Wide Linear Range Research Articles

Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis of nitrogen mustard degradation products after derivatization with benzoylimidazole

Nitrogen mustards are highly toxic compounds and strictly controlled by the Chemical Weapons Convention. When those agents are used, exposure must be confirmed by analyzing biological samples from victims to allow prompt medication and reduction of secondary damage. In this study, a derivatization-liquid chromatography (LC)-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) method to analyze nitrogen mustard degradation products (ethanolamines; EAs) in human urine was developed. Benzoylimidazole (BzI) was used as a derivatization reagent, and two highly hydrophilic EAs (methyldiethanolamine and ethyldiethanolamine) were analyzed by using a reversed-phase column with sufficient retention. For urine samples, after solid-phase extraction with cation exchange cartridge and derivatization, EAs were analyzed at low limits of detection (5 ng/mL). The calibration curves had a wide linear range (50–1000 ng/mL), and the quantitation results were sufficient for screening. Compared with our previous derivatization-LC-MS/MS method using pentafluorobenzoyl chloride as a derivatization reagent and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC)-MS/MS method, not only the limits of detection but also the operability and throughput were improved. The performance of the newly developed derivatization reagent was also evaluated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

Z-scheme heterostructure of ZnO@NPC/Au/ZnIn2S4 for chemical replacement reaction-mediated signal-on photoelectrochemical assay of mercury ion

Herein, an advanced Zn-based metal organic framework (Zn-MOF) derived ZnO embedded in a nitrogen-doped porous carbon (ZnO@NPC) polyhedron/Au/ three-dimensional (3D) chrysanthemum-like ZnIn2S Z-scheme heterojunction was employed for the chemical replacement reaction-mediated signal-on photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing detection of mercury ions (Hg2+). The p-type ZnO@NPC polyhedron was initially prepared by carbonising the zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)-8 polyhedron, followed by modification with Au nanoparticles (NPs) via an in situ photocatalytic reduction method. Subsequently, the ZnO@NPC/Au polyhedron was combined with n-type 3D chrysanthemum-like ZnIn2S4 through physical adsorption, forming the ZnO@NPC polyhedron/Au/3D chrysanthemum-like ZnIn2S4 Z-scheme heterostructure. The newly constructed heterostructure exhibited strong visible light–harvesting capacity, and considerably improved photoelectric conversion efficiency. The 3D chrysanthemum-like ZnIn2S4 functioned not only as a photosensitiser but also as an Hg2+ recognition probe. Importantly, the PEC sensor exhibited a considerably increased photocurrent response to Hg2+. This is presumably because the introduction of Hg2+ triggered a selective Zn-to-Hg chemical replacement reaction, leading to the in-situ formation of a ZnO@NPC/Au/ZnIn2S4/HgS heterojunction, which further improved charge separation. Consequently, Hg2+ was sensitively detected with a wide linear range from 0.5 pM to 2 μM and a low detection limit of 0.07 pM. Furthermore, the proposed sensor was validated by detecting Hg2+ in food and aqueous environments, indicating its potential application in food safety and environmental monitoring.

Fe/Cl/N triply-doped bamboo-like structure wrapped with Fe3C nanoparticles for electrochemical selective nitrite detection

Nitrite is commonly found in the natural environment and in everyday human activities. However, excessive nitrite consumption can potentially harm human health. Consequently, it is crucial to develop a reliable and sensitive method for nitrite detection. In this work, trichloroacetic acid functionalized Cl-Fe-MIL-88B metal-organic framework is obtained through nucleophilic reaction between animated Fe-MIL-88B and trichloroacetic acid, which is then annealed with melamine in an N2 atmosphere to produce the Fe/Cl/N triply-doped bamboo-like carbon nanotubes (CNTs) wrapped with Fe3C nanoparticles. Owing to the effective doping of Fe/Cl/N elements, the charge distribution and chemical activity of the bamboo-like structure are tailored, greatly improving the conductivity and facilitating electron transfer of the composite for potential electrocatalytic reaction. The Fe3C nanoparticles wrapped inside the CNTs contribute to expose more active sites and provide effective surface area. Accordingly, the Fe/Cl/N doped bamboo-like structure modified glassy carbon electrode shows excellent electrochemical nitrite sensing properties with a high sensitivity of 1060µAcm-2 mM-1, a low detection limit of 0.61µM in a wide linear concentration range of 5-5000μM, as well as good anti-interference and long-term stability. Also, the electrochemical sensor has a satisfactory recovery rate for detecting nitrite ions in spiked milk samples. This work proposes a simple precursor chlorination and pyrolysis strategy to obtain metal-filled bamboo-like structure with high electrical conductivity and electrocatalytic properties, endowing great potential in food safety and environment monitoring.

In-Situ synthesis of 2D nanozymes-coated cellulose nanofibers on paper-based chips for portable detection of biothiols

BackgroundSimple, fast and low-cost paper-based analytical devices (PADs) have a good application prospect for point-of-care detection of GSH. However, effective immobilization of functional nanomaterials onto cellulose, as a critical factor in the construction of PADs, presents numerous difficulties and challenges. ResultsIn this study, we have developed an exceptionally straightforward and environmentally friendly synthetic approach by using ovalbumin (OVA) as a bio-mineralization template for the preparation of MnO2 nanosheets. The MnO2 nanosheets produced in the solution phase exhibited excellent intrinsic nano-enzyme activity and biodegradability. The OVA-MnO2 nanosheets can effectively oxidize Amplex red in the absence of H2O2, enabling sensitive detection of GSH with a linear range of 5 nM-10 μM and a detection limit as low as 2.8 nM. Furthermore, we utilized this method to facilitate in situ synthesis of OVA-MnO2 nanosheets directly on paper substrates. This approach eliminates the need for conventional stirring and centrifugation steps, greatly simplifying the fabrication process while reducing material usage and time expenditure. Characterization of the chemical composition and morphology confirmed the intimate growth of the 2D nano-enzymes on the cellulose fibers. Utilizing smartphone capabilities, the OVA-MnO2 nanosheet-modified PAD enabled instrument-free detection of GSH, demonstrating high sensitivity (0.74 μM) and a wide linear response range (1-1000 μM). SignificanceThe synthesis of MnO2 nanosheets directly on cellulose substrates substantially streamlines the modification workflow of PADs and reduces detection costs, offering new avenues for clinical diagnostics of relevant diseases.

Synthesis of a bimetal-organic framework-cobalt oxide nanoflowers (Ni/Co-MOF@Co3O4 NFs) for sensitive tebuconazole extraction from fruit juice and water samples using micro-solid phase extraction-HPLC-DAD

Tebuconazole (TBZ) is a widely used triazole fungicide that poses potential risks to human health and the environment due to its persistence in food and water. Effective monitoring of TBZ residues is crucial for ensuring food safety and environmental protection. This study presents a novel method for synthesizing Ni/Co-MOF@Co3O4 nanoflowers (NFs) and their application in extracting TBZ from water and fruit juice samples via micro-solid phase extraction (µ-SPE). Ni/Co-MOF@Co3O4 NFs was synthesized using the hydrothermal technique followed by calcination. The synthesized nanoflowers were characterized through SEM, XRD, and FT-IR analyses. Optimal extraction conditions were established at pH 8, using 10 mg of adsorbent, with adsorption and desorption times of 3 and 2 min, respectively. TBZ analysis was conducted using HPLC with a Poroshell 120 EC-C18 column and a diode array detector (DAD). The method demonstrates excellent recovery rates (90–102 %) and RSD% of 3.7 % in spiked fruit juice and natural water samples. The analytical performance showed a wide linear range (1–2000 µg L−1) with a high correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.9998), a detection limit of 4.0 ng L−1, and a quantification limit of 13.0 ng L−1. This approach is fast, simple, and highly sensitive, offering a reliable technique for detecting trace levels of TBZ in food and water environments.

A Novel Fluorescent/Colorimetric Dual-Signal Intelligent Detecting Platform (F/C-BMIPs) Based on "Borate-Molecular Imprinting" Collaborative Recognition for Visual Quantitative Detection of Rutin in Food Samples.

Herein, a novel fluorescent/colorimetric dual-signal intelligent detecting platform (F/C-BMIPs) based on ratiometric fluorescence (BA-N-GQDs/rhodamine 6G) and collaborative recognition (borate-MIPs) was developed for on-site visual quantitative detection of rutin (RT) in food samples. Furthermore, the above detection system is transferred to the test strips, and combined with the color recognition ability of smartphones, the portable and user-friendly visualization and quantitative detection of RT (F/C-BMIPs method) is realized. Under optimal conditions, the assay system has a wide linear range of 0.2-10 μM (F-BMIPs)/0.45-10 μM (F/C-BMIPs), and 10-100 μM (F-BMIPs and F/C-BMIPs), a detection limit as low as 0.02 μM (F-BMIPs)/0.056 μM (F/C-BMIPs) (S/N = 3), highly imprinted factor (IF = 5.04), and fast fluorescence response (90 s). In addition, this method was successfully applied to the detection of RT in two real samples (raw buckwheat and Sophora japonica), and the recovery rate was 95.6%-103.5%. Therefore, this study provides a promising strategy for the on-site rapid detection of cis-diol-containing flavonoids in food samples.

Gold nanoparticles-amplified laccase-based electrochemical biosensor using graphitized carbon@boron carbide as electron transfer promoter

A novel laccase-based electrochemical biosensor was developed based on graphitized carbon coated boron carbide (GC@B4C) particles and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as electron transfer promoter and signal amplifier, respectively. AuNPs were in-situ electrodeposited on nickel foam (NF) electrode, and chitosan was used to immobilize laccase (Lac) and GC@B4C particles on AuNPs/NF electrode. The fabricated Lac/GC@B4C/AuNPs/NF electrode showed excellent electrocatalytic activity and good electron transfer kinetics for catechol (CC) oxidation. In addition, Lac/GC@B4C/AuNPs/NF electrode exhibited wide linear range (0.1–500 µM), high sensitivity (157.3 µA mM−1), low detection limit (25 nM), desirable selectivity, favorable stability and satisfactory reproducibility for CC detection. This work provided new idea for the construction of laccase-based electrochemical biosensors.

Mo-doped carbon-dots nanozyme with peroxide-like activity for sensitive and selective smartphone-assisted colorimetric S2− ion detection and antibacterial application

Sulfur ion (S2−) plays a significant and considerable role in many living organisms and ecosystems, while its abnormal content can pose a serious hazard to human health and ecological environment. Hence, it is extremely meaningful to construct a highly sensitive and selective analytical platform for S2− detection in complex microenvironment, particularly in biological systems. In this study, phosphomolybdic acid and L-Arg were utilized to prepare a new molybdenum doped carbon-dots nanozyme (Mo-CDs) with great peroxidase-like activity by one-step hydrothermal approach. In the presence of H2O2, Mo-CDs converted 3, 3′, 5, 5′-tetramethyl benzidine (TMB) into blue oxTMB, but S2− strongly reduced the blue solution to colorless and then brown, which established significant selectivity toward S2−. Mo-CDs illustrated a wide linear range (2.5 μM-900 μM) and low detection limit (LOD = 76 nM) by ultraviolet and smartphone-assisted visualized colorimetric analysis. Especially, the smartphone-assisted analysis platform successfully realized quick, portable, sensitive and visible identification of S2− with high recovery (95.7–106.7 %) and excellent specificity in water samples. More importantly, Mo-CDs was developed to antibacterial applications based on good peroxidase-like activity. This research not only constructed a new and efficient carbon-dots nanozyme and a low-cost, portable, visual analysis platform for real-time detection of S2−, but also proposed a novel design strategy and methodology for exploiting multifunctional nanozyme detection tool with great practical application.

Advanced design of target-driven self-powered sensor assisted by cascade catalytic strategy

In this work, a self-powered microsensor platform based on enzyme biofuel cells (EBFCs) was developed for intelligent monitoring of disease markers miRNA-451. The cascade catalysis system constructed by using the strategy of enzyme-like ZIF-8 nanocapsule incorporation with biological enzymes, which could simultaneously take into account the specificity of biological enzymes and the high activity of nano-enzymes, significantly promoted the electron transfer between glucose and the bio-anode surface, and improved the sensitivity and stability of the sensing system. Meanwhile, the target-triggered hybridisation chain reaction (HCR) amplification strategy to achieve exponential signal amplification based on accurate recognition, and jointly improve the detection sensitivity. As expected, the micro-sensor platform has a wide linear range of 0.5-1.0 fmol/L with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.13 fmol/L (S/N=3) and exhibits excellent selectivity, reproducibility and stability in interference assays under optimal detection conditions. The designed self-powered system is simple to construct, easy to transport and the data transmission mode is intelligent and controllable, which is expected to be used in basic biochemical research, clinical diagnosis and environmental monitoring.

Computationally Optimized Graphene-Based Electrochemical Sensor with Enhanced Signal Stability for the Determination of the Antimicrobial Agent 9-aminoacridine

A hydrophobic aryl diazonium salt has been synthesized from 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)aniline and utilized to covalently modify graphene nanoplatelets and carbon nanotubes. The modified nanomaterials were applied on a screen-printed electrode/ion sensing membrane interface resulting in reduced potential drift to 100 μV h−1 compared to control sensors. Characterization was achieved through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electrode’s response was optimized using response surface methodology and then utilized for determination of 9-Aminoacridine (9-AA) in pharmaceutical gel dosage form and spiked human plasma without prior extraction steps. 9-AA is a fluorescent dye with antimicrobial activity that eradicates a range of microorganisms that can cause oral sores or broken skin and it has been recently used as anticancer among other uses as fluorescent dye and pH indicator. Accurate determination of 9-AA could help in adjusting dosages for each application. The optimized sensor was validated per IUPAC guidelines and obtained a wide linearity range from 1.0 × 10–7 M to 1.0 × 10–2 M, correlation coefficient of 0.9997, improved Nernstian slope 59.72, long term stability, and lower limit of detection (9.0 × 10–8 M). Furthermore, Analytical Eco-scale and AGREE methods were utilized to evaluate the presented method’s greenness.

A wide linear range and highly sensitive electrochemical reduction of environmental hazard (p-Nitrotoluene) using carbon-based hybrid composite (Ti3C2TX@MnCo2O4)

The electrochemical sensor is receiving much attention because of the evolving on-time sensing technology. It is crucial to develop new catalysts for electrochemical sensor applications with favorable physicochemical, electrocatalytic properties and good conductivity to meet the demands of on-time monitoring applications. The excellence of this research work is the preparation of Ti3C2TX@MCO nanocomposite by ultra-sonication method for the sensing of p-Nitrotoluene (p-NT). The prepared electrode material exhibits excellent electrocatalytic properties towards the sensing of p-NT compared with other electrodes. The p-NT was quantified by Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV) and Amperometric (i-t) techniques. The good linear range was observed by DPV (3–1860 μM) and i-t method (0.18 – 4170 μM). The calculated limit of detection (LOD) from DPV and i-t methods are 93.5 and 35.1 nM, respectively. The sensitivity values calculated from DPV, and i-t methods are 1.68 µA/µM. cm2 and 1.71 µA/µM. cm2, respectively. The proposed sensor system exhibits better selectivity, reproducibility, repeatability and stability for sensing of p-NT. A real time p-NT detection study was conducted using environmental water samples.

Electrochemical sensor for acetylcholine detection based on WO3 nanorods-modified glassy carbon electrode

Acetylcholine (ACH) is one of the excitatory neurotransmitter in the human body. It is the most abundant neurotransmitter responsible for triggering the activation of postsynaptic neurons, leading to an excitatory response. ACH plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including muscle contraction, autonomic nervous system regulation, and cognitive functions such as learning and memory. In this study, an electrochemical sensor was prepared based on WO3 nanorods modified glassy carbon electrode for the detection of ACH. The WO3 nanorods provided excellent properties for the electrochemical determination of ACH. The proposed sensor exhibited a wide linear detection range of (0.1 to 400.0 µM) and a low detection limit of 0.025 µM for ACH. These results demonstrate the sensor's high sensitivity in detecting this important neurotransmitter. In addition the developed sensor showed good ability for ACH determination in real samples. This study offers an innovative strategy for the electrochemical detection of ACH, showcasing the potential of nanomaterials in the development of advanced sensing technologies.

Ultrasensitive lab-on-paper electrochemical device via heterostructure copper/cuprous sulfide@N-doped C@Au hollow nanoboxes as signal amplifier for alpha-fetoprotein detection

Rapid and accurate detection of tumor markers at extremely low levels is crucial for the early diagnosis of cancers. In this work, we developed a portable label-free sliding electrochemical paper-based analytical device (ePAD) using copper/cuprous sulfide@N-doped C@Au nanoparticles (Cu/Cu2S@NC@Au) hollow nanoboxes as the signal amplifier for the ultrasensitive detection of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). Cu/Cu2S@NC nanoboxes were synthesized by sacrificial template and interface reaction methods, on which Au nanoparticles were electrodeposited to construct unique heterostructure for effectively capturing anti-AFP and serving as signal amplifier. The designed ePAD incorporates sliding microfluidic paper chips to form a flexible three-electrode system, enabling highly sensitive detection of AFP with a wide linear range of 0.005–50 ng mL−1 and a low detection limit of 0.62 pg mL−1. The practicality of the prepared ePAD was validated through AFP detection in clinical human serum, which was consistent with chemiluminescence immunoassay. In addition, the developed immunosensor demonstrates excellent specificity, repeatability and stability. This novel platform exhibits significant potential for rapid on-site analysis and point-of-care diagnosis.

Enhanced detection of catecholamines in human urine using Cis-diol-microporous organic networks with PT-SPE and HPLC-MS/MS

A novel cis-diol-microporous organic networks (MONs-2OH) material was synthesized via room temperature and Sonogashira coupling reactions, which exhibits exceptional adsorption properties for catecholamines (CAs). MONs-2OH demonstrates robust hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking interactions, crucial for effective adsorption. The MONs-2OH was incorporated into pipette tip solid-phase extraction and developed a new method for detecting CAs in human urine using HPLC-MS/MS. Characterization of the adsorbent revealed its high stability, large specific surface area, abundant phenolic hydroxyl groups, rapid extraction speed, and superior adsorption efficiency. The method achieved a wide linear range (0.5–500 ng/mL), low detection limits (0.06–0.26 ng/mL), high accuracy (90.4 %-99.4 %), and excellent precision (RSD ≤ 10 %). Comparative studies showed MONs-2OH outperforms commercial adsorbents in terms of recovery and adsorption capacity. The results underscore the potential of MONs-2OH for rapid and sensitive CAs determination, offering significant advantages for the auxiliary diagnosis of depression and enhancing the application of PT-SPE in sample pretreatment.

Electrochemical sensors for sensitive and selective detection of nitrite based on flexible gold microneedle like nanodendrites modified electrode

In this study, we present a new approach utilizing Au nanodendrites (Au NDs) to modify flexible screen-printed carbon electrodes (FSPCEs), offering an efficient platform for voltammetric sensing of nitrite ions in food samples. The FSPCEs are created with gold leaf-like nanodendrites through a simple, one-step electrochemical deposition process. The direct growth of these Au NDs occurs efficiently on the carbon-paste electrode, eliminating the need for binders or additional reducing agents and organic solvents, owing to the aforementioned matrix. The modified electrodes serve as promising sensing platforms for nitrite detection. The outcomes demonstrated that a significant amount of AuNPs with dendritic morphologies were dispersed throughout the FSPCE.These novel flexible electrodes act as effective electrocatalyst for NO2− oxidation due to their large electrochemical active surface area (ECSA), well-dispersed Au nanostructures, and high electrical conductivity. The optimized sensor exhibits a wide linear response range from 0.02 to 5.8 µM, with 1.0 nM limit of detection, an impressive sensitivity of 52.529 µA µM−1 cm−2 and a quick current response time (< 3 s) towards nitrite ions. Additionally, the suggested sensor demonstrates high selectivity, reproducibility, and stability. Furthermore, the FSPCEs are evaluated for their ability to selectively detect nitrite ions in various food samples such as tap water, drinking water, milk, and fruit juices, comparing the results with standard methods in real sample analysis. The fabricated sensors show promising potential for practical applications in food and environmental analysis. Consequently, Au NDs@FSPCE electrode emerged to be a novel platform for NO2− electrochemical detection. Because of their great affinity for analytical substances in solutions, gold nanodendrites supported on flexible screen-printed carbon electrodes (FSPCEs) are very useful for electrode modifications. Their increased effective surface area, which greatly raises the electrode's sensitivity and specificity for a range of analytical applications, is responsible for their high affinity.

A NOVEL ELECTROCHEMICAL BIOSENSOR BASED ON CREATININE DEIMINASE FOR CREATININE ANALYSIS

This work presents the development of a new electrochemical biosensor based on creatinine deiminase for the determination of creatinine concentration in biological samples. The optimal method for immobilizing bioselective elements on the electrode surface was selected, specifically the covalent binding of creatinine deiminase in a BSA matrix using glutaraldehyde. The biosensors prepared in this way exhibited the highest sensitivity to creatinine and high reproducibility in the fabrication of biomembranes. The biosensor demonstrated a low limit of detection of creatinine, high signal stability (RSD = 3%), significant storage stability, and a wide linear range, enabling the detection of both normal and pathological creatinine concentrations in biological fluids. The study also investigated the influence of working solution parameters, such as ionic strength, buffer capacity, pH, and protein content, on the biosensor’s performance. The main analytical characteristics of the proposed electrochemical biosensor indicate its potential use for monitoring creatinine concentration in biological samples.

Ultra-sensitive nitrate-ion detection via transconductance-enhanced graphene ion-sensitive field-effect transistors

Current potentiometric sensing methods are limited to detecting nitrate at parts-per-billion (sub-micromolar) concentrations, and there are no existing potentiometric chemical sensors with ultralow detection limits below the parts-per-trillion (picomolar) level. To address these challenges, we integrate interdigital graphene ion-sensitive field-effect transistors (ISFETs) with a nitrate ion-sensitive membrane (ISM). The work aims to maximize nitrate ion transport through the nitrate ISM, while achieving high device transconductance by evaluating graphene layer thickness, optimizing channel width-to-length ratio (RWL), and enlarging total sensing area. The captured nitrate ions by the nitrate ISM induce surface potential changes that are transduced into electrical signals by graphene, manifested as the Dirac point shifts. The device exhibits Nernst response behavior under ultralow concentrations, achieving a sensitivity of 28 mV/decade and establishing a record low limit of detection of 0.041 ppt (4.8 × 10−13 M). Additionally, the sensor showed a wide linear detection range from 0.1 ppt (1.2 × 10−12 M) to 100 ppm (1.2 × 10−3 M). Furthermore, successful detection of nitrate in tap and snow water was demonstrated with high accuracy, indicating promising applications to drinking water safety and environmental water quality control.

A novel dual-detection electrochemiluminescence sensor for the selective detection of Hg2⁺ and Zn2⁺: Signal suppression and activation mechanisms

In this study, we developed a novel covalent organic framework (COF) material, termed RuCOFs, specifically designed and synthesized for electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor applications. RuCOFs are based on the classic ECL emitter Ru(dcbpy)32+, ingeniously integrating 4,4′,4''-(1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyl) triphenylamine (TAPT) with [2,2′-bipyridine]-5,5′-diamine (BPYDA), forming a structure with a high specific surface area. This configuration not only significantly enhances the stability of the ECL signal but also provides ideal N,N′-bipyridine chelating sites for efficient metal ion recognition. Utilizing Ru(dcbpy)32+-functionalized COF (RuCOFs), a novel dual-function ECL sensor was developed, achieving high sensitivity and selectivity in detecting mercury (Hg2⁺) and zinc (Zn2⁺) ions. Experimental results indicate that Hg2⁺ significantly quenches the ECL signal, while Zn2⁺ markedly enhances it, with detection limits of 4.71 nM for Hg2⁺ and 6.57 nM for Zn2⁺ across a wide linear response range from 1 μM to 1 nM. This research not only demonstrates the significant advantages of COF-based ECL sensing platforms in tracking environmental metal ions but also opens new possibilities for environmental monitoring.

Development of an Activity-Based Ratiometric Electrochemical Switch for Direct, Real-Time Sensing of Pantetheinase in Live Cells, Blood, and Urine Samples.

Pantetheinase is a key biomarker for the diagnosis of acute kidney injury and the monitoring of malaria progression. Currently, existing methods for sensing pantetheinase, also known as Vanin-1, show considerable potential but come with certain limitations, including their inability to directly sense analytes in turbid biofluid samples without tedious sample pretreatment. Here, we describe the first activity-based electrochemical probe, termed VaninLP, for convenient and specific direct targeting of pantetheinase activity in turbid liquid biopsy samples. The probe was designed such that cleavage of the pantetheinase amide linkage, triggered by a self-immolative reaction, simultaneously ejects an amino ferrocene reporter. Among the distinctive properties of the VaninLP probe for sensing pantetheinase are its high selectivity, sensitivity, and enzyme affinity, a wide linear concentration range (8-300 ng/mL), and low limit of detection (2.47 ng/mL). The designed probe precisely targeted pantetheinase and was free of interference by other electroactive biological species. We further successfully applied the VaninLP probe to monitor and quantify the activity of pantetheinase on the surfaces of HepG2 tumor cells, blood, and urine samples. Collectively, our findings indicate that VaninLP holds significant promise as a point-of-care tool for diagnosing early-stage kidney injury, as well as monitoring the progression of malaria.

Construction of electrochemical immunosensor from MXene/multi-walled carbon nanotubes/gold nanoparticles for specific detection of carcinoembryonic antigen.

With the advancement of nanotechnology, various types of nanomaterials have been integrated into electrochemical immunoelectrodes to enhance their performance. Among these, MXene stands out as a promising candidate due to its high electron transfer capacity and abundant surface chemical groups. However, the improvement in electrode performance is often hindered by the self-restacking and agglomeration of MXene. To address this issue, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were selected to form composites with MXene. Subsequently, a label-free immunosensor, BSA/Ab/AuNPs/MXene-MWCNTs-Nafion/ITO, was fabricated for specific detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a widely used tumor marker. The results demonstrated that the incorporation of MWCNTs can effectively prevent the self-stacking of MXene. Moreover, the composites enhanced the loading of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to connect the antibodies, thereby improving electronic transmission signals and sensitivity. The sensor exhibited excellent analytical performance towards CEA with a wide linear range (0.050 to 200ngmL-1) and a low limit of detection of 0.015ngmL-1 (S/N = 3). The possibility of it being applied in clinical trials was verified by using ELISA and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) assays to detect CEA in serum samples. The recoveries ranged from 95.34 to 102.09% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) below 5.00%. Furthermore, the sensor displayed satisfactory selectivity, repeatability, and stability. We hope the findings highlight promising prospects for advanced immunosensor development and alternative strategies in cancer diagnosis.