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Due to the potential environment and health risks of tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), rapid, portable, selective and sensitive quantification of TBHQ in food and the environment are strictly essential. With this in mind, a selective, sensitive and rapid colorimetric TBHQ biosensor was developed using rationally designed copper-crosslinked carbon dot hydrogel nanozyme (BC-CDs@Cu). The BC-CDs@Cu had a high peroxidase-like activity toward the chromogenic reaction of hydrogen peroxide with dopamine via the generation of hydroxyl radicals and electron transfer process. The Michaelis-Menten constants of BC-CDs@Cu for dopamine and hydrogen peroxide were determined to be 0.86 and 0.91 mM. The added TBHQ markedly inhibited the BC-CDs@Cu-catalyzed dopamine oxidation by hydrogen peroxide, ascribing to the highly effective and rapid scavenging of hydroxyl radicals and the suppression of electron transfer. The inhibitory extent was applied for well quantifying TBHQ in the range of 0.5 − 20.0 μM with a detection limit of 70 nM. The proposed biosensor had a negligible response to various interfering substances. Moreover, a smartphone-assisted visual ratiometric biosensor was fabricated, and used to accomplish portable quantification of TBHQ in edible oils and water samples. This work reveals the enormous potential of hydrogel nanozyme, which will open a new situation for the detection of hazardous substances. [Display omitted] • The BC-CDs@Cu hydrogel nanozyme was rationally designed for colorimetric TBHQ sensing. • The BC-CDs@Cu hydrogel nanozyme was simply synthesized on a large scale. • The peroxidase-like mechanism of BC-CDs@Cu hydrogel nanozyme was revealed. • The inhibition mechanism of BC-CDs@Cu hydrogel nanozyme by TBHQ was revealed. • Smartphone-assisted visual detection of TBHQ in edible oils and water was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A ratiometric electrochemical sensor is developed for fast, simple and accurate determination of BHA using polythionine/multiwalled carbon nanotube composite modified glassy carbon electrode (pThi/MWCNT/GCE). The preparation of pThi/MWCNT/GCE is characterized by various analytical techniques. The pThi/MWCNT composite is demonstrated to possess large specific surface area, good electrical conductivity, and high electrocatalytic ability. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the use of ratiometric signal involving the electro-oxidation of both BHA and pThi improves the accuracy and reliability of the BHA analysis due to the built-in correction function of the inner reference polythionine probe. A linear ratiometric signal can be achieved over the concentration range of 0.5–70.0 μM with the detection limit of 0.21 μM (S / N = 3). The BHA sensor also exhibits high selectivity, high reproducibility, and good stability, and can be used for the analysis of BHA in edible oil samples with satisfactory results. A ratiometric electrochemical sensor is constructed for butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) detection based on polythionine/multiwalled carbon nanotube composite modified glassy carbon electrode (pThi/MWCNT/GCE) in edible oils. [Display omitted] • A ratiometric electrochemical sensor was constructed to detect BHA in edible oil samples. • The ratiometic sensor improved the accuracy and reliability of BHA analysis. • The pThi/MWCNT composite enhanced the analytical performance for BHA detection. • The reaction mechanism of BHA electro-oxidation at the pThi/MWCNT/GCE was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although companies are investing more in avatars to improve interactivity and engage their customers better, the effectiveness of avatars in online markets needs more evidences. This study explores the influence mechanism of anthropomorphism on consumers' willingness to accept virtual live streamers, grounded in social identity theory and construal levels theory. Three research hypotheses were formulated and tested through an online scenario experiment employing a 2 (high anthropomorphism vs. low anthropomorphism) and 2 (utilitarian products vs. hedonic products) between-subjects design (N = 214). The results reveal that anthropomorphism positively influences consumers' willingness to accept virtual live streamers. This effect is mediated through the chain mediation effects of psychological distance and trust (effect = 0.181, 95% confidence interval = [0.075, 0.299]). Additionally, product type serves as a moderator in this process. Specifically, the mediation is significant for utilitarian products (effect = 0.410, 95% confidence interval = [0.203, 0.604]) but not for hedonic products (effect = 0.102, 95% confidence interval = [-0.106, 0.310]). These findings contribute to understanding the effectiveness of avatar marketing in live streaming commerce, specifically consumers' willingness to accept virtual live streamers, and enrich the literature on anthropomorphism in online marketplaces. Furthermore, they assist live streaming commerce operators in developing effective anthropomorphism strategies to enhance the utilization efficiency of virtual live streamers. • Anthropomorphism positively influences consumers' willingness to accept virtual live streamers. • Psychological distance and trust form a chain mediation effect. • Product type plays a crucial moderator, the mediation is significant for utilitarian products but not for hedonic products. • Aid operators in developing anthropomorphism strategies to optimize the efficiency of using virtual live streamers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]