Zhiyang Zhang

Highly Sensitive Visual Detection of Copper Ions Based on the Shape-Dependent LSPR Spectroscopy of Gold Nanorods

We have developed a novel approach to the rapid visual detection of Cu(2+) in natural samples based on the copper-mediated leaching of gold nanorods (GNRs). In the presence of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, which can reduce the redox potential of Au(I)/Au, the GNRs are catalytically etched by Cu(2+) preferentially along the longitudinal direction. And as a result, the localized surface plasmon resonance extinction peak shifts to short wavelength, accompanied by a color change from blue to red. The leaching mechanism has been carefully discussed in a series of control experiments. Under optimal conditions, this sensor exhibits good sensitivity (LOD = 0.5 nM). Most importantly, the approach is highlighted by its high selectivity for and tolerance of interference, which enables the sensor to detect Cu(2+) directly in a complex matrix, especially in seawater. Moreover, such a nanoparticle-based sensor is also successfully applied to test paper for the visual detection of Cu(2+).

Iodine-Mediated Etching of Gold Nanorods for Plasmonic ELISA Based on Colorimetric Detection of Alkaline Phosphatase

Here, we propose a plasmonic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on highly sensitive colorimetric detection of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), which is achieved by iodine-mediated etching of gold nanorods (AuNRs). Once the sandwich-type immunocomplex is formed, the ALP bound on the polystyrene microwells will hydrolyze ascorbic acid 2-phosphate into ascorbic acid. Subsequently, iodate is reduced to iodine, a moderate oxidant, which etches AuNRs from rod to sphere in shape. The shape change of AuNRs leads to a blue-shift of longitudinal localized surface plasmon resonance. As a result, the solution of AuNRs changes from blue to red. Benefiting from the highly sensitive detection of ALP, the proposed plasmonic ELISA has achieved an ultralow detection limit (100 pg/mL) for human immunoglobulin G (IgG). Importantly, the visual detection limit (3.0 ng/mL) allows the rapid differential diagnosis with the naked eye. The further detection of human IgG in fetal bovine serum indicates its applicability to the determination of low abundance protein in complex biological samples.

On-Site Visual Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide in Air Based on Enhancing the Stability of Gold Nanoparticles

We have described a simple and low-cost visual method for on-site detection of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in air based on the antiaggregation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The bubbling of H2S into a weak alkaline buffer solution leads to the formation of HS-, which can stabilize the AuNPs and ensure the AuNPs maintain their red color even in a Tris buffer solution containing 80 mM NaCl with the presence of Tween 80. The stabilization of the AuNPs is attributed to the adsorption of negatively charged S2- on the AuNPs surface. In contrast, without the bubbling of H2S, AuNPs aggregate and change color from red to blue. Under optimal conditions, the proposed method exhibits excellent visual sensitivity with a naked-eye detectable limit of 0.5 ppm (v/v), making the on-site detection of H2S possible. This method also possesses good selectivity toward H2S over other gases by using a simple SO2 removal device. The successful determination of the concentrations of H2S in local air indicates the potential application of this cost-effective method.

Fluorescent sensing of mercury(II) based on formation of catalytic gold nanoparticles

A fluorescence assay for the highly sensitive and selective detection of Hg(2+) using a gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-based probe was proposed. The assay was based on the formation of Hg-Au alloys, which accelerated the oxidization of o-phenylenediamine by dissolved oxygen to produce 2,3-diaminophenazine, a fluorescent product.

Highly sensitive on-site detection of glucose in human urine with naked eye based on enzymatic-like reaction mediated etching of gold nanorods

Based on enzymatic-like reaction mediated etching of gold nanorods (GNRs), an ultrasensitive visual method was developed for on-site detection of urine glucose. With the catalysis of MoO42-, GNRs were efficiently etched by H2O2 which was generated by glucose-glucose oxidase enzymatic reaction. The etching of GNRs lead to a blue-shift of logitudinal localized surface plasmon resonance of GNRs, accompanied by an obvious color change from blue to red. The peak-shift and the color change can be used for detection of glucose by the spectrophotometer and the naked eyes. Under optimal condition, an excellent sensitivity toward glucose is obtained with a detection limit of 0.1μM and a visual detection limit of 3μM in buffer solution. Benefiting from the high sensitivity, the successful colorimetric detection of glucose in original urine samples was achieved, which indicates the practical applicability to the on-site determination of urine glucose.

Ultrasensitive Visual Sensing of Molybdate Based on Enzymatic-like Etching of Gold Nanorods

Here, we have developed a novel approach to the visual detection of molybdate with high sensitivity and selectivity in aqueous media based on the combination of catalytic formation of iodine and iodine-mediated etching of gold nanorods. In weak acid solution, like peroxidase, molybdate can catalyze the reaction between H2O2 and I(-) to produce I2, a moderate oxidant, which then etches gold nanorods preferentially along the longitudinal direction in the presence of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide. The etching results in the longitudinal localized surface plasmon resonance extinction peak shifts to short wavelength, accompanied by a color change from blue to red. Under optimal conditions, this sensor exhibits good sensitivity with a detection limit of 1.0 nM. The approach is highlighted by its high selectivity and tolerance to interference, which enables the sensor to detect molybdate directly in real samples, such as tap water, drinking water, and seawater. In addition, perhaps the proposed sensing strategy can be also used for other targets that can selectively regulate the formation of I2 under given conditions.

A highly sensitive colorimetric metalloimmunoassay based on copper-mediated etching of gold nanorods.

A highly sensitive colorimetric metalloimmunoassay with a detection limit of 0.15 ng ml(-1) for human IgG based on copper-mediated etching of gold nanorods was proposed. The assay is more sensitive than traditional ELISA, electrochemical metalloimmunoassay and HRP mimic nanomaterial tag-based immunoassay.