RSC Advances最新文献

{"title":"ZnO/AC recovered from PET bottles via pyrolysis for the hybrid treatment (adsorption/photocatalysis) of BB41 dye in aqueous media","authors":"Nadjib Dahdouh, Haroun Hafsa, Badreddine Djemmali, Amina Ouarghi, Imane Kezrane, Toufik Chaabane, Venkataraman Sivasankar and Mohammed Kebir","doi":"10.1039/D6RA00311G","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D6RA00311G","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Plastic waste continues to increase on land and poses a critical danger to human life, which is why our contribution addresses this issue. Waste PET bottles were collected and subjected to pyrolysis to produce activated carbon, which was then doped with ZnO to form a ZnO/AC(PET) heterostructured composite. The deposition of ZnO nanoparticles on activated carbon was confirmed using different characterization techniques, such as SEM, XRD, and FTIR spectroscopy, which demonstrated the effectiveness of our doping method. High-performance ZnO/AC(PET) was used for the hybrid treatment of solutions synthetically colored with the textile dye blue basic 41. Adsorption and solar photocatalysis are the two techniques chosen in our study. The mass effect of the hybrid material and the effect of the initial concentration of the BB41 dye were evaluated. A maximum adsorption capacity of 561.80 mg g<small>⁻¹</small> was recorded for ZnO/AC(PET) due to the pores present on the surface of the activated carbon. After the adsorption step, the treated solutions were further exposed to solar irradiation for a secondary treatment, achieving a removal efficiency of up to 94.44%. The process was optimized by identifying the model that best fits the experimental data and determining the main kinetic mechanism of the photocatalytic degradation of the BB41 dye using first and second-order models. The findings demonstrated that, given the high correlation coefficients, the first-order model offered the best match. This work highlights the valorization of PET waste into ZnO/activated carbon, which shows good affinity for BB41 dye and functions as both an adsorbent and a photocatalyst.</p>","PeriodicalId":102,"journal":{"name":"RSC Advances","volume":" 25","pages":" 23154-23166"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/ra/d6ra00311g?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147829056","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhanced removal of fluoride and phosphate by nickel-doped kaolinite nano-adsorbents: mechanisms and resource recovery","authors":"Asmaa S. Morshedy, Tahany Mahmoud, Aya M. Matloob and Mahmoud F. Mubarak","doi":"10.1039/D6RA00357E","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D6RA00357E","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The development of efficient and cost-effective catalysts for wastewater treatment is crucial for mitigating environmental pollution. In this study, NiO and Ni-metal doped kaolinite-based nanocomposites were synthesized <em>via</em> precipitation and calcination methods and evaluated for fluoride (F<small>⁻</small>) and phosphate (PO<small>₄</small><small>³⁻</small>) remediation. Comprehensive characterization was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Raman spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analyses. The adsorption performance was systematically examined under varying pH, initial pollutant concentration, contact time, temperature, and adsorbent dosage. The Ni(OH)<small>₂</small>@kaolinite composite exhibited the highest adsorption capacities: 52.6 mg g<small>⁻¹</small> for fluoride and 55.0 mg g<small>⁻¹</small> for phosphate, with over 90% removal efficiency under optimal conditions. Kinetic data were best described by the pseudo second order model, indicating that the adsorption rate depends on the availability of active sites and adsorption capacity; however, kinetic fitting alone was not used to assign the adsorption mechanism, which was further evaluated using diffusion and thermodynamic analyses. The composites demonstrated excellent reusability, retaining over 75% efficiency after 10 cycles. Compared to conventional adsorbents, the Ni-doped kaolinite showed superior performance and cost-effectiveness (estimated treatment cost: &lt;$5 per 1000 L), highlighting its potential as a sustainable, scalable solution for industrial wastewater treatment and resource recovery.</p>","PeriodicalId":102,"journal":{"name":"RSC Advances","volume":" 25","pages":" 22422-22439"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/ra/d6ra00357e?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147829035","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Manganese-catalyzed dehydroxyamination of catechols for the synthesis of redox-active and heterocyclic scaffolds","authors":"Zahra Naseri Motlagh, Jasem Aboonajmi, Farhad Panahi, Laleh Khalvati and Hashem Sharghi","doi":"10.1039/D5RA09855F","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5RA09855F","url":null,"abstract":"<p >A catalytic protocol employing manganese(<small>II</small>) nitrate [Mn(NO<small>₃</small>)<small>₂</small>] has been developed for the selective C–O bond cleavage of catechols, enabling subsequent C–N bond formation. This transformation offers a versatile approach to the synthesis of 2-(arylamino)phenols, dihydrobenzo[<em>d</em>]oxazoles, and benzoxazoles under mild conditions. Aromatic amines such as anilines reacted smoothly to afford 2-(arylamino)phenols in excellent yields. In the presence of ketones, the methodology was further extended to the efficient synthesis of novel dihydrobenzo[<em>d</em>]oxazole derivatives. In contrast, the use of aliphatic amines directly led to benzoxazole products, with the corresponding 2-(alkylamino)phenol intermediates not being observed under the optimized conditions. This Mn(<small>II</small>)-catalyzed strategy demonstrates broad substrate scope and high selectivity, offering a practical route to valuable N-heterocyclic scaffolds.</p>","PeriodicalId":102,"journal":{"name":"RSC Advances","volume":" 26","pages":" 23326-23334"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/ra/d5ra09855f?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147808193","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Structural, optical, thermal, and computational insights into the 1D antimony-based hybrid perovskite (C10H13N4)[SbI4]·H2O","authors":"Amin Alibi, Nour Elleuch, Sergiu Shova, Frédéric Amiard, Jerome Lhoste and Mohamed Boujelbene","doi":"10.1039/D6RA02020H","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D6RA02020H","url":null,"abstract":"<p >A new one-dimensional organic–inorganic hybrid antimony halide, (C<small>₁₀</small>H<small>₁₃</small>N<small>₄</small>)[SbI<small>₄</small>]·H<small>₂</small>O, was synthesized <em>via</em> a hydrothermal method and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structure comprises infinite [SbI<small>₄</small>]<small>⁻</small> chains separated by protonated organic cations and lattice water molecules, forming a supramolecular architecture stabilized by hydrogen bonding and other noncovalent interactions. Phase purity was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction. At the same time, Hirshfeld surface and intermolecular energy analyses reveal that electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding play a dominant role in the crystal packing. Vibrational properties investigated by FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy, supported by density functional theory calculations, confirm the structural integrity of both the organic and inorganic components. Optical studies show visible photoluminescence under UV excitation, and the optical band gap is estimated to be about 3.06 eV, while theoretical calculations predict a band gap close to 2.9 eV, indicating semiconducting behavior. Thermal analysis further demonstrates a well-defined multistep decomposition process consistent with the structural composition. These results highlight the structural stability and optoelectronic potential of this new antimony-based hybrid material.</p>","PeriodicalId":102,"journal":{"name":"RSC Advances","volume":" 26","pages":" 23335-23353"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/ra/d6ra02020h?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147829063","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advanced green functional groups for tailoring the membrane features and performance in contaminated wastewater treatment: a comprehensive review","authors":"Saba Ahmed Abdulkareem, Khalid T. Rashid, Adnan A. AbdulRazak, Mohammed Ahmed Shehab, Mohammed Nabeel, Mohammed A. Salih and Haidar Hasan Mohammed","doi":"10.1039/D5RA09447J","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5RA09447J","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The need to strike a balance between separation performance and environmental responsibility has led to the development of polymeric membranes with green functional groups as a viable approach for sustainable wastewater treatment. Beyond descriptive reporting, this review critically synthesizes molecular findings connecting membrane structure–property–performance correlations to bio-based functional additives. The effects of naturally occurring functional groups, such as phenolics, flavonoids, polysaccharides, amino-rich biopolymers, and plant-based reactive moieties, on the shape, surface chemistry, and interfacial interactions of the membrane are methodically examined. In order to assess several classes of green additives and fabrication techniques based on their operational stability, durability, sustainability indicators, permeability-selectivity trade-offs, and fouling resistance, a comparative approach is presented. The review clarifies the main mechanisms for antifouling and separation, including hydrogen-bonding networks, surface charge modulation, hydration layer formation, radical scavenging, and antimicrobial activity. It also critically analyzes how these mechanisms result in better dye, heavy metal, and oil contamination removal. Significantly, the analysis reveals the discrepancies and knowledge gaps in published mechanistic interpretations, such as the long-term stability of bio-functionalized membranes under practical operating conditions, the relative contributions of surface chemistry <em>versus</em> bulk structural changes, and additive dispersion and leaching effects. Lastly, future research directions are discussed, with a focus on scalable manufacturing routes, hybrid green nanocomposite functionalization, and intelligent and stimulus-responsive bio-additives. All things considered, this review offers a comparative and mechanistic viewpoint that clarifies the actual and potential constraints of green advanced functional groups for developing next-generation high-performance wastewater treatment membranes.</p>","PeriodicalId":102,"journal":{"name":"RSC Advances","volume":" 24","pages":" 22166-22185"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/ra/d5ra09447j?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147828680","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Green-synthesized Matricaria chamomilla silver nanoparticles enhance anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects through GABAergic and antioxidant pathways in an acute seizure rat model","authors":"Yahya Alhamhoom, Rupesh Kumar M, Manjunath C, Kavitha K, Mohamed Rahamathulla, Hanan Albataineh, Syeda Ayesha Farhana, Mohammed Muqtader Ahmed, Thippeswamy Boreddy Shivanandappa and Ismail Pasha","doi":"10.1039/D6RA01236A","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D6RA01236A","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Epilepsy is a major chronic neurological disorder with significant treatment limitations, particularly in drug-resistant cases, highlighting the need for novel and affordable neuroprotective strategies. This study investigates the anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects of ethanolic extract of <em>Matricaria chamomilla</em> (German chamomile) and its green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (MC-AgNPs) in a pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced rat model. The phytochemical analysis (TPC, TFC, GC-MS) showed high phenolic (18.64 mg GAE per g) and flavonoid (17.04 mg QE per g) content with apigenin and quercetin identified as major constituents. Green-synthesized MC-AgNPs exhibit significant characteristics such as an SPR peak at 420 nm and a hydrodynamic diameter of 273.9 nm, indicating their stability and potential for neuroprotective applications. The administration of crude extract or MC-AgNPs (25 or 50 mg kg<small>⁻¹</small> p.o) for three days prior to PTZ induction results in substantial improvements. The high dose of MC-AgNPs notably increased seizure latency (69.33 ± 1.08 s), decreased seizure frequency (1.16 ± 0.16), and reduced seizure duration (9.5 ± 0.17 s), far exceeding the crude extract's effects (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.0001). Furthermore, motor performance and memory retention were significantly enhanced, with GABA levels restored (5.1 ± 0.14 µmol g<small>⁻¹</small> tissue) and oxidative stress parameters improved. The histopathological assessments revealed minimal neuronal damage. Overall, MC-AgNPs demonstrated superior efficacy compared to the crude extract, indicating that nano-formulation could enhance the therapeutic potential of plant-derived agents in epilepsy management, suggesting a cost-effective adjunct therapy deserving further research studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":102,"journal":{"name":"RSC Advances","volume":" 25","pages":" 23078-23094"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/ra/d6ra01236a?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147829028","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Horseradish peroxidase assisted “signal-on” chemiluminescence aptasensor for sensitive detection of aflatoxin B1","authors":"Linlin Sun, Fengyi Miao, Wenjuan Wan, Lingchen Wang and Chuan Dong","doi":"10.1039/D6RA00359A","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D6RA00359A","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) analysis is crucial in food safety, environmental monitoring, and quality control. We developed a “signal-on” chemiluminescence aptasensor by using horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labeled aptamer as affinity ligand, enabling the sensitive detection of AFB1. Complementary DNA (cDNA) of aptamer was immobilized on magnetic beads, and AFB1 in sample solution competed with cDNA coated on magnetic beads to bind to the HRP-labeled aptamer probe. The resulting AFB1-aptamer complexes were then magnetically separated and used for catalyzing substrate to produce chemiluminescence signals. Specifically, higher concentrations of AFB1 led to more AFB1-aptamer complexes being separated, thereby generating stronger chemiluminescence signals. Benefiting from the high catalytic activity of HRP for signal amplification and the advantages of chemiluminescence detection, this assay demonstrated high sensitivity to AFB1, with the detection limit of 0.01 nM. The dynamic range spanned from 0.01 nM to 500 nM, covering more than four orders of magnitude. The assay exhibited good selectivity and was successfully applied to detect AFB1 in diluted beer, liquor, and red wine samples. By leveraging the merits of aptamer, including high stability, good reproducibility, and facile chemical synthesis, this aptasensor holds great potential for practical AFB1 detection.</p>","PeriodicalId":102,"journal":{"name":"RSC Advances","volume":" 25","pages":" 23071-23077"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/ra/d6ra00359a?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147829043","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Design, synthesis, and anti-inflammatory evaluation of new isatin azo disperse dyes: computational studies, molecular docking, and printing performance on polyester fabrics","authors":"Hend A. Hekal, Elkhabiry Shaban, Zeinab A. Elshahid, Hayam A. Abd El Salam, Faten M. Atlam and Ahmed A. Nosier","doi":"10.1039/D6RA01392A","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D6RA01392A","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Pharmaceutical and industrial uses of heterocyclic compounds are so varied that they are important for material science and drug discovery. First synthesized in 1841, isatin is a derivative of indole that has garnered significant attention as a structure that is modular for bioactive chemicals. In this study, novel isatin-based azo dyes, namely 2-cyano-<em>N</em>′-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy)-(<em>E</em>)-(aryl)diazinyl)benzylidene)-2-((<em>Z</em>)-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)acetohydrazides (<strong>4a–d</strong>) and (<em>E</em>)-5-(2-cyano-2-((<em>Z</em>)-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)acetyl)-3-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-(aryl)formazans (<strong>5a–d</strong>), were effectively synthesized and their structure was clarified using spectroscopic investigations utilizing mass spectrometry, <small>¹</small>H, <small>¹³</small>C NMR, and FT-IR. The colorimetric and fastness characteristics of the dyes, such as their resistance to light, perspiration, washing, sublimation, and rubbing, were assessed after they were applied to printing polyester fabric. An assessment of the anti-inflammatory properties of synthetic isatin azo dyes revealed that almost all of them exhibit anti-inflammatory actions against COX-2, TNF, and IL-6. Additionally, using the 6-311++G(d, p) basis set, density functional theory (DFT) was used to study the isatin azodyes <strong>4a–d</strong> and <strong>5a–d</strong>. The energy values of the highest filled molecular orbital (HOMO), the lowest unfilled molecular orbital (LUMO), and the MEP were measured to discover more about the reactive regions of the molecules. To illustrate the connection between theory and experiment, FT-IR spectra were calculated for isatin dye molecules. Excellent agreement was established between experimental and theoretical data. In conclusion, every newly created dye has the potential to be an anti-inflammatory. Compounds <strong>4b</strong> and <strong>5b</strong> were shown to be the most efficient against TNF and IL-6, and theoretical evidence supports these findings. To gain more insights into how compound <strong>5b</strong> interacts with TNF (tumor necrosis factor), we used molecular docking tools to predict its affinity within the receptor, providing useful preliminary evidence for drug development. Additionally, docking analysis was performed, and it confirmed the presented results.</p>","PeriodicalId":102,"journal":{"name":"RSC Advances","volume":" 26","pages":" 23257-23279"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/ra/d6ra01392a?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147808191","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A2Se2C2 (A = Na–Cs): crystalline compounds featuring −Se–CC–Se− dianions with short-range structural disorder","authors":"Tim Mattick, Marc Hetzert and Uwe Ruschewitz","doi":"10.1039/D6RA01467D","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D6RA01467D","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Crystalline powders of A<small>₂</small>Se<small>₂</small>C<small>₂</small> (A = Na–Cs) were prepared either by reacting A<small>₂</small>C<small>₂</small> with two equivalents of elemental (grey) selenium in liquid ammonia or by thermally decomposing ASeC<small>₂</small>H at 200 °C under dynamic vacuum. IR and Raman spectra unambiguously confirm the presence of <small>⁻</small>Se–C<img>C–Se<small>⁻</small> anions. X-ray powder diffraction patterns exhibit only a few very broad reflections, consistent with a primitive cubic arrangement of the alkali metal cations. The anions occupy the interstitial voids between these cations and display local orientational disorder. Only through a combined approach employing Rietveld and pair distribution function (PDF) analyses of synchrotron powder diffraction data, supplemented by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, it was possible to establish a consistent structural model for the anion disorder.</p>","PeriodicalId":102,"journal":{"name":"RSC Advances","volume":" 25","pages":" 23037-23043"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/ra/d6ra01467d?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147829038","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rapid, point-of-care, visual detection of RBD of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein using an acrylamide-free photonic crystal aptasensor","authors":"Meghana Mary Thomas, Parvathy R. Chandran, Lekshmi Lekshmanan, A. Peer Mohamed and Saju Pillai","doi":"10.1039/D6RA01315E","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D6RA01315E","url":null,"abstract":"<p >As COVID-19 continues to reemerge with new variants, it has become a persistent challenge to public health, causing disruptions in society and the economy. We report a facile photonic crystal-based aptasensor for the rapid visual detection of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) spike (S) protein. Monodispersed polystyrene@poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate–acrylic acid) [PS@poly(HEMA–AA)] core–shell microspheres were synthesized to fabricate a stimuli-responsive photonic crystal (RPC). The integration of the RBD target-specific aptamer into the poly(HEMA–AA) hydrogel network facilitated the development of a biosensor that enabled RPCs to selectively bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein using coupling chemistry. The interaction between the RBD and a single-stranded DNA aptamer causes the hydrogel to expand, leading to a color change and a shift in the photonic bandgap (PBG). This phenomenon can be used to detect the RBD of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The addition of the RBD of SARS-CoV-2-S-protein to the Apt-RPC aptasensor resulted in a rapid visual color shift from violet to green. The detection range of the developed aptasensor was estimated to be 100–1000 ng with excellent selectivity. Thus, the developed aptasensor offers distinct advantages over conventional detection methods. Our study also facilitates the development of a straightforward point-of-care self-testing kit that does not rely on toxic acrylamide-based chemicals. Furthermore, the sensor eliminates the need for complex sample preparation or signal amplification steps, making it a promising platform for point-of-care diagnosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":102,"journal":{"name":"RSC Advances","volume":" 26","pages":" 23391-23398"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/ra/d6ra01315e?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147829066","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}