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The selection and design of interface materials as the key to interface engineering is crucial for the excellent performance of optoelectronic devices, enabling multi‐functional integration at interfaces. MXene has been extensively employed in optoelectronic devices as an interface material. The primary drawback in interfacial applications, however, is MXene's vulnerability to oxidation in hot, humid environments, which severely reduces photovoltaic performance. Based on hetero‐interface engineering, this work offers a novel 2D‐semiconductor/0D‐plasma heterojunction MXene‐TA‐Au‐PEG (MTAP) as a high‐performance and multifunctional photovoltaic interfacial material. MTAP not only effectively protects MXene against stacking and spontaneous oxidation, but also exhibits excellent optoelectronic properties and interfacial antifouling capability. Moreover, MTAP is employed to enhance SPR spectroscopy, allowing for the direct, real‐time detection of tumor cell exosomes with LODs as low as 0.28 particles mL−1. MTAP effectively addresses the conventional "three S" requirements for sensors in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and stability by integrating photoelectric enhancement, interfacial antifouling, and oxidative stabilization characteristics. Finally, the results of serum sample analysis showed the sensor has some potential application value in clinical diagnosis. This study offers novel perspectives on the fabrication of 2D/0D heterojunctions using semiconductor and plasma materials, with the aim of developing improved sensing chips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early detection of ovarian cancer (OC) is crucial for effective management and treatment, as well as reducing mortality rates. However, the current diagnostic methods for OC are time-consuming and have low accuracy. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors offer a promising alternative to conventional techniques, as they enable rapid and less invasive screening of various circulating indicators. These biosensors are widely used for biomolecular interaction analysis and detecting tumor markers, and they are currently being investigated as a rapid diagnostic tool for early-stage cancer detection. Our main focus is on the fundamental concepts and performance characteristics of SPR biosensors. We also discuss the latest advancements in SPR biosensors that enhance their sensitivity and enable high-throughput quantification of OC biomarkers, including CA125, HE4, CEA, and CA19-9. Finally, we address the future challenges that need to be overcome to advance SPR biosensors from research to clinical applications. The ultimate goal is to facilitate the translation of SPR biosensors into routine clinical practice for the early detection and management of OC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Skills for Psychological Recovery (SPR) was applied following recent sexual assault (SA). • The present case series successfully applies SPR to serve five recent SA survivors. • Survivors showed reductions in some mental health symptoms at follow up. • Future research should formally assess SPR following recent SA. Skills for Psychological Recovery (SPR) is an evidence-informed, early intervention for teaching survivors coping skills in the aftermath of recent disasters. Although SPR has not been tested following recent sexual assault, there is theoretical support for applying SPR to the needs of recent sexual assault survivors. The current study is the first to describe the application of SPR among survivors of recent sexual assault. SPR was administered by two master-level clinicians over the telephone to five people who experienced a sexual assault in the last month. Clients completed up to five SPR sessions. Mean scores of measures of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD; PTSD Primary Care Screen), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire–2), and alcohol misuse (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test–Concise) were calculated pre- and post-intervention. Clients reported a reduction in PTSD symptoms (pre-intervention mean = 4.4; post-intervention mean = 2.8), depression (pre-intervention mean = 3.6; post-intervention mean = 2.2), and alcohol misuse (pre-intervention mean = 4.5; post-intervention mean = 3.2) at post-intervention. Results are presented using a case series approach. Findings suggest that SPR may be an effective strategy for reducing early trauma-related symptoms among recent survivors of sexual assault. Future investigations should explore the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of delivering SPR with larger, multiculturally diverse samples of recent sexual assault survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a D‐shaped, extremely sensitive surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor with a blue shift characteristic is proposed that can be used to identify various malignant cancer cells. A sensing layer made of titanium is inserted to produce intense sensitivity. For the simulation and numerical evaluation of the proposed biosensor, we used the finite element method (FEM) and the COMSOL Multiphysics 5.6 software. To regulate how much light passes through the sensor, which incites the released electrons at the surface of the plasmonic material, air holes in different radii are used. The characteristics that make our proposed sensor superior to other D‐shaped SPR sensors are—it gives an excellent amplitude sensitivity (AS) of 200 RIU−1 also ensures extremely high wavelength sensitivity (WS) spanning from 34,350 to 42,145 nm/RIU with an outstanding spectral resolution of 2.37 × 10−6 RIU. Furthermore, the R2 (0.9966) value is also extremely close to 1 which ensures the quality of our sensor regarding its performance. The given sensor is tailored for four vital human cancers, which are blood cancer, skin cancer, cervical cancer, and adrenal gland cancer. Here, optimization of the structural geometric parameters, plasmonic materials, and material thickness are also conducted in search of the best functionality of the sensor. The offered structure, nonetheless, can be an obvious prologue in the case of the crucial human cancer detection platform due to its mild sensing performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every biological and physicochemical process occurring in a fluid phase depends on the diffusion coefficient (D) of the species in solution. In the present work, a model to describe and fit the behaviour of D ${D}$ as a function of structure and extensive thermodynamics parameters in binary solutions of linear chain organic molecules is developed. Supporting experimental and computational evidences for this model are obtained by measuring D ${D}$ for a series of n ${n}$ ‐alcohols through a novel surface plasmon resonance method and molecular dynamics simulations. This allows to propose a kind of combined analysis to explain the dependence of D ${D}$ on various thermodynamic and structural parameters. The results suggest that for small linear systems in the range from 0 to 200 g mol−1 and under the assumption that the diffusive activation energy is a linear function of mass, D ${D}$ is strictly dependent on the molecular shape and on the relative strength of the solute‐solvent intermolecular forces represented by a parameter named R. The newly proposed approach can be utilized to characterize and monitor progressive changes in physicochemical properties for any investigated species upon increasing the dimension of the aggregate/molecule along a certain direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, a high-sensitivity silver-based surface plasmon resonance biosensor by a coating of zinc oxide on silicon for detecting hybridization of DNA is reported numerically. By changing the surface plasmon resonance angle and the minimum reflectance, this proposed biosensor can examine the difference between matched and mismatched DNA strands, as well as the nucleotide bonding between double-stranded (dsDNA) helix structures, and recognize the hybridization of target DNAs by using probe DNA immobilized on zinc oxide in the proper orientation. Also, the methodology of this work can detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). Using the transfer matrix method, we investigated the performance parameters of the biosensor. We observed that our proposed sensor has a maximum sensitivity of 378.36 deg/RIU and a good quality factor of 71.183 RIU−1. As we can see, compared with other reported papers, our proposed biosensor shows much better performance. This paper uses the biocompatibility, the electrical properties, the chemical stability, and high affinity of both Si and ZnO in surface plasmon resonance biosensors for the hybridization of DNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we present a novel design for a photonic crystal fiber (PCF) biosensor utilizing a quadruple silica channel configuration, specifically engineered for highly sensitive external sensing through surface plasmon resonance (SPR). In order to take advantage of the interaction between the surface plasmon polariton (SPP) and core-guided modes within the fiber, the silica channels are carefully positioned to generate an H-shaped PCF. The suggested sensor is designed and completely characterized by the finite element method-based COMSOL Multiphysics program, taking into account the refractive index (RI) variation in the analyte channels. A noticeably performance is achieved with a maximum wavelength sensitivity (WS) of 20,000 nm/RIU and amplitude sensitivity (AS) of - 1367.62 R I U - 1 in the wide RI range of 1.33 to 1.41. The proposed research aids in the early identification of certain cancer cells. Due to the variation in RI between cancer-affected and normal cell samples, the resonance wavelength of cancer-affected cell samples differs from their normal cell samples. The study demonstrates the sensor's specific sensitivities, AS of - 792.8853, - 422.7596, and - 985.2674 R I U - 1 and WS of 5000, 4000, and 7857.14 nm/RIU for HeLa, Basal, and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, respectively. The proposed SPR sensor is a strong contender in a variety of refractive index detection applications due to its high sensing performance and fabrication viability that is evident in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vibrio cholera (V.C.) is currently one of the most hazardous bacteria since it can lead to hepatitis, diarrhea, vomiting, and typhoid. The various methodologies include time-consuming steps that take several hours before the test report is accessible. Therefore, creating a quick and reliable technique to identify V.C. is essential. The detection of V.C. is proposed in this study using a unique bio-photonic detector that employs Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) structure and layers of silver (Ag), silicon (Si), and graphene (G). The reflectance spectrum properties are inspected by the transfer matrix technique. To optimize the efficiency of the bio-photonic sensor, the effects of changing the type of prism and layer thicknesses are thoroughly examined. The proposed detector achieves an extremely great sensitivity of 307.81 Deg./RIU as the structure has Ag (50 nm), Si (3 nm), and the G monolayer, which is not obtained in many previous studies in this sector. The suggested detector also facilitates designing for industry using low-cost product nanofabrication methods due to its low cost, customizable design and straightforward structure. Based on these benefits, the suggested detector candidate is a practical and effective device for detecting V.C. in water, and it may also be used for any biological sample. The optical device designed based on the proposed sensor can be used for detecting V.C and used in biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) have emerged as a major class of antibody therapeutics owing to their substantial potential in disease treatment. While several BsAbs have been successfully approved in recent years, ongoing development efforts continue to focus on optimizing various BsAbs tailored to particular antigens and action mechanisms, aiming to achieve favorable physicochemical properties. BsAbs generally encounter challenges due to their unfavorable physicochemical characteristics and poor manufacturing efficiencies, highlighting the need for optimization to achieve reliable productivity and developability. Herein, we describe the development of a novel symmetric BsAb, REGULGENT™ (N‐term/C‐term), comprising two Fab domains, using a common light chain. The heavy chain fragment encoded two antigen‐binding determinants in one chain. The design and production of REGULGENT™ (N‐term/C‐term) are simple owing to the use of the same light chain, which does not induce heavy and light chain mispairing, frequently observed with the asymmetric BsAb format. REGULGENT™ (N‐term/C‐term) exhibited high expression and low aggregation characteristics during cell culture and stress treatment under low pH conditions. Differential scanning calorimetric data indicated that REGULGENT™ molecules had high conformational stability, similar to that of stabilized monoclonal antibodies. Surface plasmon resonance data showed that REGULGENT™ (N‐term/C‐term) could bind to two antigens simultaneously and exhibited a high affinity for two antigens. In summary, the symmetric BsAb format of REGULGENT™ confers its desirable IgG‐like physicochemical properties, thus making it an excellent candidate for commercial development. The findings demonstrate a novel BsAb with substantial development potential for clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advanced oxidation process involves photocatalytic degradation, which is a propitious method of treating wastewater. However, to augment the photocatalytic activity of photocatalysts, the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) method is a highly promising candidate. Herein, we prepared bismuth (Bi) and tungsten (W)-based metal oxide (Bi2WO6) coupled with Ag as a semiconducting metal oxide-based plasmon resonance photocatalyst. Despite the SPR effect, the aggregation of particles lowers the efficiency of degradation. To get the better of it, morphology tuning agents and visible light-absorbing agents like CTAB (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) were used. The prepared composite materials were characterized using sophisticated analytical instruments. The prepared materials were tested for their catalytic activity against Victoria Blue (VB) and Auramine O (AO) dyes. The composite material showed superior catalytic activity over the individual material, 97% and 98% for VB and AO, respectively. In addition, the toxicity of the byproducts (mutagenic toxicity, lethal concentration 50 (LC-50), and lethal dose (LD-50)) was estimated, and the detailed DFT interpretations were studied. Finally, a real-time agricultural application using post-treated water was conducted at the Epipremnum aureum plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated acrylamide (AA) levels and various quality parameters in homemade fried potatoes prepared in different sizes by integrating principles from the Slow Food Movement with advanced sensor technology. To this aim, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor based on a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was first developed for the determination of AA in homemade fried potatoes at low levels, and the AA levels in the samples were established. First of all, monolayer formation of allyl mercaptane on the SPR chip surface was carried out to form double bonds that could polymerize on the chip surface. AA-imprinted SPR chip surfaces modified with allyl mercaptane were prepared via UV polymerization using ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a cross-linker, N,N′-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator, and methacryloylamidoglutamicacid (MAGA) as a monomer. The prepared AA-imprinted and nonimprinted surfaces were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy methods. The SPR sensor indicated linearity in the range of 1.0 × 10−9–5.0 × 10−8 M with a detection limit (LOD) of 3.0 × 10−10 M in homemade fried potatoes, and the SPR sensor demonstrated high selectivity and repeatability in terms of AA detection. Additionally, the highest AA level was observed in the potato sample belonging to the T1 group, at 15.37 nM (p < 0.05), and a strong and positive correlation was found between AA levels and sensory parameters, the a* value, the ΔE value, and the browning index (BI) (p < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is a key technique in developing sensor platforms for clinical diagnostics, drug discovery, food quality, and environmental monitoring applications. While prism‐coupled (Kretschmann) SPR remains a “gold‐standard” for laboratory work‐flows due to easier fabrication, handling and high through put, other configurations such as grating‐coupled SPR (GC‐SPR) and wave‐guide mode SPR are yet to fulfil their technology potential. This work evaluates the technical aspects influencing the performance of GC‐SPR and reviews recent progress in the fabrication of such platforms. In principle, the GC‐SPR involves the illumination of the plasmonic metal film with periodic gratings to excite the surface plasmons (SP) via diffraction‐based phase matching. The real performance of the GC‐SPR is, however, heavily influenced by the topography of the grating structures produced via top‐down lithography techniques. This review discusses latest in approaches to achieve consistent plasmonic gratings with uniform features and periodicity over a large scale and explores the choice of plasmon‐active and substrate material for enhanced performance. The review also provides insights into the different GC‐SPR measurement configurations and highlights on opportunities with their potential applications as biosensors with translational capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most promising approaches to addressing the current global energy and environmental crisis is the development and utilization of hydrogen energy. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting represents a clean and sustainable method for converting solar energy into hydrogen. In this article, we employed a hydrothermal-photodeposition method to fabricate Au@Pt decorated polyaniline (PANI)/TiO 2 (TNAP), which realized the synergy of p-n heterojunction and surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Experimental results revealed that p-n heterojunction can be formed between PANI and TiO 2 , whereas PANI can utilize visible light and the strong interaction between Au and PANI can realize the rapid transfer of hot electrons. Meanwhile, the outer layer Pt nanoparticles can accelerate water oxidation reaction kinetics. Therefore, the as-prepared TNAP exhibited the synergy promotion of p-n heterojunction and SPR effect, which is benefit for promoted light utilization and efficient charge transfer and separation. The optimized TNAP structure achieved hydrogen evolution rate of 19.26 μmol/cm2·h and photocurrent density of 1.20 mA/cm2 at a bias of 1.23 V vs. RHE, which is significantly higher than that of single semiconductor. This article suggests that the synergy promotion of SPR effect and p-n heterojunction is an efficient strategy to promote the efficiency of PEC water splitting. [Display omitted] • PANI/TiO 2 p-n heterojunction realizes the spatial separation of charge carriers. • Au NPs induced strong SPR effect and improve light utilization efficiency. • Strong interaction between PANI and Au promotes the transfer of hot electrons. • Surface Pt act as active sites and accelerate water oxidation reaction. • TNAP exhibited the synergy promotion of p-n heterojunction and SPR effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a highly sensitive fiber-optic sensor was proposed for the detection of Cu2+ traces in aqueous solution which has a nonnegligible impact on human health. Based on the principle of SPR, a uniform chitosan (CS) material was coated on a multimode fiber-single mode fiber-multimode fiber (MSM) structure with silver layer by glutaraldehyde (GLA) and graphene oxide modification. The amino and hydroxyl groups in the material have a recognition function for Cu2+, which can chelate with Cu2+ and change the ambient layer refractive index of the sensor leading to a shift in the SPR spectrum. Trace Cu2+ can be detected by monitoring the shift in the resonance wavelength of the SPR spectrum. The results illustrate that within the range of 0.1 ~ 1 mg/L Cu2+ concentration, as the Cu2+ concentration increasing, the SPR spectrum undergoes a red shift and the maximum detection sensitivity of Cu2+ ions achieves 49.466 nm/(mg/L), with a good linearity of 0.996. The temperature experimental results indicate that the sensor has good stability at room temperature (25 ~ 35 °C). The stability and repeatability characteristics of the system are also investigated. The good performance provides a new method in trace Cu2+ in-situ detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of secondary gas injection on the flow through an axisymmetric Mach 2 nozzle is studied experimentally. The experiments were conducted for a nozzle pressure ratio of 5. The secondary injection locations chosen for this study were Ls = 0.5Ld and 0.75Ld, and the secondary gas was injected at secondary pressure ratios (SPR) 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5. It is found that for injection at 0.5 Ld, the flow emanating is not deflected for all SPRs. For injection at 0.75 Ld, the flow is deflected by about 5.50, 5.50 and 100, for SPRs 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5, respectively. These flow deflections are observed only in the plane of injection. The effect of secondary injection was not observed in the plane normal to the secondary injection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

【Objective】In order to solve the problem that it is difficult to make the temperature sensor of the Photonic Crystal Fiber (PCF) with Surface Plasma Resonance (SPR), a D-structure PCF temperature sensor is proposed. The micro-structure and arrangement of the air hole are also designed. The method of coating the polishing surface of the optical fiber with gold layer is used to stimulate the SPR of the optical fiber.【Methods】Ethanol is used as a temperature-sensitive material, and the temperature-sensitive effect is used as the temperature sensing mechanism to achieve the effect of temperature sensing. The finite element analysis method is used to simulate the thickness of the gold layer and the size of the elliptical air hole of the fiber respectively. The coupling characteristics between the core mode and the surface plasma mode are analyzed under different conditions, and the structure of the sensor is optimized.【Results】The temperature characteristics of the sensor are simulated. In the range of -80~80 ℃, the sensitivity of the sensor is 3.4 nm /℃, and the linearity is better than 0.969 63.【Conclusion】The temperature sensor designed in this paper has a wide temperature detection range, satisfactory sensitivity, and linearity, which can be used for real-time temperature monitoring in industrial, agricultural, and medical fields.

Jingyao Zhang,1 Beibei Liu,1 Hongying Chen,1 Lingshu Zhang,2 Xia Jiang3 1Core Facilities of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People’s Republic of China; 3Division of Biliary Tract Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Xia Jiang, Regenerative Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-28-85164072, Email jiangxia@wchscu.cnAbstract: Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) technology, as a powerful analytical tool, plays a crucial role in the preparation, performance evaluation, and biomedical applications of nanoparticles due to its real-time, label-free, and highly sensitive detection capabilities. In the nanoparticle preparation process, SPR technology can monitor synthesis reactions and surface modifications in real-time, optimizing preparation techniques and conditions. SPR enables precise measurement of interactions between nanoparticles and biomolecules, including binding affinities and kinetic parameters, thereby assessing nanoparticle performance. In biomedical applications, SPR technology is extensively used in the study of drug delivery systems, biomarker detection for disease diagnosis, and nanoparticle-biomolecule interactions. This paper reviews the latest advancements in SPR technology for nanoparticle preparation, performance evaluation, and biomedical applications, discussing its advantages and challenges in biomedical applications, and forecasting future development directions.Keywords: SPR, nanoparticles, biomedical applications, nanomaterials, characterization

The present study highlights the ongoing threat of foodborne illnesses to public health, primarily caused by bacterial pathogens. Despite advancements in conventional microbiological testing techniques, which are sensitive but time-consuming, challenges remain in ensuring timely detection of contaminants throughout the food supply chain. The Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system is recognized as a more effective approach to ensuring food safety, emphasizing proactive identification and control of hazards at critical points in production. Emerging technologies like quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and biosensors offer faster and more accurate detection methods, although with certain limitations. Biosensors such as ELISA, SPR, and electrochemical immunosensors, in particular, show promise due to their high sensitivity and specificity, enabling rapid detection of a wide range of contaminants. This paper underscores the importance of integrating advanced technologies with established food safety protocols to enhance the safety and quality of food products, benefiting consumers, producers, and regulatory agencies alike.

Abstract Spontaneous rhythmic movements are part of everyday life, e.g., in walking, clapping or music making. Humans perform such spontaneous motor actions at different rates that reflect specific biomechanical constraints of the effector system in use. However, there is some evidence for intra-individual consistency of specific spontaneous rates arguably resulting from common underlying processes. Additionally, individual and contextual factors such as musicianship and circadian rhythms have been suggested to influence spontaneous rates. This study investigated the relative contributions of these factors and provides a comprehensive picture of rates among different spontaneous motor behaviors, i.e., melody production, walking, clapping, tapping with and without sound production, the latter measured online before and in the lab. Participants (n = 60) exhibited high intra-individual stability across tasks. Task-related influences included faster tempi for spontaneous production rates of music and wider ranges of spontaneous motor tempi (SMT) and clapping rates compared to walking and music making rates. Moreover, musicians exhibited slower spontaneous rates across tasks, yet we found no influence of time of day on SMT as measured online in pre-lab sessions. Tapping behavior was similar in pre-lab and in-lab sessions, validating the use of online SMT assessments. Together, the prominent role of individual factors and high stability across domains support the idea that different spontaneous motor behaviors are influenced by common underlying processes.

As the first boundary between the environment and the material, the surface plays an important role in their interaction with each other, therefore, the use of appropriate tools and analysis to examine the mechanical properties and morphology of surfaces has particular importance in industry and research. In this research, a thin film of nickel was deposited on metal substrates made of aluminum, copper, and steel by using the RF magnetic cathode. Then, using a non‐contact atomic force microscope, the morphological properties of the nickel film with static parameters, Minkowski functionals (MF's), fractal, and multifractal were extracted to be analyzed and studied. After that, using parameters such as root mean square (RMS) roughness, skewness, and kurtosis, it was determined how the surface roughness, distribution, and probability density of particles on the film surface alters with the change of the substrate. Next, by examining and analyzing the Δα and Δf parameters obtained from the multifractal section, the morphology of the produced film on the metal substrates was investigated. Then, the change in the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak position is changed for the prepared film in the range of the absorption spectrum due to the substrate effect and the microstructural properties of the formed film. Highlights: Ni film has been deposited by Rf magnetron sputtering.The effect of metal substrates on the topography, fractality, and optical properties was studied.Minkowski functionals were used to investigate the surface morphology of the samples.Substrate's material and the topography of the formed film can changed the surface plasmon resonance position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hematite (α -Fe2O3) is widely used in sensor sensitization due to its excellent optical properties. In this study, we present a sensitivity-enhanced surface plasmon resonance alcohol sensor based on Fe2O3/Au. We describe the fabrication process of the sensor and characterize its structure. We conduct performance testing on sensors coated multiple times and use solutions with the same gradient of refractive indices as the sensing medium. Within the refractive index range of 1.3335–1.3635, the sensor that was coated twice achieved the highest sensitivity, reaching 2933.2 nm/RIU. This represents a 30.26% enhancement in sensitivity compared to a sensor with a pure gold monolayer film structure. Additionally, we demonstrated the application of this sensor in alcohol concentration detection by testing the alcohol content of common beverages, showing excellent agreement with theoretical values and highlighting the sensor's potential in food testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum–steel joints are increasingly used in the automotive industry to meet the requirements for energy saving and emission reduction. Among various joining technologies, self-pierce riveting (SPR) and resistance spot welding (RSW) are two well-established technologies for fabricating dissimilar joints with stable and high mechanical performance. However, corrosion will occur in these joints inevitably due to different electrochemical properties, which can degrade the surface quality and the mechanical performance, such as strength. This paper presents a method of understanding the corrosion mechanisms in joining aluminum and steel. For this understanding, a hybrid method combining experimental observations, mechanical properties identification, and analytical approaches was used to assess the evolution of the impact of corrosion on the joining performance, such as traction separation curves. The study was conducted on common combinations used in the vehicles, e.g., a 1.2 mm thickness aluminum alloy (AA 6022) and 2.0 mm thickness hot deep galvanized steel (HDG HSLA 340) joined by SPR and RSW. After the fabrication of these joints, accelerated cyclic corrosion tests of up to 104 cycles were performed, which reproduced the environmental conditions to which a vehicle was exposed. By investigating the microstructural evolution within the joints, the corrosion mechanisms of SPR and RSW joints were revealed, including the initiation and propagation. Moreover, the intrinsic impact of the corrosion on the mechanical performance, including the strength, axial stiffness, and crashworthiness, was analyzed by performing a lap-shear test. It showed that as corrosion proceeds, the fracture modes and mechanical performance are affected significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation on a single mode optical fiber sensor-based surface plasmon resonance was carried out in this work. A titanium dioxide (TiO2) coated gold Nano-column (Au) are deposited on the proposed sensor and theoretically analyzed using COMSOL Muliphysics software 5.3. Presence of TiO2 over the Au Nano-column can improve the sensitivity of the sensor and tune the resonance peak of transmission spectrum from visible region to near-infrared region. The size effect of TiO2 nanoparticles on the sensor performance is studied. The optimum parameters of such as Au size and separation width between the Au Nano-column have been selected to enhance the performance of the sensor. In comparison, the sensor with TiO2 over Au Nano-column is significantly improve the sensitivity and develop the sensor performance. The greater sensitivity of 5243.76 nm/RIU (refractive index unit) is obtained of sensor with TiO2 over Au Nano-column when the external refractive index of analyte is varying from 1.33 to 1.39, while sensitivity of the sensor coated with Au Nano-column is obtained to be 4643.17 nm/RIU for the same analyte range. Above results can be used to predict the best parameters values of the sensor that corresponding to the greatest sensitivities of detection and finally opening new study in the field of gas sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) based on a hexagonal lattice silver-filled photonic crystal fiber (PCF) with two silver wires, which possesses advantages such as a short splitting length, high extinction ratio (ER), and an ultra-wide bandwidth in commonly used communication bands. Utilizing the full-vector finite element method (FV-FEM), thorough investigations were conducted on lasers within the wavelength range of 1.1 to 1.9 μm. The PBS demonstrates a working bandwidth of 725 nm (1.14 to 1.865 μm) under an ultra-short splitting length of 55.3 μm, with an ER exceeding 20 dB, covering all bands of O + E + S + C + L + U optical communication, and achieving a maximum ER of 74.65 dB, where the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of silver metal plays a significant role. It not only features an ultra-short splitting length and an ultra-wide splitting bandwidth but also exhibits excellent manufacturing tolerances and anti-interference capabilities. This polarizing beam splitter represents a promising candidate in communication and may find various applications in optical communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Spontaneous rhythmic movements are part of everyday life, e.g., in walking, clapping or music making. Humans perform such spontaneous motor actions at different rates that reflect specific biomechanical constraints of the effector system in use. However, there is some evidence for intra-individual consistency of specific spontaneous rates arguably resulting from common underlying processes. Additionally, individual and contextual factors such as musicianship and circadian rhythms have been suggested to influence spontaneous rates. This study investigated the relative contributions of these factors and provides a comprehensive picture of rates among different spontaneous motor behaviors, i.e., melody production, walking, clapping, tapping with and without sound production, the latter measured online before and in the lab. Participants (n = 60) exhibited high intra-individual stability across tasks. Task-related influences included faster tempi for spontaneous production rates of music and wider ranges of spontaneous motor tempi (SMT) and clapping rates compared to walking and music making rates. Moreover, musicians exhibited slower spontaneous rates across tasks, yet we found no influence of time of day on SMT as measured online in pre-lab sessions. Tapping behavior was similar in pre-lab and in-lab sessions, validating the use of online SMT assessments. Together, the prominent role of individual factors and high stability across domains support the idea that different spontaneous motor behaviors are influenced by common underlying processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper ion (Cu2+) pollution poses a serious threat to marine ecology and fisheries. However, the complexity of seawater and its interference factors make the online detection of Cu2+ quite challenging. To address this issue, we introduce the concept of the photo-assisted adjustment barrier effect into electrochemical detection, using it as a driving force to generate electrochemical responses. The Schottky barrier demonstrates a remarkable regulatory influence on the electrochemical response under photoexcitation, facilitating the response through Cu2+ adsorption. We developed a 4-MBA-AuNPs/CdS/FTO composite that serves as a sensitive platform for Cu2+ detection, achieving a detection limit of 70 nM. Notably, the photo-assisted adjustment of the barrier effect effectively counters the interference posed by ions in seawater, ensuring accurate detection. Furthermore, the sensor exhibits a promising recovery rate (99.62–104.9%) in real seawater samples, highlighting its practical applications. This innovative approach utilizing the photo-assisted adjustment barrier effect offers a promising path for developing electrochemical sensors that can withstand interference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Because the Scavenger Receptor-C (SR-C) and Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor (FGFR) of Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf-SR-C and Sf-FGFR) have formerly been determined as the receptors of the Bacillus thuringiensis Vip3Aa toxin in Sf9 cells, the mechanism of Vip3Aa binding to its receptor urgently needs to be demonstrated. In this study, we solved the crystal structure of the Sf-MAM domain at a resolution of 2.25 Å. Through structural docking analysis, we found that the Sf-MAM domain may not interact with the Vip3Aa protein. Using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) binding analysis, we further verified that both the Sf-MAM domain and the Sf-FGFR ectodomain could not bind to the Vip3Aa protein in vitro. Thus, the invasion mechanism of the Vip3Aa toxin into its host cells needs further study. Bacillus thuringiensis Vip3Aa has been widely used in transgenic crops to resist the erosion of insects. The Scavenger Receptor-C (SR-C) and Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor (FGFR) of Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf-SR-C and Sf-FGFR) have formerly been identified as the cell receptors of Vip3Aa. However, the interaction mechanism of Vip3Aa binding to Sf-SR-C or Sf-FGFR is still unknown. Here, we purified the MAM domain of Sf-SR-C (Sf-MAM) and the Sf-FGFR ectodomain expressed extracellularly by Sf9 cells. We then solved the crystal structure of the Sf-MAM domain. Structure docking analysis of the Sf-MAM and Vip3Aa C-terminal domain (CTD) excluded the possibility of the two proteins binding. A further surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay also revealed that the Sf-MAM and Sf-FGFR ectodomain could not bind to the Vip3Aa protein. Our results have raised the urgency of determining the authentic cell receptor for Vip3Aa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two series of samarium doped lead-tellurite glass embedded with titanium nanoparticles (Ti NPs) of different compositions (60 − x)TeO2-30PbO-10ZnO-xSm2O3 (x = 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 mol%) and (58.5 − x)TeO2-30PbO-10ZnO-1.5Sm2O3-xTiO2 (x = 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2, 1.5 mol%) were prepared using conventional melt quenching technique. The existence of a broad hump XRD pattern verifies the amorphous nature of glasses. The homogeneous distribution and growth of spherical and non-spherical TiO2 NPs (average diameter ~ 11.11 ± 0.13 nm) in the glassy matrix are evidenced from the TEM analyses. The HRTEM confirmed the presence of TiO2 NPs by measuring the lattice spacing of TiO2 NPs, which is found to be 0.211 nm. The UV–Vis-NIR absorption spectra reveal nine bands corresponding to the transition from ground state 6H5/2 to excited states 4I13/2, 4I11/2, 6F11/2, 6F9/2, 6F7/2, 6F5/2, 6F3/2, 6H15/2, and 6F1/2; the most intense hypersensitive bands are F9/2,6F7/2,6F5/2, and 6F3/2. The down-conversion corresponding to Sm3+ ions transitions under 404-nm excitation reveals four emission bands centered at 548 nm, 583 nm, 628 nm, and 692 nm related to the transitions 4G5/2 → 6H5/2, 4G5/2 → 6H7/2, 4G5/2 → 6H9/2, and 4G5/2 → 6H11/2, respectively. The highest transition band relative intensity to the other transition bands is 4G5/2 → 6H7/2, and the intensity of 4G5/2 → 6H11/2 is the lowest. Additionally, the glass sample TPZST3 with 0.9 mol% of TiO2 NPs possesses the greatest WCA of 105.24° which means that the TPZST3 has a hydrophobic nature; this suggests that TPZST3 can be a good candidate for developing self-cleaning glasses applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Yersinia pestis is a bacterium that causes the disease plague. It has caused the deaths of many people throughout history. The bacterium possesses several virulence factors (pPla, pFra, and PYV). PFra plasmid encodes fraction 1 (F1) capsular antigen. F1 protein protects the bacterium against host immune cells through phagocytosis process. This protein is specific for Y. pestis. Many diagnostic techniques are based on molecular and serological detection and quantification of F1 protein in different food and clinical samples. Aptamers are small nucleic acid sequences that can act as specific ligands for many targets.This study, aimed to isolate the high-affinity ssDNA aptamers against F1 protein. Methods and results: In this study, SELEX was used as the main strategy in screening aptamers. Moreover, enzyme-linked aptamer sorbent assay (ELASA) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) were used to determine the affinity and specificity of obtained aptamers to F1 protein. The analysis showed that among the obtained aptamers, the three aptamers of Yer 21, Yer 24, and Yer 25 were selected with a KD value of 1.344E − 7, 2.004E − 8, and 1.68E – 8 M, respectively. The limit of detection (LoD) was found to be 0.05, 0.076, and 0.033 μg/ml for Yer 21, Yer 24, and Yer 25, respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the synthesized aptamers could serve as effective tools for detecting and analyzing the F1 protein, indicating their potential value in future diagnostic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The affinity constant, also known as the equilibrium constant, binding constant, equilibrium association constant, or the reciprocal value, the equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd), can be considered as one of the most important characteristics for any antibody–antigen pair. Many methods based on different technologies have been proposed and used to determine this value. However, since a very large number of publications and commercial datasheets do not include this information, significant obstacles in performing such measurements seem to exist. In other cases where such data are reported, the results have often proved to be unreliable. This situation may indicate that most of the technologies available today require a high level of expertise and effort that does not seem to be available in many laboratories. In this paper, we present a simple approach based on standard immunoassay technology that is easy and quick to perform. It relies on the effect that the molar IC50 approaches the Kd value in the case of infinitely small concentrations of the reagent concentrations. A two-dimensional dilution of the reagents leads to an asymptotic convergence to Kd. The approach has some similarity to the well-known checkerboard titration used for the optimization of immunoassays. A well-known antibody against the FLAG peptide, clone M2, was used as a model system and the results were compared with other methods. This approach could be used in any case where a competitive assay is available or can be developed. The determination of an affinity constant should belong to the crucial parameters in any quality control of antibody-related products and assays and should be mandatory in papers using immunochemical protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections, primarily caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), leading to significant health issues and economic burden. Although antibiotics have been effective in treating UPEC infections, the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains hinders their efficacy. Hence, identifying novel bacterial targets for new antimicrobial approaches is crucial. Bacterial factors required for maintaining the full virulence of UPEC are the potential target. MepM, an endopeptidase in E. coli, is involved in the biogenesis of peptidoglycan, a major structure of bacterial envelope. Given that the bacterial envelope confronts the hostile host environment during infections, MepM’s function could be crucial for UPEC’s virulence. This study aims to explore the role of MepM in UPEC pathogenesis. Results MepM deficiency significantly impacted UPEC’s survival in urine and within macrophages. Moreover, the deficiency hindered the bacillary-to-filamentous shape switch which is known for aiding UPEC in evading phagocytosis during infections. Additionally, UPEC motility was downregulated due to MepM deficiency. As a result, the mepM mutant displayed notably reduced fitness in causing UTIs in the mouse model compared to wild-type UPEC. Conclusions This study provides the first evidence of the vital role of peptidoglycan endopeptidase MepM in UPEC’s full virulence for causing UTIs. MepM’s contribution to UPEC pathogenesis may stem from its critical role in maintaining the ability to resist urine- and immune cell-mediated killing, facilitating the morphological switch, and sustaining motility. Thus, MepM is a promising candidate target for novel antimicrobial strategies.

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections, primarily caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), leading to significant health issues and economic burden. Although antibiotics have been effective in treating UPEC infections, the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains hinders their efficacy. Hence, identifying novel bacterial targets for new antimicrobial approaches is crucial. Bacterial factors required for maintaining the full virulence of UPEC are the potential target. MepM, an endopeptidase in E. coli, is involved in the biogenesis of peptidoglycan, a major structure of bacterial envelope. Given that the bacterial envelope confronts the hostile host environment during infections, MepM's function could be crucial for UPEC's virulence. This study aims to explore the role of MepM in UPEC pathogenesis. Results: MepM deficiency significantly impacted UPEC's survival in urine and within macrophages. Moreover, the deficiency hindered the bacillary-to-filamentous shape switch which is known for aiding UPEC in evading phagocytosis during infections. Additionally, UPEC motility was downregulated due to MepM deficiency. As a result, the mepM mutant displayed notably reduced fitness in causing UTIs in the mouse model compared to wild-type UPEC. Conclusions: This study provides the first evidence of the vital role of peptidoglycan endopeptidase MepM in UPEC's full virulence for causing UTIs. MepM's contribution to UPEC pathogenesis may stem from its critical role in maintaining the ability to resist urine- and immune cell-mediated killing, facilitating the morphological switch, and sustaining motility. Thus, MepM is a promising candidate target for novel antimicrobial strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thin film continuity using different fabrication processes is crucial in deciding its plasmonic response. The surface plasmon (SPR) response of gold films of various thicknesses deposited with and without a quartz base oscillating at 6 MHz was studied. The presence of the oscillating piezoelectric base resulted in a decrease in the surface roughness of the gold film. The 40 nm thick film displayed the best SPR response among the various thicknesses tested. The 40 nm film deposited piezoelectrically had a Q factor increase and an increased slope of the angle and wavelength dependent resonance curve as compared to 40 nm thick film not deposited piezoelectrically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A life‐threatening anaphylactic shock can occur if a patient with undiagnosed immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency (i.e., IgA levels <500 ng/mL) receives IgA‐containing blood, hence the need for a rapid, point‐of‐care (POC) method for IgA deficiency screening. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is routinely used to detect IgA, but this method requires trained specialists and ≥24 h to obtain a result. We developed a surface plasmon resonance (SPR)‐based protocol to identify IgA‐deficient patients or donors within 1 h. Materials and Methods: The SPR sensor relies on the detection of IgAs captured by primary antibodies adsorbed on the SPR chip and quantified with secondary antibodies. The sensor was calibrated from 0 to 2000 ng/mL in buffer, IgA‐depleted human serum, and plasma samples from IgA‐deficient individuals. A critical concentration of 500 ng/mL was set for IgA deficiency. The optimized sensor was then tested on eight plasma samples with known IgA status (determined by ELISA), including five with IgA deficiency and three with normal IgA levels. Results: The limit of detection was estimated at 30 ng/mL in buffer and 400 ng/mL in diluted plasma. The results obtained fully agreed with ELISA among the eight plasma samples tested. The protocol distinguished IgA‐deficient from normal samples, even for samples with an IgA concentration closer to critical concentration. Discussion: In conclusion, we developed a reliable POC assay for the quantification of IgA in plasma. This test may permit POC testing at blood drives and centralized centers to maintain reserves of IgA‐deficient blood and in‐hospital testing of blood recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For accurate bio-sample identification, we present a unique optimized surface plasmon resonance sensor based on an X-shaped exposed-core photonic crystal fiber. Applications are made easier by the placement of the target analyte and plasmonic material on the fiber's exterior surface. The sensor has four separate silica channels that reach from the core to the metallic outer surface creating X-shape. These channels were intentionally placed to provide the highest sensitivity while maintaining the sensor's ability to be manufactured. Within a refractive index range of 1.33 to 1.40, our optimized sensor demonstrates improved detecting abilities, including a wavelength sensitivity of 8000 nm/RIU and amplitude sensitivity of - 1175.12 R I U - 1 . The suggested sensor also exhibits exceptional performance parameters, such as a resolution of 1.25 × 10 - 5 , a maximum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 2.041 dB, a figure of merit (FOM) of 160.0 R I U - 1 , a detection accuracy (DA) of 0.02 nm−1, and minimum full width half maxima (FWHM) of 50 nm. When examining variations in the optical properties of the PCF due to different RIs of normal and cancer cells using finite element analysis, we achieve amplitude sensitivities of - 844.91, - 418 and - 1221.8 R I U - 1 for HeLa, Basal and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Out of all the candidate plasmonic metals, copper has noteworthy optical characteristics and is also economically favourable for use. However, the stability of plasmonic copper nanomaterials against the loss of the plasmonic property is a setback. The present work is on the synthesis of oxidation‐stable copper micro/nanoparticles (CuMps/NPs) at ambient conditions with chosen precursors, antioxidizing agents, polymeric capping agents and chelating ligands. The Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) response of the synthesized Cu structures and their morphological analyses are studied. XRD data revealed changes in crystal structure such as crystallite sizes, lattice distortions and dislocation densities as a result of variations in the synthesis conditions. We present from these analyses micro/nanostructures of oxidation‐stable plasmonic Cu. The validation of the aggregation and oxidation stabilities of the different synthesized samples make them a worthy choice for multiple plasmonic applications, along with showing the synthesis protocols as viable approaches for achieving such structures with a markedly increased shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spawning potential ratio (SPR) is an important index used by fisheries biologists and managers to determine how a fishery should be harvested to prevent recruitment overfishing. In the southeastern Caspian Sea, Iran, 3430 common carp Cyprinus carpio were caught by beach seine in 2‐week intervals of two fishing seasons in 2019 and 2020. Fork length (FL) was measured to the nearest 1 cm. The age and maturity stage of 434 specimens, including 236 females and 198 males, were estimated by scale and gonad microscopic examinations. Estimated L∞ was 71.9 and K (growth constant) was 0.09. Instantaneous total mortality (Z) was 1.08, natural mortality (M) was 0.18, and fishing mortality (F) was 0.9. Estimated SPR at current fishing mortality (0.18) was lower than the reference point (0.4). Our findings indicated that fishing mortality should be reduced to F = 0.38 for C. carpio to meet the SPR reference point of 0.4. Further, higher minimum length limits should be set to reduce fishing mortality, and catch quotas for fishing cooperative corporations should be considered to meet the 40% SPR threshold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, leading to 6.8 million deaths. Numerous variants have emerged since its outbreak, resulting in its significantly enhanced ability to spread among humans. As with many other viruses, SARS‑CoV‑2 utilizes heparan sulfate (HS) glycosaminoglycan (GAG) on the surface of host cells to facilitate viral attachment and initiate cellular entry through the ACE2 receptor. Therefore, interfering with virion-HS interactions represents a promising target to develop broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutics. Sulfated glycans derived from marine organisms have been proven to be exceptional reservoirs of naturally existing HS mimetics, which exhibit remarkable therapeutic properties encompassing antiviral/microbial, antitumor, anticoagulant, and anti-inflammatory activities. In the current study, the interactions between the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of S-protein of SARS-CoV-2 (both WT and XBB.1.5 variants) and heparin were applied to assess the inhibitory activity of 10 marine-sourced glycans including three sulfated fucans, three fucosylated chondroitin sulfates and two fucoidans derived from sea cucumbers, sea urchin and seaweed Saccharina japonica, respectively. The inhibitory activity of these marine derived sulfated glycans on the interactions between RBD of S-protein and heparin was evaluated using Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR). The RBDs of S-proteins from both Omicrion XBB.1.5 and wild-type (WT) were found to bind to heparin, which is a highly sulfated form of HS. All the tested marine-sourced sulfated glycans exhibited strong inhibition of WT and XBB.1.5 S-protein binding to heparin. We believe the study on the molecular interactions between S-proteins and host cell glycosaminoglycans provides valuable insight for the development of marine-sourced, glycan-based inhibitors as potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and symptoms develop gradually over many years. The current direction for medication development in AD is focused on neuro-inflammation and oxidative stress. Amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition activates microglia leading to neuro-inflammation and neurodegeneration induced by activation of COX-2 via NFκB p50 in glioblastoma cells. Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the concentration of COX-2 and NFκB p50 in serum of AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and geriatric control (GC) and to establish a blood-based biomarker for early diagnosis and its therapeutic implications. Methods: Proteins and their mRNA level in blood of study groups were measured by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), respectively. The level of protein was further validated by western blot. The binding study of designed peptide against COX-2 by molecular docking was verified by SPR. The rescue of neurotoxicity by peptide was also checked by MTT assay on SH-SY5Y cells (neuroblastoma cell line). Results: Proteins and mRNA were highly expressed in AD and MCI compared to GC. However, COX-2 decreases with disease duration. The peptide showed binding affinity with COX-2 with low dissociation constant in SPR and rescued the neurotoxicity of SH-SY5Y cells by decreasing the level of Aβ, tau, and pTau proteins. Conclusions: It can be concluded that COX-2 protein can serve as a potential blood-based biomarker for early detection and can be a good platform for therapeutic intervention for AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasmonic heterojunctions present excellent photocatalytic performance for water splitting. Herein, a novel S-scheme heterojunction of CdS-ZnO nanorods assisted with low-content Au (<1 wt%) plasmon was achieved successfully, which possessed the H 2 -generated efficiency of 14.36 mM h−1 g−1. Remarkable catalytic activity stems from the S-scheme mechanism, metal plasma resonance and the unique flower-shaped morphology. S-scheme endues the heterojunction with efficient carrier separation and strong redox capacity, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) generated from low-content Au broadens light absorption range and injects hot electrons into the heterojunction. In-situ XPS measurements verified an S-scheme carrier migration mechanism as well as hot electrons transfer. Other optical and photoelectric characterizations, as well as simulation calculation by finite difference time domain (FDTD) were also utilized to conjecture the probable mechanism. Low content noble metal and unique morphology accelerate the photocatalytic H 2 -production, and it likely proposes the promising strategy for practical application of photocatalysis for solar energy conversion. [Display omitted] • Three-dimensional flower-like structure is composed of nanorods. • Heterostructure presented an efficient H 2 -production rate of 14.36 mM h−1 g−1. • SPR of low-content Au accelerated photocatalytic hydrogen production. • In-situ XPS verified S-scheme carrier migration and SPR hot electrons transfer. • S-scheme endued heterojunction with an excellent redox capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Therapeutic drug monitoring of doxorubicin (DOX) is important to study pharmacokinetics in patients undergoing chemotherapy for reduction of side effects and improve patient survival by rationally controlling the dose of DOX. A fast and ultra-sensitive surface plasmon resonance (SPR) detector without sample pre-handling was developed for DOX monitoring. First, the two-dimensional metal–organic framework was modified on the Au film to enhance SPR, and then, the supramolecular probes with tunable cavity structure were self-assembled at the sensing interface for direct detection of DOX through specific host–guest interactions with a low detection limit of 60.24 pM. The precise monitoring of DOX in serum proved the possibility of clinical application with recoveries in the range 102.86–109.47%. The mechanisms of host–guest interactions between supramolecular and small-molecule drugs were explored in depth through first-principles calculations combined with SPR experiments. The study paves the way for designing facile and sensitive detectors and provides theoretical support and a new methodology for the specific detection of small molecules through calixarene cavity modulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]