Ion-mediated self-assembly of Cys-capped quantum dots for fluorescence detection of As(iii) in water.

A sensitive As(iii) ion detection method has been developed based on ion-mediated self-assembly of cysteine (Cys)-capped quantum dots (QDs), and fluorescence self-quenching. A variety of Cys-capped core/shell CdTe/CdS QDs were prepared via hydrothermal methods. Based on the coordination binding between the As(iii) ion and cystine groups anchored on the QDs, addition of As(iii) ions led to self-assembly of the Cys-capped QDs, which was accompanied by fluorescence self-quenching.

Isolation of phosphate-solubilizing fungus and its application in solubilization of rock phosphates.

Microorganisms have been obtained to improve the agronomic value of rock phosphates (RPs), but the phosphorus solubilizing rate by these approaches is very slow. It is important to explore a high-efficient phosphate-solubilizing approach with a kind of microorganisms. This study aimed to isolate a high-efficient level of phosphate-solubilizing fungus from rhizosphere soil samples phosphate mines (Liuyang County, Hunan province, China) and apply it in solubilization of RPs.