Ractopamine (RAC) and clenbuterol (CL) are β-agonists and mainly used in animal husbandry to increase lean meat ratio. As their residual may cause serious food safety issues, some regions have explicitly prohibited them in food animals. In this work, Fe-doped Au nanoparticles (Au(Fe) NPs) were supported on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) nano-thread ends (PEDOT NTEs) via the one-pot interfacial polymerization. An electrochemical sensing platform has been successfully fabricated for RAC and CL with limit of detection (LOD) as 0.86 μM and 0.08 μM, and linear ranges as 3–60 μM and 0.5–120 μM, respectively. The satisfactory sensing results from the dual synergy of Fe dopants and electron-rich PEDOT, in which Fe regulates the D-band electrons of Au through charge transfer. This mechanism was confirmed by density functional theory (DFT). This work may supply theoretical support for the application of rapid and on-site detection of RAC and CL in pork and other animal-derived food.
{"title":"Fabrication of an electrochemical sensing platform based on Au(Fe)/PEDOT nanocomposite for simultaneous detection of ractopamine and clenbuterol in pork","authors":"Mingqiu Bao , Yuchuan Zhu , Yakai Hao , Huijin Chen , Ruoxi Yang , Ruirui Yue , Xuemin Duan , Jingkun Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.microc.2026.117379","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microc.2026.117379","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ractopamine (RAC) and clenbuterol (CL) are β-agonists and mainly used in animal husbandry to increase lean meat ratio. As their residual may cause serious food safety issues, some regions have explicitly prohibited them in food animals. In this work, Fe-doped Au nanoparticles (Au(Fe) NPs) were supported on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) nano-thread ends (PEDOT NTEs) via the one-pot interfacial polymerization. An electrochemical sensing platform has been successfully fabricated for RAC and CL with limit of detection (LOD) as 0.86 μM and 0.08 μM, and linear ranges as 3–60 μM and 0.5–120 μM, respectively. The satisfactory sensing results from the dual synergy of Fe dopants and electron-rich PEDOT, in which Fe regulates the D-band electrons of Au through charge transfer. This mechanism was confirmed by density functional theory (DFT). This work may supply theoretical support for the application of rapid and on-site detection of RAC and CL in pork and other animal-derived food.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":391,"journal":{"name":"Microchemical Journal","volume":"223 ","pages":"Article 117379"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147386245","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-07DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2026.117119
Ying Zhao , Jie Lei , Yaoyu Chen , Wenyan Tang , Chunyan Pang , Xinyu Zhang , Qian Li , Cheng Liu , Shaocheng Chen
A green and efficient extraction technique was innovatively developed in this study, utilizing ternary deep eutectic solvent combined with in-situ ultrasonic synergistic extraction to extract total flavonoids from Pueraria lobata, aiming to address the drawbacks of traditional extraction methods. After systematic screening of 20 eutectic solvent systems, choline bitartrate: Lactic acid: Glycerol was recognized as the optimal solvent. A set of optimal parameters was acquired through the integrated response surface methodology-artificial neural network-genetic algorithm framework, which comprised the following conditions: 37% water content, 11 min vortex time, a liquid/solid ratio of 66:1 mL/g, 30 min ultrasonic duration, and 240 W ultrasonic power. The optimized extraction efficiency was 223.79 ± 1.89 mg/g. chemical composition identification of P.lobata through ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry resulted in the clear identification of 15 compounds, including 14 flavonoids. Structural evidence for the successful preparation of the novel ternary deep eutectic solvent was provided by FT-IR spectroscopic analysis, while the underlying extraction mechanism was elucidated through scanning electron microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. Furthermore, the TF extract demonstrated considerable antioxidant capacity across three independent assays, indicating its promising potential for development into functional health products. To summarize, a novel extraction method was developed in this study, which could be employed for extracting bioactive flavonoids from P. lobata. This work offered a theoretical foundation for advancing green chemistry and further developing traditional Chinese medicines with food-medicine dual properties
{"title":"Novel solvents combined with two-step extraction of total flavonoids from Pueraria lobata: In-depth optimization, mechanistic investigation and antioxidant activities","authors":"Ying Zhao , Jie Lei , Yaoyu Chen , Wenyan Tang , Chunyan Pang , Xinyu Zhang , Qian Li , Cheng Liu , Shaocheng Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.microc.2026.117119","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microc.2026.117119","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A green and efficient extraction technique was innovatively developed in this study, utilizing ternary deep eutectic solvent combined with in-situ ultrasonic synergistic extraction to extract total flavonoids from <em>Pueraria lobata</em>, aiming to address the drawbacks of traditional extraction methods. After systematic screening of 20 eutectic solvent systems, choline bitartrate: Lactic acid: Glycerol was recognized as the optimal solvent. A set of optimal parameters was acquired through the integrated response surface methodology-artificial neural network-genetic algorithm framework, which comprised the following conditions: 37% water content, 11 min vortex time, a liquid/solid ratio of 66:1 mL/g, 30 min ultrasonic duration, and 240 W ultrasonic power. The optimized extraction efficiency was 223.79 ± 1.89 mg/g. chemical composition identification of <em>P.lobata</em> through ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry resulted in the clear identification of 15 compounds, including 14 flavonoids. Structural evidence for the successful preparation of the novel ternary deep eutectic solvent was provided by FT-IR spectroscopic analysis, while the underlying extraction mechanism was elucidated through scanning electron microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. Furthermore, the TF extract demonstrated considerable antioxidant capacity across three independent assays, indicating its promising potential for development into functional health products. To summarize, a novel extraction method was developed in this study, which could be employed for extracting bioactive flavonoids from <em>P. lobata</em>. This work offered a theoretical foundation for advancing green chemistry and further developing traditional Chinese medicines with food-medicine dual properties</div></div>","PeriodicalId":391,"journal":{"name":"Microchemical Journal","volume":"223 ","pages":"Article 117119"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146172578","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-12DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2026.117303
Rui Yang , Xinmei Li , Liming Jia , Zhiqi Yan
The detection of NH3 is of great significance for the safety of the chemical industry, environmental quality, and human health. Traditional MOS sensors are limited by their high operating temperature and low selectivity toward NH3. To address these challenges, this work achieves high-performance room-temperature NH3 detection by developing novel high-entropy oxide (HEO) sensing materials with excellent properties. Combining the unique advantages of nanofibers and HEOs, such as high catalytic activity, three types of HEO nanofibers with different crystal structures: (ZnCuCoAlCr)3O4, (ZnCuCoNiSn)O, and ZnCoCuNiCeO3 were successfully prepared via composite processes including electrospinning and high-temperature calcination. Systematic structural characterization and gas-sensing performance testing were conducted, and the response values of the three HEOs (with different structures) to 50 ppm NH3 were found to be 524.9%, 1227.8%, and 1071.2%, respectively. Among them, the rock-salt structured HEO exhibits outstanding gas-sensing properties and demonstrates rapid tres and trec (<10 s). Furthermore, DFT calculations indicate that rock salt HEO exhibits the strongest adsorption energy (−2.25 eV) and most pronounced charge transfer toward NH3, which theoretically explains its excellent gas-sensing performance. This study confirms that HEO can serve as a highly promising room-temperature NH3 sensing material, providing novel design insights for developing next-generation high-performance, low-energy-consumption gas sensors.
{"title":"Design of high-entropy oxide crystal structures for rapid NH3 sensing at room temperature: DFT-assisted verification of gas-sensitivity mechanisms","authors":"Rui Yang , Xinmei Li , Liming Jia , Zhiqi Yan","doi":"10.1016/j.microc.2026.117303","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microc.2026.117303","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The detection of NH<sub>3</sub> is of great significance for the safety of the chemical industry, environmental quality, and human health. Traditional MOS sensors are limited by their high operating temperature and low selectivity toward NH<sub>3</sub>. To address these challenges, this work achieves high-performance room-temperature NH<sub>3</sub> detection by developing novel high-entropy oxide (HEO) sensing materials with excellent properties. Combining the unique advantages of nanofibers and HEOs, such as high catalytic activity, three types of HEO nanofibers with different crystal structures: (ZnCuCoAlCr)<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>, (ZnCuCoNiSn)O, and ZnCoCuNiCeO<sub>3</sub> were successfully prepared via composite processes including electrospinning and high-temperature calcination. Systematic structural characterization and gas-sensing performance testing were conducted, and the response values of the three HEOs (with different structures) to 50 ppm NH<sub>3</sub> were found to be 524.9%, 1227.8%, and 1071.2%, respectively. Among them, the rock-salt structured HEO exhibits outstanding gas-sensing properties and demonstrates rapid tres and trec (<10 s). Furthermore, DFT calculations indicate that rock salt HEO exhibits the strongest adsorption energy (−2.25 eV) and most pronounced charge transfer toward NH<sub>3</sub>, which theoretically explains its excellent gas-sensing performance. This study confirms that HEO can serve as a highly promising room-temperature NH<sub>3</sub> sensing material, providing novel design insights for developing next-generation high-performance, low-energy-consumption gas sensors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":391,"journal":{"name":"Microchemical Journal","volume":"223 ","pages":"Article 117303"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146172581","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-10DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2026.117326
Sameera Sh. Mohammed Ameen , Faisal K. Algethami , Khalid M. Omer
A triple-emission probe based on a single fluorophore entity (one-emitter design) provides inherent self-calibration, simplified synthesis, and enhanced reliability, overcoming limitations associated with dual-emitter and three-emitter designs. Additionally, precise color tonality discrimination is essential in visual-based chemical analysis, as it enables subtle yet distinguishable color changes to be reliably correlated with analyte concentration, thereby enhancing sensitivity, selectivity, and practical applicability without the need for sophisticated instrumentation. Herein, we report a single-excitation triple-emission fluorescence probe for tetracycline (TC) detection, based on a novel Zn(II)/Eu(III) bimetallic bi-ligand metal–organic framework (BiL-Zn/Eu-MOF). This dual-emissive MOF intrinsically produces blue (due to coordination-induced emission (CIE) from the ligand) and red fluorescence (due to sensitized dual-antenna effect from ligand to the Eu3+ nodes) under a single excitation wavelength. In the presence of TC, these blue and red emissions are simultaneously quenched, and a new green emission at 520 nm appears, yielding a distinctive triple blue–green–red tricolor fluorescence response. This multicolor response enables a ratiometric sensing strategy: the intensity ratios among the three emission peaks (blue-green-red) vary with TC concentration. The dual quenching–enhancement behavior is attributed to two concurrent processes: coordination/aggregation-induced emission (CAIE) triggered by TC binding, which intensifies the green fluorescence, and the inner filter effect (IFE) arising from TC's strong absorption, which suppresses the MOF's intrinsic blue and red emissions. Leveraging this triple-emission probe, we integrated it into both conventional fluorometric detection and smartphone-assisted visual sensing platforms, in solution and on paper substrates. Smartphone-assisted visual detection yields a limit of detection of ∼8.1 μM for TC and a linear response range from 0 to 1100 μM. Real-sample analyses (milk, water and pharmaceutical formulations) gave recoveries of 98.3–101.3%. This work demonstrates a high-performance single-MOF tricolor fluorescence sensor with practical ratiometric and visual-mode detection of antibiotics.
{"title":"Triple-emission output for improved color tonality discrimination via a dual-emissive Zn(II)/Eu(III) bi-ligand MOF probe toward ultrasensitive detection of tetracycline in diverse matrices","authors":"Sameera Sh. Mohammed Ameen , Faisal K. Algethami , Khalid M. Omer","doi":"10.1016/j.microc.2026.117326","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microc.2026.117326","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A triple-emission probe based on a single fluorophore entity (one-emitter design) provides inherent self-calibration, simplified synthesis, and enhanced reliability, overcoming limitations associated with dual-emitter and three-emitter designs. Additionally, precise color tonality discrimination is essential in visual-based chemical analysis, as it enables subtle yet distinguishable color changes to be reliably correlated with analyte concentration, thereby enhancing sensitivity, selectivity, and practical applicability without the need for sophisticated instrumentation. Herein, we report a single-excitation triple-emission fluorescence probe for tetracycline (TC) detection, based on a novel Zn(II)/Eu(III) bimetallic bi-ligand metal–organic framework (BiL-Zn/Eu-MOF). This dual-emissive MOF intrinsically produces blue (due to coordination-induced emission (CIE) from the ligand) and red fluorescence (due to sensitized dual-antenna effect from ligand to the Eu<sup>3+</sup> nodes) under a single excitation wavelength. In the presence of TC, these blue and red emissions are simultaneously quenched, and a new green emission at 520 nm appears, yielding a distinctive triple blue–green–red tricolor fluorescence response. This multicolor response enables a ratiometric sensing strategy: the intensity ratios among the three emission peaks (blue-green-red) vary with TC concentration. The dual quenching–enhancement behavior is attributed to two concurrent processes: coordination/aggregation-induced emission (CAIE) triggered by TC binding, which intensifies the green fluorescence, and the inner filter effect (IFE) arising from TC's strong absorption, which suppresses the MOF's intrinsic blue and red emissions. Leveraging this triple-emission probe, we integrated it into both conventional fluorometric detection and smartphone-assisted visual sensing platforms, in solution and on paper substrates. Smartphone-assisted visual detection yields a limit of detection of ∼8.1 μM for TC and a linear response range from 0 to 1100 μM. Real-sample analyses (milk, water and pharmaceutical formulations) gave recoveries of 98.3–101.3%. This work demonstrates a high-performance single-MOF tricolor fluorescence sensor with practical ratiometric and visual-mode detection of antibiotics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":391,"journal":{"name":"Microchemical Journal","volume":"223 ","pages":"Article 117326"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146172981","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-10DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2026.117337
Shang-Chi Chien , Mei-Jyun Lin , Mei-Yu Chang , Yong-Chuan Chen , Chia-Hsuan Chang , Li-Chun Wang , Jung-Chih Chen
Early and accurate detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and post-stroke dementia (PSD) is challenging due to the lack of rapid, multiplexed assays for key plasma biomarkers. Both conditions share pathological features such as neuroinflammation and tauopathy. Here, we report a dual-biomarker electrochemical immunosensor capable of simultaneously detecting glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and phosphorylated tau at threonine-181 (pTau181) using only 5 μL of human plasma within 30 min. The platform employs screen-printed carbon dual electrodes modified with gold nanoparticles and dithiobis(succinimidyl propionate) for efficient antibody immobilization and enhanced amperometric sensitivity. Detection limits reached 9.95 pg/mL for GFAP (linear range: 100–1000 pg/mL) and 0.044 pg/mL for pTau181 (log-linear range: 0.1–1 pg/mL). Clinical testing on plasma from 54 stroke patients with suspected cognitive impairment and 20 healthy controls showed strong negative correlations with Mini-Mental State Examination scores (GFAP: rs = −0.742; pTau181: rs = −0.711; p < 0.001) and a positive correlation between biomarkers (rs = 0.788). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed superior diagnostic accuracy when combining both markers (AUC = 0.93) compared to single biomarkers (GFAP: 0.80; pTau181: 0.85). This rapid, cost-effective, and sensitive multiplexed sensor outperforms ELISA in terms of speed and sample efficiency. Unlike the traditional MMSE, it can effectively quantify AD progression, making it a promising tool for early screening, clinical monitoring, and large-scale studies in resource-limited settings. Registry: Institutional Review Board of Taichung Veterans General Hospital, TRN: CE24229C, Registration date: 1 July 2024.
{"title":"A dual-biomarker electrochemical immunosensor for plasma GFAP and pTau181 detection: Toward rapid and multiplexed screening of cognitive decline in stroke patients","authors":"Shang-Chi Chien , Mei-Jyun Lin , Mei-Yu Chang , Yong-Chuan Chen , Chia-Hsuan Chang , Li-Chun Wang , Jung-Chih Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.microc.2026.117337","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microc.2026.117337","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Early and accurate detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and post-stroke dementia (PSD) is challenging due to the lack of rapid, multiplexed assays for key plasma biomarkers. Both conditions share pathological features such as neuroinflammation and tauopathy. Here, we report a dual-biomarker electrochemical immunosensor capable of simultaneously detecting glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and phosphorylated tau at threonine-181 (pTau181) using only 5 μL of human plasma within 30 min. The platform employs screen-printed carbon dual electrodes modified with gold nanoparticles and dithiobis(succinimidyl propionate) for efficient antibody immobilization and enhanced amperometric sensitivity. Detection limits reached 9.95 pg/mL for GFAP (linear range: 100–1000 pg/mL) and 0.044 pg/mL for pTau181 (log-linear range: 0.1–1 pg/mL). Clinical testing on plasma from 54 stroke patients with suspected cognitive impairment and 20 healthy controls showed strong negative correlations with Mini-Mental State Examination scores (GFAP: rs = −0.742; pTau181: rs = −0.711; <em>p</em> < 0.001) and a positive correlation between biomarkers (rs = 0.788). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed superior diagnostic accuracy when combining both markers (AUC = 0.93) compared to single biomarkers (GFAP: 0.80; pTau181: 0.85). This rapid, cost-effective, and sensitive multiplexed sensor outperforms ELISA in terms of speed and sample efficiency. Unlike the traditional MMSE, it can effectively quantify AD progression, making it a promising tool for early screening, clinical monitoring, and large-scale studies in resource-limited settings. Registry: Institutional Review Board of Taichung Veterans General Hospital, TRN: CE24229C, Registration date: 1 July 2024.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":391,"journal":{"name":"Microchemical Journal","volume":"223 ","pages":"Article 117337"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146172985","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-10DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2026.117325
Sameera Sh. Mohammed Ameen , Faisal K. Algethami , Khalid M. Omer
Dual-state emitters (DSEs) possess the unique ability to fluoresce in both solution and solid environments, expanding their applicability across multiple technological domains. Among sensing materials, intrinsically luminescent metal–organic frameworks (LMOFs) stand out for their customizable optical characteristics, superior stability, affordability, and highly adaptable structural framework. Within this category, DSE-type MOFs represent a particularly appealing subclass, as they inherently exhibit luminescence without requiring external fluorophore encapsulation, additional functionalization, or the incorporation of luminescent linkers. Herein, we report a facile and portable sensing strategy for ferric ions (Fe3+) to address pressing challenges in environmental monitoring, food security, industrial control, and biomedical diagnostics. This study addresses this imperative by introducing a novel fluorescent zinc-based metal-organic framework (Zn-MOF) as a highly effective sensing assay for on-site quantification and visual identification of Fe3+. The synthesized Zn-MOF, characterized by a well-defined rod-like morphology, demonstrates intense and stable blue luminescence in both solid and aqueous phases.
The hybrid quenching mechanism was proposed from the synergistic interplay between specific chemical interactions, such as static complexation and the bulk Inner Filter Effect, collectively accounting for the high selectivity and sensitivity toward Fe3+ ions. To bridge the gap between laboratory analysis and field deployment, a sophisticated dual-mode detection methodology was engineered, encompassing standard fluorometric techniques and an instrument-free, smartphone-based colorimetric assay. This innovative approach enables precise quantification by correlating Fe3+ concentration with the blue channel intensity captured by a smartphone camera, yielding a linear dynamic range from 0 to 155.0 μM and an exceptionally low limit of detection (0.033 μM). The probe's exceptional practicality and reliability were unequivocally validated through the successful analysis of spiked food samples, spinach (vegetable), soybeans (seeds), and Dill (herb), underscoring its significant potential as a robust, rapid, and field-portable tool for ferric ion monitoring.
{"title":"Rod-shaped zinc-based metal–organic frameworks with dual-state emission for dual-state detection of ferric ions: Sensitive point-of-care testing in food samples","authors":"Sameera Sh. Mohammed Ameen , Faisal K. Algethami , Khalid M. Omer","doi":"10.1016/j.microc.2026.117325","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microc.2026.117325","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dual-state emitters (DSEs) possess the unique ability to fluoresce in both solution and solid environments, expanding their applicability across multiple technological domains. Among sensing materials, intrinsically luminescent metal–organic frameworks (LMOFs) stand out for their customizable optical characteristics, superior stability, affordability, and highly adaptable structural framework. Within this category, DSE-type MOFs represent a particularly appealing subclass, as they inherently exhibit luminescence without requiring external fluorophore encapsulation, additional functionalization, or the incorporation of luminescent linkers. Herein, we report a facile and portable sensing strategy for ferric ions (Fe<sup>3+</sup>) to address pressing challenges in environmental monitoring, food security, industrial control, and biomedical diagnostics. This study addresses this imperative by introducing a novel fluorescent zinc-based metal-organic framework (Zn-MOF) as a highly effective sensing assay for on-site quantification and visual identification of Fe<sup>3+</sup>. The synthesized Zn-MOF, characterized by a well-defined rod-like morphology, demonstrates intense and stable blue luminescence in both solid and aqueous phases.</div><div>The hybrid quenching mechanism was proposed from the synergistic interplay between specific chemical interactions, such as static complexation and the bulk Inner Filter Effect, collectively accounting for the high selectivity and sensitivity toward Fe<sup>3+</sup> ions. To bridge the gap between laboratory analysis and field deployment, a sophisticated dual-mode detection methodology was engineered, encompassing standard fluorometric techniques and an instrument-free, smartphone-based colorimetric assay. This innovative approach enables precise quantification by correlating Fe<sup>3+</sup> concentration with the blue channel intensity captured by a smartphone camera, yielding a linear dynamic range from 0 to 155.0 μM and an exceptionally low limit of detection (0.033 μM). The probe's exceptional practicality and reliability were unequivocally validated through the successful analysis of spiked food samples, spinach (vegetable), soybeans (seeds), and Dill (herb), underscoring its significant potential as a robust, rapid, and field-portable tool for ferric ion monitoring.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":391,"journal":{"name":"Microchemical Journal","volume":"223 ","pages":"Article 117325"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173064","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-14DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2026.117378
Haoran Zhang , Guoqiang Fang , Siqingaowa Han , Jingkun Yuan , Bing Zhang , Wenhao Li , Jiheng Zhang , Wuliji Hasi
This study developed a self-floating, self-water-supplying cellulose-based surface-enhanced Raman scattering sensing platform with excellent recyclability (FWCSERS). The platform utilized gold-core@silver-shell nanocubes (Au@Ag NCs) as the active substrate, which were modified onto a hydrophilic cellulose filter membrane and fixed on a polystyrene foam float. By leveraging the capillary force of the cellulose membrane to spontaneously transport the test solution to the detection area, real-time analysis was achieved without external pumping. Using crystal violet as a model molecule, the platform's performance was validated, demonstrating a detection limit (LOD) as low as 10−9 M, good stability, and an analytical enhancement factor (AEF) of 2.22 × 105. The platform also enabled quantitative detection of thiram and rhodamine B over a wide concentration range (10−9 M to 10−5 M). It exhibited excellent applicability in practical samples, including lake water, bean sprout extract, and chili powder solution. Furthermore, the substrate could be regenerated for reuse via immersion in pure water after detection. This work provides an efficient and low-cost on-site detection solution for monitoring food and environmental pollutants.
{"title":"Self-floating, self-water-supplying, recyclable cellulose SERS platform with Au@Ag nanocubes for food contaminant detection","authors":"Haoran Zhang , Guoqiang Fang , Siqingaowa Han , Jingkun Yuan , Bing Zhang , Wenhao Li , Jiheng Zhang , Wuliji Hasi","doi":"10.1016/j.microc.2026.117378","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microc.2026.117378","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study developed a self-floating, self-water-supplying cellulose-based surface-enhanced Raman scattering sensing platform with excellent recyclability (FWCSERS). The platform utilized gold-core@silver-shell nanocubes (Au@Ag NCs) as the active substrate, which were modified onto a hydrophilic cellulose filter membrane and fixed on a polystyrene foam float. By leveraging the capillary force of the cellulose membrane to spontaneously transport the test solution to the detection area, real-time analysis was achieved without external pumping. Using crystal violet as a model molecule, the platform's performance was validated, demonstrating a detection limit (LOD) as low as 10<sup>−9</sup> M, good stability, and an analytical enhancement factor (AEF) of 2.22 × 10<sup>5</sup>. The platform also enabled quantitative detection of thiram and rhodamine B over a wide concentration range (10<sup>−9</sup> M to 10<sup>−5</sup> M). It exhibited excellent applicability in practical samples, including lake water, bean sprout extract, and chili powder solution. Furthermore, the substrate could be regenerated for reuse via immersion in pure water after detection. This work provides an efficient and low-cost on-site detection solution for monitoring food and environmental pollutants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":391,"journal":{"name":"Microchemical Journal","volume":"223 ","pages":"Article 117378"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147386236","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-10DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2026.117316
Kavanya Srinivasan , Narmatha Ganesan , Elizabeth Antony , Prince Makarious Paul , Abiram Angamuthu , Jan Grzegorz Małecki , Raju Nandhakumar
<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Silver is a transition metal ion with unique physiochemical properties, making it more suitable for rapid detection in biological and environmental sectors. In forensic science, development of latent fingerprints using cost- effective silver-based compounds is minimal. However, there is still a lack of sensitive, rapid, and robust fluorescent probes that can detect trace level Ag<sup>+</sup> ion present in complex matrices. To address the raising concern, the development of symmetric xylylene sensors offers rapid detection Ag<sup>+</sup> ions in complex matrices such as food, cosmetics and soil. It also shows immaculate application in the field of forensic for the development of Latent fingerprint.</div></div><div><h3>Result</h3><div>Three symmetric dipodal fluorescent probes based on acetophenone scaffolds, <strong>OHP, MHP,</strong> and <strong>PHP</strong> were rationally designed, synthesized and characterized through <sup>1</sup>H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), <sup>13</sup>C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Infrared (IR), and mass spectrometry. The probes were found to selectively and sensitively detect Ag<sup>+</sup> and S₂O₃<sup>2−</sup> ions in a MeOH–H₂O mixture (50 mM HEPES buffer, pH 7.4). Fluorescence experiments revealed that the detection process involves the restriction of rotation of benzylic moieties, inhibition of photoinduced electron transfer (PET), and hypsochromic shifts accompanied with fluorescence enhancement by internal charge transfer (ICT). Job plot analysis supported a 1:1 binding stoichiometry between probes and Ag<sup>+</sup> ions. The detection limits (LOD) of <strong>OHP, MHP,</strong> and <strong>PHP</strong> were found to be 0.68 nM, 0.35 nM, and 0.42 nM, respectively, and their respective limits of quantification (LOQ) were found to be 22.68 nM, 11.79 nM, and 15.76 nM. In addition, density functional theory (DFT) calculations also justified the sensing behavior of these compounds towards Ag<sup>+</sup> ions. The Ag<sup>+</sup> ions sensing capability of the probes was effectively realized in multiple real-world matrices, such as water, food, cosmetic, and soil samples, and in latent fingerprint visualization and the fabrication of an INHIBIT molecular logic gate. The probes were also efficiently utilized for bioimaging in <em>E. coli</em> to detect both Ag<sup>+</sup> and S₂O₃<sup>2−</sup> ions.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>This study presents versatile multifunctional xylylene-bridged symmetric probes (<strong>OHP</strong>, <strong>MHP</strong> and <strong>PHP</strong>) for Ag<sup>+</sup> ions which mainly focuses on environmental monitoring, forensic significance and biological analysis. The probes achieve nanomolar detection limits and practical applicability in real sample analysis, latent fingerprint visualization and bioimaging highlights their feasibility and efficiency, making them as potent tool for analytical and investigative applications involving trace
{"title":"Symmetric xylylene connected rotatable hydroxy acetophenone fluorescent probes for reversible Ag+ ions and sequential thiosulfate detection: Applications in real samples, Imaging, Fingerprinting, and Logic Operations","authors":"Kavanya Srinivasan , Narmatha Ganesan , Elizabeth Antony , Prince Makarious Paul , Abiram Angamuthu , Jan Grzegorz Małecki , Raju Nandhakumar","doi":"10.1016/j.microc.2026.117316","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microc.2026.117316","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Silver is a transition metal ion with unique physiochemical properties, making it more suitable for rapid detection in biological and environmental sectors. In forensic science, development of latent fingerprints using cost- effective silver-based compounds is minimal. However, there is still a lack of sensitive, rapid, and robust fluorescent probes that can detect trace level Ag<sup>+</sup> ion present in complex matrices. To address the raising concern, the development of symmetric xylylene sensors offers rapid detection Ag<sup>+</sup> ions in complex matrices such as food, cosmetics and soil. It also shows immaculate application in the field of forensic for the development of Latent fingerprint.</div></div><div><h3>Result</h3><div>Three symmetric dipodal fluorescent probes based on acetophenone scaffolds, <strong>OHP, MHP,</strong> and <strong>PHP</strong> were rationally designed, synthesized and characterized through <sup>1</sup>H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), <sup>13</sup>C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Infrared (IR), and mass spectrometry. The probes were found to selectively and sensitively detect Ag<sup>+</sup> and S₂O₃<sup>2−</sup> ions in a MeOH–H₂O mixture (50 mM HEPES buffer, pH 7.4). Fluorescence experiments revealed that the detection process involves the restriction of rotation of benzylic moieties, inhibition of photoinduced electron transfer (PET), and hypsochromic shifts accompanied with fluorescence enhancement by internal charge transfer (ICT). Job plot analysis supported a 1:1 binding stoichiometry between probes and Ag<sup>+</sup> ions. The detection limits (LOD) of <strong>OHP, MHP,</strong> and <strong>PHP</strong> were found to be 0.68 nM, 0.35 nM, and 0.42 nM, respectively, and their respective limits of quantification (LOQ) were found to be 22.68 nM, 11.79 nM, and 15.76 nM. In addition, density functional theory (DFT) calculations also justified the sensing behavior of these compounds towards Ag<sup>+</sup> ions. The Ag<sup>+</sup> ions sensing capability of the probes was effectively realized in multiple real-world matrices, such as water, food, cosmetic, and soil samples, and in latent fingerprint visualization and the fabrication of an INHIBIT molecular logic gate. The probes were also efficiently utilized for bioimaging in <em>E. coli</em> to detect both Ag<sup>+</sup> and S₂O₃<sup>2−</sup> ions.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>This study presents versatile multifunctional xylylene-bridged symmetric probes (<strong>OHP</strong>, <strong>MHP</strong> and <strong>PHP</strong>) for Ag<sup>+</sup> ions which mainly focuses on environmental monitoring, forensic significance and biological analysis. The probes achieve nanomolar detection limits and practical applicability in real sample analysis, latent fingerprint visualization and bioimaging highlights their feasibility and efficiency, making them as potent tool for analytical and investigative applications involving trace","PeriodicalId":391,"journal":{"name":"Microchemical Journal","volume":"223 ","pages":"Article 117316"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146172582","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-11DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2026.117352
Bo Li , Feng Li , Xi Xie , Ying Wang , Shaoxing Li , Xiaoyong Liu
The intermittent hypoxia, oxidative stress and metabolic disorders caused by OSA may affect the homeostasis of the urinary system, but the clinical connection between them and the formation of kidney stones still requires large-scale population evidence to support. At the level of medical laboratory technology, electrochemical sensors, due to their advantages such as high sensitivity, rapid response, miniaturization and low cost, have become an important tool for detecting biomarkers related to kidney stones (such as calcium ions, oxalic acid, uric acid, citrate and inflammatory factors). They are suitable for bedside testing and dynamic risk monitoring, providing technical support at the molecular level for revealing the common metabolic and inflammatory pathways of OSA and kidney stones. This study adopted a cross-sectional design and included adult participants in the NHANES from 2007 to 2018 who had complete sleep questionnaires and history data of kidney stones. The study did not involve new experiments, and all analyses were completed based on public databases. The results showed that among a total of 34,652 participants, the prevalence of kidney stones in the high-risk OSA group was significantly higher than that in the low-risk group (9.8% vs. 6.2%, P < 0.001). Therefore, there is an independent association between the high-risk of OSA and the increased prevalence of kidney stones.
OSA引起的间歇性缺氧、氧化应激和代谢紊乱可能会影响泌尿系统的内稳态，但它们与肾结石形成之间的临床联系仍需要大规模人群证据支持。在医学实验室技术层面，电化学传感器由于具有灵敏度高、反应速度快、小型化、成本低等优点，已成为检测肾结石相关生物标志物（如钙离子、草酸、尿酸、柠檬酸、炎症因子等）的重要工具。适用于床边检测和动态风险监测，为揭示OSA和肾结石共同的代谢和炎症途径提供分子水平的技术支持。本研究采用横断面设计，纳入了2007年至2018年NHANES的成年参与者，他们有完整的睡眠问卷和肾结石病史数据。这项研究没有涉及新的实验，所有的分析都是在公共数据库的基础上完成的。结果显示，在34,652名参与者中，OSA高危组肾结石患病率明显高于低危组（9.8% vs. 6.2%, P < 0.001）。因此，OSA的高风险与肾结石患病率的增加之间存在独立的关联。
{"title":"Molecular diagnosis of renal calculi biomarkers based on electrochemical sensors: Correlation analysis with the risk of obstructive sleep apnea","authors":"Bo Li , Feng Li , Xi Xie , Ying Wang , Shaoxing Li , Xiaoyong Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.microc.2026.117352","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microc.2026.117352","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The intermittent hypoxia, oxidative stress and metabolic disorders caused by OSA may affect the homeostasis of the urinary system, but the clinical connection between them and the formation of kidney stones still requires large-scale population evidence to support. At the level of medical laboratory technology, electrochemical sensors, due to their advantages such as high sensitivity, rapid response, miniaturization and low cost, have become an important tool for detecting biomarkers related to kidney stones (such as calcium ions, oxalic acid, uric acid, citrate and inflammatory factors). They are suitable for bedside testing and dynamic risk monitoring, providing technical support at the molecular level for revealing the common metabolic and inflammatory pathways of OSA and kidney stones. This study adopted a cross-sectional design and included adult participants in the NHANES from 2007 to 2018 who had complete sleep questionnaires and history data of kidney stones. The study did not involve new experiments, and all analyses were completed based on public databases. The results showed that among a total of 34,652 participants, the prevalence of kidney stones in the high-risk OSA group was significantly higher than that in the low-risk group (9.8% vs. 6.2%, <em>P</em> < 0.001). Therefore, there is an independent association between the high-risk of OSA and the increased prevalence of kidney stones.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":391,"journal":{"name":"Microchemical Journal","volume":"223 ","pages":"Article 117352"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146172593","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-07DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2026.117302
Yuxin Xie , Yingying Xue , Yatong Yang , Xing Li , Jinchao Zhang , Zhigang Niu , Yonghe Tang , Shenghui Li
Food safety has attracted increasing attention, and food spoilage is a critical issue as it often leads the production of biogenic amines (BAs). In this work, a new dual-signal fluorescent probe DBP-X based on resorufin dye was designed for the detection of BAs. Through an ammonolysis reaction with BAs, the probe releases the resorufin dye, showing a pale yellow-to-pink color and intense red fluorescence. DBP-X exhibits low background, high selectivity, and excellent sensing performance. It has also been successfully tested for BAs in vapor form, yielding promising results in milk samples (spike recoveries: 91.48%–109.78%, RSD < 3.42%). Leveraging this functionality, DBP-X can be integrated with a smartphone APP to assess food spoilage by analyzing color changes via RGB analysis. This probe provides consumers with a convenient tool for testing food spoilage without the need for expensive instrumentation.
{"title":"A smartphone-adapted colorimetric fluorescent probe for visual monitoring of meat/milk freshness","authors":"Yuxin Xie , Yingying Xue , Yatong Yang , Xing Li , Jinchao Zhang , Zhigang Niu , Yonghe Tang , Shenghui Li","doi":"10.1016/j.microc.2026.117302","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microc.2026.117302","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Food safety has attracted increasing attention, and food spoilage is a critical issue as it often leads the production of biogenic amines (BAs). In this work, a new dual-signal fluorescent probe <strong>DBP-X</strong> based on resorufin dye was designed for the detection of BAs. Through an ammonolysis reaction with BAs, the probe releases the resorufin dye, showing a pale yellow-to-pink color and intense red fluorescence. <strong>DBP-X</strong> exhibits low background, high selectivity, and excellent sensing performance. It has also been successfully tested for BAs in vapor form, yielding promising results in milk samples (spike recoveries: 91.48%–109.78%, RSD < 3.42%). Leveraging this functionality, <strong>DBP-X</strong> can be integrated with a smartphone APP to assess food spoilage by analyzing color changes via RGB analysis. This probe provides consumers with a convenient tool for testing food spoilage without the need for expensive instrumentation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":391,"journal":{"name":"Microchemical Journal","volume":"223 ","pages":"Article 117302"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146147322","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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