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The present communication reports on the preparation of polyaniline nanofibers (PANINFs) by chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline under rapid stirring using ammonium persulfate as the oxidant in acidic aqueous media in the presence of carbon nanoparticles. The subsequent treatment of such nanofiber with a AgNO aqueous solution leads to in situ chemical reduction of Ag on them to form Ag nanoparticle-decorated PANINFs. The resultant composites show good catalytic activity toward the reduction of HO. An effective enzymeless HO sensor based on such composites is also constructed. It exhibits a fast amperometric response time 2 s, and it has a linear detection range from 0.1 to 60 mM and detection limit of 0.9 μM at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present communication demonstrates a relatively green preparative route toward Au nanoplates in aqueous solution at room temperature with the use of tannic acid (TA), which is an environmentally friendly, soluble polyphenol, as a reducing agent. Such Au nanoplates exhibit notable catalytic performance toward the oxidation and reduction of H2O2. A glucose biosensor was further fabricated by immobilizing glucose oxidase (GOD) into chitosan–Au nanoplate composites film on the surface of glassy carbon electrode (GCE). This sensor exhibits good response to glucose, and the linear response range is estimated to be from 2 to 20mM (R =0.999) at 0.65V and from 2 to 10mM (R =0.993) at −0.2V, respectively. The sensitivity of the sensor determined from the slopes is 49.5μAmM−1 cm−2 at 0.65V. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this article, we have reported on the synthesis of ultra-highly concentrated (5.88 M), well-stable Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs). The AgNPs were formed by hydrothermal heat treatment of an aqueous solution of poly [(2-ethyldimethylammonioethyl methacrylate ethyl sulfate)-co-(1-vinylpyrrolidone)] (PQ11), a kind of cationic polyeletrolyte, in the presence of AgNO powder at 170 °C, without the additional step of introducing other reducing agents and protective agents. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations reveal that the as-formed AgNPs mainly consist of small nanoparticles about 10 nm in diameter. Most importantly, it was found that such dispersion can form stable films on bare electrode surfaces and the AgNPs contained therein still exhibit notable catalytic performance for reduction of hydrogen peroxide (HO). This HO sensor has a fast amperometric response time of less than 3 s. Its linear range is estimated to be from 0.1 to 60 mM ( r = 0.993), and the detection limit is estimated to be 1.6 μM at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this article, we report a method for effective immobilization of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) on thiolated single-stranded DNA (thiol-ssDNA) modified Au electrode (AuE) surface via coordination interactions between the nitrogen atoms of DNA bases and AuNPs. It suggests that the resultant AuNP-immobilized AuE exhibits notable catalytic performance for hydrazine oxidation and the loading of AuNPs on the AuE surface and hence the effective catalytic area can be tuned by the immobilization time of thiol-ssDNA and adsorption time of AuNPs. This hydrazine sensor has a fast amperometric response time of less than 4s. The linear range and detection limit are estimated to be from 0.1mM to 100mM (r =0.998) and 0.56μM at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A conjugated polymer polyacetylene (PA) nanoparticles-based preparative strategy toward doped polyaniline (PANI) nanofibers has been demonstrated for the first time, carried out by chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline under rapid stirring using ammonium persulfate as the oxidant in acidic aqueous media in the presence of dodecylsulfate (SDS)-stabilized PA nanoparticles. It is found that only PANI nanoparticulates are formed when the synthesis is performed in the absence of PA nanoparticles. The optical properties and the electronic conductivity of the resulting doped nanofibers and the corresponding dedoped products were studied and the influence of the amount of PA nanoparticles used on the morphologies of PANI nanostructures was also investigated. A possible mechanism is proposed to explain the formation of the PANI nanofibers. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disposal of industrial solids (e.g., coal fly ash (CFA)) and kitchen wastes (e.g., waste cooking oil (WCO)) has attracted much attention worldwide. However, it is challenging to manage these wastes economically. In this study, the potential of WCO as a collector to recover unburned carbon from CFA by froth flotation was investigated for the utilization of CFA and WCO resources. Traditional collectors, i.e., diesel oil and fresh cooking oil, were used for comparison. The composition of the collectors was determined via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The interaction mechanisms between the CFA surface and different collectors were analyzed by atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and dynamic contact angle measurements. The results indicate that WCO contains a large amount of oxygen-containing functional groups such as aldehydes, short-chain acids, and long-chain fatty acids. Furthermore, flotation tests indicated that in comparison with diesel oil and cooking oil as collectors, WCO can significantly enhance the recovery of unburned carbon from CFA and effectively lead to tailings with low loss on ignition. The major mechanism responsible for the enhanced CFA flotation is that its oxygen-containing functional groups, such as C O and COOH, were covered, whereas the C–H/C–C groups were exposed on the CFA surface due to the strong adhesion forces between the CFA and WCO under the synergistic effect of the short-chain acids/aldehydes and long-chain fatty acids in WCO. This resulted in a significant increase in the surface hydrophobicity of the CFA after the WCO treatment. This work provides an efficient and promising green method for the recovery of unburned carbon from CFA as well as the reuse of WCO, allowing the management of an industrial solid and kitchen waste. Analysis of traditional and novel recycling route of CFA and WCO. Image 1 • Waste cooking oil (WCO) was used as a novel coal fly ash (CFA) flotation collector. • 84.28% of unburned carbon (UC) in CFA can be effectively recovered. • Synergism of short-chain acids/long-chain fatty acids in WCO was found on CFA surface. • Two wastes of WCO and CFA have been effectively reused and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, coal tar, an industrial by-product of the carbonization/gasification of coal, was adopted as an economical flotation collector for recovering clean oxidized coal. The characteristics of high-temperature coal tar (HTCT), its performance as a flotation collector, and the interaction mechanism between HTCT and oxidized coal were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, flotation experiments, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and dynamic contact angle measurements. The results revealed that HTCT has a strong selective collection ability because it contains a large number of aliphatic and aromatic compounds with oxygen-containing functional groups. At HTCT dosage of 3000 g/t, 79.23% of combustible matter with an ash content of 9.99% was obtained. The major mechanism responsible for the enhanced oxidized coal separation is that, with the adsorption of HTCT onto oxidized coal, the C–O hydrophilic functional groups were covered and an increased amount of the C–C/C–H hydrophobic functional groups of the oxidized coal surface was exposed, resulting in improved surface hydrophobicity and floatability of the oxidized coal. This study provides valuable guidelines for the re-utilization of coal tar and the flotation upgradation of oxidized coal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper reports on a novel synthesis for Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) with the use of fluorescent carbon nitride dots (CNDs) as a photocatalyst. It suggests that the resultant CND-protected AuNPs (CNDs/AuNPs) exhibit good catalytic activity toward 4-nitrophenol reduction and that the CNDs enhance the catalytic activity via a synergistic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study demonstrates the first synthesis of novel organic/inorganic ternary nanohybrids of tin(IV) prophyrin (SnPor), Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs), and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) by an environmentally friendly phtotcatalytic process using SnPor as a photocatalyst for the reduction of both GO and AgI. The nanohybrids exhibit high photocurrent generation as a result of the photosensitization effect of SnPor and surface plasmon resonance excitation in the AgNPs. Furthermore, in the activity test, the nanohybrids show good catalytic activity in the degradation of rhodamine B under the irradiation of visible light (λ>400 nm) and in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol. The detailed mechanism is discussed in the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the paper, we report on the layer-by-layer self-assembly of multilayer films of polyelectrolyte/Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs). The films were constructed by the alternate adsorption of the oppositely charged poly [(2-ethyldimethylammonioethyl methacrylate ethyl sulfate)-co-(1-vinylpyrrolidone)] (PQ11) and negatively charged citrate-stabilized AgNPs on solid substrates. The multilayer film growth process on quartz slides was monitored by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. The resulting films exhibit good catalytic activity toward the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The enzymeless H2O2 sensor based on such films exhibits a fast amperometric response time of less than 5s. The linear detection range is estimated to be from 100μM to 110mM (R 2 =0.996), and the detection limit is estimated to be 78μM at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, we report on the one-step preparation of Ag nanoparticle (AgNP)-decorated coordination polymer nanobelts, carried out by direct mixing of an aqueous AgNO3 solution and a N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) solution of 4,4′-bipyridine (BPD) at room temperature. The construction of an enzymeless H2O2 sensor using such nanocomposites with a detection limit of 0.9μM is also demonstrated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, we report on the first preparation of well-defined SiO2-coated graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets (SiO2/GO) without prior GO functionalization by combining sonication with sol–gel technique. The functional SiO2/GO nanocomposites (F-SiO2/GO) obtained by surface functionalization with NH2 group were subsequently employed as a support for loading Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) to synthesize AgNP-decorated F-SiO2/GO nanosheets (AgNP/F-SiO2/GO) by two different routes: (1) direct adsorption of preformed, negatively charged AgNPs; (2) in situ chemical reduction of silver salts. The morphologies of these nanocomposites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It is found that the resultant AgNP/F-SiO2/GO exhibits remarkable catalytic performance for H2O2 reduction. This H2O2 sensor has a fast amperometric response time of less than 2s. The linear range is estimated to be from 1×10−4 M to 0.26M (r =0.998) and the detection limit is estimated to be 4×10−6 M at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3, respectively. We also fabricated a glucose biosensor by immobilizing glucose oxidase (GOD) into AgNP/F-SiO2/GO nanocomposite-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for glucose detection. Our study demonstrates that the resultant glucose biosensor can be used for the glucose detection in human blood serum. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the present study, we demonstrate the first use of polypyrrole colloidal nanospheres (PPyCNPs) as an effective sensing platform for fluorescence-enhanced DNA detection by the following two steps: (1) PPyCNP adsorbs and quenches a dye-labeled single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) probe; (2) The subsequent hybridization of the probe with its target produces a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) which detaches from PPyCNP, leading to recovery of dye fluorescence. The present system shows a detection limit as low as 1nM and has a high selectivity down to single-base mismatch. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • INBs were used for enhancing lignite flotation. • INBs were introduced based on the temperature difference method. • Lignite flotation efficiency was evidently improved using INBs. • INBs decreased induction time and increased length of three-phase contact line. Froth flotation is the primary method for the separation and upgrading of fine coal particles. However, this method is ineffective for lignite which is more hydrophilic than other types of coal due to the abundant oxygenated functional groups, cracks, and micropores on its surface. This study develops a new method that introduces interfacial nanobubbles (INBs) based on the temperature difference method for enhancing lignite flotation. The mechanism of lignite flotation enhanced by INBs is systematically explained through the induction time and bubble-particle collision-attachment behavior. The experimental results show that the lignite flotation efficiency is evidently improved using the temperature difference method. AFM imaging of the changes on a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite surface due to temperature difference demonstrate the production of INBs. In the presence of INBs, the induction time of lignite can be reduced from 400 ms to 27.21 ms, the number of bubble-particle collisions from 4 to 3, and the attachment time from 208 ms to 128 ms. When a macroscopic air bubble approaches to a lignite surface with INBs, the air bubble first merges with the INBs, not only decreasing the induction time but also increasing the apparent contact angle and length of three-phase contact line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this Letter, we demonstrate for the first time that 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane microsheets (TCNQMSs) can effectively catalyze the reduction of H 2O 2 because TCNQ is a strong electron acceptor, TCNQMSs modified glass carbon electrode (GCE) is prepared by a simple casting method. This H 2O 2 sensor shows a fast amperometric response time of less than 3 s, and the corresponding linear range is estimated to be from 3 to 238 mM ( r = 0.992) and a detection limit of 4.76 μM at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. Our present study is important because it provides us a new structure for H 2O 2 detection application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene platelet (GP)-Ru(phen) 32+ assembles have been prepared through self-assembly of poly sodium styrenesulfonate (PSS) functionalized GPs and Ru(phen) 32+ driven by electrostatic attraction interactions in aqueous solution. The resultant assembled GP-Ru(phen) 32+ hybrid structure modified electrode exhibits excellent electrochemiluminescence (ECL) behaviors because of the ECL active species Ru(phen) 32+ contained therein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, we report on one-pot synthesis of Ag nanoparticles/reduced graphene oxide (AgNPs/rGO) nanocomposites by heating mixed solution of graphene oxide (GO) and AgNO3 with the use of diethylenetriamine as a reducing agent at 80°C for 30min. Several analytical techniques including UV–vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have been employed to characterize the resulting nanocomposites. It was found that such nanocomposites exhibit good catalytic activity toward the reduction of H2O2. This nonenzymatic H2O2 sensor shows a fast amperometric response time of less than 2s. The linear detection range is estimated to be from 0.1 to 100mM (r =0.999), and the detection limit is estimated to be 3.6μM at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, electrodeposition technique, in combination with well-established microfabrication techniques, is used for the first time herein to the controllable fabrication of novel Pd nanotextured micro-electrodes (NTMEs). This NTMES system is proven to be particularly powerful and versatile with two degrees of freedom: nanoscale control of electrode nanotexturing and the microscale control of the electrode size and shape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article demonstrates the application of graphene flakes (GFs) as supercapacitors. It discusses the preparation of electrode materials by hydrothermal synthesis. It reports that GFs synthesized through chlorosulfonic acid and hydrogen peroxide exfoliation have been successfully used to synthesize a manganese oxide/GF (MG) composite. It adds that GFs exhibit good conductivity and inhibit the aggregation of the manganese oxide nanosheets.

Abstract: Ag nanoparticles-decorated reduced graphene oxide (AgNPs-rGO) has been successfully fabricated through a one-step strategy, carried out by hydrothermal treatment of the mixture of AgNO3 and GO solution under strong alkaline conditions at 180°C for 30min. The reaction was accomplished without extra reducing agent and surface modifier. As-synthesized AgNPs-rGO has been successfully applied in catalytic performance toward the reduction of H2O2. This H2O2 sensor shows a wide linear range of 0.1–60mM (r =0.991) and a low detection limit of 1.80μM at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ag nanoparticle-decorated TiO2 nanowires (AgNP–TiO2 NWs) have been successfully fabricated through a green photocatalytic process, carried out by irradiating the mixture of AgNO3 solution in ethanol and pre-formed TiO2 NWs under UV light. Such nanocomposites exhibit remarkable catalytic performance toward the reduction of H2O2 and this H2O2 sensor shows a wide linear range of 0.1mM to 60mM (r =0.991) and a low LOD of 1.70μM at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a zoonotic disease caused by SARS-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV) that emerged in 2002 to become a global health concern. Although the original outbreak was controlled by classical public health measures, there is a real risk that another SARS-CoV could re-emerge from its natural reservoir, either in its original form or as a more virulent or pathogenic strain; in which case, the virus would be difficult to control in the absence of any effective antiviral drugs or vaccines. Using the well-studied SARS-CoV isolate HKU-39849, we developed a vaccinia virusbased SARS-CoV reverse genetic system that is both robust and biosafe. The SARS-CoV genome was cloned in separate vaccinia virus vectors, (vSARS-CoV-5prime and vSARS-CoV-3prime) as two cDNAs that were subsequently ligated to create a genome-length SARS-CoV cDNA template for in vitro transcription of SARS-CoV infectious RNA transcripts. Transfection of the RNA transcripts into permissive cells led to the recovery of infectious virus (recSARS-CoV). Characterization of the plaques produced by recSARS-CoV showed that they were similar in size to the parental SARS-CoV isolate HKU-39849 but smaller than the SARS-CoV isolate Frankfurt-1. Comparative analysis of replication kinetics showed that the kinetics of recSARS-CoV replication are similar to those of SARS-CoV Frankfurt-1, although the titers of virus released into the culture supernatant are approximately 10-fold less. The reverse genetic system was finally used to generate a recSARS-CoV reporter virus expressing Renilla luciferase in order to facilitate the analysis of SARS-CoV gene expression in human dendritic cells (hDCs). In parallel, a Renilla luciferase gene was also inserted into the genome of human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E). Using this approach, we demonstrate that, in contrast to HCoV-229E, SARS-CoV is not able to mediate efficient heterologous gene expression in hDCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this letter, the fabrication of nanotextured Au microelectrodes was demonstrated for the first time, carried out by electrodeposition of Au starting from the bottom of a 500-nanometer pore pre-fabricated by microfabrication technology. It was found both the size and the surface nanotexture can be controlled by the potential used. The electrochemical cyclic voltammograms (CVs) response of electroactive species toward such Au microelectrodes was also studied and it was found that the electroactive species used underwent a diffusion-controlled process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, we develop a cost-effective and simple route for the synthesis of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) decorated graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets using polyoxyethylene sorbitol anhydride monolaurate (TWEEN 20) as a stabilizing agent for GO as well as a reducing and immobilizing agent for AuNPs. The AuNPs assemble on the surface of TWEEN-functionalized GO by the in situ reduction of HAuCl4 aqueous solution. The morphologies of these composites were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It is found that the resultant AuNPs decorated GO nanosheets (AuNPs/TWEEN/GO) exhibit remarkable catalytic performance for hydrazine oxidation. This hydrazine sensor has a fast amperometric response time of less than 3s. The linear range is estimated to be from 5μM to 3mM (r =0.999), and the detection limit is estimated to be 78nM at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. The AuNPs/TWEEN/GO composites also exhibit good catalytic activity toward 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) reduction and the GO supports also enhance the catalytic activity via a synergistic effect. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We demonstrate that CdS quantum dots (QDs) can be applied to fluorescence-enhanced detection of nucleic acids in a two-step protocol. In step one, a fluorescently labeled single-stranded DNA probe is adsorbed on the QDs to quench its luminescence. In step two, the hybridization of the probe with its target ssDNA produces a double-stranded DNA which detaches from the QD. This, in turn, leads to the recovery of the fluorescence of the label. The lower detection limit of the assay is as low as 1 nM. The scheme (that was applied to detect a target DNA related to the HIV) is simple and can differentiate between perfectly complementary targets and mismatches. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Microelectrodes have become well-established tools in a wide range of analytical studies and applications because they exhibit many cardinal advantages bestowed by their micrometer-sized dimensions over conventional large-surface-area electrodes. Nanostructures display quite unique properties different greatly from those of the bulk materials and are widely used in the field of electroanalysis. Nanotextured microelectrodes (NTMEs) are expected to combine attributes of nanostructures with microelectrodes. In this paper, electrodeposition technique, in combination with well-established microfabrication techniques, is used for the first time to the controllable fabrication of novel Pd, Pt, and Au NTMEs. The use of such NTMEs as a novel platform for ultrasensitive nucleic acid detection is also demonstrated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We reported on a facile hydrothermal synthesis of well-stable silver nanopartiles (AgNPs) from an aqueous solution of AgNO3 and poly[(2-ethyldimethylammonioethyl methacrylate ethyl sulfate)-co-(1-vinylpyrrolidone)] (PQ11), a kind of cationic polyelectrolyte, at 100°C without the extra introduction of other reducing agents and protective agents. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation reveals that the AgNPs thus formed mainly consist of small nanoparticles about 5nm in diameter. It is found that such dispersion can form stable AgNPs-embedded films on bare electrode surfaces and these nanoparticles exhibit remarkable catalytic performance for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) detection. The sensor has a fast amperometric response time of less than 2s. The linear range is estimated to be from 1×10−4 M to 0.18M (r =0.998) and the detection limit is estimated to be 3.39×10−5 M at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: In 2003, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) resulted in hundreds of infections and deaths globally. We aim to assess immunogenicity and protective efficacy of purified inactivated Vero-cell SARS vaccine in monkeys. Methods: The cultures of SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) BJ-01 strain infected Vero cells were inactivated with β-propiolactone. Sequential procedures, including ultrafiltration, gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography, were performed to obtain purified inactivated SARS vaccine. The purified SARS vaccine was analyzed with electron microscope, HPLC and Western blotting. We immunized three groups of cynomolgus macaques fascicularis with adjuvant-containing purified vaccine, purified vaccine and unpurified vaccine, respectively, and a fourth group served as a control. Antibody titers were measured by plaque reduction neutralization test. The vaccinated monkeys were challenged with SARS-CoV BJ-01 strain to observe protective efficacy. Additionally, three groups of rhesus monkeys were immunized with different doses of the purified inactivated SARS vaccine (0.5, 1 and 2μg/time/monkey) on days 0 and 7, and the monkeys were challenged with SARS-CoV GZ-01 strain. We assessed the safety of the SARS vaccine and observed whether the antibody dependent enhancement (ADE) occurred under low levels of neutralizing antibody in rhesus. Findings: The purity of SARS vaccine was 97.6% by HPLC identification and reacted with convalescent sera of SARS patients. The purified SARS vaccine induced high levels of neutralizing antibodies and prevented the replication of SARS-CoV in monkeys. Under low levels of neutralizing antibody, no exacerbation of clinical symptoms was observed when the immunized monkeys were challenged with SARS-CoV. In this preliminary animal trial, no side effects were detected when monkeys were immunized with purified SARS vaccine either at normal or large doses. Interpretation: The purified inactivated SARS vaccine could induce high levels of neutralizing antibody, and protect the monkeys from the challenge of SARS-CoV. The SARS vaccine prepared in the study appeared to be safe in monkeys. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Microchip electrophoresis is a promising technique for analysis of bio-molecules. It has the advantages of fast analysis, high sensitivity, high resolution and low-cost of samples. Plastic chip has the potential of mass production for clinical use for its advantages in biocompatibility and low cost. In this work, the method for fabrication of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) chip was described, and conditions for DNA separation were investigated with the chip. The PMMA microchip was used for detection of multiplex PCR products of 18 and 36 cases with SARS and hepatitis B virus infection under optimized separation conditions. Microchip electrophoresis showed higher sensitivity, higher resolution and less time consumption when compared with gel electrophoresis. The microchip electrophoresis with PMMA chip provided a rapid, sensitive and reliable method for analysis of multiplex PCR products. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Reports in vivo research in which a large quantity of SARS-CoV virus was proliferated, inactivated with Β-propiolactone, and purified by Sepharose 4FF column chromatography in preparation of making a vaccine. Use of Western blot, mass spectrographic analysis, ELISA and electron microscopy in the study; Preparation of the vaccine with and without aluminum hydroxide adjuvant; Inoculation of female BALB/c mice at different dosages; Finding of SARS-CoV antibodies; Conclusion that antibody levels induced by the vaccine with aluminum hydroxide were higher than those without it.

Discusses the genome sequence of the coronavirus that was recognized as a pathogen for SARS. Sequence alignment with all RNA viruses; Phylogenetic analysis of the possibility of non-human origin of the SARS-associated viruses.

Abstract: The present communication reports on the preparation of Ag nanoparticle-decorated polypyrrole colloids (AgNP-PPyCs) by heating a AgNO3 aqueous solution and pre-formed PPy colloids solution in the absence of any external reducing agent. It suggests that these AgNP-PPyCs exhibit remarkable catalytic performance toward H2O2 reduction. This enzymeless H2O2 sensor shows a fast amperometric response time of less than 2s, and the corresponding linear range and detection limit are estimated to be from 0.1mM to 90mM (r =0.998) and 1.05μM, respectively, at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Herein, coordination polymer nanobelts (CPNBs) were prepared rapidly and on a large scale, by directly mixing aqueous AgNO3 solution and an ethanol solution of 4, 4′-bipyridine at room temperature. The application of such CPNBs as a fluorescent sensing platform for nucleic acid detection was further explored. CPNB is a π-rich structure, the strong π–π stacking interactions between unpaired DNA bases and CPNB leads to adsorption of fluorescently labeled single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) accompanied by 66% fluorescence quenching. However, the presence of target ssDNA will hybridize with the probe. The resultant helix cannot be adsorbed by CPNB due to its rigid conformation and the absence of unpaired DNA bases. Thus, a significant fluorescence enhancement, 73% fluorescence recovery, was observed in DNA detection as long as the target exists. The present system has excellent sensitivity; a substantial fluorescence enhancement was observed when the concentration of the target was as low as 5 nM. It also exhibits outstanding discrimination ability down to a single-base mismatch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]