Sameh El Sayed

Chromogenic Detection of Aqueous Formaldehyde Using Functionalized Silica Nanoparticles

Silica nanoparticles functionalized with thiol reactive units and bulky polar polyamines were used for the selective colorimetric detection of formaldehyde. The reaction of thiols groups in the nanoparticles surface with a squaraine dye resulted in loss of the π-conjugation of the chromophores, and the subsequent bleaching of the solution. However, when formaldehyde was present in the suspension, the thiol-squaraine reaction was inhibited and a chromogenic response was observed. A selective response to formaldehyde was observed only when the thiol and polyamine groups were anchored to the silica surface. The observed selective response was ascribed to the fact that bulky polyamines generate a highly polar environment around thiols, which were only able to react with the small and polar formaldehyde, but not with other aldehydes. The sensing nanoparticles showed a limit of detection (LOD) for formaldehyde of 36 ppb in water.

Hexametaphosphate‐Capped Silica Mesoporous Nanoparticles Containing CuII Complexes for the Selective and Sensitive Optical Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide in Water

Cu(II) -macrocycle functionalized hexametaphosphate-capped silica mesoporous nanoparticles have been prepared and used for the selective and sensitive detection of hydrogen sulfide in aqueous environments. The possibility of using different metal complexes combined with different capping anions and choice of different dyes or other sensing molecules as indicators makes this new protocol highly appealing for the preparation of new sensing systems for sulfide detection in different environments.

A Chromogenic Probe for the Selective Recognition of Sarin and Soman Mimic DFP

The synthesis, characterization and sensing features of a novel probe 1 for the selective chromogenic recognition of diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP), a sarin and soman mimic, in 99:1 (v/v) water/acetonitrile and in the gas phase is reported. Colour modulation is based on the combined reaction of phosphorylation of 1 and fluoride-induced hydrolysis of a silyl ether moiety. As fluoride is a specific reaction product of the reaction between DFP and the −OH group, the probe shows a selective colour modulation in the presence of this chemical. Other nerve agent simulants, certain anions, oxidant species and other organophosphorous compounds were unable to induce colour changes in 1. This is one of the very few examples of a selective detection, in solution and in the gas phase, of a sarin and soman simulant versus other reactive derivatives such as the tabun mimic diethylcyanophosphate (DCNP).

A new fluorescent "turn-on" chemodosimeter for the detection of hydrogen sulfide in water and living cells

A new fluorescent turn-on probe for the selective detection of hydrogen sulfide in water and living cells based on a 8-hydroxyquinoline fluorophore functionalized with a 2,6-dinitrophenyl ether moiety has been developed.

Capped Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for the Selective and Sensitive Detection of Cyanide

The development of easy and affordable methods for the detection of cyanide is of great significance due to the high toxicity of this anion and the potential risks associated with its pollution. Herein, optical detection of cyanide in water has been achieved by using a hybrid organic-inorganic nanomaterial. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles were loaded with [Ru(bipy)3 ]2+ , functionalized with macrocyclic nickel(II) complex subunits, and capped with a sterically hindering anion (hexametaphosphate). Cyanide selectively induces demetallation of nickel(II) complexes and the removal of capping anions from the silica surface, allowing the release of the dye and the consequent increase in fluorescence intensity. The response of the capped nanoparticles in aqueous solution is highly selective and sensitive towards cyanide with a limit of detection of 2 μm.

Selective chromo-fluorogenic detection of trivalent cations in aqueous environments using a dehydration reaction

Trivalent cations (Al3+, Fe3+, Cr3+, As3+, In3+ and Ga3+) induced a dehydration reaction of a chemodosimeter in water that is coupled with colour and emission changes.

Anions as Triggers in Controlled Release Protocols from Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Functionalized with Macrocyclic Copper(II) Complexes

Three different mesoporous silica nano-sized materials (SC1, SC2, and SC3), loaded with [Ru(bipy)3 ]2+ dye (bipy=bipyridine) and functionalized on the external surface with three macrocyclic copper(II) complexes (C1, C2, and C3), were synthesized and characterized. When SC1, SC2, and SC3 were suspended in water, the entrapped [Ru(bipy)3 ]2+ dye was free to diffuse from the inner pores to the solution. However, addition of anions induced certain degrees of pore blockage, with subsequent dye release inhibition. Small monovalent and divalent anions were unable to induce complete pore blockage, whereas bulky and highly charged anions induced marked reductions in [Ru(bipy)3 ]2+ delivery. The best [Ru(bipy)3 ]2+ delivery inhibitors were ATP and hexametaphosphate anions. Inhibition was ascribed to the interaction of the anions with the grafted CuII complexes on the surface of the SC1, SC2, and SC3 supports. The hexametaphosphate anion was selected to prepare two capped materials (SC1-mPh and SC3-mPh). Studies of the [Ru(bipy)3 ]2+ dye release from solids SC1-mPh and SC3-mPh alone and in the presence of a collection of selected anions (HS- , F- , Br- , Cl- , I- , CN- , HPO42- , AcO- , citrate, NO32- , HCO3- , SO42- , and S2 O82- ), amino acids (alanine and histidine), thiol-containing biomolecules (cysteine, methylcysteine, homocysteine, and glutathione (GSH)), and oxidants (H2 O2 ) were performed. None of the chemicals tested, except hydrogen sulphide, was able to induce remarkable cargo delivery in both solids. The observed dye release was ascribed to a demetalation reaction of the C1 and C3 complexes induced by the hydrogen sulphide anion.

Chromogenic and Fluorogenic Probes for the Detection of Illicit Drugs

Abstract The consumption of illicit drugs has increased exponentially in recent years and has become a problem that worries both governments and international institutions. The rapid emergence of new compounds, their easy access, the low levels at which these substances are able to produce an effect, and their short time of permanence in the organism make it necessary to develop highly rapid, easy, sensitive, and selective methods for their detection. Currently, the most widely used methods for drug detection are based on techniques that require large measurement times, the use of sophisticated equipment, and qualified personnel. Chromo‐ and fluorogenic methods are an alternative to those classical procedures.

Acetylcholinesterase‐capped Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Controlled by the Presence of Inhibitors

Two different acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-capped mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), S1-AChE and S2-AChE, were prepared and characterized. MSNs were loaded with rhodamine B and the external surface was functionalized with either pyridostigmine derivative P1 (to yield solid S1) or neostigmine derivative P2 (to obtain S2). The final capped materials were obtained by coordinating grafted P1 or P2 with AChEs active sites (to give S1-AChE and S2-AChE, respectively). Both materials were able to release rhodamine B in the presence of diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) or neostigmine in a concentration-dependent manner via the competitive displacement of AChE through DFP and neostigmine coordination with the AChEs active sites. The responses of S1-AChE and S2-AChE were also tested with other enzyme inhibitors and substrates. These studies suggest that S1-AChE nanoparticles can be used for the selective detection of nerve agent simulant DFP and paraoxon.