Themed collection Materials for Detection

Electrochemical detection of biomolecular analytes is a promising approach for the development of new clinical diagnostics; this feature article discusses the significant improvements that have been made in this field when nanomaterials are used to construct nucleic acids sensors.

We review recent advances and applications of functional nanomaterial-based amplification strategies in bio-detection assays. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic amplification strategies using various nanomaterials' structures and properties are summarized, and basic principles, advantages, limitations and perspectives of these amplification strategies are discussed.

This review summarizes recent progress in the development of biosensors by integrating functional DNA molecules with different types of nanomaterial, including metallic nanoparticles, semiconductor nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, and carbon nanotubes.

Over conventional microarrays in multiplex bioassays, one-dimensional barcode arrays show potential advantages as a novel assay format for genomics and proteomic research as well as rapid and sensitive diagnostics.

The utility of amphiphilic nanoassemblies in the sensing of proteins and peptides is reviewed. The article is specifically focused on fluorescence and mass spectrometry as transducers.

A piezoelectric sensor capable of measuring 1 µg mL⁻¹ of methamphetamine was successfully developed using molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as a receptor and exploring different protocols for the polymer immobilisation.

A transmission localized surface plasmon interface based on a chitosan matrix with incorporated gold nanoparticles was used for the selective removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions.

Liposome-based nanoSPINs were designed for EPR applications as pH probes. The phospholipid membrane with incorporated gramicidin A showed permeability to a small analyte, H⁺, while protecting the entrapped nitroxide from biological reductants.

This paper describes for the first time how SALDI-TOF-MS can be used to identify contact with or use of illicit drugs in latent fingermarks pre-dusted with a new dusting agent.

An effective and robust electrochemical approach for the selective detection of dopamine using a boron-doped diamond electrode is described.

We describe a simple method for the covalent attachment of proteins to unoxidized silicon surfaces and demonstrate the use of these materials for electronic detection of protein interactions.

The preparation and use of tri-functional linkers for surface complexation to both gold and silver nanoparticles is reported and demonstrates the potential of SERRS functionalised nanoparticles for multiple, simultaneous monitoring of excitation events.

A new silica–organic hybrid hydrogel was prepared to enable biomolecule encapsulation. The new hydrogel had increased mechanical strength, and biomolecules within the hydrogel also exhibited improved activity and durability.

A chemosensor system can quantitatively determine cyanide at micromolar concentrations. The sensory signals include color change and fluorescence quenching and enhancement in both the visible and near-infrared spectral regions.

A new approach based on molecularly imprinted photonic hydrogels (IPHs) was developed, by which direct, sensitive and label-free detection of cholic acid can be achieved without any derivatization treatment and expensive instruments.

A stable polyboronic ester capable of detecting both vapour- and solution-phase hydrogen peroxide at the ppb level by a turn-on fluorescence response. The highly selective detection method may be used for the detection of organic-based explosives such as TATP and HMTD.

Water-soluble fluorescent silver nanoclusters have been successfully applied to develop new fluorescent sensors for sensitive and selective detection of Cu²⁺

A novel optical chemosensor based on ZnO doped mesoporous silica films has been developed for the quantitative and qualitative determination of nitroaromatic contaminants in aqueous solutions.

Solid materials made by dissolution of calix[4]arenes and cellulose in an ionic liquid followed by casting into a membrane can be used for the reversible colorimetric detection of NO_x.

A new nanocomposite membrane for the selective detection of trace amounts (down to the ppb level) of mercury(II) ions in water was prepared by filtering nanoparticles of a fluorophoric mercury(II) detecting molecule dispersed in water through a nanopore size cellulose membrane.