Advances in Nanomaterials-Based Electrochemical Biosensors for Foodborne Pathogen Detection

Electrochemical biosensors utilizing nanomaterials have received widespread attention in pathogen detection and monitoring. Here, the potential of different nanomaterials and electrochemical technologies is reviewed for the development of novel diagnostic devices for the detection of foodborne pathogens and their biomarkers. The overview covers basic electrochemical methods and means for electrode functionalization, utilization of nanomaterials that include quantum dots, gold, silver and magnetic nanoparticles, carbon nanomaterials (carbon and graphene quantum dots, carbon nanotubes, graphene and reduced graphene oxide, graphene nanoplatelets, laser-induced graphene), metal oxides (nanoparticles, 2D and 3D nanostructures) and other 2D nanomaterials. Moreover, the current and future landscape of synergic effects of nanocomposites combining different nanomaterials is provided to illustrate how the limitations of traditional technologies can be overcome to design rapid, ultrasensitive, specific and affordable biosensors.

Self-Assembly of Discrete Porphyrin/Calix[4]tube Complexes Promoted by Potassium Ion Encapsulation

The pivotal role played by potassium ions in the noncovalent synthesis of discrete porphyrin-calixarene nanostructures has been examined. The flattened-cone conformation adopted by the two cavities of octa-cationic calix[4]tube C4T was found to prevent the formation of complexes with well-defined stoichiometry between this novel water-soluble calixarene and the tetra-anionic phenylsulfonate porphyrin CuTPPS. Conversely, preorganization of C4T into a C4v-symmetrical scaffold, triggered by potassium ion encapsulation (C4T@K+), allowed us to carry out an efficient hierarchical self-assembly process leading to 2D and 3D nanostructures. The stepwise formation of discrete CuTPPS/C4T@K+ noncovalent assemblies, containing up to 33 molecular elements, was conveniently monitored by UV/vis spectroscopy by following the absorbance of the porphyrin Soret band.

Measurement of conformational switching of azobenzenes from macro- to attomolar scale in self-assembled 2D and 3D nanostructures

It is important, but challenging, to measure the (photo) induced switching of molecules in different chemical environments, from solution, to thin layers, to solid bulk crystals. We compare the cis-trans...

Simple synthesis of a vacancy-rich NiO 2D/3D dendritic self-supported electrode for efficient overall water splitting

A dendritic electrode consisting of oxygen-vacancy-rich NiO embedded within ultrathin 2D and 3D nanostructures for overall water splitting is firstly developed.

Hierarchical multi-level block copolymer patterns by multiple self-assembly

Unusual pattern generation of various 2D and 3D nanostructures can be achieved by the multiple self-assembly of block copolymers (BCPs) such as big-dot, double-dot, line-on-dot, pondering, dot-in-honeycomb, dot-in-pondering, and line-on-pondering patterns.

2D and 3D nanostructuring strategies for thermoelectric materials

Recent progress and research trends for 2D and 3D nanostructures in thermoelectric applications.