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Developing a simple, economical, sensitive, and selective method for label-free direct detection analytes is attractive, especially the strategies that could achieve signal amplification without complicated operations. Herein, a dual-fluorescence colorimetric nanoswitch sensing platform for label-free direct melamine (MEL) detection was established. We first explored the relationship between MEL-induced aggregation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and size and determined the optimal size to be 37 nm. Using surfactant Triton X-100 to modify AuNPs and clarify possible interaction mechanisms to improve detection performance. The dynamic changes of surface plasmon resonance absorption peaks in the dispersed and aggregated states of AuNPs were skillfully utilized to match the emission of multicolor gold nanoclusters to trigger the multi-inner filter effect. Accompanied by the addition of MEL-induced AuNPs to change from dispersed to aggregated state, the fluorescence of green-emitting and red-emitting gradually turned on and turned off, respectively. The fluorescence turn-on mode detection limit was 10 times higher than the colorimetric method and as low as 5.5 ng/mL; the detection took only 10 min. The sensor detected MEL in spiked milk samples with a good recovery in the range of 81.2–111.0 % with a coefficient of variation less than 11.4 % and achieved a good correlation with commercial kits. The proposed sensor integrates numerous merits of label-free, multi-signal readout, self-calibration, simple operations, and economical, which provides a promising tool for convenient on-site detection of MEL. [Display omitted] • The MEL-induced aggregation responsiveness was positively correlated with AuNPs sizes. • To elucidate possible mechanisms by which functionalized AuNPs improved MEL detection performance. • Artfully used dynamic changes of AuNPs SPR peaks to match emission of multicolor AuNCs to trigger multi-IFE. • Label-free direct detection of MEL with LOD of 5.5 ng/mL and completes detection within 10 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we fabricated an electrochemical (EC) and UV–visible absorption (UV–vis) dual mode split-type immunoassay for the detection of 17β-estradiol (E2), which was mediated by liposome encapsulated methylene blue (MB@lip). MB molecule acted as the probe in the EC and UV–vis absorption dual mode detections, and its release was controlled by liposome. The competitive immune recognition was conducted between the E2 in the sample and E2 conjugated bovine serum protein (E2-BSA) adsorbed on the 96-wells plate in combining with E2 antibody labeled with MB@lip (E2-Ab/MB@lip). MB molecule could be released from the resulting immune composite of E2-BSA/E2-Ab/MB@lip in the presence of Triton X-100, and quantified by UV–vis and EC methods. The three-dimensional cross-linked reduced graphene oxide/Ti 3 C 2 (3D-rGO/Ti 3 C 2) aerogel was prepared through hydrothermal method, then complexed with the electroactive anthraquinone (AQ) and used as the electrode modified material. The AQ/3D-rGO/Ti 3 C 2 composite had high surface area and provided abundant adsorption sites for MB, and the displacement/competitive behavior between AQ and MB could dexterously achieve the ratiometric EC detection of E2. In addition, the inherent blue color of MB allowed it to be analyzed by UV–vis absorption method. The proposed dual mode detection method exhibited broad linear ranges of 0.1 pg mL−1 to 50 ng mL−1 (by UV–vis) and 0.03 pg mL−1 to 50 ng mL−1 (by EC) for E2 detection, and the detection limits were 0.023 pg mL−1 (S/N = 3) and 8.0 fg mL−1 (S/N = 3), respectively. Moreover, the proposed immunoassay exhibited good practicability and was applied to monitor E2 in milk and serum successfully. [Display omitted] • Methylene blue was encapsulated into the liposome through the ammonium sulfate gradient method. • Methylene blue@liposome was applied to construct the split-type electrochemical immunoassay. • Ratiometric electrochemical detection was achieved by the displacement behavior between anthraquinone and methylene blue. • The inherent blue color of methylene blue allowed 17β-estradiol to be analyzed by UV–vis absorption method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cloud point extraction is an environmentally benign and simple separation/concentration procedure that can be regarded as an alternative to classical liquid-liquid extraction. In the current work, it was studied the compatibility of cloud point extraction followed by back-extraction in low volume of organic solvent with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS and GC-MS/MS). Triton X-100 was preferred than Triton X-114 as a surfactant to produce the clouding phenomenon and hexane or isooctane was found to be appropriate organic solvents which can be used at the back-extraction step. It was observed that ca. 0.09 % w/w Triton X-100 was co-extracted in the organic phase (hexane or isooctane) so further study was carried out to find out its effect on the GC-MS (GC-MS/MS) measurement when liquid samples are injected without any pre-cleaning to remove the surfactant. The chromatographic separation and the mass detection were not deteriorated by the concomitant Triton X-100 for analysis of several Organochlorine and Organophosphorus pesticides (alpha-HCH, beta-HCH, gamma-HCH, Pentachlorobenzene, Hexachlorobenzene, Chlorpyrifos, Chlorpyrifos-methyl, Aldrin, Endrin, Dieldrin, alpha-Endosulfan, Heptachlor, Heptachlor- endo -epoxide-A, o,p-DDD, p,p-DDD, o,p-DDE, p,p-DDE, o,p-DDT and p,p-DDT). The stability of the GC system when introducing surfactant was assessed as acceptable (typically the peak area RSD% for 20 consecutive injections were below 5 %). Under the developed vaporization conditions using PTV or PSS injectors it can be deduced that Triton X-100 is deposited on the inner surface of the liner. This effect is beneficial since the resulting surfactant layer makes a surface which facilitates the pesticides transfer to the GC column. As a consequence, for some analytes, a substantial enhancement (up to 2.3 times) in the sensitivity was observed when the matrix-matched medium (0.09 % w/w Triton X-100 in organic solvent) is used compared to calibration in solely hexane or isooctane. Meanwhile, the measurement precision in the presence of Triton X-100 remains unchanged. The GC-MS/MS analysis was alternatively accomplished by the use of glass or metal liner and it was found that the glass one should be preferable. Finally, it can be concluded that cloud point extraction with Triton X-100 can be combined with GC-MS or GC-MS/MS analysis by applying liquid injection of the target analytes transferred in organic solvents such as hexane or isooctane. We have established a positive effect of Triton X-100 on the instrumental performance which is on opposite to the generally accepted concern of the negative influence of the surfactants on the gas chromatographic analysis. [Display omitted] • Hexane or Isooctane containing 0.09 % Triton X-100 can be injected without cleanup. • The injected amount of Triton X-100 improves the analytical figures of merit. • Matrix-matched calibration can be applied by spiked solvent with Triton X-100. • The use of glass liner is preferable to obtain the best performance characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work designed a liposome-mediated photocurrent polarity switching immunosensor depending on the reversed photocurrent of iodine-doped BiOCl (I-BOC) nanoflowers induced by the released methylene blue (MB) for the detection of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Initially, MB-loaded liposomes as indicators were confined within the microplates to participate in the sandwiched immunoreaction and lysed under the treatment of Triton X-100 to release numerous MB. Owing to the host-guest recognition between β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and MB, the released MB was immobilized on the β-CD-modified I-BOC/FTO electrode and triggered the photocurrent polarity reversal from cathodic photocurrent to anodic photocurrent. The sensing platform realized an accurate and sensitive assay of PSA due to the effective elimination of false-positive/negative signals in a linear range of 0.02–50 ng mL−1 with a limit of detection of 12 pg mL−1. Furthermore, this work not only conjugated liposome-assisted signal amplification strategy with the photocurrent polarity switching system but also provided a novel pathway for various protein determinations. [Display omitted] • A photocurrent-polarity switchable PEC biosensor was designed for immunoassay. • Methylene blue-encapsulated liposome used for the signal amplification. • Photocurrent polarity switched by introducing methylene blue. • β-cyclodextrin-functionalized iodine-doped BiOCl nanoflowers used as the photoactive materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a novel and efficient method for the extraction of Al, Ca, Cr, Cu, K, Mg, Mn, and Zn in vegetable oil samples using a Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent (NADES) as an extractor combined with microwave radiation (MW) in an emulsion system. The NADES prepared with choline chloride:oxalic acid:water (1:1:4 molar ratio) provided a high extraction rate using 5.0 mL of the sample, 1.7 mL of NADES, and 1.3 mL of Triton X-100. The optimum conditions were obtained with 36 s of vortexing, 5 min of extraction, and 10 s for emulsion-breaking in MW. Under these conditions, recoveries ranged from 91% to 110% and relative standard deviations <9.0% were obtained. The limit of quantification (mg kg−1) was: 0.018 (Al), 0.032 (Ca), 0.007 (Cr), 0.006 (Cu), 0.013 (K), 0.027 (Mg), 0.002 (Mn), and 0.019 (Zn). The proposed method showed comparable results to reference methods and advantages, such as speed, low cost, and simplicity. The combination of NADES and MW represents a sustainable and innovative approach to the elemental determination composition of vegetable oils and contributes to advances in sample preparation methods. [Display omitted] • NADES-based choline chloride-oxalic acid-water was used in a new method. • The experimental design optimized the method's conditions. • Microwave and NADES were combined in an emulsion-breaking method. • MAEB method is simple, fast, low-cost, and greener. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high-throughput, sensitive and rapid method was developed for the determination of Zn, Cu and Fe in small volumes (30 μL) of human serum using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The sample preparation procedure employed simple 100-fold dilution of the serum samples with 1.0% butanol, 0.5% v/v ammonia, 0.02% v/v Triton X-100 and 0.01% v/v HNO 3. The reliability of the method was evaluated using serum UTAK certified reference material, and the results matched well with the certified values. The method was applied to determine Zn, Cu and Fe in 81 human serum samples from participants in Alzheimer disease (AD) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) studies. No significant differences were found in Zn and Cu levels between age matched controls, AD and AMD patients. Whilst iron levels appeared marginally higher in the AMD group, compared with the AD group, iron showed larger overall variability than the other two elements. Image 1 • Zn, Cu and Fe were determined in as little as 30μL serum from AD and AMD patients for the first time. • Micro-sampling (30 μL) provided a method readily amenable to automated analysis. • Preparation of serum with Ammonia-Triton X-100-HNO3 provides a stable solution for ICP-MS sample introduction. • Serum UTAK CRM was used for method validation and was more reliable than Seronorm™. • Data from patients with AD/AMD conditions have been compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment of microbial contamination is an important aspect of ensuring human food safety. One of the modern methods for the evaluation of microbial contamination is the estimation of the amount of ATP using firefly luciferase. In this case, the choice of an effective composition of the extraction buffer is crucial. In this study, we examined the influence of silver and gold nanoparticles on the firefly bioluminescent system during the ATP extraction process. It was found that gold nanoparticles stabilized with benzalkonium chloride and Triton X-100 enhanced bioluminescent system signal intensity due to metal-enhanced bioluminescence. Moreover, silver and gold nanoparticles could be used as extracting agents. So, using gold nanoparticles stabilized with BAC and Triton X-100 as ATP extraction agents with further detection by a bioluminescent system makes it possible to develop an ATP biosensor with higher sensitivity. [Display omitted] • Safe and sensitive bioluminescent method of microbial contamination assessment. • Explanation of MEB-effect in firefly bioluminescence. • Bioluminescent signal enhancement due to adding gold and silver nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new and facile method for the determination of critical micelle concentration (CMC) of ionic and non-ionic surfactants is proposed in this article. Carbon dots exhibited substantial fluorescence and therefore enhanced the sensitivity of this evaluation. Understanding the formation of surfactant micelles is vital for the applications of biomedicine such as drug fabrication and smart molecular vehicles in delivering therapeutic dosage to various molecular sites. The fluorescence property of carbon dots was utilized for the first time to estimate the critical micelle concentration of surfactants. The central concept of the approach is based on the Stokes shift determination of a system composed of constant amount of carbon dots with varying concentrations of ionic and non-ionic surfactants. The synthesized carbon dots were characterized by FTIR, TEM, XRD, Raman, UV, and fluorescence spectroscope. The carbon dots were excited at 280 nm so as to obtain maximum emission for the Stokes shift measurement. The CMC value of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), Triton X-100, dodecyldimethyl(3-sulfopropyl)ammonium hydroxide (SB-12) evaluated by this approach was found to be 0.98, 7.3, 0.19, and 3.5 mM, respectively. The signals of spectra were assigned and explained in terms of both electron transitions between specific molecular orbital and the interaction with solvent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for the separation and concentration of trace copper(II) ion (Cu(II)) via cloud point extraction (CPE) using a nonionic surfactant with a salting-out effect was developed and applied as a technique for the visual determination of Cu(II). Triton X-100 (TX-100), which has a cloud point at 64–67°C in aqueous solutions, was used as the nonionic surfactant for the CPE of Cu(II). Although CPE with TX-100 requires heating of the solution to separate the surfactant-rich phase from the aqueous phase, the new method achieves phase separation at 15–30°C owing to the addition of a large amount of salt to the solution, which lowers the cloud point. The compound 1,5-diphenylthiocarbazone (dithizone) was selected as the chelating agent for complexation and transfer of Cu(II) to the surfactant-rich phase. The extractability of Cu(II) (initial concentration: 10μM) was 96.6±2.1% when Na2SO4 was added to a 20% TX-100/4μM dithizone solution (pH 2). Using this method, the visual determination of Cu(II) was possible for concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 10μM. In addition, the extraction system was successfully applied to the visual determination of Cu(II) in a river water sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel simultaneous cloud point extraction method for the determination of carmoisine and brilliant blue FCF by spectrophotometry has been developed. The method is based on the cloud point extraction of carmoisine and brilliant blue FCF from aqueous solution using Triton X-100, diluting the extracted surfactant rich phase with water and measuring the absorbance at 522 and 640nm for carmoisine and brilliant blue FCF, respectively. The effects of different parameters such as pH, concentration of surfactant and temperature on the cloud point extraction of both dyes were investigated and optimum conditions were established. Linear calibration curves were obtained in the range of 0.02–3.50μgmL−1 for carmoisine and 0.05–3.50μgmL−1 for brilliant blue FCF under optimum conditions. Detection limit based on three times the standard deviation of the blank (3Sb) was 0.017 and 0.016μgmL−1 (n =10) for carmoisine and brilliant blue FCF, respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) for 0.1μgmL−1 was 4.14 and 3.30% (n =10), for carmoisine and brilliant blue FCF, respectively. The method was applied to the simultaneous determination of the dyes in different food samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new micelle-mediated cloud point extraction method is described for sensitive and selective determination of trace amounts of rhodamine B by spectrophotometry. The method is based on the cloud point extraction of rhodamine B from aqueous solution using Triton X-100 in acidic media. The extracted surfactant rich phase is diluted with water and its absorbance is measured at 563nm by a spectophotometer. The effects of different operating parameters such as concentration of surfactant and salt, temperature and pH on the cloud point extraction of rhodamine B were studied in details and a set of optimum conditions were obtained. Under optimum conditions a linear calibration graph in the range of 5–550ngmL−1 of rhodamine B in the initial solution with r =0.9991 (n =15) was obtained. Detection limit based on three times the standard deviation of the blank (3S b) was 1.3ngmL−1 (n =10) and the relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) for 50 and 350ngmL−1 of rhodamine B was 2.40 and 0.87% (n =10), respectively. The method was applied for the determination of rhodamine B in soft pastel, hand washing liquid soap, matches tip and textile dyes mixture samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The cloud point extraction behaviors of lanthanoids(III) (Ln(III)=La(III), Eu(III) and Lu(III)) with and without di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HDEHP) using Triton X-100 were investigated. It was suggested that the extraction of Ln(III) into the surfactant-rich phase without added chelating agent was caused by the impurities contained in Triton X-100. The extraction percentage more than 91% for all Ln(III) metals was obtained using 3.0×10−5 moldm−3 HDEHP and 2.0% (v/v) Triton X-100. From the equilibrium analysis, it was clarified that Ln(III) was extracted as Ln(DEHP)3 into the surfactant-rich phase. The extraction constant of Ln(III) with HDEHP and 2.0% (v/v) Triton X-100 were also obtained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A sequential injection analysis (SIA) spectrophotometric method for the determination of trace amounts of zinc(II) with 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN) is described. The method is based on the measurement of absorbance of the zinc(II)–PAN chelate solubilized with a non-ionic surfactant, Triton X-100, no extraction procedure is required in the proposed method, yielding a pink colored complex at pH 9.5 with absorption maximum at 553nm. The SIA parameters that affect the signal response have been optimized in order to get the better sensitivity and minimum reagent consumption. A linear relationship between the relative peak height and concentration was obtained in the concentration range of 0.1–1.0μgml−1. The limit of detection (LOD, defined as 3σ) and limit of quantification (LOQ, defined as 10σ) were 0.02 and 0.06μgml−1, respectively. The sample throughput about 40 samples/h was obtained. The repeatability were 1.32 and 1.24% (n =10) for 0.1 and 0.5μgml−1, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied to the assay of zinc(II) in three samples of multivitamin tablets. The results were found to be in good agreement with those obtained by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometric method and with the claimed values by the manufactures. The t-test showed no significant difference at 95% confidence level. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The use of water-soluble calixarenes: p-sulfonato thiacalixarene (ST), tetra-sulfonatomethylated calix[4]resorcinarene (SR), calix[4]resorcinarene phosphonic acid (PhR) as chelating agents in cloud point extraction (CPE) of La(III), Gd(III) and Yb(III) ions using Triton X-100 as non-ionic surfactant is introduced. The data obtained indicate that both complexation ability and structure of calixarenes govern the extraction efficiency of lanthanides. In particular ST and SR, forming 1:1 lanthanide complexes with similar stability in aqueous media, exhibit different extractability when used as chelating agents in CPE. First synthesized PhR was found to be the most efficient chelating agent exhibiting pH-dependent selectivity within La(III), Gd(III) and Yb(III) in CPE. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper a method was described about dynamic coating for resolving rhodamine B (RB) adsorption on a hybrid poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)/glass chip. The results showed that when the non-ionic surfactant Triton X-100 was higher than 0.5% (v/v) into the phosphate buffer, the adsorption of RB appeared. Besides, some separation conditions for RB were investigated, including concentration of Triton X-100, concentration and pH value of running buffer, separation voltage and detection site. Through comparing electroosmotic flow, plate numbers and other parameters, an acceptable separation condition was obtained. Under optimized conditions, the precisions of RB detection (R.S.D., n =10) were 2.62% for migration time, 4.78% for peak height respectively. Additionally, RB concentration linearity response was excellent with 0.9996 of correlation coefficient between 1 and 100μM, and a limit of detection (S/N=3) was 0.2μM. Finally, we separated rhodamine B isothiocyanate and lysine deriving from the fluorescent probe, and the result displayed that the dynamic coating method was applicable by CE separations using PDMS/glass chip. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The cloud point extraction behavior of iron(III) and vanadium(V) using 8-quinolinol derivatives (HA) such as 8-quinolinol (HQ), 2-methyl-8-quinolinol (HMQ), 5-butyloxymethyl-8-quinolinol (HO4Q), 5-hexyloxymethyl-8-quinolinol (HO6Q), and 2-methyl-5-octyloxymethyl-8-quinolinol (HMO8Q) and Triton X-100 solution was investigated. Iron(III) was extracted with HA and 4% (v/v) Triton X-100 in the pH range of 1.70–5.44. Above pH 4.0, more than 95% of iron(III) was extracted with HQ, HMQ, and HMO8Q. Vanadium(V) was also extracted with HA and 4% (v/v) Triton X-100 in the pH range of 2.07–5.00, and the extractability increased in the following order of HMQ < HQ < HO4Q < HO6Q. The cloud point extraction was applied to the determination of iron(III) in the riverine water reference by a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy. When 1.25 × 10-3M HMQ and 1% (v/v) Triton X-100 were used, the found values showed a good agreement with the certified ones within the 2% of the R.S.D. Moreover, the effect of an alkyl group on the solubility of 5-alkyloxymethyl-8-quinolinol and 2-methyl-5-alkyloxymethyl-8-quinolinol in 4% (v/v) Triton X-100 at 25°C was also investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A simple method based on the use of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in single particle mode (SP-ICP-MS) has been proposed, for the first time, for the study of platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) in complex clinical matrices such as human urine and blood serum. Critical parameters for signal acquisition were optimized to achieve a correct and simultaneous sizing and counting (particle-based in particles L−1 and mass-based in ng L−1) of 50 and 70 nm PtNPs. Different reagents, as tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) and/or Triton X-100, and concentrations have been tested to ensure an adequate stabilization and extraction of PtNPs. Finally, TMAH at 1% is demonstrated to be the best reagent to extract the NPs guaranteeing their integrity. No heating or any additional treatment was required, which allows sample preparation, and the overall process, to be simple and fast. Good precisions for size (2% RSD) and particle number and mass concentrations (<1% RSD), and limits of detection of 21.6 nm and 1.9 × 105 particles L−1 were reported. The influence of matrix on the determination of PtNP sizes and number- and mass-based concentrations was evaluated. Particle sizes were in all cases in accordance with values determined by TEM or SEM, whereas recoveries of PtNPs in terms of concentration ranged between 92 and 101%. The stability of PtNP characteristics after 24 h was specifically studied in human urine spiked with PtNPs. Statistically significant differences were only reported for the particle number concentrations of 50 nm PtNPs in female urine samples. The present work will be relevant to understand the behaviour of PtNPs in body fluids and to take appropriate actions in future (pre)clinical trials. [Display omitted] • A new SP-ICP-MS approach has enabled the analytical control of PtNPs in human blood and urine samples. • A correct PtNPs characterization in terms of particle size and number- and mass-based concentrations has been performed. • Minimum sample preparation with TMAH 1% is required to ensure an adequate stabilization and extraction of PtNPs. • Understanding of PtNPs' behaviour in body fluids has been improved being useful for future clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid and accurate detection of phosphate (Pi) in complex biological fluid is of critical importance for timely warning of Pi accumulation and monitoring Pi related pathological process. Up to date, various luminescent probes have been developed for Pi determination in aqueous media. However, the huge obstacles of the current probes suffer from the inherent issues such as time-consuming, tedious preparation and unavoidable background interference during Pi detection. To circumvent this limitation, we proposed a universal and facile strategy to fabricate a novel sensitizer-Ln3+@surfactant micelle probe with time-resolved luminescent (TRL) superiority through the self-assembly of sensitizer, Ln3+ and surfactant. Through this design, the sensitizer-Ln3+ chelate can be encapsulated into the surfactant constructed micelle and Ln3+ luminescence can be substantially lighted up through the effective energy transfer from the coordinated sensitizer and the assistance of Triton X-100. Such high TRL signal can be sensitively and specifically quenched by Pi, which was attributed to the specific coordination competition between sensitizer and Pi towards Ln3+. Benefitting from the background-free interference and highly sensitive TRL response of the sensitizer-Ln3+@surfactant probe, we achieved the rapid, selective and sensitive detection of Pi in the range of 0.5–120 μM with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.19 μM. Furthermore, the accuracy of the proposed method based on the Ln3+ involved micelle probes was further verified through the quantitation of Pi in real biological samples. [Display omitted] • A rapid and accurate platform was developed for Pi detection in complex biological fluids. • The probe was constructed through the self-assembly of sensitizer ligand, Ln3+ and surfactant. • The probe exhibited highly sensitized Ln3+ luminescence with time-resolved superiority. • Such high Ln3+ luminescence can be sensitively and specifically quenched by Pi. • The proposed strategy opens up a new avenue for the potential application of Ln3+-based probe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein MALDI imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS) holds a great promise to acquire spatial distribution information of proteins on biological tissue, but it suffers from the small number of proteins detected by direct MALDI-IMS detection. Ionic surfactants have been extensively used for protein extraction to improve the number of proteins detected in tissue samples by LC-MS analysis, but seldom by direct MALDI-IMS detection. Nonionic surfactants are milder than ionic surfactants and protein native structures are remained after extraction, which favors the spatial resolution of direct MALDI-IMS. However, nonionic surfactants are less effective than ionic surfactants. In this report, we utilized polyoxyethylene nonionic surfactants (PNS) to pre-incubate the tissue section, followed by the on-tissue trypsin digestion and then direct MALDI detection of in-situ formed peptides. For the first time, we observed that the additive effect of PNS and the synergistic effect of the mixed PNS in improving the number of peptides detected. Specifically, the peptides detected were 73.0–90.7% distinct when the different PNS (Tween 80 or Triton X-100 alone or their mixture) was used. Taking advantage of this additive effect, the 96 proteins including 12 transmembrane proteins were detected, corresponding to a ~10-fold improvement compared to MALDI-IMS without surfactant. When the mixed surfactants were used to replace Tween 80 and Triton X-100 alone, the optimized surfactant concentration decreased 20–100-fold and the number of peptides detected with m / z > 2500 Da was improved 15-fold. The additive and synergistic effects of PNS suggested that the interaction mode between each PNS and proteins is highly variable. Benefiting from the strong additive effect and diversity of PNS, further improvement of the number of proteins detected by MALDI-IMS is clearly feasible. Image 1 • Polyoxyethylene nonionic surfactants (PNS) improve bottom-up MALDI-IMS. • Single or mixed PNS show strong additive effect for peptide detection by MALDI-IMS. • Mixed Tween 80 and Triton X-100 show strong synergistic effects in MALDI-IMS. • Mixed Tween 80 and Triton X-100 favor the detection of peptides with m / z > 2500 Da. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sample pretreatment based on an extraction process by emulsion breaking for multi-element determination in edible oils was developed. The determination of eight trace elements (Al, Ba, Cu, Cr, P, Ni, Ti, and Zn) was carried out by microwave-induced plasma optical emission spectrometry (MIP OES) after the extraction procedure. A D-optimal mixture experimental design was used to obtain the best experimental conditions for the extraction induced by emulsion breaking (EIEB). The proportion of HNO 3 solution, Triton X-100 solution and sample was evaluated in a multivariate manner. The best recovery efficiency was obtained with 1.0 mL of 30% (v/v) HNO 3 , 1.0 mL of 30% (w/v) Triton-X 100 and 3.0 mL of the sample. The precisions, established as the relative standard deviation (RSD, %), were better than 2.5% for all analytes. The developed method was applied to the analysis of commercial vegetable oils with low limits of detection and good precision. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sensitive automated colorimetric method for the determination of nanomolar concentration of urea in seawater is presented. The colorimetry was based on the diacetyl monoxime method and the automated system was constructed by a gas-segmented continuous flow analyzer equipped with a 100 cm path length of liquid waveguide capillary cell. The most suitable surfactant for the system was hexadecyl-trimethyl-ammonium-bromide as compared to Brij-35, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and Triton X-100. Blank selection using a 3% NaCl solution, filtered subtropical surface seawater, and filtered deep seawaters with and without urease treatment showed that the filtered deep seawater with urease treatment had the lowest absorbance and was appropriate. The sample volume needed for the analysis was 1.8 mL, and the analysis rate was 10 samples h−1. Calibration curves showed good linearity for 0–1000 nM urea-N concentration range (r 2 = 0.999). The detection limit was 5 nM urea-N. The coefficient of variation for the analysis of seawater samples collected in the subtropical North Pacific was <5% at 30 and 29 nM urea-N. The proposed analytical system was applicable to vertical observation in the subtropical North Pacific. Image 1 • A sensitive automated colorimetric method for trace urea in seawater is presented. • Hexadecyl-trimethyl-ammonium-bromide was used as surfactant for automated system. • The most suitable blank was deep seawater with urease treatment. • The detection limit of the proposed system was 5 nM urea-N. • The proposed system was applicable to determination of urea in oligotrophic ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel L -tryptophan (L -Trp) electrochemical sensor is fabricated, which is based on the molecularly imprinted copolymer (MIP) of dual –functional monomers and ionic liquid (i.e. 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate) functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs@IL). The MWCNTs@IL is prepared via ion exchange, while the MIP is synthesized by using L -Trp as template, styrene and 4-vinylbenzoic acid as functional monomers, Triton X-100 as emulsifier, 1, 2-divinylbenzene as cross-linking reagent and K 2 S 2 O 8 as initiator. Prior to copolymerization the functional monomer 4-vinylbenzoic acid is combined with the template molecule by forming amide bond. The template molecule is eluted by hydrolysis, and rebound by electrostatic, hydrogen-bond and π-π interaction. To construct L -Trp sensor a little of Nafion is introduced to enhance the stability and to promote rebinding. The resulting sensor Nafion-MIP-MWCNTs@IL/GCE shows a wide linear range (8 nM–26 μM) and a low detection limit (6 nM). It is successfully applied to the determination of L -Trp in oral liquid and human serum samples. A novel L -tryptophan electrochemical sensor based on Nafion-MIP-MWCNTs@IL nanocomposite is fabricated and it shows high selectivity and stability. Image 1 • A novel L -Trp imprinted copolymer (MIP) was prepared by emulsion copolymerization. • The MIP had advantages of stable structure, good selectivity and fast rebinding rate. • The MIP, MWCNTs@IL and Nafion were combined to fabricate L -Trp electrochemical sensor. • The sensor shows a wide linear range of 0.008–26 μM and a low detection limit of 6 nM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]