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Chemosensors
Volume 9
Issue 3
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Chemosensors, Volume 9, Issue 3 (March 2021) – 17 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Recently, mathematical modelling has found a wide range of applications in different fields. Models are created using mathematical tools, where each model consists of variable parameters and rules describing a phenomenon. In general, modelling is used to obtain new insights, achieve more quantitative and qualitative information and predict the future. Considering the hazardous effects of emerging pollutants, biosensors inspired by modelling have been developed for an efficient environmental monitoring. In this paper, the recent strategies applied for environmental pollutants biosensing based on modelling are overviewed. The level of success and the analytical performances of each “intelligent” biosensor are discussed. Finally, the current challenges of this technology are highlighted. View this paper.
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10 pages, 5338 KiB  
Article
Advances in Electromagnetic Piezoelectric Acoustic Sensor Technology for Biosensor-Based Detection
by Gábor Mészáros, Sanaz Akbarzadeh, Brian De La Franier, Zsófia Keresztes and Michael Thompson
Chemosensors 2021, 9(3), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors9030058 - 23 Mar 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2268
Abstract
The ultra-high frequency EMPAS (electromagnetic piezoelectric acoustic sensor) device is composed of an electrode-less quartz disc in which shear oscillation is induced by an AC-powered magnetic coil located 30 μm below the substrate. This configuration allows the instigation of high acoustic harmonics (in [...] Read more.
The ultra-high frequency EMPAS (electromagnetic piezoelectric acoustic sensor) device is composed of an electrode-less quartz disc in which shear oscillation is induced by an AC-powered magnetic coil located 30 μm below the substrate. This configuration allows the instigation of high acoustic harmonics (in the region of 49th–53rd), with the resulting enhanced analytical sensitivity for biosensor purposes compared to the conventional thickness-shear mode device. In this paper, we introduce significant improvements to the operation of the system with respect to sensing applications. This includes a new interface program and the capability to measure the acoustic quality factor not available in the prototype version. The enhanced configuration is subject to testing through biosensor detection of surface adsorption of biological macromolecules, which include β-casein, and a gelsolin-actin complex. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensors Based on Acoustic Wave Devices)
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13 pages, 12526 KiB  
Article
Biochar from Spent Malt Rootlets and Its Application to an Energy Conversion and Storage Device
by John Vakros, Ioannis D. Manariotis, Vassilios Dracopoulos, Dionissios Mantzavinos and Panagiotis Lianos
Chemosensors 2021, 9(3), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors9030057 - 22 Mar 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2544
Abstract
Activated carbon obtained from biomass wastes was presently studied in order to evaluate its applicability in an energy storage device. Biochar was obtained by the carbonization of spent malt rootlets and was further processed by mild treatment in NaOH. The final product had [...] Read more.
Activated carbon obtained from biomass wastes was presently studied in order to evaluate its applicability in an energy storage device. Biochar was obtained by the carbonization of spent malt rootlets and was further processed by mild treatment in NaOH. The final product had a specific surface of 362 m2 g−1 and carried Na, P and a few mineral sites. This material was first characterized by several techniques. Then it was used to make a supercapacitor electrode, which reached a specific capacitance of 156 F g−1. The supercapacitor electrode was combined with a photocatalytic fuel cell, making a simple three-electrode device functioning with a single alkaline electrolyte. This device allows solar energy conversion and storage at the same time, promoting the use of biomass wastes for energy applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flexible Sensors and Supercapacitors Based on Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene)
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17 pages, 4876 KiB  
Article
One-Pot Synthesis of Copper Iodide-Polypyrrole Nanocomposites
by Artem O. Konakov, Nadejda N. Dremova, Igor I. Khodos, Marcus Koch, Ekaterina V. Zolotukhina and Yuliya E. Silina
Chemosensors 2021, 9(3), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors9030056 - 16 Mar 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3675
Abstract
A novel one-pot chemical synthesis of functional copper iodide-polypyrrole composites, CuI-PPy, has been proposed. The fabrication process allows the formation of nanodimensional metal salt/polymer hybrid structures in a fully controlled time- and concentration-dependent manner. The impact of certain experimental conditions, viz., duration of [...] Read more.
A novel one-pot chemical synthesis of functional copper iodide-polypyrrole composites, CuI-PPy, has been proposed. The fabrication process allows the formation of nanodimensional metal salt/polymer hybrid structures in a fully controlled time- and concentration-dependent manner. The impact of certain experimental conditions, viz., duration of synthesis, sequence of component addition and concentrations of the intact reagents on the structure, dimensionality and yield of the end-product was evaluated in detail. More specifically, the amount of marshite CuI within the hybrid composite can be ranged from 60 to 90 wt.%, depending on synthetic conditions (type and concentration of components, process duration). In addition, the conditions allowing the synthesis of nano-sized CuI distributed inside the polypyrrole matrix were found. A high morphological stability and reproducibility of the synthesized nanodimensional metal-polymer hybrid materials were approved. Finally, the electrochemical activity of the formed composites was verified by cyclic voltammetry studies. The stability of CuI-PPy composite deposited on the electrodes was strongly affected by the applied anodic limit. The proposed one-pot synthesis of the hybrid nanodimensional copper iodide-polypyrrole composites is highly innovative, meets the requirements of Green Chemistry and is potentially useful for future biosensor development. In addition, this study is expected to generally contribute to the knowledge on the hybrid nano-based composites with tailored properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Sensing Materials: Advances in Synthesis, Functionalities, and Applications)
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25 pages, 2707 KiB  
Article
Integration of Spectral Reflectance Indices and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System for Assessing the Growth Performance and Yield of Potato under Different Drip Irrigation Regimes
by Salah Elsayed, Salah El-Hendawy, Mosaad Khadr, Osama Elsherbiny, Nasser Al-Suhaibani, Yaser Hassan Dewir, Muhammad Usman Tahir, Muhammad Mubushar and Waleed Darwish
Chemosensors 2021, 9(3), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors9030055 - 12 Mar 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2359
Abstract
Simultaneous and timely assessment of growth and water status-related plant traits is critical for precision irrigation management in arid regions. Here, we used proximal hyperspectral sensing tools to estimate biomass fresh weight (BFW), biomass dry weight (BDW), canopy water content (CWC), and total [...] Read more.
Simultaneous and timely assessment of growth and water status-related plant traits is critical for precision irrigation management in arid regions. Here, we used proximal hyperspectral sensing tools to estimate biomass fresh weight (BFW), biomass dry weight (BDW), canopy water content (CWC), and total tuber yield (TTY) of two potato varieties irrigated with 100%, 75%, and 50% of the estimated crop evapotranspiration (ETc). Plant traits were assessed remotely using published and newly constructed vegetation and water spectral reflectance indices (SRIs). We integrated genetic algorithm (GA) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) models to predict the measured traits based on all SRIs. The different plant traits and SRIs varied significantly (p < 0.05) between the three irrigation regimes for the two varieties. The values of plant traits and majority SRIs showed a continuous decrease from the 100% ETc to the 50% ETc. Water-SRIs performed better than vegetation-SRIs for estimating the four plant traits. Almost all indices of the two SRI types had a weak relationship with the four plant traits (R2 = 0.00–0.37) under each irrigation regime. However, the majority of vegetation-SRIs and all water-SRIs showed strong relationships with BFW, CWC, and TTY (R2 ≥ 0.65) and moderate relationships with BDW (R2 ≥ 0.40) when the data of all irrigation regimes and varieties were analyzed together for each growing season or the data of all irrigation regimes, varieties, and seasons were combined together. The ANFIS-GA model predicted plant traits with satisfactory accuracy in both calibration (R2 = 1.0) and testing (R2 = 0.72–0.97) modes. The results indicate that SRI-based ANFIS models can improve plant trait estimation. This analysis also confirmed the benefits of applying GA to ANFIS to estimate plant responses to different growth conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Practical Applications of Spectral Sensing in Food and Agriculture)
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15 pages, 1314 KiB  
Review
Fluorogenic Aptasensors with Small Molecules
by Eun-Song Lee, Jeong Min Lee, Hea-Jin Kim and Young-Pil Kim
Chemosensors 2021, 9(3), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors9030054 - 10 Mar 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4062
Abstract
Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules that can be identified through an iterative in vitro selection–amplification process. Among them, fluorogenic aptamers in response to small molecules have been of great interest in biosensing and bioimaging due to their rapid fluorescence turn-on signals [...] Read more.
Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules that can be identified through an iterative in vitro selection–amplification process. Among them, fluorogenic aptamers in response to small molecules have been of great interest in biosensing and bioimaging due to their rapid fluorescence turn-on signals with high target specificity and low background noise. In this review, we report recent advances in fluorogenic aptasensors and their applications to in vitro diagnosis and cellular imaging. These aptasensors modulated by small molecules have been implemented in different modalities that include duplex or molecular beacon-type aptasensors, aptazymes, and fluorogen-activating aptamer reporters. We highlight the working principles, target molecules, modifications, and performance characteristics of fluorogenic aptasensors, and discuss their potential roles in the field of biosensor and bioimaging with future directions and challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aptasensors: Applications in Life Science and Environmental Technology)
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14 pages, 3790 KiB  
Article
Preliminary Studies of Perovskite-Loaded Plastic Scintillator Prototypes for Radioactive Strontium Detection
by Hara Kang, Sujung Min, Bumkyung Seo, Changhyun Roh, Sangbum Hong and Jae Hak Cheong
Chemosensors 2021, 9(3), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors9030053 - 08 Mar 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3816
Abstract
Functional plastic scintillators have attracted much attention for their usefulness in on-site monitoring and detection in environments. In this study, we elucidated a highly reliable and functional plastic scintillator for detection of radioactive strontium, which means a potent perovskite-loaded polymeric scintillation material based [...] Read more.
Functional plastic scintillators have attracted much attention for their usefulness in on-site monitoring and detection in environments. In this study, we elucidated a highly reliable and functional plastic scintillator for detection of radioactive strontium, which means a potent perovskite-loaded polymeric scintillation material based on epoxy and 2,5-diphenyloxazole (PPO). Moreover, Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) simulation was performed to optimize the thickness of a plastic scintillator for efficient strontium detection. A thickness of 2 mm was found to be the optimum thickness for strontium beta-ray detection. A newly developed plastic scintillator with 430 nm emission from perovskite loading could trigger scintillation enhancement employing potential indication of perovskite energy transfer into a photomultiplier (PMT) detector. Furthermore, the response to beta-ray emitter of 90Sr was compared to commercial scintillator of BC-400 by exhibiting detection efficiency in the energy spectrum with a fabricated perovskite-loaded plastic scintillator. We believe that this suggested functional plastic scintillator could be employed as a radiation detector for strontium detection in a wide range of applications including decommissioning sites in nuclear facilities, nuclear security and monitoring, nonproliferation, and safeguards. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radiation-Based Sensors and Nanosensors)
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16 pages, 2857 KiB  
Article
Influence of Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dot and Silver Nanoparticle Modified Carbon Paste Electrodes on the Potentiometric Determination of Tobramycin Sulfate: A Comparative Study
by Nermine V. Fares, Passant M. Medhat, Christine M. El Maraghy, Sherif Okeil and Miriam F. Ayad
Chemosensors 2021, 9(3), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors9030052 - 07 Mar 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2562
Abstract
Two inexpensive and simple methods for synthesis of carbon nanodots were applied and compared to each other, namely a hydrothermal and microwave-assisted method. The synthesized carbon nanodots were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), photoluminescence (PL), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and [...] Read more.
Two inexpensive and simple methods for synthesis of carbon nanodots were applied and compared to each other, namely a hydrothermal and microwave-assisted method. The synthesized carbon nanodots were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), photoluminescence (PL), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The synthesized microwave carbon nanodots had smaller particle size and were thus chosen for better electrochemical performance. Therefore, they were used for our modification process. The proposed electrodes performance characteristics were evaluated according to the IUPAC guidelines, showing linear response in the concentration range 10−6–10−2, 10−7–10−2, and 10−8–10−2 M of tobramycin with a Nernstian slope of 52.60, 58.34, and 57.32 mV/decade for the bare, silver nanoparticle and carbon nanodots modified carbon paste electrodes, respectively. This developed potentiometric method was used for quantification of tobramycin in its co-formulated dosage form and spiked human plasma with good recovery percentages and without interference of the co-formulated drug loteprednol etabonate and excipients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Electrochemical Devices and Sensors)
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20 pages, 658 KiB  
Review
Gas Sensors Based on Copper Oxide Nanomaterials: A Review
by Stephan Steinhauer
Chemosensors 2021, 9(3), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors9030051 - 05 Mar 2021
Cited by 105 | Viewed by 9175
Abstract
Metal oxide semiconductors have found widespread applications in chemical sensors based on electrical transduction principles, in particular for the detection of a large variety of gaseous analytes, including environmental pollutants and hazardous gases. This review recapitulates the progress in copper oxide nanomaterial-based devices, [...] Read more.
Metal oxide semiconductors have found widespread applications in chemical sensors based on electrical transduction principles, in particular for the detection of a large variety of gaseous analytes, including environmental pollutants and hazardous gases. This review recapitulates the progress in copper oxide nanomaterial-based devices, while discussing decisive factors influencing gas sensing properties and performance. Literature reports on the highly sensitive detection of several target molecules, including volatile organic compounds, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen and nitrogen oxide from parts-per-million down to parts-per-billion concentrations are compared. Physico-chemical mechanisms for sensing and transduction are summarized and prospects for future developments are outlined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nanostructures for Chemical Sensing)
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36 pages, 3789 KiB  
Review
Mathematical Modelling of Biosensing Platforms Applied for Environmental Monitoring
by Ahlem Teniou, Amina Rhouati and Jean-Louis Marty
Chemosensors 2021, 9(3), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors9030050 - 03 Mar 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2831
Abstract
In recent years, mathematical modelling has known an overwhelming integration in different scientific fields. In general, modelling is used to obtain new insights and achieve more quantitative and qualitative information about systems by programming language, manipulating matrices, creating algorithms and tracing functions and [...] Read more.
In recent years, mathematical modelling has known an overwhelming integration in different scientific fields. In general, modelling is used to obtain new insights and achieve more quantitative and qualitative information about systems by programming language, manipulating matrices, creating algorithms and tracing functions and data. Researchers have been inspired by these techniques to explore several methods to solve many problems with high precision. In this direction, simulation and modelling have been employed for the development of sensitive and selective detection tools in different fields including environmental control. Emerging pollutants such as pesticides, heavy metals and pharmaceuticals are contaminating water resources, thus threatening wildlife. As a consequence, various biosensors using modelling have been reported in the literature for efficient environmental monitoring. In this review paper, the recent biosensors inspired by modelling and applied for environmental monitoring will be overviewed. Moreover, the level of success and the analytical performances of each modelling-biosensor will be discussed. Finally, current challenges in this field will be highlighted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensors for Environmental Monitoring)
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12 pages, 4742 KiB  
Article
Label-Free Electrochemical Biosensor Based on Au@MoS₂–PANI for Escherichia coli Detection
by Pushap Raj, Man Hwan Oh, Kyudong Han and Tae Yoon Lee
Chemosensors 2021, 9(3), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors9030049 - 01 Mar 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3052
Abstract
Bacterial infections have become a significant challenge in terms of public health, the food industry, and the environment. Therefore, it is necessary to address these challenges by developing a rapid, cost-effective, and easy-to-use biosensor for early diagnosis of bacterial pathogens. Herein, we developed [...] Read more.
Bacterial infections have become a significant challenge in terms of public health, the food industry, and the environment. Therefore, it is necessary to address these challenges by developing a rapid, cost-effective, and easy-to-use biosensor for early diagnosis of bacterial pathogens. Herein, we developed a simple, label-free, and highly sensitive immunosensor based on electrochemical detection using the Au@MoS₂–PANI nanocomposite. The conductivity of the glassy carbon electrode is greatly enhanced using the Au@MoS₂–PANI nanocomposite and a self-assembled monolayer of mercaptopropionic acid on the gold nanoparticle surface was employed for the covalent immobilization of antibodies to minimize the nonspecific adsorption of bacterial pathogens on the electrode surface. The biosensor established a high selectivity and sensitivity with a low limit of detection of 10 CFU/mL, and detected Escherichia coli within 30 min. Moreover, the developed biosensor demonstrated a good linear detection range, practical utility in urine samples, and electrode regenerative studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Polymer-Based Chemical and Biological Sensors)
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11 pages, 3591 KiB  
Article
Highly Selective Recognition of Pyrophosphate by a Novel Coumarin-Iron (III) Complex and the Application in Living Cells
by Wei Wang, Hongren Zhao, Bing Zhao, Huimin Liu, Qinglei Liu and Yan Gao
Chemosensors 2021, 9(3), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors9030048 - 28 Feb 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2178
Abstract
In this paper, a novel NL-Fe3+ ensemble was designed as a fluorescent chemosensor for highly selective detection of pyrophosphate (PPi) in DMSO/H2O (2:8/v:v, pH = 7.2) solution and living cells. NL showed a strong affinity [...] Read more.
In this paper, a novel NL-Fe3+ ensemble was designed as a fluorescent chemosensor for highly selective detection of pyrophosphate (PPi) in DMSO/H2O (2:8/v:v, pH = 7.2) solution and living cells. NL showed a strong affinity for Fe3+ and was accompanied by obvious fluorescence quenching. Upon the addition of PPi to the generated NL-Fe3+ ensemble, the fluorescence and absorption spectra were recovered completely. Spectroscopic investigation showed that the interference provoked by common anions such as adenosine-triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and phosphates (Pi) can be ignored. The detection limit of NL-Fe3+ to PPi was calculated to be 1.45 × 10−8 M. Intracellular imaging showed that NL-Fe3+ has good membrane permeability and could be used for the detection of PPi in living cells. A B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) basis set was used to optimize NL and NL-Fe3+ complex. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Luminescent Metal Complexes as Sensors)
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13 pages, 1864 KiB  
Article
A Sensor-Based Methodology to Differentiate Pure and Mixed White Tequilas Based on Fused Infrared Spectra and Multivariate Data Treatment
by Christian Hazael Pérez-Beltrán, Víctor M. Zúñiga-Arroyo, José M. Andrade, Luis Cuadros-Rodríguez, Guadalupe Pérez-Caballero and Ana M. Jiménez-Carvelo
Chemosensors 2021, 9(3), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors9030047 - 27 Feb 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2431
Abstract
Mexican Tequila is one of the most demanded import spirits in Europe. Its fast-raising worldwide request makes counterfeiting a profitable activity affecting both consumers and legal distillers. In this paper, a sensor-based methodology based on a combination of infrared measurements (IR) and multivariate [...] Read more.
Mexican Tequila is one of the most demanded import spirits in Europe. Its fast-raising worldwide request makes counterfeiting a profitable activity affecting both consumers and legal distillers. In this paper, a sensor-based methodology based on a combination of infrared measurements (IR) and multivariate data analysis (MVA) is presented. The case study is about differentiating two categories of white Tequila: pure Tequila (or ‘100% agave’) and mixed Tequila (or simply, Tequila). The IR spectra were treated and fused with a low-level approach. Exploratory data analysis was performed using PCA and partial least squares (PLS), whilst the authentication analyses were carried out with PLS-discriminant analysis (DA) and soft independent modeling for class analogy (SIMCA) models. Results demonstrated that data fusion of IR spectra enhanced the outcomes of the authentication models capable of differentiating pure from mixed Tequilas. In fact, PLS-DA presented the best results which correctly classified all fifteen commercial validation samples. The methodology thus presented is fast, cheap, and of simple application in the Tequila industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers – Chemical Sensors for Industrial Applications, Environmental, and Food Monitoring)
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14 pages, 2616 KiB  
Article
Determination of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) Using Nanoparticle-Modified Voltammetric Sensors and Electronic Tongue Principles
by Qing Wang and Manel del Valle
Chemosensors 2021, 9(3), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors9030046 - 27 Feb 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3277
Abstract
This manuscript reports the use of nanoparticle-modified voltammetric sensors for the rapid and green determination of chemical oxygen demand in river waters and waters from agricultural waste. Four different variants of modified electrodes have been prepared: CuO nanoparticles electrogenerated over Cu and covered [...] Read more.
This manuscript reports the use of nanoparticle-modified voltammetric sensors for the rapid and green determination of chemical oxygen demand in river waters and waters from agricultural waste. Four different variants of modified electrodes have been prepared: CuO nanoparticles electrogenerated over Cu and covered with Nafion film (CuO/Cu-Nf), and graphite–epoxy composites modified with Cu, CuO, and Cu–Ni alloy nanoparticles. The response features of these electrodes were assessed by calibrating them vs. glucose, glycine, ethyleneglycol, and hydrogenphtalate in alkaline media, as samples providing different difficulty in their (bio)degradation characteristics. The most sensitive electrode was demonstrated to be the (CuO/Cu-Nf) electrode, with an LOD of 12.3 mg O2·L−1. The joint information provided by the sensor array showed the ability of estimating both the organic load and the type of sample in terms of difficulty of degradation, in what can be named an intelligent sensor assembly. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensors for Environmental Monitoring)
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19 pages, 1705 KiB  
Article
Collision of a Positron with the Capture of an Electron from Lithium and the Effect of a Magnetic Field on the Particles Balance
by Elena V. Orlenko, Alexandr V. Evstafev and Fedor E. Orlenko
Chemosensors 2021, 9(3), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors9030045 - 27 Feb 2021
Viewed by 1782
Abstract
The processes of scattering slow positrons with the possible formation of positronium play an important role in the diagnosis of both composite materials, including semiconductor materials, and for the analysis of images obtained by positron tomography of living tissues. In this paper, we [...] Read more.
The processes of scattering slow positrons with the possible formation of positronium play an important role in the diagnosis of both composite materials, including semiconductor materials, and for the analysis of images obtained by positron tomography of living tissues. In this paper, we consider the processes of scattering positrons with the capture of an electron and the formation of positronium. When calculating the cross-section for the capture reaction, exchange effects caused by the rearrangement of electrons between colliding particles are taken into account. Comparison of the results of calculating the cross-section with a similar problem of electron capture by a proton showed that the mass effect is important in such a collision process. The loss of an electron by a lithium atom is more effective when it collides with a positron than with a proton or alpha particles. The dynamic equilibrium of the formation of positronium in the presence of a strong magnetic field is considered. It is shown that a strong magnetic field during tomography investigation shifts the dynamic equilibrium to the positronium concentration followed by positron annihilation with radiation of three gamma-quants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Electrochemical Devices and Sensors)
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43 pages, 7981 KiB  
Review
Diketopyrrolopyrrole Fluorescent Probes, Photophysical and Biological Applications
by Muhammad Aminu Auwalu and Shanshan Cheng
Chemosensors 2021, 9(3), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors9030044 - 26 Feb 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4023
Abstract
Biological applications of fluorescent probes are rapidly increasing in the supramolecular chemistry research field. Several organic dyes are being utilized currently in developing and advancing this attractive research area, of which diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) organic dyes show an exceptional photophysical features (high-fluorescence quantum yield [...] Read more.
Biological applications of fluorescent probes are rapidly increasing in the supramolecular chemistry research field. Several organic dyes are being utilized currently in developing and advancing this attractive research area, of which diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) organic dyes show an exceptional photophysical features (high-fluorescence quantum yield (FQY), good photochemical and thermal stability) that are essential properties for biological applications. Great efforts have been made in recent years towards developing novel fluorescent DPPs by different chemists for such applications, and some positive results have been reported. As a result, this review article gives an account of the progress that has so far been made very recently, mainly within the last decade, in that we selectively focus on and discuss more from 2015 to present on some recent scholarly achievements of fluorescent DPPs: quantum yield, aggregation-induced emission (AIE), solid-state emission, bio-imaging, cancer/tumor therapy, mitochondria staining and some polymeric fluorescent DPPs. Finally, this review article highlights researchers working on luminescent DPPs and the future prospects in some key areas towards designing DPP-based fluorescent probes in order to boost their photophysical and biological applications more effectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Molecular Optoelectronic Sensing)
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10 pages, 2425 KiB  
Article
Improving Surface Imprinting Effect by Reducing Nonspecific Adsorption on Non-Imprinted Polymer Films for 2,4-D Herbicide Sensors
by Jin Chul Yang, Suck Won Hong and Jinyoung Park
Chemosensors 2021, 9(3), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors9030043 - 26 Feb 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2000
Abstract
Surface imprinting used for template recognition in nanocavities can be controlled and improved by surface morphological changes. Generally, the lithographic technique is used for surface patterning concerning sensing signal amplification in molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) thin films. In this paper, we describe the [...] Read more.
Surface imprinting used for template recognition in nanocavities can be controlled and improved by surface morphological changes. Generally, the lithographic technique is used for surface patterning concerning sensing signal amplification in molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) thin films. In this paper, we describe the effects of silanized silica molds on sensing the properties of MIP films. Porous imprinted poly(MAA–co–EGDMA) films were lithographically fabricated using silanized or non-treated normal silica replica molds to detect 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) herbicide as the standard template. The silanized mold MIP film (st-MIP) (Δf = −1021 Hz) exhibited a better sensing response than the non-treated normal MIP (n-MIP) (Δf = −978 Hz) because the imprinting effects, which occurred via functional groups on the silica surface, could be reduced through silane modification. Particularly, two non-imprinted (NIP) films (st-NIP and n-NIP) exhibited significantly different sensing responses. The st-NIP (Δfst-NIP = −332 Hz) films exhibited lower Δf values than the n-NIP film (Δfn-NIP = −610 Hz) owing to the remarkably reduced functionality against nonspecific adsorption. This phenomenon led to different imprinting factor (IF) values for the two MIP films (IFst-MIP = 3.38 and IFn-MIP = 1.86), which was calculated from the adsorbed 2,4-D mass per poly(MAA–co–EGDMA) unit weight (i.e., QMIP/QNIP). Moreover, it was found that the st-MIP film had better selectivity than the n-MIP film based on the sensing response of analogous herbicide solutions. As a result, it was revealed that the patterned molds’ chemical surface modification, which controls the surface functionality of imprinted films during photopolymerization, plays a role in fabricating enhanced sensing properties in patterned MIP films. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Quartz Crystal Microbalance-Based Sensor Applications)
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7 pages, 2010 KiB  
Communication
High-Sensitivity pH Sensor Based on Coplanar Gate AlGaN/GaN Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor High Electron Mobility Transistor
by Seong-Kun Cho and Won-Ju Cho
Chemosensors 2021, 9(3), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors9030042 - 25 Feb 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2784
Abstract
The sensitivity of conventional ion-sensitive field-effect transistors is limited to the Nernst limit (59.14 mV/pH). In this study, we developed a pH sensor platform based on a coplanar gate AlGaN/GaN metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) using the resistive coupling effect to [...] Read more.
The sensitivity of conventional ion-sensitive field-effect transistors is limited to the Nernst limit (59.14 mV/pH). In this study, we developed a pH sensor platform based on a coplanar gate AlGaN/GaN metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) using the resistive coupling effect to overcome the Nernst limit. For resistive coupling, a coplanar gate comprising a control gate (CG) and a sensing gate (SG) was designed. We investigated the amplification of the pH sensitivity with the change in the magnitude of a resistance connected in series to each CG and SG via Silvaco TCAD simulations. In addition, a disposable extended gate was applied as a cost-effective sensor platform that helped prevent damages due to direct exposure of the AlGaN/GaN MOS HEMT to chemical solutions. The pH sensor based on the coplanar gate AlGaN/GaN MOS HEMT exhibited a pH sensitivity considerably higher than the Nernst limit, dependent on the ratio of the series resistance connected to the CG and SG, as well as excellent reliability and stability with non-ideal behavior. The pH sensor developed in this study is expected to be readily integrated with wide transmission bandwidth, high temperature, and high-power electronics as a highly sensitive biosensor platform. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection pH Sensors, Biosensors and Systems)
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