Xiaowei Huang,Chenyong Huang,Lili Zhou,Guangyue Hou,Jinyuan Sun,Xinai Zhang,Xiaobo Zou
Background Lentinan medicament from Lentinus edodes has been considered as natural medicinal products with minimal side effects for cancer therapy, but Lentinus edodes are easily polluted by nonbiodegradable heavy metals, especially silver ion (Ag + ). Therefore, it is highly desirable to monitor Ag + pollution in Lentinus edodes considering their adverse impact on lentinan medicament. Electrochemical sensor isn't affected from the interference of matrix turbidity and color, and offers a powerful means for determination of variant analytes. As for electrochemical sensing toward Ag + , there is a great need to design efficient signal probes for specific recognition and signal generation. Results We present an appropriate electrochemical aptasensor for Ag + assay based on biomimetic catalysis of porphyrin-encapsulated MOF (PorMOF) and allosteric switch of C-rich DNA . Thanks to the excellent biocompatibility, PorMOFs as nanozyme are used to design signal probes by loading duplex-like DNA scaffold. Owing to the specific recognition of Ag + toward cytosine (C) base-rich DNA, PorMOF at the distal end was close to the underlying electrode via C-Ag + -C formation, leading to an enhanced current of catalytic hydroxylamine oxidation for signal generation. Using the positive correlation between current response and Ag + level, the electrochemical system provides a promising means for on-line monitoring of Ag + in Lentinus edodes with recoveries from 92.8% to 106.4% and relative standard deviation from 3.98% to 8.24%, verifying the applicability of the electrochemical aptasensor toward Ag + in Lentinus edodes . Significance and novelty With merits of portability, simple operation, and rapid response, the electrochemical pattern offers a useful solution for on-line monitoring of Ag + in Lentinus edodes . By altering the DNA sequence , the proposed aptasensor provides a powerful way for monitoring other heavy metals, capable of protecting medicament production from heavy metal pollution.
Rourou Zhang,An Ding,Wei Qiu,Yan Zhao,Chihiro Yoshimura,Bart Van der Bruggen,Chuyang Y. Tang
Control of waterborne pathogens by chemical- and energy-intensive disinfection methods poses significant challenges in underdeveloped regions. Here, plant-derived photosensitive carbon composites with a photo-allosteric strategy are proposed as a novel approach for designing green and responsive systems for controllable capture and inactivation of viruses. A composite comprising porous carbon, gallic acid, ε-polylysine and curcumin was synthesized and exhibited dual functions. In the dark, electrostatic attractions from ε-polylysine chains and electron shuttle through the graphene-like carbon matrix enable rapid viral adsorption (>6-log removal within 30 min). Under illumination, curcumin-triggered singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ) achieves effective virus inactivation (> 6-log removal within 10 min; > 7-log within 30 min) while simultaneously restoring active sites. Importantly, this in situ 1 O 2 further induces the conformational transitions of ε-polylysine into compact, oxidation-resistant structures, ensuring a sustained antiviral performance under the light-dark cycles and repeated viral challenges. By activating the intrinsic properties of plant-derived porous carbon, herbal extracts, and poly(amino acid)s, this work establishes a green, locally sourced water treatment strategy to ensure water biosafety. This photo-responsive interfacial engineering strategy holds promise to develop materials for personal protective equipment and medical environments.