Microfluidic sensor using pH gradient with hybrid magnetoliposomes containing laccase immobilized nanocrystals.

A method using pH gradient to modify the phospholipid dissociation has been developed using hybrid magnetoliposomes with encapsulated enzyme laccase, which has been immobilized on hydrophilic magnetic nanocrystals (PAA-MNCs) retained in the reaction/detection zone of a microfluidic system. The hybrid magnetoliposomes act as micro containers, providing the safe transfer of the enzyme to the reaction/detection site, where it is retained, and preconcentration of the enzyme in this place occurs, which improves the system's sensitivity. The use of pH change involves the lack of external molecules to release the encapsulated materials.

An integrated microfluidic-based biosensor using a magnetically controlled MNPs-enzyme microreactor to determine cholesterol in serum with fluorometric detection.

This work provides a microfluidic-based biosensor to determine total cholesterol in serum based on integrating the reaction/detection zone of a microfluidic chip of a magnetically retained enzyme microreactor (MREµR) coupled with the remote fluorometric detection through a bifurcated fiber-optic bundle (BFOB) connected with a conventional spectrofluorometer. The method is based on developing the enzymatic hydrolysis and oxidation of cholesterol at microscale size using both enzymes (cholesterol esterase (ChE) and cholesterol oxidase (ChOx)) immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). The biocatalyst reactions were followed by monitoring the fluorescence decreasing by the naphtofluorescein (NF) oxidation in the presence of the previous HO formed.

Holistic view of biological nitrogen fixation and phosphorus mobilization in NCIMB 8003.

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) deficiencies are two of the most agronomic problems that cause significant decrease in crop yield and quality. N and P chemical fertilizers are widely used in current agriculture, causing environmental problems and increasing production costs. Therefore, the development of alternative strategies to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers while maintaining N and P inputs are being investigated.

Study of the inhibition effects on glutathione peroxidase immobilized on MNPs using a stopped-flow microfluidic system.

A stopped-flow microfluidic system to monitor glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and evaluate potential inhibitors of the enzyme has been developed based on the integration of the microfluidic chip in the reaction/detection zone. This integration supposes the physical alignment at the optimal location of the microfluidic channel, both the magnetically retained enzyme microreactor (MREµR) and the remote luminescence detection using a focused bifurcated fiber optic bundle (BFOB) connected to a conventional spectrofluorometer detector. The method is based on the coupling of two competitive oxidative chemical reactions, in which glutathione (GSH) and homovanillic acid (HVA) competed for their interaction with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of the magnetically retained GPx-MNPs.

Icosahedral gold nanoparticles decorated with hexon protein: a surrogate for adenovirus serotype 5.

The development of synthetic particles that emulate real viruses in size, shape, and chemical composition is vital to the development of imprinted polymer-based sorbent materials (molecularly imprinted polymers, MIPs). In this study, we address surrogates for adenovirus type 5 (Adv 5) via the synthesis and subsequent modification of icosahedral gold nanoparticles (iAuNPs) decorated with the most abundant protein of the Adv 5 (i.e.

The NtrYX Two-Component System of Is Required for the Maintenance of Cellular Iron Homeostasis and for a Complete Denitrification under Iron-Limited Conditions.

Denitrification consists of the sequential reduction of nitrate to nitrite, nitric oxide, nitrous oxide, and dinitrogen. Nitrous oxide escapes to the atmosphere, depending on copper availability and other environmental factors. Iron is also a key element because many proteins involved in denitrification contain iron-sulfur or heme centers.

Polydopamine inner wall-coated hypodermic needle as microextraction device and electrospray emitter for the direct analysis of illicit drugs in oral fluid by ambient mass spectrometry.

In this article, polydopamine inner wall-coated hypodermic needles (PDA-HNs) are evaluated as both microextraction devices and electrospray ionization (ESI) emitters for determining selected illicit drugs (methamphetamine, cocaine, and methadone) in oral fluid samples. The PDA film, located in the inner wall of the needle, allows the extraction of the analytes at alkaline pH, where their hydrophobic character is promoted. The extracted analytes are finally eluted in a methanol/formic acid mixture that also acts as ESI solution.

Efficient Removal of Nonylphenol Isomers from Water by Use of Organo-Hydrotalcites.

The presence of potent organic endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in natural aquifers can have adverse impacts on public health and the environment. 4-nonylphenol, one such EDC, can be efficiently removed from water by adsorption onto a clayey material. In this work, we created an effective sorbent for this purpose by using co-precipitation and subsequent ion-exchange to intercalate the organic anion deoxycholate into a Mg/Al hydrotalcite.

Potential of hydrophobic paper-based sorptive phase prepared by in-situ thermal imidization for the extraction of methadone from oral fluid samples.

Paper-based sorptive phases (PSPs) are functional planar materials with a demonstrated potential in analytical sample preparation. This article describes the synthesis of a polyimide coated paper by an in-situ imidization at a high temperature. Polyimides (PI) are synthesized in two subsequent steps where a hydrophilic polymer, in this case, poly(amic acid) (PAA), is formed as an intermediate product.

Advanced polymeric solids containing nano- and micro-particles prepared via emulsion-based polymerization approaches. A review.

This review critically summarizes the latest contributions in the preparation of advanced nano/microparticle-contained polymers from emulsions. The nano- or micro-particles can be dispersed in the phase where the polymerization reaction takes place and, consequently, once the solid is formed, the particles are embedded in the final polymeric structure. This results in the formation of hybrid materials, which combine the unique properties of nano/micro-particles with the inherent properties of the polymers (which depend mainly on the selected monomers).

Polydopamine coated hypodermic needles as a microextraction device for the determination of tricyclic antidepressants in oral fluid by direct infusion MS/MS.

In-needle microextraction consists of the confinement of the sorbent, by coating or packing, inside a metallic needle. The size of the needles reduces the eluent requirements providing an efficient preconcentration of the analytes. In this work, hypodermic needles coated with polydopamine (PDA) are presented as microextraction devices to isolate six tricyclic antidepressants from oral fluid samples.

Pre-cleaned bare wooden toothpicks for the determination of drugs in oral fluid by mass spectrometry.

This article deepens the potential of pre-cleaned bare wooden toothpicks (pb-WTs) for extracting drugs (antidepressants and acetaminophen) from oral fluid samples. The leaching of the intrinsic compounds from the wood matrix is identified as the main challenge for the final determination of the targets, even when a very selective instrumental technique, such as mass spectrometry, is employed. The pre-cleaning of the WTs is proposed for improving the analytical performance.

Advancing towards a Practical Magnesium Ion Battery.

A post-lithium battery era is envisaged, and it is urgent to find new and sustainable systems for energy storage. Multivalent metals, such as magnesium, are very promising to replace lithium, but the low mobility of magnesium ion and the lack of suitable electrolytes are serious concerns. This review mainly discusses the advantages and shortcomings of the new rechargeable magnesium batteries, the future directions and the possibility of using solid electrolytes.

Portable stirring device for the on-site extraction of environmental waters using magnetic hydrophilic-lipophilic balance tape.

The spatial heterogeneity of environmental systems makes sampling at multiple locations crucial to provide complete and representative information. The on-site application of an extraction technique simplifies the sampling logistics, increasing sample integrity during transportation and storage. This article presents a portable, simple, and low-cost device capable of performing the simultaneous on-site extraction of several environmental water samples.

A paper-based polystyrene/nylon Janus platform for the microextraction of UV filters in water samples as proof-of-concept.

A new mix-mode cellulose-based sorptive phase is described that combines two different polymeric domains (i.e., nylon and polystyrene), thus providing simultaneous hydrophilic and hydrophobic features as a result.

Wooden-based materials: Eco-friendly materials for direct mass spectrometric analysis and microextraction.

Lignocellulosic materials have arisen as a sustainable alternative in microextraction techniques during the last 10 years. As they are natural materials, their use fits into some of the principles of Green Analytical Chemistry. Their inherent porosity, narrow shape, and rigidity permit their use in ambient ionization mass spectrometry techniques.

Surface energy transfer in hybrid halide perovskite/plasmonic Au nanoparticle composites.

The incorporation of plasmonic metal nanoparticles (NPs) into the multilayered architecture of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has been a recurrent strategy to enhance the performance of photovoltaic devices from the early development of this technology. However, the specific photophysical interactions between the metal NPs and the hybrid halide perovskites are still not completely understood. Herein, we investigate the influence of Au NPs on the photoluminescence (PL) signal of a thin layer of the CHNHPbI hybrid perovskite.

Carbon fibers as green and sustainable sorbent for the extraction of isoflavones from environmental waters.

Isoflavones are a group of phytoestrogens of important environmental concern due to their endocrine disrupting effects. This article presents a rapid, green, and sustainable method for determining four isoflavones (daidzein, genistein, formononetin, and biochanin A) in environmental waters complying with current trends in Analytical Chemistry. The method consists of in-syringe dispersive solid-phase extraction (DSPE) as the extraction approach, using carbon fibers as extraction material.

Magnesium Deintercalation From the Spinel-Type MgMn Fe O (0.4≤y≤2.0) by Acid-Treatment and Electrochemistry.

Rechargeable magnesium batteries attract lots of attention because of their high safety and low cost compared to lithium batteries, and it is needed to develop more efficient electrode materials. Although MgMn O is a promising material for the positive electrode in Mg rechargeable batteries, it usually exhibits poor cyclability. To improve the electrochemical behavior, we have prepared nanoparticles of MgMn Fe O .

Usefulness of Hybrid Magnetoliposomes for Aminoglycoside Antibiotic Residues Determination in Food Using an Integrated Microfluidic System with Fluorometric Detection.

A new microfluidic approach using hybrid magnetoliposomes (h-MLs) containing hydrophobic magnetic nanoparticles (FeO@AuNPs-C12SH) and encapsulated -acetylcysteine has been developed in this research to determine aminoglycoside antibiotic (AAG) residues in food using -phthalaldehyde. Four AAGs, kanamycin, streptomycin, gentamicin, and neomycin, have been used as model analytes. The h-MLs have been used for reagent preconcentration and were retained using an external electromagnet device in the reaction/detection zone in a microfluidic system, inserted into the sample chamber of a conventional fluorimeter.

Unmodified cellulose filter paper, a sustainable and affordable sorbent for the isolation of biogenic amines from beer samples.

While current trends in Green Analytical Chemistry aim at reducing or simplifying sample treatment, food usually comprises complex matrices where direct analysis is not possible in most cases. In this context, sample treatment plays a pivotal role. Biogenic amines are naturally formed in many foodstuffs due to the action of microorganisms, while their presence has been associated with adverse health effects.

Development of an aptamer-based SPR-biosensor for the determination of kanamycin residues in foods.

A biosensor in which an affinity reaction occurs in the sensitive microzone through the use of specific aptamers to determine kanamycin residues in agri-food samples has been developed. It is an irreversible and continuous flow aptameric biosensor (aptasensor) in which the signal variations are monitored by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) measurements based on the specific interaction of the aptamer with the antibiotic. The signal variation is proportional to the analyte concentration.

Recent developments on gold nanostructures for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy: Particle shape, substrates and analytical applications. A review.

Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful technique for sensitive analysis which is attracting great attention in the last decades. In this review, different gold nanostructures that have been exploited for SERS analysis are described, ranging from gold nanospheres to anisotropic and complex-shaped gold nanostructures, in which the presence of high aspect ratio features leads to an increment of the electromagnetic field at the surface of the nanomaterial, resulting in enhanced SERS response. In addition to the shape of the nanostructure, the interparticle nanogaps play a prominent role in the SERS efficiency.

Fan-based device for integrated air sampling and microextraction.

In this article, a new air sampler based on a conventional computer fan is presented and evaluated. The fan has a double role as it acts as the air pumping system and supports the sorptive phases, which are located on its blades. The compact design and the reduced energy consumption (it can operate with a standard cell phone charger) confers high portability to the device.