Selective and sensitive colorimetric detection of the neurotransmitter serotonin based on the aggregation of bifunctionalised gold nanoparticles
[EN] We report a simple, sensitive and selective method for the colorimetric detection of serotonin (5-HT) in aqueous media using bifunctionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The probe (1) consisted of AuNPs functionalised with dithiobis(succinimidylpropionate) (DSP) and N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NALC). DSP was chosen to react with the amino group of 5-HT, whereas NALC was chosen to bind the hydroxyl group in 5-HT through hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. A double interaction between nanoparticles and the hydroxyl and the amino group of serotonin led to interparticle-crosslinking aggregation. This, resulted in a colour change from red to blue that can be observed by the naked eye.…
A chalcone-based highly selective and sensitive chromofluorogenic probe for trivalent metal cations
[EN] Anew chalcone-based probe for the chromofluorogenic sens-ing of trivalent (Al3 +,Fe3+,Cr3+,Ga3+,In3+and As3 +)overmono-and divalent cationsand anionsisreported. In the presence of trivalent metal cations,the probe was able to displayaremarkable color change from yellow to colorless that wasclearly visible to the naked eye. Also, the initial strongyellowemission was gradually quenched and substituted by aweaklyshifted band.
A l-glutamate-responsive delivery system based on enzyme-controlled self-immolative arylboronate-gated nanoparticles
We report herein a L-glutamate (L-Glu)-responsive delivery system. It consists of Janus Au–mesoporous silica (MS) nanoparticles functionalized with L-glutamate oxidase on the Au face and with self-immolative arylboronate derivatives as caps on the MS face. The MS face is additionally loaded with a cargo. The delivery paradigm is based on the recognition of L-Glu by the enzyme and the subsequent formation of H2O2, which induces the cleavage of the self-immolative gate and the uncapping of the pores. Given the importance of L-Glu as a key neurotransmitter, we hope that these findings will help in designing new therapeutic strategies for nervous system diseases.
Enzyme-Controlled Nanodevice for Acetylcholine-Triggered Cargo Delivery Based on Janus Au–Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles
[EN] This work reports a new gated nanodevice for acetylcholine-triggered cargo delivery. We prepared and characterized Janus Au-mesoporous silica nanoparticles functionalized with acetylcholinesterase on the Au face and with supramolecular b-cyclodextrin: benzimidazole inclusion complexes as caps on the mesoporous silica face. The nanodevice is able to selectively deliver the cargo in the presence of acetylcholine via enzyme-mediated acetylcholine hydrolysis, locally lowering the pH and opening the supramolecular gate. Given the key role played by ACh and its relation with Parkinson's disease and other nervous system diseases, we believe that these findings could help design new therapeuti…
Acetylcholine-responsive cargo release using acetylcholinesterase-capped nanomaterials
[EN] Mesoporous silica nanoparticles capped with acetylcholinesterase, through boronic ester linkages, selectively release an entrapped cargo in the presence of acetylcholine.