An ultrasensitive and specific fluorescence split-aptasensor for VEGF detection based on nicking enzyme-assisted 3D DNA walker coupling with CRISPR-Cas12a.

The overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF) in cancer cells plays a pivotal role in promoting tumor metastasis by facilitating their excessively rapid proliferation and division. Hence, the development of analytical methods possessing high sensitivity and resistance to interference is imperative for the detection of VEGF. Various types of aptasensors have been devised for VEGF detection; however, the performance of these biosensors can be influenced by non-target signals caused by conformational changes in unbound aptamers.

Rationally designed CaTiO/MnCdS/NiC S-scheme/Schottky integrated heterojunction for efficient photocatalytic H evolution.

Developing effective photocatalysts to achieve stable and efficient solar-induced hydrogen production remains a significant challenge due to rapid photocarrier recombination and sluggish hydrogen evolution kinetics. Here, a multi-interfacial engineering strategy involving the decoration of metallic NiC onto CaTiO/MnCdS was proposed to create an S-scheme/Schottky hybrid heterostructure with multiple carrier transport paths for effective photocatalytic H production. Exploiting the synergy between S-scheme heterojunction and Schottky barrier, the engineered ternary CaTiO/MnCdS/NiC hybrid heterojunction exhibits outstanding photostability and significantly enhanced hydrogen evolution activity of 79.

A novel fluorescent aptasensor for sensitive and selective detection of environmental toxins fumonisin B1 based on enzyme-assisted dual recycling amplification and 2D δ-FeOOH-NH nanosheets.

Fumonisin (FB) is a pervasive hazardous substance in the environment, presenting significant threats to human health and ecological systems. Thus, the selective and sensitive detection of fumonisin B1 (FB1) is crucial due to its high toxicity and wide distribution in corn, oats, and related products. In this work, we developed a novel and versatile fluorescent aptasensor by combining enzyme-assisted dual recycling amplification with 2D δ-FeOOH-NH nanosheets for the determination of FB1.

Construction of 2D/1D CuS nanosheets/MnCdS nanorods heterojunction for highly efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.

Developing cost-effective cocatalyst-modified photocatalytic systems with boosted carrier separation and rapid surface catalytic reaction is an ideal strategy for effectively converting solar energy into desired fuels. Herein, a series of CuS/MnCdS hierarchical heterostructures are designed and fabricated to achieve efficient and robust photocatalytic H evolution by coupling one-dimensional (1D) MnCdS nanorods with two-dimensional (2D) CuS nanosheets through a facile sonochemical strategy. Benefiting from dimensionality and cocatalyst effects, the constructed 2D/1D CuS/MnCdS heterojunction photocatalyst containing 1.

The Morphology Dependent Interaction between Silver Nanoparticles and Bovine Serum Albumin.

Biological applications of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) depend on the covalently attached or adsorbed proteins. A series of biological effects of AgNPs within cells are determined by the size, shape, aspect ratio, surface charge, and modifiers. Herein, the morphology dependent interaction between AgNPs and protein was investigated.

Bismuth oxyformate microspheres assembled by ultrathin nanosheets as an efficient negative material for aqueous alkali battery.

A negative electrode with high capacity and rate capability is essential to match the capacity of a positive electrode and maximize the overall charge storage performance of an aqueous alkali battery (AAB). Due to the 3-electron redox reactions within a wide negative potential range, bismuth (Bi)-based compounds are recognized as efficient negative electrode materials. Herein, hierarchically structured bismuth oxyformate (BiOCOOH) assembled by ultrathin nanosheets was prepared by a solvothermal reaction for application as negative material for AAB.

Fluorescence off-on nanosensor based on MoS nanosheets and oligonucleotides for the alternative detection of mercury(II) ions or silver(I) ions.

As traditional methods for detection of heavy metal pollution in water involve complex procedures and require expensive equipment, there is a great deal of interest in the development of rapid and simple methods for determining heavy metal ions in water. Here, a nanobiosensor based on molybdenum disulphide (MoS) nanosheets and fluorophore (FAM) labeled oligonucleotides was proposed, and fluorescence spectroscopy was adopted for detection of Hg or Ag ions in aqueous solution. The principle underlying detection by the sensor involves the formation of T-Hg-T or C-Ag-C mismatches by single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) rich in thymine (T) or cytosine (C), thereby forming stable double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) structures.

Designing Hollow Carbon Sphere with Hierarchal Porous for Na-S Systems with Ultra-Long Cycling Stabilities.

Captured by the low-cost and high theoretical specific capacity, Na-S systems have garnered much attention. However, their intermediate products (dissolved polysulfide) are always out of control. Considering the excellent space confinements and conductivity, they have been regarded as promising candidates.

Thermodynamic and Kinetic Binding Behaviors of Human Serum Albumin to Silver Nanoparticles.

A nanoparticle, under biological milieu, is inclined to be combined with various biomolecules, particularly protein, generating an interfacial corona which provides a new biological identity. Herein, the binding interaction between silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and human serum albumin (HSA) was studied with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), circular dichroism (CD), and multiple spectroscopic techniques. Due to the ground state complex formed mainly through hydrophobic interactions, the fluorescence titration method proved that intrinsic fluorescence for HSA was probably statically quenched by AgNPs.

SiO Anode: From Fundamental Mechanism toward Industrial Application.

Silicon monoxide (SiO) has been explored and confirmed as a promising anode material of lithium-ion batteries. Compared with pure silicon, SiO possesses a more stable microstructure which makes better comprehensive electrochemical properties. However, the lithiation mechanism remains in dispute, and problems such as poor cyclability, unsatisfactory electrical conductivity, and low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) need to be addressed.

Cathode materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries: A mini review.

Although lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have many advantages, they cannot satisfy the demands of numerous large energy storage industries owing to their high cost, low security, and low resource richness. Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) with low cost, high safety, and high synergistic efficiency have attracted an increasing amount of attention and are considered a promising choice to replace LIBs. However, the existing cathode materials for ZIBs have many shortcomings, such as poor electron and zinc ion conductivity and complex energy storage mechanisms.

Inhibition of the shuttle effect of lithium-sulfur batteries a tannic acid-metal one-step chemical film-forming modified separator.

The dissolution of polysulfides in an electrolyte is a thermodynamically favorable process, which in theory means that the shuttle effect in lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) cannot be completely suppressed. So, it is very important to modify the separator to prevent the migration of polysulfides to the lithium anode. The traditional coating modification process of the separator is cumbersome and uses a solvent that is harmful to the environment, and too many inactive components affect the overall energy density of the battery.

A Ge/Carbon Atomic-Scale Hybrid Anode Material: A Micro-Nano Gradient Porous Structure with High Cycling Stability.

The continuous growth of the solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) and material crushing are the fundamental issues that hinder the application of Ge anodes in lithium-ion batteries. Solving Ge deformation crushing during discharge/charge cycles is challenging using conventional carbon coating modification methods. Due to the chemical stability and high melting point of carbon (3500 °C), Ge/carbon hybridization at the atomic level is challenging.

New Insights into the Mechanism of Enhanced Performance of Li[NiCoMn]O with a Polyacrylic Acid-Modified Binder.

A binder is an important component in lithium-ion batteries and plays a significant role in maintaining the properties of active substances. Most studies in the field of binders have only focussed on physical properties such as bonding performance. Here, a polyacrylic acid-modified binder was designed and adapted to Li[NiCoMn]O, which enhanced the electrochemical stability of Li[NiCoMn]O from 30.

Novel Bifunctional Separator with a Self-Assembled FeOOH/Coated g-CN/KB Bilayer in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Separator modification with metal oxide and carbon composite recently has become a potential and competitive way to confine polysulfide diffusion and mitigate the shuttling effect. However, other modification methods also have an impact on the stability of the modified layer and the enhancement of electrochemical performance. Herein, we first design a novel bifunctional separator combined with one self-assembled FeOOH layer via a chemical way and one conductive g-CN/KB layer by physical coating.

Simultaneous voltammetric determination of epinephrine and acetaminophen using a highly sensitive CoAl-OOH/reduced graphene oxide sensor in pharmaceutical samples and biological fluids.

For this study, three novel types of sensors comprised of CoAl-layered double oxyhydroxide (CoAl-LDH), CoAl-LDH/reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and CoAl-OOH/rGO nanosheets were successfully fabricated on glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs) and employed for the electrochemical detection of epinephrine (EP) and acetaminophen (AC). Interestingly, we found that the CoAl-OOH/rGO/GCE was more suitable for the determination of EP and AC in contrast to the CoAl-LDH and CoAl-OOH/rGO sensors. Differential pulse voltammetry results revealed that the CoAl-OOH/rGO/GCE delivered excellent electrocatalytic activity.

Nickel-Rich Layered Cathode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Nickel-rich layered transition metal oxides are considered as promising cathode candidates to construct next-generation lithium-ion batteries to satisfy the demands of electrical vehicles, because of the high energy density, low cost, and environment friendliness. However, some problems related to rate capability, structure stability, and safety still hamper their commercial application. In this Review, beginning with the relationships between the physicochemical properties and electrochemical performance, the underlying mechanisms of the capacity/voltage fade and the unstable structure of Ni-rich cathodes are deeply analyzed.

Hydrangea-Like CuS with Irreversible Amorphization Transition for High-Performance Sodium-Ion Storage.

Metal sulfides have been intensively investigated for efficient sodium-ion storage due to their high capacity. However, the mechanisms behind the reaction pathways and phase transformation are still unclear. Moreover, the effects of designed nanostructure on the electrochemical behaviors are rarely reported.

Effects of gold nanoparticle morphologies on interactions with proteins.

In biological milieu, nanoparticles tend to bind with a variety of biomolecules, particularly proteins, thereby forming an interfacial corona that endows them with a new biological identity. A thorough understanding of these protein coronas is likely to provide insights into nanoparticle biodistribution and nanoparticle-mediated cytotoxicity, leading to the expansion of potential applications and the further elucidation of the biological impacts of nanoparticles in biomedical applications. Herein, three differently shaped AuNPs were synthesized, namely nanospheres (AuNSPs), nanorods (AuNRs), and nanostars (AuNSs).

Surface chemistry of gold nanoparticles determines interactions with bovine serum albumin.

Protein coronas provide a novel technique for the bio identification of nanoparticles in physiological environments, to further elucidate the biological effects of nanoparticles in biomedical applications. Herein, we investigated the adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with different surface modifications (citrate, cysteine, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)) using UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. It was revealed that the binding of AuNPs modified with citrate, cysteine, PEG (2k), and CTAB to BSA, appeared to be of the static quenching type, with binding constants in the range of from 10 to 10 M.

DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticle-based fluorescence polarization for the sensitive detection of silver ions.

Despite their practical applications, Ag ions are environmental pollutants and affect human health. So the effective detection methods of Ag ions are imperative. Herein, we developed a simple, sensitive, selective, and cost-effective fluorescence polarization sensor for Ag detection in aqueous solution using thiol-DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs).

Exploring the interaction of silver nanoparticles with lysozyme: Binding behaviors and kinetics.

The role of nanoparticle interaction with biomolecules to form a biocorona is the key to nanoparticle behavior and its consequences in the physiological environment. Since the adsorbed biocorona decides the fate of a nanomaterials in vivo, and thus a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic interactions of the proteins with the nanoparticle is imperative. Herein we investigate the interaction of a model protein, lysozyme with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using fluorescence, synchronous fluorescence, UV-vis absorption spectrum and circular dichroism (CD) techniques under the physiological conditions.

Probing the binding of trypsin to glutathione-stabilized gold nanoparticles in aqueous solution.

We investigate the interaction of trypsin with glutathione-stabilized Au nanoparticles (NPs) using fluorescence, synchronous fluorescence and ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectroscopy. We find that trypsin binds strongly to the Au NPs with a static quenching mechanism, and that the interaction is characteristic of positive cooperative binding. Furthermore, we determine the binding constants and the thermodynamic parameters, which suggest that the main binding forces between the glutathione-stabilized Au NPs and trypsin are electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding.

β-Carotene and astaxanthin with human and bovine serum albumins.

β-Carotene and astaxanthin are two carotenoids with powerful antioxidant properties. In this study, the interaction of these two carotenoids with human serum albumin (HSA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) under physiological conditions was investigated using several spectroscopic techniques. The experimental results indicate the quenching mechanism of HSA/BSA, by the two carotenoids, is a static process.

Probing the interaction of human serum albumin with DPPH in the absence and presence of the eight antioxidants.

Albumin represents a very abundant and important circulating antioxidant in plasma. DPPH radical is also called 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl. It has been widely used for measuring the efficiency of antioxidants.