Elsevier最新文献

The accurate discrimination and quantification of chiral amino acids enantiomers have remained significant challenges in both chemistry and biology. In this study, we employed an etching method to synthesize two types of chiral plasmonic fluorescent Cu_2-xS quantum dots for efficient enantioselective L/D-tryptophan (Trp) enantiomers. Specifically, homochiral interactions between the Cu_2-xS and Trp enantiomers led to fluorescence enhancement, which could be attributed to the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) effect. In contrast, heterochiral interaction led to negligible fluorescence change. Leveraging these fluorescence variations, sensitive discrimination and detection of Trp enantiomers using L-Cu_2-xS with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.3 μM for L-Trp, where the enantioselective fluorescence enhancement ratio reached up to 447. And the LOD was 0.1 μM for D-Trp using D-Cu_2-xS, where the enantioselective fluorescence enhancement ratio was 11.8. This research not only provides an effective strategy for the preparation of chiral plasmonic materials with strong emission properties but also offers a simple yet sensitive method for chiral recognition, thereby opening up new perspectives and opportunities in related research fields.

The scarcity of cathodic autoluminescencet restricts the development of coreactant-free electrochemiluminescent sensor for simultaneous detection of two targets. Herein, a novel coreactant-free electrochemiluminescent sensor was prepared based on Zr-DPA@TCPP MOF and AuAgNCs bimetallic nanoclusters served as a cathodic and anodic autoluminescencet emitter respectively. Significantly, this sensor system without any coreactants, effectively overcoming the simultaneous detection issue typically relying on different coreactants for cathode and anode luminescence. Meanwhile, complex matrix components can compromise the specificity and accuracy of the detection. Therefore, highly conductive and electrically neutral hydrogel was obtained to reduce interference from non-target substances. Poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): polystyrene sulphonate (PEDOT: PSS) was encapsulated in hydrogel to obtain PEDOT: PSS@hydrogel, besides, the crosslinking agents citronellal and TCPP provide a sterilization effect. Dual-function antifouling/sterilization electrically neutral hydrogel effectively addresses the main issues of complex matrix interference and secondary contamination. Under optimal conditions, the linear range was 1 × 10^-3 ∼ 1 × 10⁵ ng/L for Cd(II) and 1 ∼ 1 × 10⁸ CFU/mL for S. aureus. The biosensor achieves remarkably low limits of detection (LODs) at 1.71 pg/L and 1.36 CFU/mL for Cd(II) and S. aureus, respectively. This work offers a new perspective on the development of coreactant-free ECL technology with high accuracy and stability.

Chemicals that form DNA adducts can be carcinogenic; therefore, their detection is essential for cancer research and genotoxicity screening. However, existing methods often require complex instrumentation or electrode modification, highlighting the need for simpler detection approaches. We aimed to develop a simple and rapid method for detecting DNA adduct formation using dielectrophoresis (DEP)-based impedance spectroscopy. Cisplatin was used as a model DNA-adduct-forming agent and incubated with DNA-labeled microbeads. Changes in DEP behavior were analyzed through crossover frequency measurements and impedance spectroscopy during frequency sweeps (200 kHz-10 MHz). Cisplatin treatment under conditions intended to promote DNA adduct formation was associated with a concentration-dependent decrease in the crossover frequency of DNA-labeled microbeads. During frequency sweeps, the conductance changed in the frequency region corresponding to the DEP transition, and the peak frequency derived from the conductance response showed strong agreement with the crossover-frequency trend. Quantitative detection was achieved over 0.05-0.5 mM, with a detection limit of 0.05 mM (50 μM). This DEP-based impedance approach offers a simple, cost-effective alternative to conventional methods that require electrode modification. Although the detection limit requires substantial improvement for future biological or clinical applications, the method provides a simple proof-of-concept platform for preliminary screening and methodological development.

A self-driven photoelectrocatalytic system incorporating a chitosan-modified cathode (CSPEC) was developed for the synchronous removal of uranium (UO₂²⁺) and the antibiotic sulfamethoxazole (SMX) from complex radioactive wastewater, along with solar-powered electricity generation. Compared with pristine CF cathodes, the chitosan-modified cathode achieved 20.4 times faster uranium removal, 11.9 times greater SMX degradation, and enhanced power output. Chitosan modification significantly boosted the hydrophilicity of CF, while the plentiful amino and hydroxyl groups on chitosan enabled the preferential uptake of UO₂²⁺, facilitating its effective reduction. Under simulated sunlight, CSPEC maintained 99.5% UO₂²⁺ removal and 97.8% SMX degradation efficiency, with a bit performance decline over 15 cycles. This study offers a new design concept for high-efficiency cathode materials, facilitating resource recovery from solar-powered treatment of organic uranium-bearing wastewater and promoting the synergy between wastewater remediation and energy production.

Simultaneous determination of environmental pollutants with complex compositions and wide-ranging acid dissociation constants in biological matrices presents a significant analytical challenge. This study developed a highly sensitive and broad-spectrum analytical method based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). By employing phospholipid removal purification (PRP) technology and optimizing mobile phase pH conditions, we achieved simultaneous quantification of 230 environmental pollutants in serum. Comparative evaluation of sample pretreatment techniques revealed that low-temperature concentration caused preservative loss, while liquid-liquid extraction showed poor recovery for multiple compound classes. The PRP method was selected as the optimal approach due to its superior performance in reducing matrix effects compared to direct protein precipitation. Method validation demonstrated accurate quantification of all target analytes (relative standard deviation, RSD <15.1%), with 98.3% of compounds exhibiting satisfactory recoveries (80-120%). Analysis of serum samples from the Fuqing cohort participants detected 22 contaminants with detection frequencies >30%, among which PFHpA and PFOA were identified as risk factors for hyperuricemia. Notably, we provide the first evidence of a dose-response relationship between dehydroacetic acid exposure and hyperuricemia prevalence in a human population. This study established a robust solution for simultaneous screening of exposome-scale pollutants in complex biological samples.

Global food security is threatened by crop losses due to plant diseases. Early detection of pathogens is essential for implementing effective management practices to mitigate the negative impacts of disease. On-site molecular diagnostic techniques have significantly advanced for rapid and accurate identification of pathogens, but DNA extraction remains a labour-intensive and time-consuming bottleneck. This study demonstrates the ability of polyvinyl alcohol/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVA/PVP) microneedle patches to extract detectable amounts of bacterial and plant DNA from diseased leaves within 1 min. This included DNA of a gram-negative Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. phaseolicola (Psp) and a gram-positive Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens (Cff) bacteria, as well as mung bean (Vigna radiata). These bacteria cause halo blight and tan spot of mung bean, respectively. The DNA extracted using microneedle patches was of adequate quality and quantity to identify pathogens using real-time quantitative and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). For leaves expressing halo blight symptoms, Psp DNA was detected in all DNA templates from microneedle (n = 5) and conventional extractions (n = 5). Similarly, in a time course study, Psp inoculated samples at day 6 showed the same detection in templates collected with microneedles and conventionally extracted samples. Detection of Cff DNA was less frequent, suggesting an impact of the sampling or inoculation technique. This study supports ongoing development of microneedle-based extraction as a simple and cost-effective method that could be used to support diagnosis of plant diseases, facilitate rapid decision-making for disease management, enhance biosecurity responses and area-freedom datasets, and prevent crop losses.

Lithium‑sulfur batteries (LSBs) are promising for high-energy storage but are fundamentally limited by the poorly regulated multistep conversion of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs), leading to sluggish kinetics, severe shuttle effects, and safety concerns. Here, we report a multifunctional binder by constructing a cross-linked network between aloe gel (AG) and N-(phosphoryl-methyl) glycine (Glyp) with abundant N- and P-containing polar groups. Distinct from conventional inert binders, the AG-Glyp binder not only enhables strong chemical anchoring of LiPSs but also actively modulates their redox conversion behaviour. The synergistic interactions enable suppressed polysulfide diffusion, accelerated reaction kinetics, and uniform Li₂S nucleation, thereby transforming the intrinsically heterogeneous conversion into a spatially and kinetically controlled process. In addition, the incorporation of P-containing functional groups endows the electrode with enhanced flame-retardant characteristics, improving the intrinsic safety of the battery system. As a result, the cell delivers a high reversible capacity of 1236.1 mAh g^-1 at 0.5C over 500 cycles, with a capacity decay of only 0.08% per cycle, and robust performance under high sulfur loading (5.0 mg cm^-2) and lean electrolyte conditions (E/S = 11.2 μL mg^-1). This work demonstrates that functional binders can serve as active regulators of electrochemical reactions while simultaneously enhancing safety, offering a new paradigm for advanced LiS batteries.

SnO₂-based anodes offer a higher theoretical capacity than conventional graphite, positioning them as a promising alternative for lithium-ion batteries. Nevertheless, poor conductivity and substantial volume changes during cycling restrict their widespread implementation. We hypothesize that combining vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays (VACNTs), which serve as a conductive scaffold, with a citric-acid-derived carbon coating creates a dual‑carbon architecture that improves the cycling stability and charge transport of SnO₂, thereby enhancing lithium storage performance. To verify this hypothesis, we employ a single-step interfacial functionalization strategy. This approach involves the in situ growth of SnO₂ from a SnCl₄·5H₂O precursor on VACNTs, followed by in situ carbon coating using citric acid as the carbon source, ultimately constructing a dual‑carbon-structured SnO₂/VACNTs@C composite. Within this structure, SnO₂ nanoparticles are uniformly embedded in the VACNTs scaffold. This confined geometry effectively accommodates volume changes during lithiation/ delithiation, and the strong SnO₂/VACNTs interfacial bonding enhances mechanical integrity and electrical conductivity. As a result, the SnO₂/VACNTs@C anode demonstrates superior reversible capacity and rate performance compared to both pure SnO₂ and uncoated SnO₂/VACNTs electrodes. Compared with pristine SnO₂, the material achieves a substantial improvement in lithium-ion diffusion coefficient. Paired with a LiFePO₄ cathode in a full-cell configuration, it further delivers robust cycling stability, notable capacity retention, and competitive energy and power densities. This synthesis route offers a scalable method for the mass production of this high-performance composite.

Tetracycline (TC) is an antibiotic contaminant widely present in the environment that is typically difficult to remove effectively using conventional treatment methods due to its stable polycyclic structure and high water-solubility. In this study, the Salen unit is incorporated into a covalent organic framework (Salen-COF), wherein Co²⁺ is anchored within the Salen cavity (Co-Salen-COF). Consequently, the Co-Salen-COF/peroxymonosulfate (PMS) system achieves complete degradation of 10 mg/L TC within 30 min, with a degradation rate constant of 0.1176 min^-1. Furthermore, such system exhibits excellent degradation performance under various temperature conditions, in different types of actual water bodies, and in the presence of high concentrations of inorganic anions (200 mM). Electron spin resonance (ESR) and quenching experiments indicate that •O- 2 is the primary active species in this reaction, while ¹O₂ plays a secondary role. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations further reveal that the introduction of Co²⁺ significantly improves the charge separation properties of COFs, thereby enhancing their adsorption energy for PMS. Additionally, the cycling experiments demonstrate that Co-Salen-COF possesses satisfactory stability and reusability. Overall, this study proposes a novel •O- 2-based Fenton-like catalytic strategy for the efficient and stable degradation of organic pollutants in complex and high-salinity water bodies.