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We describe a highly sensitive electrochemical enzymatic glucose biosensor. A glassy carbon electrode was modified with cylinder-shaped titanium dioxide nanorods (TiO-NRs) for the immobilization of glucose oxidase. The modified nanorods and the enzyme biosensor were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The glucose oxidase on the TiO-NRs displays a high activity and undergoes fast surface-controlled electron transfer. A pair of well-defined quasi-reversible redox peaks was observed at −0.394 and −0.450 V. The TiO-NRs provide a good microenvironment to facilitate the direct electron transfer between enzyme and electrode surface. The biosensor has two linear response ranges, viz. from 2.0 to 52 μM, and 0.052 to 2.3 mM. The lower detection limit is 0.5 μM, and the sensitivity is 68.58 mA M cm. The glucose biosensor is selective, well reproducible, and stable. In our perception, the cylindrically shaped TiO-NRs provide a promising support for the immobilization of proteins and pave the way to the development of high-performance biosensors. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urchin-like InS nanostructures were functionalized with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and deposited on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to obtain a new kind of sensor for dopamine (DA). The new electrode was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. It is found that the current response toward DA is significantly enhanced compared to that of a bare GCE or a GCE modified with MWCNTs. The peak separation between DA and ascorbic acid (AA) is up to 225 mV. The new electrode also has improved selectivity for DA over AA compared to the bare electrode. The new DA sensor has a wide linear range (0.5-300 μM), high sensitivity (594.9 μA mM cm) and low detection limit (0.1 μM). CNTs wrapped on urchin-like nanostructures remarkable improve its electrocatalytic activity and thus provide a promising strategy to develop excellent composite materials for electrochemical sensing. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The failure mechanism of TP347H austenitic heat-resistant steel tube serviced in boiler superheater in a 600 MW subcritical thermal power unit is presented in this paper. Through microstructure observation, energy-dispersive spectrometry analysis, and selected electron diffraction, the mechanism of TP347H superheater bend tube failure is found to be attributed to intergranular corrosion cracking, more M23C6 and primary NbC(N) phase precipitating and coarsening along the grain boundary and formation of high content of slip lines and α′-martensite structure. The α′-martensite kept the Kurdjumov–Sachs (K-S) orientation relationships with parent austenite phase (γ-parent), which generated in TP347H bend tube may be related to the deformation-induced martensite (DIM) during rolling and cold working. The α′-martensite nucleated mainly at the grain boundary intersection between the twin crystal and γ-parent and grew inwards along the twin band. The dislocation density at the intersection is larger, and the secondary NbC(N) phase inhibited the nucleation of α'-martensite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ultrasensitive multiplex surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) immunoassay was developed using porous Au–Ag alloy nanoparticles (p-AuAg NPs) as Raman signal amplification probe coupling with encoded photonic crystal microsphere. p-AuAg NPs were synthesized and modified with the second antibody (Ab2) and Raman tag (mercaptobenzoic acid, MBA) to prepare a Raman signal–amplified probe. The high porosity of the p-AuAg NPs enables significant coupling of the localized surface plasmon resonance and thus abundant inherent hotspots for Raman signal enhancement. 3D-ordered silver nanoparticles–coated silica photonic crystal beads (Ag/SPCBs) were prepared as encoded SERS substrate for multiplex detection using their reflection peaks. The signal-amplified probe was used for multiplex detection of tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and alpha fetoprotein (AFP). The wide linear ranges of 10−7–103 ng/mL for CEA and 10−4–103 ng/mL for AFP with detection limits of 1.22 × 10−8 ng/mL and 2.47 × 10−5 ng/mL for CEA and AFP at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3 were obtained. The proposed multiplex SERS immunoassay method displays ultrahigh sensitivity, wide linear range, and excellent specificity, which can be successfully applied to measure clinical serum samples with satisfactory results. The research provides a novel SERS signal enhancement strategy for the multiplex bioassay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Failure cause and service properties of 20Cr1Mo1VNbTiB bolts in a 660 MW supercritical thermal power unit have been studied. The bolts fractured with evidence of material aging. Chemical analysis, microstructure characterization, mechanical properties testing, and energy-dispersive spectrometry were used for the analysis. The creep cavity was found in the microstructure with material serviced under 566 °C for about 30000 h. Some creep cavities accumulate and interconnect to form intergranular cracks. The cracks expand under the torsional force and lead to fracture failure. The precipitated phase in 20Cr1Mo1VNbTiB mainly includes TiN(C), NbC, and Mo-rich carbides. TiN(C) was the square shape and distributed on the matrix. NbC was a fine spherical shape and mainly distributed in the crystal. The Mo-rich carbide was elliptic in shape and primarily distributed in the grain boundaries. The coarse TiN(C) precipitates were relatively stable during service. The size of TiN(C) does not change and cannot be eliminated by reheat treatment. More quantity and larger Mo-rich carbides precipitated at grain boundaries after service, which led to the impact energy decrease. To avoid the same fracture accident, the 20Cr1Mo1VNbTiB bolts are not recommended for use in supercritical units with a steam temperature of 566 °C and above. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ultrasensitive label-free electrochemical immunosensor was fabricated for quantitative detection of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG). The N/O co-doped three-dimensional hierarchical porous graphitic (THPG) carbon was synthesized by a one-step synthesis of polyaniline hydrogel, and followed by simple carbonization and chemical activation procedures. Because of the unique structure design, the obtained THPG carbon networks possess an ultra-large specific surface area of 4859 m2 g−1 along with a class of highly graphitic carbons. The results offer an enormous surface area and excellent electrical conductivity for label-free electrochemical immunosensing of probiotic L. rhamnosus strain. Under optimal conditions, the immunosensor showed a good linear relationship between peak current and concentration of LGG (R2 = 0.9976), with a detection limit of 2 CFU mL−1. Furthermore, this label-free immunosensor also shows good specificity, long-term stability, and reliability, and could be applied to detect probiotic LGG in dairy products and drinks with satisfactory results. The present protocol was shown to be quite promising for practical screening and functional evaluation of probiotic products containing LGG. A ultrasensitive label-free electrochemical immunosensor based on THPG carbon was fabricated for detection of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes coated with cobalt(II) sulfide nanoparticles were prepared and used for immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOx) to obtain an electrochemical glucose biosensor. The nanocomposite was synthesized through an in-situ hydrothermal method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results show that the nanocomposite possesses a large specific surface area and apparently enhances the direct electron transfer between GOx and the surface of the electrode, best at a potential near −0.43 V (vs. SCE). The immobilized GOx retains its good bioactivity even at a high surface coverage of 30 pmol cm−2. Under the optimum conditions. The biosensor exhibits a wide linear range (from 8 μM to 1.5 mM), a high sensitivity (15 mA M −1 cm−2), and a 5 μM detection limit (at S/N = 3). The sensor is selective, acceptably repeatable, specific and stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Failure analysis of a fractured high strength bolt used in a MW Class wind turbine blade connection system was conducted to clarify the failure cause and to determine the prevention method. Applying detailed mechanical characteristics and metallurgical investigations, the bolts failure cause can be attributed to bending fatigue. Evidenced by the nut polished markings, insufficient tightening was considered as the important reason for the bolt failure. The thread microstructure indicated that the fractured bolt thread was rolled rather than machined. However, rolling induced cracks locating on the thread crest and non-uniformly distributed decarburized layer on the bolt thread root existed. Thus, it can be concluded that the bolt failure was caused by the insufficient tightening and improper manufacturing procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cage-like PbS nanostructure was functionalized with platinum nanoparticles, and the resulting material (PtNP@PbS) was deposited on a glassy carbon electrode in order to study the direct electron transfer to FADH in glucose oxidase (GOx) and further to construct a glucose biosensor. The PtNP@PbS nanostructure and the biosensor were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, UV-vis and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and by cyclic voltammetry. Compared to the use of cage-like PbS alone, the PtNP@PbS nanostructure shows much higher electrochemical activity and an enhanced direct electron transfer rate. The GOx loaded onto the nanostructure displays good enzymatic activity and an apparent electron transfer rate constant of 3.0 s. The glucose biosensor is operated best at −0.4 V (vs. SCE) and then exhibits a linear range that extends from 4 μM to 1.1 mM, with a detection limit as low as 1 μM (at an S/N ratio of 3). The biosensor is selective, acceptably repeatable and stable. It was applied to the determination of glucose in human serum samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors have prepared a platinum nanoparticle-assembled nanoflake-like SnS nanocomposite of the type PtNP@SnS as a support for immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOx) to obtain an electrochemical glucose biosensor based on direct electron transfer of GOx. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, static water contact angle measurements, and cyclic voltammetry were used to characterize the nanocomposite and the glucose biosensor. The nanocomposite has a large surface-to-volume ratio, excellent hydrophiliciy, and high electrochemical activity. This promotes the direct electron transfer between GOx and the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The GOx immobilized on the nanocomposite displays good bioactivity, and the surface coverage of the modified electrode is 4.15 × 10 mol·cm. Under optimum conditions and at a working voltage of −0.4 V vs. SCE, the glucose biosensor exhibits a linear response in the 0.1 to 1.0 mM and 1.0 to 12 mM glucose concentration ranges, with a lower detection limit of 2.5 μM (at an S/N ratio of 3). The biosensor shows excellent selectivity and was successfully applied to the determination of glucose in human serum samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel and recyclable poly(polyethylene glycol diacrylate/maleamic acid) (p(PEGDA/MALA)) copolymer hydrogel beads were for the first time synthesized through a microfluidic method and used for the removal of heavy mental ions from water. The monodisperse and size-controlled pregel droplets were firstly prepared by a microfluidic device and then polymerized to the hydrogel beads under UV irradiation. The synthesized p(PEGDA/MALA) hydrogel beads were characterized using various techniques and showed good adsorption property for Pb. The influencing factors on the adsorption process of Pb were investigated in detail. The experiment results indicated that Pb adsorption process was pH dependent, and agreed with the Langmuir monolayer model and pseudo-second-order equation. The adsorbing mechanism of copolymer hydrogel beads for Pb mainly resulted from the electrostatic interaction and chelation action. The competitive adsorption experiment indicated that the affinity order in multicomponent adsorption was Pb>Cu>Cd. The well-designed p(PEGDA/MALA) copolymer hydrogel beads had excellent adsorption capacity and high recyclability and showed a promising application prospect in the decontamination of heavy metal ions in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes an electrochemical glucose biosensor that is based on the immobilization of the enzyme glucose oxidase (GOx) on a glassy carbon electrode that was modified with silver-ZnO hybrid nanorods (HNRs). The HNRs containing different fractions of silver were synthesized by a one-step solvothermal method. Transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of these HNRs. FTIR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry demonstrated that the enzyme on the HNRs retained its native structure and bioactivity. The HNRs containing 11.26 wt% silver produced the best electrochemical response and direct electron transfer between enzyme and electrode surface. The sensor responds to glucose with two linear ranges (from 0.01 to 0.1 mM and from 0.1 to 1.5 mM). The sensitivity is 18.7 mA∙ M ∙ cm, and the detection limit is 5 μM (at an SNR of 3). The biosensor is selective, acceptably stable, and well reproducible. It was successfully applied to the quantitation of glucose in human serum, and results were within −8.1 % and +6.5 % of data obtained with a reference method. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed an impedimetric immunosensor for the determination of bovine interleukin-4, a cytokine involved in the immune response to certain parasites and the development of some bovine diseases. Monoclonal antibody against bovine interleukin-4 was immobilized on a glassy carbon electrode modified with reduced graphene oxide and chitosan. Transmission electron microscopy, static contact angle measurement, and electrochemical impedimetry are used to characterize the immunosensor. The nanocomposite possesses a high surface area that is well suited for the immobilization of antibody. The relative increase in impedance on exposure of the sensor to solutions containing bovine interleukin-4 is linearly proportional to its logarithmic concentration in the 0.1 to 50 ng mL and the detection limit is 80 pg mL. The immunosensor is selective, well reproducible, and acceptably stable. It presents a useful tool for further studies on the role of this cytokine in the immunology and pathogenesis of bovine diseases. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multiplexed assay strategy was developed for the detection of nucleic acid hybridization. It is based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and multi-sized quantum dots (QDs) deposited on the surface of silica photonic crystal beads (SPCBs). The SPCBs were first coated with a three-layer primer film formed by the alternating adsorption of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) and poly(sodium 4-styrensulfonate). Probe DNA sequences were then covalently attached to the carboxy groups at the surface of the QD-coated SPCBs. On addition of DNA-AuNPs and hybridization, the fluorescence of the donor QDs is quenched because of the close proximity of the AuNPs. However, the addition of target DNA causes a recovery of the fluorescence of the QD-coated SPCBs, thus enabling the quantitative assay of hybridized DNA. Compared to fluorescent dyes acting as acceptors, the use of AuNPs results in much higher quenching efficiency. The multiplexed assay displays a wide linear range, high sensitivity, and very little cross-reactivity. This work, where such SPCBs are used for the first time in a FRET assay, is deemed to present a new and viable approach towards high-throughput multiplexed gene assays. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomorphic calcium phosphate (CaP) microspheres with hierarchical porous structure were synthesized using natural cole pollen grains as templates and were further employed for the immobilization of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed (a) the porous structure of the CaP microspheres, (b) the effective immobilization, and (c) the retention of the conformation of HRP on CaP. The immobilized HRP was placed on a glassy carbon electrode where it underwent a direct, fully reversible, and surface-controlled redox reaction with an electron transfer rate constant of 1.96 s. It also exhibits high sensitivity to the reduction of HO The response to HO is linear in the 5.00 nM to 1.27 μM concentration range, and the sensitivity is 30357 μA⋅mM⋅cm. The detection limit (at an SNR of 3) is as low as 1.30 nM. The apparent Michaelis-Menten constant ( K) of the immobilized enzyme is 0.92 μM. This new CaP with hierarchical porous structure therefore represents a material that can significantly promote the direct electron transfer between HRP and an electrode, and is quite attractive with respect to the construction of biosensors. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional Cu@Cu2O aerogels with excellent electrocatalytic activity were prepared and used as electrode matrix for constructing novel electrochemical glucose sensors. The aerogels were obtained by adding a fresh solution of NaBH4 into a mixture of CuCl2 and NaOH aqueous solutions under stirring at room temperature. The aerogels were assembled with Cu or Cu2O nanoparticles. The materials show superfine spongy-like structures with large surface-to-volume ratio, numerous active sites and good solubility. The Cu@Cu2O aerogels show highly efficient electrochemical activity toward glucose oxidation with a relatively low-onset potential (0.25 V) in 0.1 M NaOH solution. This non-enzymatic glucose sensor offers a low detection limit of 0.6 μM (S/N = 3), a high sensitivity (195 mA M−1 cm−2), and two wide linear ranges (0.001-5.2 mM, 5.2-17.1 mM) at a working voltage of 0.6 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) in alkaline solution. While in neutral pH values, the respective data are a linear analytical range from 0.1 to 10 mM; a detection limit of 54 μM (S/N = 3) and a sensitivity of 12 mA M−1 cm−2 at scan rate of 100 mV s−1. The sensor possesses high selectivity, good reproducibility and long-time stability. It was utilized to determine glucose levels in (spiked) human serum samples, and satisfactory results were obtained.Schematic presentation of a glassy carbon electrode modified with 3D porous Cu@Cu2O aerogels. The aerogels were obtained by a reduction reaction at room temperature (Scheme 1A). The aerogel networks were used to develop a highly sensitive electrochemical sensing platform for the detection of glucose (Scheme 1B). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]