Multiplexed analysis of silver(I) and mercury(II) ions using oligonucletide-metal nanoparticle conjugates

A colorimetric assay has been developed for the simultaneous selective detection of silver(I) and mercury(II) ions utilizing metal nanoparticles (NPs) as sensing element based on their unique surface plasmon resonance properties. In this method, sulfhydryl group modified cytosine-(C)-rich ssDNA (SH-C-ssDNA) was self-assembled on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to produce the AuNPs-C-ssDNA complex, and sulfhydryl group modified thymine-(T)-rich ssDNA (SH-T-ssDNA) was self-assembled on silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to produce the AgNPs-T-ssDNA complex. Oligonucleotides (SH-C-ssDNA or SH-T-ssDNA) could enhance the AuNPs or AgNPs against salt-induced aggregation. However, the presence of silver(I) ions (Ag(+)) in the complex of ssDNA-AuNPs would reduce the stability of AuNPs due to the formation of Ag(+) mediated C-Ag(+)-C base pairs accompanied with the AuNPs color change from red to purple or even to dark blue. Moreover, the presence of mercury(II) ions (Hg(2+)) would also reduce the stability of AgNPs due to the formation of Hg(2+) mediated T-Hg(2+)-T base pairs accompanied with the AgNPs color change from yellow to brown, then to dark purple. The presence of both Ag(+) and Hg(2+) will reduce the stability of both AuNPs and AgNPs and cause the visible color change. As a result, Ag(+) and Hg(2+) could be detected qualitatively and quantitatively by the naked eye or by UV-vis spectral measurement. The lowest detectable concentration of a 5 nM mixture of Ag(+) and Hg(2+) in the river water was gotten by the UV-vis spectral measurement.     

Fluorescence "turn on" chemosensors for Ag+ and Hg2+ based on tetraphenylethylene motif featuring adenine and thymine moieties

Two new tetraphenylethylene (TPE) compounds 1 and 2 bearing adenine and thymine moieties, respectively, were found to be fluorescence "turn on" chemosensors for Ag(+) and Hg(2+) by making use of the AIE feature of TPE motif and the specific binding of adenine/thymine with Ag(+)/Hg(2+).     

A coumarin-based fluorescent probe for Hg2+ and Ag+ with an N'-acetylthioureido group as a fluorescence switch

For detection of Hg(2+) and Ag(+), we have developed a coumarin-based probe with an N'-acetylthioureido group as a novel fluorescence switch, in which the hydrogen bond formation between the N-hydrogen and the acetyl O atom markedly increases the susceptibility of the probe toward desulfurization by Hg(2+) and Ag(+).     

2,1,3-Benzoxadiazole-based selective chromogenic chemosensor for rapid naked-eye detection of Hg2+ and Cu2+

We report a simple twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) chromogenic chemosensor for rapid and selective detection of Hg(2+) and Cu(2+). The sensor was composed of an electron-acceptor 4-fluoro moiety and an electron-donor 7-mercapto-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole species where the S together with the 1-N provided the soft binding unit. Upon Hg(2+) and Cu(2+) complexation, remarkable but different absorbance spectra shifts were obtained in CH(3)CN-H(2)O mixed buffer solution at pH 7.6, which can be easily used for naked-eye detection. The sensor formed a stable 2:1 complex with Cu(2+), and both 2:1 and 3:1 complexes with Hg(2+). While alkali-, alkaline earth- and other heavy and transition metal ions such as Na(+), Mg(2+), Mn(2+), Co(2+), Ni(2+), Ag(+), Zn(2+), Pb(2+) and Cd(2+) did not cause any significant spectral changes of the sensor. This finding is not only a supplement to the detecting methods for Hg(2+) and Cu(2+), but also adds new merits to the chemistry of 4,7-substituted 2,1,3-benzoxadiazoles.     

Gold nanoparticles generated through "green route" bind Hg2+ with a concomitant blue shift in plasmon absorption peak

We discuss here a quick, simple, economic and ecofriendly method through a completely green route for the selective detection of Hg(2+) in aqueous samples. Here we exploited the ability of chitosan to generate gold nanoparticles and subsequently to act as a stabilizer for the formed nanoparticles. When chitosan stabilized gold nanoparticles (CH-Au NPs) are interacted with Hg(2+) a blue shift for its localized surface plasmon resonance absorbance (LSPR) band is observed. The blue shift is reasoned to be due to the formation of a thin layer of mercury over gold. A concentration as low as 0.01 ppm to a maximum of 100 ppm Hg(2+) can be detected based on this blue shift of the CH-Au NPs. While all other reported methods demand complex reaction steps and costly chemicals, the method we reported here is a simple, rapid and selective approach for the detection of Hg(2+). Our results also show that the CH-Au NPs have excellent selectivity to Hg(2+) over common cations namely, Pb(2+), Cd(2+), Mn(2+), Fe(2+), Ag(1+), Ce(4+), Ni(2+), and Cu(2+).     

Characterization of ceramic ion-selective membrane-electrodes-I The Ag(2)S electrode

The behaviour of a new type of electrode, made from ceramic Ag(2)S, has been investigated. The electrode response is Nernstian for Ag(+) over the range 10(-6)-2M and for Hg(2+) in the concentration range 10(-6)-10(-2)M, both at constant ionic strength (0.1M). The electrode is Ag(+)-selective, with maximum interference from Hg(2+). It can be used for acid-base potentiometric titration and for potentiometric Ag(+) and Hg(2+) precipitation titrations.     

Studies on the polymer + plasticizer membrane-electrode-VIII Use of the PVC + tricresyl phosphate membrane as indicating electrode in potentiometric precipitation titration

Results obtained by use of the PVC + tricresyl phosphate membrane-electrode in potentiometric precipitation titration of some halides and pseudohalides are given. Solutions of Ag(+), Tl(+) and Hg(2)(2+) were used as titrants, to which the membrane is responsive. The fast response to Ag(+) ions allowed the determination of iodide by automatic recording of the potentiometric curve (or its derivative).     

Lower rim 1,3-di{4-antipyrine}amide conjugate of calix[4]arene: synthesis, characterization, and selective recognition of Hg2+ and its sensitivity toward pyrimidine bases

The structurally characterized lower rim 1,3-di{4-antipyrine}amide conjugate of calix[4]arene (L) exhibits high selectivity toward Hg(2+) among other biologically important metal ions, viz., Na(+), K(+), Ca(2+), Mg(2+), Mn(2+), Fe(2+), Co(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+), Hg(2+), Pb(2+), and Ag(+) as studied by fluorescence, absorption, and ESI MS. L acts as a sensor for Hg(2+) by switch-off fluorescence and exhibits a lowest detectable concentration of 1.87 ± 0.1 ppm. The complex formed between L and Hg(2+) is found to be 1:1 on the basis of absorption and fluorescence titrations and was confirmed by ESI MS. The coordination features of the mercury complex of L were derived on the basis of DFT computations and found that the Hg(2+) is bound through an N(2)O(2) extending from both the arms to result in a distorted octahedral geometry with two vacant sites. The nanostructural features such as shape and size obtained using AFM and TEM distinguishes L from its Hg(2+) complex and were different from those of the simple mercuric perchlorate. L is also suited to sense pyrimidine bases by fluorescence quenching with a minimum detection limit of 1.15 ± 0.1 ppm in the case of cytosine. The nature of interaction of pyrimidine bases with L has been further studied by DFT computational calculations and found to have interactions through a hydrogen bonding and NH-π interaction between the host and the guest.     

Fluorescence signaling of Zr4+ by hydrogen peroxide assisted selective desulfurization of thioamide

Thioamide derivative with a pyrene fluorophore was smoothly transformed to its corresponding amide by Zr(4+) ions in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The transformation was evidenced by (1)H NMR spectroscopy and the signaling was completed within 10 min after sample preparation. Interference from Ag(+) and Hg(2+) ions in Zr(4+)-selective fluorescence signaling was readily suppressed with the use of Sn(2+) as a reducing additive. Discrimination of Zr(4+) from closely related hafnium, which is a frequent contaminant in commercial zirconium, was not possible. Prominent Zr(4+)-selective turn-on type fluorescence signaling was possible with a detection limit of 4.6 × 10(-6) M in an aqueous 99% ethanol solution.     

Fluorescent silver nanoclusters in hybridized DNA duplexes for the turn-on detection of Hg2+ ions

Using the Hg(2+)-mediated T-T formation to strengthen the DNA duplexes and influence the configuration of fluorescent Ag NCs-forming sequences, a turn-on fluorescence detection method for Hg(2+) has been established.     

Synthesis and metal-ion binding properties of monoazathiacrown ethers

Synthetic procedures for monoazathiacrown ethers were explored, and monoazatrithia-12-crown-4, monoazatetrathia-15-crown-5, and monoazapentathia-18-crown-6 were obtained in moderate yields by the reaction of bis(2-chloroethyl)amine with the appropriate dithiols in the presence of lithium hydroxide in THF. To evaluate metal-ion binding properties of the monoazathiacrown ethers by solvent extraction, lipophilic dodecyl and dodecanoyl groups were incorporated onto the monoazathiacrown ethers. The solvent extraction experiments suggested that monoazathiacrown ethers have Ag(+) and Hg(2+) selectivities and that the relative selectivity between Ag(+) and Hg(2+) depends on their nitrogen atom properties and numbers of sulfur atoms reflecting the respective affinities of nitrogen and sulfur atoms to Hg(2+) and Ag(+). An interesting ability to bind Mg(2+) was observed in the case of N-dodecyl monoazatrithia-12-crown-4.     

Highly sensitive, selective, and rapid fluorescence Hg2+ sensor based on DNA duplexes of poly(dT) and graphene oxide

Coupling T base with Hg(2+) to form stable T-Hg(2+)-T complexes represents a new direction in detection of Hg(2+). Here a graphene oxide (GO)-based fluorescence Hg(2+) analysis using DNA duplexes of poly(dT) that allows rapid, sensitive, and selective detection is first reported. The Hg(2+)-induced T(15)-(Hg(2+))(n)-T(15) duplexes make T(15) unable to hybridize with its complementary A(15) labelled with 6'-carboxyfluorescein (FAM-A(15)), which has low fluorescence in the presence of GO. On the contrary, when T(15) hybridizes with FAM-A(15) to form double-stranded DNA because of the absence of Hg(2+), the fluorescence largely remains in the presence of GO. A linear range from 10 nM to 2.0 μM (R(2) = 0.9963) and a detection limit of 0.5 nM for Hg(2+) were obtained under optimal experimental conditions. Other metal ions, such as Al(3+), Ag(+), Ca(2+), Ba(2+), Mg(2+), Zn(2+), Mn(2+), Co(2+), Pb(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Cd(2+), Cr(3+), Fe(2+), and Fe(3+), had no significant effect on Hg(2+) detection. Moreover, the sensing system was used for the determination of Hg(2+) in river water samples with satisfactory results.     

Au nanowire-on-film SERRS sensor for ultrasensitive Hg2+ detection

We report an ultrasensitive and selective single nanowire-on-film (SNOF) surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) sensor for Hg(2+) detection based on structure-switching double stranded DNAs (dsDNAs). Binding of Hg(2+) induces conformational changes of the dsDNAs and let a Raman reporter get close to the SNOF structure, thereby turning on SERRS signal. The well-defined SNOF structure provides a detection limit of 100 pM with improved accuracy in Hg(2+) detection. This sensor is stable over a considerable amount of time and reusable after simple treatment. Since this SNOF sensor is composed of a single Au NW on a film, development of a multiplex sensor would be possible by employing NWs modified by multiple kinds of aptamers.     

Influence of Cd2+, Hg2+ and Pb2+ on (+)-catechin binding to bovine serum albumin studied by fluorescence spectroscopic methods

The effect of heavy metal ions, Cd(2+), Hg(2+) and Pb(2+) on (+)-catechin binding to bovine serum albumin (BSA) has been investigated by spectroscopic methods. The results indicated that the presence of heavy metal ions significantly affected the binding modes and binding affinities of (+)-catechin to BSA, and the effects depend on the types of heavy metal ion. One binding mode was found for (+)-catechin with and without Cd(2+), while two binding modes - a weaker one at low concentration and a stronger one at high concentration were found for (+)-catechin in the presence of Hg(2+) and Pb(2+). The presence of Cd(2+) decreased the binding affinities of (+)-catechin for BSA by 20.5%. The presence of Hg(2+) and Pb(2+) decreased the binding affinity of (+)-catechin for BSA by 8.9% and 26.7% in lower concentration, respectively, and increased the binding affinity of (+)-catechin for BSA by 5.2% and 9.2% in higher concentration, respectively. The changed binding affinity and binding distance of (+)-catechin for BSA in the presence of Cd(2+), Hg(2+) and Pb(2+) were mainly because of the conformational change of BSA induced by heavy metal ions. However, the quenching mechanism for (+)-catechin to BSA was based on static quenching combined with non-radiative energy transfer irrespective of the absence or presence of heavy metal ions.     

Enhanced fluorescent chemosensor for Ag+ in absolute aqueous solution and living cells: an experimental and theoretical study

Rosamine derivative RC-1, bearing macrocyclic ligand [15]aneNO(2)S(2) as receptor, was synthesized as an enhanced fluorescent chemosensor for Ag(+) in absolute aqueous solution. The fluorescence images in living cells show the potential application of RC-1. The difference of fluorescence enhancement process after binding with Ag(+)/Hg(2+) in acetonitrile/water solution was first proved by theoretical calculations.     

Synthesis and photochromism of spirobenzopyrans and spirobenzothiapyran derivatives bearing monoazathiacrown ethers and noncyclic analogues in the presence of metal ions

Spirobenzopyrans bearing monoazathiacrown ethers and noncyclic analogues were synthesized, and their ion-responsive photochromism depending on the dual metal ion interaction with the crown ether and the phenolate anion moieties was examined using alkali and alkaline-earth metal ions, Ag(+), Tl(+), Pb(2+), Hg(2+), and Zn(2+). The prepared spirobenzopyrans showed a selective binding ability to Mg(2+) and Ag(+) with negative and positive photochromism, respectively. Among the metal ions, only Ag(+) facilitated photoisomerization to the corresponding merocyanine form. Depending on the ring size of the monoazathiacrown ether moieties, soft metal ions such as Hg(2+) and Ag(+) showed significant shifts in the UV-vis absorption spectra, while hard metal ions such as Mg(2+), Zn(2+), and Pb(2+) did not afford any meaningful shift. This result reflects that the monoazathiacrown ether and phenolate anion moieties prefer soft and hard metal ions, respectively. Therefore, the Mg(2+) and Ag(+) selectivities are mainly derived from the phenolate anion and monoazathiacrown ether moieties, respectively. On the other hand, a spirobenzothiapyran bearing 3,9-dithia-6-monoazaundecane showed a remarkable selectivity to Ag(+).     

Competitive cesium-133 NMR spectroscopic study of complexation of different metal ions with dibenzo-21-crown-7 in acetonitrile-dimethylsulfoxide and nitromethane-dimethylsulfoxide mixtures

(133)Cs NMR spectroscopy was used to determine the stoichiometry and stability of the Cs(+) ion complex with dibenzo-21-crown-7 (DB21C7) in acetonitrile-dimethylsulfoxide (96.5:3.5, w/w) and nitromethane-dimethylsulfoxide (96.5:3.5, w/w) mixtures. A competitive (133)Cs NMR technique was also employed to probe the complexation of Na(+), K(+), Rb(+), Ag(+), Tl(+), NH(4)(+), Mg(2+), Ba(2+), Hg(2+), Pb(2+) and UO(2)(2+) ions with DB21C7 in the same solvent systems. All the resulting 1:1 complexes in nitromethane-dimethylsulfoxide were more stable than those in acetonitrile-dimethylsulfoxide solution. In both solvent systems, the stability of the resulting complexes was found to vary in the order Rb(+)>K(+) approximately Ba(2+)>Tl(+)>Cs(+)>NH(4)(+) approximately Pb(2+)>Ag(+)>UO(2)(2+)>Hg(2+)>Mg(2+)>Na(+).     

Dissecting the effect of anions on Hg2+ detection using a FRET based DNA probe

Many biosensors have been developed to detect Hg(2+) using thymine-rich DNA. While sensor response to various cations is often studied to demonstrate selectivity, the effect of anions has been largely overlooked. Anions may compete with DNA for metal binding and thus produce a false negative result. Anions cannot be added alone; the cation part of a salt may cause DNA compaction and other effects, obscuring the role of anions. We find that the sensitivity of a FRET-based Hg(2+) probe is independent of Na(+) concentration. Therefore, by using various sodium salts, any change in sensitivity can be attributed solely to the effect of anions. Halide salts, sulfides, and amines are strong inhibitors; anions containing oxo or hydroxyl groups (e.g. nitrate, sulfate, phosphate, carbonate, acetate, and citrate) do not interfere with Hg(2+) detection even at 100 mM concentration. Mercury hydrolysis and its diffusion into polypropylene containers can also strongly affect the detection results. We conclude that thymine-rich DNA should be useful for Hg(2+) detection in many environmental water samples.     

A squaraine-based colorimetric and "turn on" fluorescent sensor for selective detection of Hg2+ in an aqueous medium

A novel squaraine-based chemosensor SQ-1 has been synthesized, and its sensing behavior toward various metal ions was investigated by UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopies. In AcOH-H(2)O (40:60, v/v) solution, Hg(2+) ions coordinate with SQ-1 causing a deaggregation which induces a visual color and absorption spectral changes as well as strong fluorescence. In contrast, the addition of other metals (e.g., Pb(2+), Cd(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Al(3+), Ni(2+), Co(2+), Fe(3+), Ca(2+), K(+), Mg(2+), Na(+), and Ag(+)) does not induce these changes at all. Thus SQ-1 is a specific Hg(2+) sensing agent due to the inducing deaggregation of the dye molecule by Hg(2+).     

Dual-mode unsymmetrical squaraine-based sensor for selective detection of Hg2+ in aqueous media

A novel chemosensor based on unsymmetrical squaraine dye (USQ-1) for the selective detection of Hg(2+) in aqueous media is described. USQ-1 in combination with metal ions shows dual chromogenic and "turn-on" fluorogenic response selectivity toward Hg(2+) as compared to Li(+), Na(+), K(+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Ba(2+), Al(3+), Cu(2+), Cd(2+), Mn(2+), Fe(3+), Ag(+), Pb(2+), Zn(2+), Ni(2+) and Co(2+) due to the Hg(2+)-induced deaggregation of the dye molecule. A recognition mechanism based on the binding mode is proposed based on the absorption and fluorescence changes, (1)H NMR titration experiments, ESI-MS study, and theoretical calculations.