-TEM). The systematic shape evolution of metal NPs embedded in the insulating matrix is shown to be due to thermal spike-induced localized melting and a localized pressure hike upon SHI irradiation. Utilizing this specific control over the characteristics of Au NPs, viz., shape, size, interparticle gap, and corresponding optical response via SHI irradiation, we demonstrate their applications as very stable SERS substrates, where the separation between NPs and analyte does not alter under laser illumination. Thus, these irradiated SERS active substrates with controlled NP size and gap provide the optimal conditions for creating localized electromagnetic hotspots that amplify the SERS signals, which do not alter with time or laser exposure. We found that the film irradiated with 1 × 1011 exhibits the highest SERS intensity due to its optimal NP size distribution and shape. Thus, not only our study provides a SERS substrate for stable and repeatable signals but also the understanding depicted here opens new research avenues in designing SERS substrates, photovoltaics, optoelectronic devices, etc. with ion beam irradiation.

Separation of shifts in surface plasmon resonance into refractive index and thickness of deposited layers

Routine Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) measurements, which are widely applied in affinity (bio)sensors and surface science, do not allow one to separate the obtained SPR signals into the change of the refractive index and thickness of deposited layers. For thin layers the signal is proportional to the product of the layer thickness and the difference in the refractive indices of this layer and of the aqueous media. In this study, we suggest an approach to separate these parameters. It is performed by subsequent measurements in the presence and in the absence of polyethylene glycol (PEG), an inert additive which modifies the refractive index of the liquid phase but do not penetrate into the adsorbed layer. Both parameters were successively determined for human serum albumin (HSA) as well as for anti-HSA IgG in three different settings: i) HSA adsorbed directly onto a gold surface, ii) HSA chemically immobilized on a gold surface coated with a self-assembled monolayer of 1,16 mercaptohexadecanoic acid and iii) chemically immobilized HSA with additional monomolecular layer of anti-HSA IgG antibodies bond to this protein layer. The suggested approach can be applied in most SPR devices with a flow cell for analysis of various adsorbed layers.

Resonance Quantization in the Absorption Spectra of Concentric Double Gold Nanoshells: A Numerical Study

AbstractConcentric double metallic shells (CDMSs) are strong candidates for photothermal-based therapy, wherein they utilize their tuned plasmon resonance in the near-infrared region via particle coupling factor fitting. Tuning the resonance of CDMSs to the desired near-infrared region is crucial considering the shift caused by variations in their design parameters. In this study, we investigated the effects of these parameters using full-wave electromagnetic analysis to highlight the dominant factors affecting the resonance shift in the absorption spectra of CDMSs. With systematic variations, our simulation data outlined the direct influence of the outer and inner nanoshells’ (NS2 and NS1) aspect ratios r2 and r1, respectively, on the coupling factor (rT) aptitude for resonance tuning. For example, a CDMS with r2 = r1 = 0.8 shows coupling manifestation between NS2 and NS1 with rT as low as 0.2. However, we need the value of rT to be at least 0.6 for a CDMS with r2 = r1 = 0.4. Moreover, the dominant factors of the localized surface plasmon resonance shifts were determined by examining the mismatched parameter values of the same particle and found them to be related to NS2. We demonstrated how these factors are related to the complexity of localized surface plasmon resonance peak shifting and splitting in the absorption spectra of CDMSs. Our findings are expected to greatly improve the design of nanoparticles to optimize their responses in photothermal-based applications.

Dual-mode highly selective colorimetric and smartphone-based paper sensors utilizing silver nanoparticles for ultra-trace level omeprazole detection in complex matrices

The present work focuses on the synthesis and optimization of highly stable, bare silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as colorimetric sensor for trace-level detection of omeprazole. A novel approach combining AgNPs-based paper sensor and smartphone technology enables real-time analysis of omeprazole. The color change observed by the naked eye and shift in localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) were used to construct calibration curves. Both LSPR-based colorimetric sensing and paper-based sensing approaches were utilized for omeprazole detection in complex matrices. The limits of detection (LODs) were determined as 15 nM and 240 nM, with linear dynamic ranges of 0.05–40 µM and 0.1–50 µM, respectively. Recovery studies demonstrated % recoveries within the acceptable range of 90–110% and relative standard deviation (RSD) below 2%. Detailed characterizations including Fourier-Transform Infrared - (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), zeta potential, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) provided insights into sensing mechanism. This work offers a promising and practical solution for real-time omeprazole analysis with potential applications extending beyond pharmaceutical formulations. The developed colorimetric sensor based on AgNPs demonstrates high stability, sensitivity, and versatility, making it suitable for on-site and point-of-care omeprazole detection in various samples, including serum, plasma, urine, sea water, and tap water.

Tetrahydropalmatine ameliorates hepatic steatosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by switching lipid metabolism via AMPK-SREBP-1c-Sirt1 signaling axis

BackgroundNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming a global epidemic without effective treatment currently available. NAFLD is characterized by an increase in hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) and inadequate compensatory enhancement in fatty acid oxidation (FAO), which disturbs lipid homeostasis. In NAFLD, lipid metabolism relies heavily on metabolic reprogramming. Moreover, lipid metabolism plays an essential role in switching between lipogenesis and FAO, which is beneficial for the anti-NAFLD therapy. Our recent study demonstrated that the phytochemical tetrahydropalmatine (THP) has positive efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, it remains unclear whether the therapeutic benefits of THP are primarily due to delaying the progression of hepatic steatosis to HCC. PurposeThis work aimed to systemically evaluate the pharmacological functions and underlying mechanisms of THP in NAFLD using both in vitro and in vivo models. MethodsNAFLD models were established using high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice in vivo and palmitic acid- and oleic acid-challenged hepatocytes in vitro. Metabonomics analysis concomitant with biochemical indices and computational biology assays were performed comprehensively to reveal the key link between the treatment of NAFLD and the AMPK-SREBP-1c-Sirt1 signaling axis. ResultsHepatic metabolomics analysis revealed that THP altered lipid metabolism by enhancing FAO and inhibiting glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and urea cycle in HFD-fed mice. Analysis of gene expression showed that THP profoundly suppressed hepatic DNL and promoted FAO. THP supplementation not only significantly decreased body/liver weight gain and serum indices but also ameliorated hepatic steatosis. Simultaneously, impaired lipotoxicity was observed in vivo and in vitro after THP supplementation, protecting against steatosis-driven injury. Metabolic phenotype assays showed that THP promoted switching from glycolysis inhibition to FAO enhancement in steatotic cells, resulting in reprogramming lipid metabolism. Mechanistically, THP accelerated lipid oxidation by activating AMPK-SREBP-1c-Sirt1 axis signaling. Applying molecular docking combined with surface plasmon resonance and cellular thermal shift assay target engagement, as well as siRNA assays, AMPKα was confirmed as a direct molecular target of THP. ConclusionIn summary, THP ameliorates hepatic steatosis in NAFLD by switching lipid metabolism via the AMPK-SREBP-1c-Sirt1 pathway. This work provides an attractive phytochemical component for therapy against hepatic steatosis in NAFLD.

Identification of small-molecule inhibitors of human MUS81-EME1/2 by FRET-based high-throughput screening

The MUS81-EME1/2 structure-specific endonucleases play a crucial role in the processing of stalled replication forks and recombination intermediates, and have been recognized as an attractive drug target to potentiate the anti-cancer efficacy of DNA-damaging agents. Currently, no bioactive small-molecule inhibitors of MUS81 are available. Here, we performed a high-throughput small-molecule inhibitors screening, using the FRET-based DNA cleavage assay. From 7920 compounds, we identified dyngo-4a as a potent inhibitor of MUS81 complexes. Dyngo-4a effectively inhibits the endonuclease activities of both MUS81-EME1 and MUS81-EME2 complexes, with IC50 values of 0.57 μM and 2.90 μM, respectively. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) assays reveal that dyngo-4a directly binds to MUS81 complexes (KD ∼ 0.61 μM) and prevents them from binding to DNA substrates. In HeLa cells, dyngo-4a significantly suppresses bleomycin-triggered H2AX serine 139 phosphorylation (γH2AX). Together, our results demonstrate that dyngo-4a is a potent MUS81 inhibitor, which could be further developed as a potentially valuable chemical tool to explore more physiological roles of MUS81 in the cells.

Application of Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance of Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles in Spectral Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2: A Numerical Study.

Severe respiratory syndrome COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak has became the most important global health issue, and simultaneous efforts to fast and low-cost diagnosis of this virus were performed by researchers. One of the most usual tests was colorimetric methods based on the change of color of gold nanoparticles in the presence of viral antibodies, antigens, and other biological agents. This spectral change can be due to the aggregation of the particles or the shift of localized surface plasmon resonance due to the electrical interactions of surface agents. It is known that surface agents could easily shift the absorption peak of metallic nanocolloids which is attributed to the localized surface plasmon resonance. Experimental diagnosis assays for colorimetric detection of SARS-CoV-2 using Au NPs were reviewed, and the shift of absorption peak was studied from the viewpoint of numerical analysis. Using the numerical method, the refractive index and real and imaginary parts of the effective relative permittivity of the viral biological shell around Au NPs were obtained. This model gives a quantitative description of colorimetric assays of the detection of SARS-CoV-2 using Au NPs.

Smartphone-assisted point-of-care testing of nucleic acids based on hybridization chain reaction, magnetic beads, and gold nanorods etching

Colorimetric biosensors are simple but effective tools that are gaining popularity due to their ability to provide low-cost, rapid, and accurate detection for viruses like the Novel coronavirus, Influenza A, and Dengue virus, especially in point-of-care testing (POCT) and visual detection. In this study, a smartphone-assisted nucleic acid POCT was built using hybridization chain reaction (HCR), magnetic beads (MBs), and oxidized 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB2+)-mediated etching of gold nanorods (GNRs). The application of HCR without enzyme isothermal characteristics and MBs with easy separation, can quickly amplify nucleic acid signal and remove other reaction components. The blue shift of longitudinal localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) based on GNRs showed significant differences in etching color for different concentrations of target nucleic acid, which convert the signal into a visually semi-quantitative colorimetric result, achieving quantitative analysis with the color recognition software built into smartphones. This strategy, which only takes 40 min to detect and is two-thirds less time than the PCR, was successfully applied for the detection of the Dengue target sequence with a detection limit of 1.25 nM and exhibited excellent specificity for distinguishing single-base mutations, indicating broad application prospects in clinical laboratory diagnosis and enriching the research of nucleic acid POCT.