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Herein we report a convenient and sensitive method for the detection of telomerase activity based on upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP) modified cellulose paper. Compared with many solution-phase systems, this paper chip is more stable and easily stores the test results. What's more, the low background fluorescence of the UCNPs increases the sensitivity of this method, and the low telomerase levels in different cell lines can clearly be discriminated by the naked eye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reported herein is an ultra-sensitive turn-off fluorescence sensor for hydrogen peroxide based on its reaction with bimane 1. This reaction is highly efficient, resulting in a detection limit of 7.9 pM. It also maintains sensor efficacy when adsorbed on paper and enables both solution-state and vapor-phase detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recognition of electroneutral Lewis bases and anions in aqueous media is extremely difficult. We show that fluorescent coordinatively unsaturated metal complexes can recognize various Lewis bases while providing an easy-to-detect fluorescence response. This approach is applied to the detection of adrafinil, a banned performance-enhancing drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating multi-stimuli response properties in one molecule is challenging. This study presents two 2D polymers, [(Bpydp)Ln(H2O)(BDC)]·NO3·2H2O (Ln = Eu(1), Tb(2)), exhibiting rapid photo-responsiveness and the ability to detect specific small-molecule amines. In particular, complex 1 combines the functions of inkless printing, amine detection, anti-counterfeiting, and fluorescence recognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper strips containing DNA-conjugated microgels (MG) are used to achieve sensitive DNA detection in three steps: target DNA promoted ligation of a DNA primer to the MG-bound DNA, rolling circle amplification (RCA) between the primer and a circle DNA, and hybridization of the RCA products and a fluorescent DNA probe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the Hg2+-mediated T–T formation to strengthen the DNA duplexes and influence the configuration of fluorescent Ag NCs-forming sequences, a turn-on fluorescence detection method for Hg2+has been established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peptidoglycan precursors containing d-Cys at position 4 were polymerised to form a synthetic peptidoglycan layer, which could be fluorescently labelled, providing a new method to monitor peptidoglycan transglycosylation and transpeptidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fluorescent boronate receptor with a unique response to free sialic acid has been developed; this divergent response system may find use in design of other fluorophores to discriminate between structurally similar analytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A strategy based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) to transform a red-emitting fluorophore into a ratiometric indicator for mitochondrial ZnIIis demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a branched polyethyleneimine (BPEI)–quantum dot (QD) based rewritable fluorescent system with a multicolor recording mode, in which BPEI is both QD-multicolor patterning “writer” and data erasing “remover”. This method could write distinct colors from size-tailored QDs to represent large numbers of logic states for high data storage capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, by installing a free-rotating benzene ring to suppress the intermolecular π–π stacking effect in the aggregated state, a naphthalimide-derived hypochlorite (ClO−) fluorescent probe, Probe A, with the aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) effect was successfully transformed into Probe B possessing typical aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics. The experimental results indicated that Probe B with good selectivity and a low detection limit (LOD) of 0.02 µM can also exhibit a significant ratiometric fluorescence color change from cyan to dark blue within 2 min in a nearly pure water solvent system after the addition of ClO−. Finally, by virtue of the good photophysical properties and ClO− sensing performance, Probe B and the Probe B loaded portable test paper were successfully applied to live cell imaging and the naked eye recognition of ClO−, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the design and synthesis of a conjugate, which is composed of a percarboxylated water-soluble pillar[6]arene and three fluorescent pyrene chromophores on alternating methylene bridges. The optical characteristics are investigated. This conjugate is capable of encapsulating polycationic guest spermine, which results in an enhancement in the fluorescence intensity of pyrene. This host–pyrene conjugate is used for direct sensing of spermine, which shows selectivity towards a variety of biological analytes. The detection of spermine is demonstrated in live cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have successfully developed a new cell-permeable SNARF derivative that is activated inside the cell by ester hydrolysis and is notable for having reduced background fluorescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein we demonstrate the first example of oligonucleotide-templated reaction (OTR) performed on paper, using lateral flow to capture and concentrate specific nucleic acid biomarkers on a test line. Quantitative analysis, using a low-cost benchtop fluorescence reader showed very high specificity down to the single nucleotide level and proved sensitive enough for amplification-free, on-chip, detection of endogenous concentrations of miR-150-5p, a recently identified predictive blood biomarker for preterm birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A strategy for aptamer-based biosensing termed linkage inversion assembled nano-aptasensors (LIANAs) is shown to be a generally applicable approach to the sensitive and specific detection of a target molecule in turn-on fluorescence solution-based and paper-based tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a highly selective and sensitive fluorescent probe (FP) for detecting fluoride ions, for the first time, lighting up the fluoride ions in mitochondria with a strong green fluorescence. FP could be easily prepared as fluoride paper test strips to detect fluoride ions in aqueous solutions with a detection limit as low as 19 ppb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A naturally occurring pigment emodin is reported here as an example to extend mechanochromic luminescent material systems. Three polymorphs, two hydrates and the amorphous state of emodin, are successfully synthesized. These solid forms exhibit significantly different fluorescence properties, which indicates its potential application in mechano-sensors and security papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heparin is a widely used blood anticoagulant and its monitoring in blood is essential during surgery. Unavoidable interference factors such as blood color and luminescence can interfere with the fluorescence visualization of heparin. Herein, we found a ratiometric fluorescence probe consisting of SYBR green and cresyl violet responsive to heparin mainly based on electrostatic interactions. A simple sensor was further embedded in an agarose hydrogel, exhibiting an obvious color change from orange to green without complex pretreatment of blood, which overcomes the susceptibility of fluorescence sensors toward biological samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the synthesis and characterization (Raman, FTIR, DLS, single crystal XRD) of Cs10H3SbW14O50·6H2O, which contains a new polyoxometalate building block: H3SbW14O5010− (SbW14). Solution-state fluorescence, DLS, and UV-vis absorbance results with Nd3+, Eu3+, Am3+, and Cm3+ confirm that SbW14 acts as an efficient complexant and fluorescence sensitizer for f-elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A chiral supramolecular liquid crystal based on a pillararene mesogen was constructed. The regulation of liquid crystal behavior was achieved through the host–guest interactions between the pillararene-based mesogen and a tetraphenylethylene-containing guest. In addition, this supramolecular liquid crystal system, showing pH-responsive fluorescence emission character, was applied as an information encryption material capable of storing multiple levels of distinct information, thereby enriching the application of liquid crystal materials in the field of information security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bimetallic Schiff-base Al3+ complexes bearing ester functions at the periphery of the ligands are shown to be efficient fluorescent chemosensors for picric acid detection. The prominent role of an association between the chemosensor and the picric acid in the detection process is demonstrated. The detection of picric acid in water is achieved with the sensor deposited on paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we report a simple fluorescent strip sensor based on aptamer–quantum dots technology that can meet toxin monitoring demands using ochratoxin A (OTA) as a model toxin. The limit of the detection (LOD) for the fluorescent strip was 1.9 ng mL−1, while the time needed for the detection is only 10 min; this conforms to the standards of World Health Organization (WHO) or better. Overall functional parameters are also better than the analogous characteristics of gold nanoparticle strips.High selectivity was maintained as well, making them suitable for the samples with complex solution composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new class of oxygen-sensing dual-emitting cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes is described. They function as ratiometric sensors that combine the blue fluorescence from coumarin as a self-referenced internal standard with yellow to red phosphorescence from bis-cyclometalated iridium complexes. The compounds have phosphorescence quantum yields up to 15%, lifetimes ranging from 0.23 to 9.4 μs, and are capable of sensing a wide range of O2 partial pressures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescence-based chemical sensors have garnered significant attention due to their rapid response, high sensitivity, cost-effectiveness and ease of operation. Recently, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been extensively utilized as platforms for constructing fluorescence sensors, owing to their ultra-high porosity, flexible tunability, and excellent luminescent properties. This feature article summarizes the progress made mainly by our research group in recent years in the construction strategies, principles, and types of MOF sensors, as well as their applications in quantitative sensing, qualitative identification analysis, and multimodal/multifunctional analysis. In addition, the challenges and an outlook on the future progression of MOF-based sensors are discussed, highlighting how these studies can contribute to addressing these issues. Hopefully, this feature article can provide some valuable guidance for the construction and application of MOFs in fluorescence sensing, thereby broadening their practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The excited-state tautomer equilibrium of the urea-fused single-benzene fluorophore was synthetically modulated to produce exceptionally large Stokes shifts (>12 400 cm−1). The key N–H⋯N hydrogen bonding motif utilizes an endogenous proton for long-wavelength emission or an exogenous proton for acid–base chemistry, the balance of which is exploited for fluorescence switching in the solid state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, an aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-based sensor, 4-(1,2,2-triphenylvinyl)benzoxime (TPE-phos), has been rationally designed for phosgene detection. The sensor has a tetraphenylethylene unit combined with an oxime moiety. TPE-phos undergoes nitrile formation after the oxime group reacts with phosgene, which will give a significant "light-up" fluorescence due to the AIE effect within seconds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and associated sulfur species known as persulfide or sulfane sulfur are considered among the first responders to oxidative stress. However, tools that reliably generate these species without any potentially toxic byproducts are limited, and even fewer report the generation of a persulfide. Here, using a latent fluorophore embedded with N-acetylcysteine persulfide, we report a new tool that is cleaved by esterase to produce a persulfide as well as a fluorescence reporter without any electrophilic byproducts. The rate of formation of the fluorescence reporter is nearly identical to the rate of formation of the persulfide suggesting that the use of this probe eliminates the need for secondary assays that report persulfide formation. Symptomatic with persulfide generation, the newly developed donor was able to protect chondrocyte cells from oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a general molecular design strategy of spatial proximity, which allows intramolecular [2+2] photocycloaddition reaction to take place in both single molecules and molecular aggregates. Sharply contrasting photoinduced fluorescence changes in solution and in the solid state were found and attributed to the aggregation-induced quenching property of the monomers and the aggregation-induced emission nature of the photodimers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass conversion into chemicals, materials and fuels emerged in the past decade as the most promising alternative to the current petroleum-based industry. However, the chemocatalytic conversion of biomass and bio-derived sugars often leads to numerous side-products, such as humins. The limited characterization of humin materials restricts their study for possible future applications. Thus, herein photophysical studies on humins and separated humin fractions were carried out using steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence techniques. This paper aims to add to the literature important information for scientists involved in the photophysical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel AIE-active boron-difluoride complex (PTZ) was synthesized which exhibits multi-stimuli responsive characteristics. Its colours and emissions can be switched by mechanical grinding, organic solvent vapours and acid/base vapours. This complex can be utilized in data encryption and decryption based on the protonation-deprotonation effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A porous NH2-MOF-76(Eu) (MOF 1) with unexpected non-luminescence was designed and synthesized. It exhibits selective fluorescence recovery for sensing dipicolinic acid (DPA), a biomarker of Bacillus anthracis. Moreover, a new europium-based MOF (MOF 2) with evident channel changes was obtained through a single-crystal to single-crystal phase transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A tetraphenylethene-based caged compound (TPE-C) is designed and synthesized. TPE-C is non-fluorescent either in solution or in aggregated state, but its emission can be induced to emit strong cyan emission in the aggregated state by UV irradiation. This property enables TPE-C to be applied in photo-patterning and anti-counterfeiting related areas [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sensitive, portable, easy-to-operate, directly-readable food freshness monitoring device has been developed for rapid visual identification of mild food spoilage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, copper cysteamine (CC) was loaded with montmorillonite (MMT) to form a montmorillonite-copper cysteamine (MCC) composite that showed enhanced fluorescence properties. This enhancement was determined to have arisen from electron transfer, improved structural stability, and a nonradiative deactivation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fluorescent probe pair, NBD-B2 and Styryl-51F, selectively detects NMN over citric acid. NBD-B2 exhibits increased fluorescence, while Styryl-51F shows decreased fluorescence upon NMN addition. Their ratiometric fluorescence change enables highly sensitive and wide-range detection of NMN, effectively distinguishing it not only from citric acid but also other NAD boosters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emission of pyrrole-substituted benzoic acid can be repeatedly switched between the dark and bright states in the solid state by chemical fuming and heating processes, enabling it to work as a rapid sensitive fluorescent sensor for primary amine detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel surface modification strategy for an electrospun nanofibrous film was reported, allowing detection and removal of copper ions in the aqueous solution. This reusable dual fluorescent–colorimetric nanofibrous film can be utilized conveniently to achieve real-time naked-eye sensing in aqueous medium just like using a test paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new selective and sensitive fluorescence turn-on detection of ClO− is reported by taking advantage of the specific reaction between a 1-methyl-1,2-dihydropyridine-2-thione unit and ClO− and the aggregation induced-emission (AIE) behavior of the tetraphenylethylene unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A ratiometric fluorescent probe based on anthracene carboximide was developed for direct detection of isocyanates in air. The sensing mechanism was illustrated to be variation in the photophysical properties caused by the nucleophilic reaction of the probe molecule. A number of isocyanates were conveniently detected by a test paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomedical imaging technology, which allows us to peer deeply within living subjects and visually explore the delivery and distribution of agents in living things, is producing tremendous opportunities for the early diagnosis and precise therapy of diseases. In this feature article, based on reviewing the latest representative examples of progress together with our recent efforts in the bioimaging field, we intend to introduce three typical kinds of non-invasive imaging technologies, i.e., fluorescence, ultrasonic and photoacoustic imaging, in which optical and/or acoustic signals are employed for analyzing various diseases. In particular, fluorescence imaging possesses a series of outstanding advantages, such as high temporal resolution, as well as rapid and sensitive feedback. Hence, in the first section, we will introduce the latest studies on developing novel fluorescence imaging methods for imaging bacterial infections, cancer and lymph node metastasis in a long-term and real-time manner. However, the issues of imaging penetration depth induced by photon scattering and light attenuation of biological tissue limit their widespread in vivo imaging applications. Taking advantage of the excellect penetration depth of acoustic signals, ultrasonic imaging has been widely applied for determining the location, size and shape of organs, identifying normal and abnormal tissues, as well as confirming the edges of lesions in hospitals. Thus, in the second section, we will briefly summarize recent advances in ultrasonic imaging techniques for diagnosing diseases in deep tissues. Nevertheless, the absence of lesion targeting and dependency on a professional technician may lead to the possibility of false-positive diagnosis. By combining the merits of both optical and acoustic signals, newly-developed photoacoustic imaging, simultaneously featuring higher temporal and spatial resolution with good sensitivity, as well as deeper penetration depth, is discussed in the third secretion. In the final part, we further discuss the major challenges and prospects for developing imaging technology for accurate disease diagnosis. We believe that these non-invasive imaging technologies will introduce a new perspective for the precise diagnosis of various diseases in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasmonic metal nanoparticles and semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are two of the most widely applied nanomaterials for optical biosensing and bioimaging. While their combination for fluorescence quenching via nanosurface energy transfer (NSET) or Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) offers powerful ways of tuning and amplifying optical signals and is relatively common, metal–QD nanohybrids for plasmon-enhanced fluorescence (PEF) have been much less prevalent. A major reason is the competition between fluorescence quenching and enhancement, which poses important challenges for optimizing distances, orientations, and spectral overlap toward maximum PEF. In this feature article, we discuss the interplay of the different quenching and enhancement mechanisms (a mixed distance dependence of quenching and enhancement – "quenchancement") to better understand the obstacles that must be overcome for the development of metal–QD nanohybrid-based PEF biosensors. The different nanomaterials, their combination within various surface and solution based design concepts, and their structural and photophysical characterization are reviewed and applications toward advanced optical biosensing and bioimaging are presented along with guidelines and future perspectives for sensitive, selective, and versatile bioanalytical research and biomolecular diagnostics with metal–QD nanohybrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing low-cost and reliable sensor systems for the detection of trace amounts of toxic gases is an important area of research. Ammonia (NH3) is a commonly produced industrial chemical and a harmful colorless pungent gas released from various manufacturing and processing industries. Continuous exposure to NH3 vapor causes serious menace to human health, microorganisms, and the ecosystem. Exposure to relatively higher concentrations of NH3 severely affects the respiratory system and leads to kidney failure, nasal erosion ulcers, and gastrointestinal diseases. Excessive accumulation of NH3 in the biosphere can cause various metabolic disruptions. As a consequence of this, therefore, suitable sensing methods for selective detection and quantification of trace amounts of NH3 are of utmost need to protect the environment and living systems. Given this, there have been significant research advances in the preceding years on the development of fluorescence chemosensors for efficient sensing and monitoring of the trace concentration of NH3 both in solution and vapor phases. This review article highlights several fluorescence chemosensors reported until recently for sensing and quantifying NH3 in the vapor phase or ammonium ions (NH4+) in the solution phase. The wide variety of fluorescence chemosensors discussed in this article are systematically gathered according to their structures, functional properties, and fluorescence sensing properties. Finally, the usefulness and existing challenges of using the fluorescence-based sensing method for NH3 detection and the future perspective on this research area have also been highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An AIE-active “turn-on” bioprobe is designed for hydrogen peroxide detection based on an imine-functionalized tetraphenylethene derivative. The linear fluorescence response enables quantification of hydrogen peroxide with superior sensitivity and selectivity. Meanwhile, glucose assay is also realized by taking advantage of GOx/glucose enzymatic reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two pyrene boronic acid cyclic esters, PPB and NPB, were prepared and their solid state fluorescence properties were investigated. Interestingly, the results showed that PPB with a 5-membered ring possessed reversible mechanoluminescence and vapochromic behaviour with a fast self-recovering ability at room temperature, whereas NPB with a 6-membered ring did not. It was demonstrated that the mechanically responsive fluorescence properties of PPB and NPB were highly related to the molecular packing mode and the solid state plasticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local pH changes were produced upon electrochemical reactions. Cyclic application of reductive and oxidative potentials resulted in the formation of pH waves in the form of distinct solution layers. Multiple layers with basic and acidic pH values were visualized with a fluorescence confocal microscope following fluorescence of pH-dependent dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic covalent imine chemistry has been utilized to synthesize a fluorescent [3+2] self-assembled nanoscopic organic cage. The fluorescent nature of the reduced analogue of the cage was further exploited for the highly selective detection of the explosive picric acid (PA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transformation of [15]paracyclophanes ([15]PCP) into fluorophores has been achieved by embedding tetraphenylethene (TPE) units into their skeletons at the meso-positions. The obtained two hosts demonstrated distinct aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties and their fluorescence could be selectively quenched by Ni2+ ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) was used to study the behaviour of a BODIPY dye in a giant unilamellar vesicle (GUV) in the presence of an electric field. The modulation of the electric field resulted in distinctive fluorescence lifetime changes in line with environment alterations within the membrane mimic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT)-based fluorophores with two-photon excitation fluorescence (TPEF) are rare. Our aim with this research was to develop ESIPT-based fluorophores exhibiting TPEF. Herein, we used 4-hydroxyisoindoline-1,3-dione as a scaffold to develop a two-photon fluorescent probe BHID-Bpin, for the detection of peroxynitrite (ONOO−). BHID-Bpin exhibits excellent selectivity, sensitivity, and fast response towards ONOO− in PBS buffer solution (10 mM, pH = 7.40). Additionally, BHID-Bpin displays high photo-stability under two-photon irradiation at 750 nm. Furthermore, the probe can image endogenous ONOO− in HeLa cells and exogenous ONOO− in rat hippocampal slices at a depth of 110 μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The controlled hydrolysis of sulfone-rhodamines affords a series of core-modified red-emitting rhodols, the fluorescence of which is sensitive to solvent polarity with pronounced bathochromic shifts recorded in both DMSO and CH3CN combined with an up to 8-fold increase in the fluorescence quantum yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]