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In this study, a novel screening approach is presented, merging capillary electrophoresis analysis with an enzymatic assay employing immobilized α-glucosidase. A metal–organic framework composite membrane was devised for α-glucosidase immobilization. Employing polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as the substrate material, it was functionalized with dopamine, creating a polydopamine composite layer. This layer acted as a covalent linker, anchoring Zn2+, which subsequently chelated with the organic ligand 2-ethylimidazole, leading to the self-assembly of a three-dimensional porous framework ZIF-8. This structure facilitated the in situ encapsulation of α-glucosidase. Characterization techniques including scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction validated the composite material's structure. A thorough investigation of various parameters affecting immobilization was conducted. The immobilized α-glucosidase exhibited enhanced pH tolerance, thermal stability, and remarkable reusability, retaining 79.3% of its original activity over 10 cycles, with a batch-to-batch reproducibility of 5.9% (n = 5). Its Michaelis–Menten constant (Km) was determined to be 2.85 mM. Application of this immobilized enzyme in screening potential inhibitors from 13 traditional Chinese medicines revealed Sanguisorba radix as the most potent inhibitor. This study underscores the potential of this immobilized enzyme screening strategy for identifying enzyme inhibitors in traditional Chinese medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A biosensor that can detect biomarkers accurately, quickly, and conveniently is important for the diagnosis of various diseases. However, most of the existing detection methods require sample extraction, which makes it difficult to detect and image intracellular molecules or to detect two different types of biomarkers simultaneously. In this study, we constructed a DNA tetrahedral nanoprobe (DTP) capable of detecting both miR378 and telomerase, both of which are tumor markers. In the presence of miR378, FAM on the molecular beacon of DTP fluoresced via Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), and the limit of detection was 476 pM with excellent specificity. When present, telomerase binds to telomerase substrate (TS) primers, extending the repeat sequence (TTAGGG)n to trigger Cy3 fluorescence. A strong linear relationship existed between the fluorescence intensity of Cy3 and the number of HeLa cells. The limit of detection was 800 HeLa cells. In addition, DTP was less cytotoxic to and biocompatible with HeLa cells and fluoresced only in cancer cells, which can help to sensitively distinguish between normal and cancer cells. In conclusion, DTP can simultaneously detect the content of miR378 and activity of telomerase and realize intracellular imaging, which has broad application prospects in early cancer diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a promising candidate to replace lithium-ion batteries, rechargeable aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIB) are receiving increasing attention due their high energy density, high safety, low cost and environmental friendliness. In this study, metal ions may be introduced into the interlayer gap of layered vanadium oxide nanobelts through a one-step hydrothermal process, without changing their original structure. Moreover, we have demonstrated by density functional theory computations that Mn metal ions not only serve as structural pillars but also enhance the conductivity of MnxVO2·0.2H2O, facilitating the migration of Zn ions. As a result, the electrochemical performance of MnxVO2·0.2H2O as an AZIB cathode has significantly improved; after 100 cycles at 0.5 A g−1, it exhibits a high reversible capacity of 350 mA h g−1. With a high current density of 5 A g−1, the initial capacity can still reach 295 mA h g−1. This paper suggests an effective method to maximize the efficiency of AZIB electrode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]