Article
Chemistry, Physical
Julia G. Elistratova, Bulat S. Akhmadeev, Liliya N. Islamova, Guzel M. Fazleeva, Alexey A. Kalinin, Anton S. Orekhov, Konstantin A. Petrov, Oleg G. Sinyashin, Asiya R. Mustafina
Summary: This research introduces the pH-sensitive fluorescence of a series of dialkylaminostyrylhetarene dyes incorporated into phosphatidylcholine (PC)-based bilayers, which can be used for sensing the increased acidity produced by the hydrolysis of acetylcholine (ACh) catalyzed by acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The study shows that the sensitivity of the dye-PC bilayers to the hydrolysis process is highest within the first few minutes, and the interaction between the dye-PC bilayers and AChE is the main reason for their ability to sense the hydrolysis of ACh. Additionally, the inhibition of AChE by pollutant paraoxon can be detected with a lower detection limit under a short incubation time.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Baptiste Moeglen Paget, Keertana Vinod Ram, Shuyan Zhang, Jayakumar Perumal, Sylvain Vedraine, Georges Humbert, Malini Olivo, U. S. Dinish
Summary: Photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) have unique light-guiding properties and have been widely studied for biomedical applications. PCF-based fluorescence sensors offer highly sensitive detection of biomolecules at low sample volumes. This review discusses recent advancements in fluorescence detection using different PCF configurations and compares them with conventional fluorescence methods. Prospective applications of PCF-based fluorescence sensing and their potential use as optofluidic biopsy needles for clinically relevant biomarker detection are also discussed.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Qi Cheng, Shutao Wang, Na Liu
Summary: A two-dimensional photonic crystal array structure was designed to enhance the fluorescence intensity of sulfur dioxide in the UV band, achieving a high sensitivity of 1.224 L.mg(-1). The measured results showed a 10-fold improvement in intensity compared to without the PhC structure at room temperature.
IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Fabio Aldo Kraft, Stefanie Lehmann, Carmela Di Maria, Leonie Joksch, Stefanie Fitschen-Oestern, Sabine Fuchs, Francesco Dell'Olio, Martina Gerken
Summary: Label-free sensing is a promising approach for point-of-care testing devices. Photonic crystal slabs (PCSs) have positioned themselves as an inexpensive yet versatile platform for label-free biosensing. By employing a sharp-edged cut-off filter, the sensitivity and limit of detection (LOD) of an intensity-based camera setup (IBCS) can be increased. The performance and biosensing ability of the system can be analyzed using refractive index steps and diluted glutathione S-transferase (GST) antibodies (1:250).
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sayed Elshahat, Israa Abood, Zixian Liang, Jihong Pei, Zhengbiao Ouyang
Summary: The study proposes a paradigm for high buffering performance in a photonic crystal waveguide, achieved through structural adjustments and sensitivity enhancements to the liquid medium, resulting in dynamic modulation and strong light-matter interaction.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Reyhaneh Jannesari, Thomas Grille, Gerald Stocker, Bernhard Jakoby
Summary: This paper investigates the use of a miniaturized filter based on a triangular lattice of holes in a photonic crystal (PhC) slab. The plane wave expansion method (PWE) and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) techniques were utilized to analyze the dispersion and transmission spectrum, as well as the quality factor and free spectral range (FSR) of the filter. A 3D simulation has demonstrated that for the designed filter, an FSR of more than 550 nm and a quality factor of 873 can be attained by adiabatically coupling light from a slab waveguide into a PhC waveguide.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Milos Mitic, Tamara Lazarevic-Pasti
Summary: This article discusses the potential link between acetylcholinesterase inhibitors used for Alzheimer's disease and symptoms of clinical depression. While there are indications of a connection, it is not yet proven and other factors besides acetylcholine levels play a role in these complex diseases.
EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG METABOLISM & TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sayed Elshahat, Israa Abood, Mohamed Saleh M. Esmail, Zhengbiao Ouyang, Cuicui Lu
Summary: The study introduces a novel photonic crystal mirror heterostructure with high-quality factor (Q) and strong sensing ability and performance. It shows a defect mode at the interface with high Q-factor and enhancement of light-matter interaction, suitable for optical sensing, filtering, and switching applications. The introduction of an electro-optical polymer layer at the interface can further tune the defect mode for higher spatial pulse compression and electro-optical sensitivity.
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Md. Bellal Hossain, Jan Kriz, Vigneswaran Dhasarathan, Md. Ekhlasur Rahaman
Summary: This article presents a square-core photonic crystal fiber (PhCF) for liquid (petrochemical) sensing application. The sensor performance is studied numerically in the frequency range from 1.2 to 3.8 THz, with the core hole filled with pure petrol, kerosene, and diesel, and the strut size varied to explore the sensor's performance. The photonic crystal fiber sensor shows a relative sensitivity of around 97.0% and a confinement loss in the order of 10(-14) at 3.7 THz. This photonic crystal fiber sensor can be fabricated using extrusion and 3D-printing technologies.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSICS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Muhammad A. Butt, Nikolay L. Kazanskiy, Svetlana N. Khonina, Grigory S. Voronkov, Elizaveta P. Grakhova, Ruslan V. Kutluyarov
Summary: In contemporary science and technology, photonic sensors are essential as they can be both highly resistant and highly sensitive to different physical parameters. They can be incorporated on chips and operated with CMOS technology, making them suitable for sensitive, compact, and affordable sensors. In this work, we extensively review commonly used photonic sensors such as optical waveguides, optical fibers, plasmonics, metasurfaces, and photonic crystals, for detecting vital environmental parameters and personal health care.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Wen Fan, Xuan She, Heliang Shen, Fei Huang, Ran Bi, Kan Chen, Xingfan Chen, Xiaowu Shu
Summary: In this article, a hollow-core photonic crystal fiber (HCPCF) ring resonator based on a spatial coupling method was proposed, with a small component size of 22 x 30 x 6 mm³. By using a 7-core photonic crystal fiber with a mode field diameter of 10μm, a ring resonator with a measured finesse of 18 and a low coupling loss of 0.41 dB was achieved. The practicality of the HCPCF gyro was enhanced by using a highly integrated free space silicon optical bench manufactured by deep silicon etching and tiny optical lens package technology. Moreover, the article investigates two important factors affecting the spatial optical coupling efficiency, lens type and fiber mode field size, providing instructive results for all spatial optical coupling systems.
JOURNAL OF LIGHTWAVE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Xueliang Zeng, Yongchao Dong, Yongkang Li, Jiebo Wang, Penghui Sun, Han Wang
Summary: This paper introduces a microcavity multimode displacement sensing technology based on photonic barcodes. By converting the resonance spectrum into a barcode and calculating its correlation coefficient with the standard barcode, fast and accurate displacement identification is achieved. The research shows that this method can achieve millimeter-level displacement identification in the presence of noise.
IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Junfei Xia, Hongrong Yang, Michelle Mu, Nicholas Micovic, Kira E. Poskanzer, James R. Monaghan, Heather A. Clark
Summary: The DNA-based enzymatic nanosensor presented allows for quantitative detection of acetylcholine (ACh) in living mice, demonstrating sensitivity, dose-dependent response, reversibility, and pharmacological inhibition effects. The platform also enables spatial resolution of ACh signal propagation at the tissue level in the peripheral nervous system.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Junfei Xia, Hongrong Yang, Michelle Mu, Nicholas Micovic, Kira E. Poskanzer, James R. Monaghan, Heather A. Clark
Summary: This study presents a DNA-based enzymatic nanosensor for quantitative detection of acetylcholine in the peripheral nervous system of living mice. The nanosensors are demonstrated to sensitively detect ACh levels, show dose-dependent and reversible responses to electrical stimulation, and exhibit a reduction in signal upon pharmacological inhibition. Additionally, an advanced imaging processing tool enables spatially resolving ACh signal propagation on the tissue level.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zekun Zhang, Boru Wei, Dongpeng Yang, Dekun Ma, Shaoming Huang
Summary: In this work, a new photonic crystal hydrogel sensor has been developed for high-precision, selective, and visual detection of hydrofluoric acid (HF). The sensor utilizes a selective etching-induced swelling mechanism and is fabricated with silica/water/hydroxyethyl acrylate and non-closely packed structures. It demonstrates visually and spectrally sensing capabilities for HF (0-10 mM) by detecting the variation of reflection wavelength and structural colors. The sensor exhibits high sensing precision, outstanding selectivity, and a low detection limit of 0.1 mM, while also being tailorable, portable, easy-to-operate, and cost-effective (<0.01 $/sensor).
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Franziska Beck, Carina Horn, Antje J. Baeumner
Summary: Electrochemical immunosensors offer rapid analyte quantification with high sensitivity and selectivity, but user-friendliness can often be a challenge. Using silver nanoparticles instead of gold nanoparticles in POC sensors not only improves sensitivity, but also simplifies assay protocols to meet POC requirements, achieving lower limits of detection in a 2-minute automatic measurement.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Franziska Beck, Carina Horn, Antje J. Baeumner
Summary: The microfluidic biosensor has key characteristics of desirable home-tests, including low limits of detection, small sample volume, simple detection strategies, and long-term stable reagents. It can accurately assess the severity and progression of diseases.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alexandra Schroter, Susanne Maerkl, Naomi Weitzel, Thomas Hirsch
Summary: This article investigates the advantages of lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) in biological applications and presents an enhancement strategy to increase their upconversion efficiency. By increasing the sensitizer content and blocking energy migration pathways, small and bright UCNPs can be designed.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Carla Arnau del Valle, Thomas Hirsch, Maria J. Marin
Summary: This article reviews the recent advances in the use of near infrared upconverting nanomaterials for photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer. The distinction between nanoparticles that could potentially target tumors and nanoparticle-based systems containing targeting agents is discussed.
METHODS AND APPLICATIONS IN FLUORESCENCE
(2022)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Meike Bauer, Axel Duerkop, Antje J. Baeumner
Summary: This article critically evaluates the impact of membrane materials and deposition methods on optical and electrochemical sensing systems. It highlights the importance of deposition techniques in determining a sensor's performance. The study also discusses the specific analytes and applications in healthcare diagnostics, food safety, and environmental monitoring.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Simone Rink, Antje J. Baeumner
Summary: Point-of-care (POC) diagnostics focus on timely identification of harmful conditions close to patients' needs. While paper-based POC tests, such as lateral flow assays (LFA), have been successful, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed their limitations. This perspective discusses strategies to develop paper-based POC tests that provide higher sensitivity, objective result interpretation, and multiplexing options for integration with machine learning into digital diagnostics and telemedicine.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Simon Streif, Patrick Neckermann, Clemens Spitzenberg, Katharina Weiss, Kilian Hoecherl, Kacper Kulikowski, Sonja Hahner, Christina Noelting, Sebastian Einhauser, David Peterhoff, Claudia Asam, Ralf Wagner, Antje J. J. Baeumner
Summary: In 2020, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 led to an increased interest in neutralizing antibody testing. A new platform using RBD-conjugated liposomes was developed for fluorescent high-throughput and point-of-care neutralizing antibody assays. The assays showed good performance with samples of varying neutralizing antibody titers.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alexandra Schroter, Carla Arnau del Valle, Maria J. Marin, Thomas Hirsch
Summary: This research introduces a bilayer-based strategy for surface modification of hydrophobic nanoparticles, allowing for excellent colloidal stability in aqueous environments and protection against disintegration while permitting surface functionalization. The potential of this strategy was demonstrated using upconversion nanoparticles. This surface engineering strategy is important for protecting and functionalizing inorganic nanoparticles in biological media for theranostic applications.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Franziska Beck, Michael Loessl, Antje J. J. Baeumner
Summary: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have unique physical, (electro)chemical, and optical properties that make them suitable for sensor and point-of-care (POC) applications. Recent advances have demonstrated that controlling the inherent higher instability toward oxidation of AgNPs can improve sensor performance and enable specific detection of analytes at low concentrations. However, further research is needed to simplify assay procedures and facilitate the successful application of AgNPs in POC settings.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Antonia Perju, Ferdinand Holzhausen, Anna-Maria Lauerer, Nongnoot Wongkaew, Antje J. Baeumner
Summary: This study aims to enhance the sensitivity and quantitative detection capability of point-of-care (POC) devices by directly embedding electrodes within the lateral flow. The electrodes, made from laser-induced carbon nanofibers, enable flow-through and interaction with the entire sample. After optimization, highly sensitive and quantitative detection was successfully achieved.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Simon Jobst, Patrick Recum, Aingela Ecija-Arenas, Elisabeth Moser, Rudolf Bierl, Thomas Hirsch
Summary: In process analytics or environmental monitoring, real-time recording of complex sample composition is challenging. Label-free techniques like surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy provide promising solutions but are often limited by poor analyte binding reversibility. This work introduces a method of using SPR imaging, semi-selective functional surface, and smart data analysis to identify small and chemically similar molecules. By creating individual functional spots with different ratios of graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide, a unique signal pattern is generated based on binding affinities, allowing the distinction of four purine bases even at low concentrations. The application of a convolutional neural network (CNN) ensures consistent classification accuracy across multiple sensors, making it a potential method for developing online sensors in complex mixtures.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alexandra Schroter, Thomas Hirsch
Summary: Near-infrared light combined with lanthanide-based nanoparticles has great potential for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in biomedicine. Significant progress has been made in the synthesis of nanoparticles with complex architectures. This article provides an overview of recent design trends, highlights past achievements, and outlines potential future directions in upconversion research.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Patrick Recum, Thomas Hirsch
Summary: This tutorial review discusses the critical aspects and perspectives of using nanomaterials as sensing substrates for chemiresistive gas sensors. Graphene is highlighted as a promising material that allows for room temperature operation, potentially saving energy. The review also covers the challenges of sensitivity, response time, reversibility, and selectivity, and the approaches taken in material development and operation modes. Additionally, the article presents perspectives on data analysis and intelligent algorithms to enhance the usability of these sensors in real-world applications.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Florian Gerstl, Uma Pongkitdachoti, Fuangfa Unob, Antje J. Baeumner
Summary: High performance laser-induced graphene (LIG) electrodes were integrated into adhesive tape-based microfluidic channels for electrochemical and electrochemiluminescent detection approaches. This provides low limits of detection, simple hardware requirements, and inexpensive fabrication for point-of-care sensor assays.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lukas Wunderlich, Thomas Hirsch
Summary: This article discusses the basic considerations of environmental monitoring using surface plasmon resonance imaging and nanomaterials. The theoretical aspects of noncovalent interactions of nanomaterials as receptor surfaces are explored, with a focus on developing cross-reactivity sensors. It is suggested that a combination of different nanomaterial-functionalized receptor spots that can interact with noncovalent interactions such as electrostatic interactions, pi-stacking, or hydrophobic effects would be best suited for continuous, online, and long-term water monitoring. The article also discusses the role of nanomaterials in improving sensor sensitivity, which can be achieved through the use of nanostructured gold surfaces or plasmonic materials.
CURRENT OPINION IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Izabela Stupka, Artur P. Biela, Bernard Piette, Agnieszka Kowalczyk, Karolina Majsterkiewicz, Kinga Borzecka-Solarz, Antonina Naskalska, Jonathan G. Heddle
Summary: Artificial protein cages, such as TRAP-cages, have potential applications in vaccines and drug delivery. TRAP-cages have the ability to control the disassembly conditions by modifying the interface between their building blocks. By using TRAP rings with different numbers of monomers, it is possible to predict the formation of other cages.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Guo Zhang, Yu Wang, Hua Qiu, Lei Lu
Summary: This study presents a one-pot synthesis method for flower-like AMPs@EAMP particles by combining antimicrobial peptides with ellagic acid, offering enlarged surface area, excellent biocompatibility, and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. In vivo studies indicate their potential for tissue repair and immune barrier reconstruction.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jiamei Zhang, Lingshuang Wang, Cheng Xu, Yingui Cao, Shengsheng Liu, Rui L. Reis, Subhas C. Kundu, Xiao Yang, Bo Xiao, Lian Duan
Summary: Pluronic F127 modified silk fibroin film with different types of antibacterial agents could accelerate wound recovery by promoting fibroblast adhesion, eradicating bacteria, and facilitating angiogenesis and re-epithelialization.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Yinsheng Liu, Mingyue Wang, Yinfei Hui, Lei Sun, Yanrui Hao, Henlong Ren, Hao Guo, Wu Yang
Summary: In this study, a rare-earth hybrid luminescent material was developed for the detection of a biomarker for anthrax. The material showed excellent selectivity and high sensitivity, allowing for the determination of the biomarker in saliva and urine. Additionally, a convenient point-of-care testing method using fluorescent test paper and a smartphone was established for the initial diagnosis of anthrax.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Wenshuai Yang, Jingsi Chen, Ziqian Zhao, Meng Wu, Lu Gong, Yimei Sun, Charley Huang, Bin Yan, Hongbo Zeng
Summary: Injectable hydrogels with shear-thinning and/or in situ formation properties offer distinct advantages in bioengineering applications, as they can be directly delivered to target sites, possess self-healing abilities, and simplify the implantation process.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
