In this study, a hybrid nanoassembly consisting of an upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP) core and a zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF) shell encapsulated with chiral NiSx NPs
In this study, a CuxOS@ZIF‐8 nanostructure is fabricated to quantify the levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in living cells and in vivo. Zeolitic lmidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) is chosen as an encapsulation shell to improve the selectivity of this probe. Using this unique nanostructure, ultrasensitive quantification and bioimaging of H2S in living cells are successfully achieved. The lower limit of detection is 0.8 and 5.3 nmol per 106 cells for circular dichroism and fluorescence modes, respectively. It is found that the chiral CuxOS NPs transformed into achiral CuxS NPs contribute to the ultrasensitive detection. Notably, this probe can also be carried out to detect and track H2S levels in tumor‐bearing animals. The discoveries put forward for the creation of a detection platform for quantitative tracking and analysis in clinic.
As one of the most toxic heavy metal elements, mercury ion (Hg2+) and its methylated product, methylmercury (MeHg) can pose a threat to human health and the environment. Herein, a novel Raman biosensor with cascade sensitivity is developed for Hg2+ detection through Au@gap@AuAg nanorod side‐by‐side assemblies. Due to the strong electromagnetic coupling from the assemblies and core–shell structure, the Raman sensor possesses high sensitivity with the limit of detection (LOD) of 0.001 ng mL‐1, which is about one order lower than traditional atomic fluorescence spectrometer (AFS) methods. Moreover, the fabricated biosensor is used to measure residual mercury levels in tissues and eggs of hens fed high‐mercury diets, and the results show total mercury in collected egg yolks is 20 times higher than whites. Furthermore, the form of mercury in the eggs is also analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with AFS, and, unexpectedly, the methylated product MeHg tends to only be found in egg whites. These interesting differences may indicate a new research direction for the toxicity of mercury in living organisms, and the developed ultrasensitive Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) method could pave a broad way for the application of biosensors in Hg detection.
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