Amrit Regmi, Mouhmad Elayyan, Safiya Nisar, Binglin Sui
{"title":"Carrier-free single-molecule hypoxia-activated nanoprodrug of SN38 with ultrahigh drug loading for pancreatic cancer treatment.","authors":"Amrit Regmi, Mouhmad Elayyan, Safiya Nisar, Binglin Sui","doi":"10.1039/d5tb01434d","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d5tb01434d","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal malignancies for human health. The anticancer drug SN38 has been proven effective against pancreatic cancer cells; however, its clinical application is limited by its poor aqueous solubility and restricted bioavailability <i>in vivo</i>. In this work, we developed a novel carrier-free single-molecule hypoxia-responsive nanoprodrug of SN38 for the treatment of pancreatic tumors. The nanoprodrug has an ultrahigh drug-loading content of ∼80 wt% and a nanoscale size of ∼50 nm. The drug molecules are masked by a hypoxia-sensitive aromatic azo group in the nanoprodrug, thereby shielding the therapeutic effects and toxicities of SN38 under normoxic conditions. Thus, the toxicity of the new regimen toward healthy cells and tissues is alleviated. In response to the upregulated level of azoreductase enzymes in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment, SN38 molecules are released <i>in situ</i> with their intact structures, exerting a powerful suppressive effect on tumor cells.</p>","PeriodicalId":94089,"journal":{"name":"Journal of materials chemistry. B","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145294952","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Youan Ji, Suyao Yan, Wenshi Xu, Mengyao Yang, Aibing Chen, Senlin Hou, Juan Du
{"title":"Nanocarbon dots enhancing photothermal therapy for cancer: mechanisms, synergistic strategies, and frontier advances.","authors":"Youan Ji, Suyao Yan, Wenshi Xu, Mengyao Yang, Aibing Chen, Senlin Hou, Juan Du","doi":"10.1039/d5tb01971k","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d5tb01971k","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cancer, a significant global public health challenge, continues to have high incidence and mortality rates. Photothermal therapy (PTT), as a novel non-invasive treatment, uses photothermal agents to convert light energy into heat energy to precisely kill cancer cells. Nanocarbon dots (CDs) have attracted increasing attention as photothermal agents for cancer therapy due to their good biocompatibility, tunable optical properties, and facile synthesis. This review summarizes the recent progress in CDs for PTT, with a focus on structure-property relationships and performance optimization. We first present the main synthesis strategies of CDs, including top-down and bottom-up approaches, and discuss how precursors, doping, and surface modification influence their photothermal conversion efficiency. The structural characteristics of various CDs reported in the literature are illustrated to highlight the correlation between composition and photothermal behavior. Subsequently, the application of CDs in PTT is reviewed, covering their use in combination with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other modalities. We also discuss current challenges, including long-term biosafety, standardized evaluation criteria, and clinical translation. By systematically outlining the design, synthesis, and therapeutic application of photothermal CDs, this review provides a comprehensive theoretical basis and practical guidance for the clinical application of CDs in cancer therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":94089,"journal":{"name":"Journal of materials chemistry. B","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145294879","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An oxidized dextran and thiolated chitosan-based hydrogel driven biomimetic triple negative breast cancer 3D <i>in vitro</i> model for cancer progression and therapeutic studies.","authors":"Unnati Modi, Pooja Makwana, Bindiya Dhimmar, Soundharya Ramu, Mohit Kumar Jolly, Rajesh Vasita","doi":"10.1039/d5tb00812c","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d5tb00812c","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In the advancing field of <i>in vitro</i> cancer modeling, three-dimensional (3D) culture systems are increasingly recognized for their ability to recapitulate critical tumor-specific characteristics. Given the aggressive nature and high mortality associated with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), there is a pressing need to develop physiologically relevant 3D <i>in vitro</i> models that effectively simulate key tumor promoting factors (TPFs). This study presents a modified dextran-chitosan (MDC) hydrogel with engineered non-fouling properties that supports the formation of MDA-MB-231-derived 3D tumoroids. The hydrogel facilitated upregulated expression of extracellular matrix markers, including COL1A1 (2.29-fold↑) and FN1 (0.84-fold↑). Cell proliferation within 3D cultures was significantly reduced on days 2 (<i>p</i> < 0.001), 4 (<i>p</i> < 0.0001), and 6 (<i>p</i> < 0.001) compared to 2D cultures. Enhanced hypoxic conditions (based on EF5 adducts' fluorescence; <i>p</i> < 0.0001), epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) traits, and stemness marker expression [<i>e.g.</i>, NANOG (3.33-fold↑)] were observed in 3D tumoroids. Additionally, the 3D tumor microenvironment showed elevated activity of key TPFs, including IL6, IL10, TNFA, FGF2, BMP2, and active TGFB (<i>p</i> < 0.0001). The MDC hydrogel, with stiffness mimicking breast tissue (∼11 kPa), also promoted mechanotransducive signalling, evidenced by increased YAP1 expression (2.4-fold↑) and a significantly elevated nuclear-to-cytoplasmic YAP1 ratio (<i>p</i> < 0.0001) relative to 2D cultures on TCPS (∼3 GPa). Whole transcriptome sequencing and gene set enrichment analyses further validated the enhanced tumorigenic phenotype of the 3D model. Moreover, the 3D tumoroids exhibited significant resistance (<i>p</i> < 0.001) to combined doxorubicin-paclitaxel treatment. Thus, the MDC hydrogel-based 3D TNBC model emerges as a robust and scalable platform for anticancer drug screening, evaluating precision medicine and investigating cancer biology.</p>","PeriodicalId":94089,"journal":{"name":"Journal of materials chemistry. B","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145282362","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ziqian Lu, Yili Guo, Qian Ren, Die Hu, Wei Yin, Yubing Zhang, Manxuan Liu, Zhongcheng Li, Linglin Zhang
{"title":"Bacterial S-layer protein inspired multifunctional peptide for dentin restoration <i>via</i> intrafibrillar mineralization facilitating.","authors":"Ziqian Lu, Yili Guo, Qian Ren, Die Hu, Wei Yin, Yubing Zhang, Manxuan Liu, Zhongcheng Li, Linglin Zhang","doi":"10.1039/d5tb01789k","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d5tb01789k","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Intrafibrillar mineralization, essential for dentin restoration, necessitates precise coordination of microenvironmental factors. Current research on peptide-mediated collagen mineralization often lacks a comprehensive exploration of multifunctionality, focusing instead on isolated aspects such as self-assembly, nucleation ability, or collagen binding. Bacterial S-layer proteins, with their intrinsic self-assembly, collagen-binding features, and ion-capturing functions, offer a blueprint for integrating multifunctionality. Building on these features, we engineer a multifunctional self-assembly peptide (SlpB-21) that integrates essential capabilities to promote collagen mineralization. This innovative peptide synergistically enhances interactions with Ca<sup>2+</sup> and type I collagen, driving the biomimetic process of intrafibrillar mineralization, which is critical for dentin restoration. Functioning as an \"intermediate gripper\", SlpB-21 efficiently assembles onto demineralized dentin collagen fibrils and directs ordered mineral deposition. Utilizing molecular dynamics simulations and stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy, the research systematically investigates the peptide's self-assembly, its mechanisms of interaction with collagen fibrils and Ca<sup>2+</sup>, and its role in mediating intrafibrillar mineralization. <i>In vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> experiments demonstrate the potential of SlpB-21 for biomimetic dentin repair. This study highlights SlpB-21 as a pioneering material for dentin restoration, introducing a novel strategy for biomimetic repair and offering promising avenues for treating early dentin caries.</p>","PeriodicalId":94089,"journal":{"name":"Journal of materials chemistry. B","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145282336","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yilong Liu, Canhong Li, Taifu Zhu, Ruiqi Li, Mu Zhang, Xiaoling Li, Dingjun Cai, Zhifei Dai, Lei Wan, Haibin Lu
{"title":"Extracellular matrix-mimicking cryogels in tissue engineering and cancer therapy: from structural design to translational applications abstract.","authors":"Yilong Liu, Canhong Li, Taifu Zhu, Ruiqi Li, Mu Zhang, Xiaoling Li, Dingjun Cai, Zhifei Dai, Lei Wan, Haibin Lu","doi":"10.1039/d5tb01412c","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d5tb01412c","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cryogels are a class of macroporous hydrogels fabricated through a cryogelation process at sub-zero temperatures, resulting in a highly interconnected pore structure. This review focuses on cryogels that mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) in composition and molecular architecture. These cryogels not only exhibit the high mechanical strength and elasticity characteristic of traditional cryogels but also possess unique structural features and excellent biocompatibility, providing a supportive microenvironment for cellular vitality and metabolic activity. The interconnected pores of cryogels facilitate the establishment of controllable mass transport and oxygen gradients, making them particularly advantageous for applications such as hypoxic tumor modeling where precise microenvironment control is essential. They also show great promise in vaccine development, drug delivery and screening, and combination chemotherapies. These features position cryogels as an ideal platform for cancer research. This review summarizes the principles, processes, and preparation methods of cryogelation for developing ECM-mimicking cryogels. Furthermore, it discusses the effects of polymer composition, crosslinking agents, freezing conditions, and other factors on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of cryogels. Finally, the biomedical applications of ECM-mimicking cryogels are explored, illustrating their potential roles in tissue engineering, cancer research, and therapeutic interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":94089,"journal":{"name":"Journal of materials chemistry. B","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145282345","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Weiwei Zhang, Lin Chen, Chunmei Jiang, Shutong Wu, Zhigan Lv, Ning Zhang, Wenjing Cui, Qin Liu, Rong Dai, Ziliang Zheng, Ruiping Zhang
{"title":"A multifunctional theranostic nanoagent for precise NIR-II FL imaging and synergistic chemodynamic/H2/SGB therapy of allergic rhinitis.","authors":"Weiwei Zhang, Lin Chen, Chunmei Jiang, Shutong Wu, Zhigan Lv, Ning Zhang, Wenjing Cui, Qin Liu, Rong Dai, Ziliang Zheng, Ruiping Zhang","doi":"10.1039/d5tb01086a","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d5tb01086a","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) and characterized by infiltration of inflammatory cells, such as eosinophils, and excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation at AR sites is an effective approach for improving pathological conditions and modulating the microenvironment. Herein, we have developed novel multifunctional theranostic nanoagents (ACB NGs) to achieve precise and rapid second near-infrared fluorescence (NIR-II FL) imaging and a promising combination treatment of synergistic chemodynamic/gas/stellate ganglion block (SGB) therapy. With suitable size and excellent biocompatibility, ACB NGs passively target AR inflammatory sites to realize effective accumulation. Then, the Ce<sup>3+</sup>/Ce<sup>4+</sup> redox pair can exhibit SOD/CAT-like enzymatic activity to rapidly deplete ROS to alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation. Simultaneously, the controlled release of hydrogen (H<sub>2</sub>) in a slightly acidic environment results in precise synergistic antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects with CeO<sub>2</sub>. Moreover, SGB therapy further inhibits the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduces oxidative stress, achieving a therapeutic effect by modulating the inflammatory microenvironment in AR. In summary, ACB NGs represent novel biomineralized nanoagents offering efficient combination therapy, which will provide new perspectives for the treatment and monitoring of AR.</p>","PeriodicalId":94089,"journal":{"name":"Journal of materials chemistry. B","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145277042","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"CVD-grown MXene-CNT nanocomposite-assisted electrochemical immunosensors for label-free and ultra-sensitive monitoring of thyroid-stimulating hormone in artificial serum.","authors":"Vijayaraj Kathiresan, Sakda Jampasa, Thirumal Vediyappan, Dharuman Venkataraman, Viwat Vchirawongkwin, Orawon Chailapakul","doi":"10.1039/d5tb01632k","DOIUrl":"10.1039/d5tb01632k","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is a critical clinical biomarker for evaluating thyroid function and is essential in diagnosing and monitoring related hormonal disorders. However, the development of point-of-care diagnostic devices for the early detection of TSH-associated diseases remains challenging, particularly due to constraints in measurement methodologies in resource-limited settings. This research describes an effective electrochemical immunosensor developed from a novel seamless three-dimensional (3D) Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<sub><i>x</i></sub> (MXene)-carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposite, specifically engineered for the ultrasensitive and label-free detection of low TSH concentrations. The MXene-CNT nanocomposite was synthesized using the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, and its physical characteristics and electrochemical sensing capabilities were examined. The unique synergetic properties of the MXene-CNT nanocomposite enhance antibody immobilization, expand the sensor's surface area (0.119 cm<sup>2</sup>), provide additional binding sites, and improve electrical conductivity, leading to superior sensitivity and stability of the biosensor. With a label-free format, the redox mediator signal decreased significantly in response to varying concentrations of TSH, attributable to the insulating immunocomplexes formed between anti-TSH and TSH on the MXene-CNT-modified disposable electrode. The method achieved a dynamic linear range of 0.1-10 000 pg mL<sup>-1</sup>, with a detection limit of 0.03 pg mL<sup>-1</sup>, showcasing high selectivity against interferents. Importantly, this study presents the first successful electrochemical detection of TSH in artificial serum using the CVD-grown MXene-CNT nanocomposite immunosensor, underscoring its potential for real-sample analysis in complex biological environments. The current study opens new avenues for leveraging the CVD-grown MXene-CNT nanocomposites in designing and developing molecular diagnosis-based electrochemical and related biosensors.</p>","PeriodicalId":94089,"journal":{"name":"Journal of materials chemistry. B","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145260356","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ying-Kun Liu, Mao-Hua Wang, Li-Rui Huo, Jian-Yong Wang
{"title":"Constructing near-infrared dyes with D-A-D-type Stokes shifts based on asymmetric electron-donating properties and their applications.","authors":"Ying-Kun Liu, Mao-Hua Wang, Li-Rui Huo, Jian-Yong Wang","doi":"10.1039/d4tb01939c","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d4tb01939c","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>An excessive amount of sulfur dioxide (SO<sub>2</sub>) poses a threat to the microenvironment of living organisms and, in severe cases, can cause inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory damage. As one of the important atmospheric pollutants, SO<sub>2</sub> and its derivatives are widely used in the production of additives and chemicals, and are important factors affecting physiological activities. To achieve the goal of detection, we developed a new near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe, Cou-Oxo, which can be used to obtain a ratiometric response to SO<sub>2</sub> derivatives in cells, zebrafish, and plant rhizomes. This novel NIR dye with a large π-system was created by combining two small π-dyes. Its structural features led to a markedly expanded Stokes shift of 321 nm. The NIR ratiometric fluorescence properties of the probe were achieved through the addition reaction of SO<sub>2</sub> derivatives (HSO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup>) to the CC double bond on the Cou-Oxo probe, which possesses a detection limit of 0.942 μM, a short response time (within 30 s), satisfactory biocompatibility, excellent anti-interference, and pH stability. The probe was successfully used to detect changes in exogenous and endogenous SO<sub>2</sub> levels in cancer cells and living zebrafish. More interestingly, we successfully visualized SO<sub>2</sub> in normal and SO<sub>2</sub> poisoned tobacco seedlings as a model.</p>","PeriodicalId":94089,"journal":{"name":"Journal of materials chemistry. B","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145254051","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Daniele Bellavia, Francesco Paduano, Silvia Brogini, Roberta Ruggiero, Rosa Maria Marano, Angela Cusanno, Pasquale Guglielmi, Antonio Piccininni, Matteo Pavarini, Agnese D'Agostino, Alessandro Gambardella, Chiara Peres, Gianfranco Palumbo, Roberto Chiesa, Gianluca Zappini, Marco Tatullo, Gianluca Giavaresi
{"title":"<i>In vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> characterization of novel magnesium alloy implants enhanced by hydrothermal and sol-gel treatments for bone regeneration.","authors":"Daniele Bellavia, Francesco Paduano, Silvia Brogini, Roberta Ruggiero, Rosa Maria Marano, Angela Cusanno, Pasquale Guglielmi, Antonio Piccininni, Matteo Pavarini, Agnese D'Agostino, Alessandro Gambardella, Chiara Peres, Gianfranco Palumbo, Roberto Chiesa, Gianluca Zappini, Marco Tatullo, Gianluca Giavaresi","doi":"10.1039/d5tb01282a","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d5tb01282a","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Magnesium alloys are emerging as promising materials for biodegradable orthopedic implants due to their mechanical strength and biocompatibility. However, their clinical use is hindered by rapid degradation and hydrogen gas evolution, which can compromise implant stability and bone healing. This study investigates the biocompatibility, genotoxicity, and osteointegration of magnesium implants (AZ31) produced <i>via</i> Superplastic Forming and enhanced through Hydrothermal and Sol-Gel surface treatments. Both techniques produced uniform Mg(OH)<sub>2</sub>-based coatings, but only alloy with hydrothermal treatment exhibited a markedly slower <i>in vitro</i> degradation. Cytotoxicity and Ames mutagenicity assays confirmed the biocompatibility and non-mutagenic nature of all implant types. <i>In vivo</i> evaluation in a rat femoral defect model revealed successful bone formation around all implant types, with comparable trabecular bone area. However, surface-treated implants showed a significantly lower bone-to-implant contact compared to the control AZ31 alloy, with solgel-treated alloys exhibiting an accelerated degradation rate and higher hydrogen release, which may influence tissue integration. These results highlight the role of surface modification in tuning degradation behavior and bone interface characteristics, with solgel-treated alloys resorbing faster. The combination of superplastic forming processing with strategic surface treatments offers a promising approach to achieving controlled biodegradation, although further optimization is needed to improve bone-implant integration. This work supports the further development of surface-engineered Mg implants for safe and functional orthopedic applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":94089,"journal":{"name":"Journal of materials chemistry. B","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145254089","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Smartphone-integrated colorimetric and fluorometric sensor based on copper-doped carbon dots for visual and rapid detection of thiram.","authors":"Tingting Lei, Yating Xu, Yuanyu Tang, Siyi Tan, Jiafu Xiao, Shaojing Zhao, Minhuan Lan","doi":"10.1039/d5tb01611h","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d5tb01611h","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Achieving highly selective visual detection of thiram is essential for ensuring food safety and environmental protection. Here, we developed a smartphone-integrated colorimetric and fluorometric dual-mode sensor based on copper-doped carbon dots (Cu-CDs). The Cu-CDs were synthesized <i>via</i> hydrothermal treatment of L-tryptophan and CuCl<sub>2</sub>·2H<sub>2</sub>O. These Cu-CDs exhibited two fluorescence emission peaks at 350 nm and 450 nm, with a fluorescence quantum yield of 20.8%. Cu<sup>2+</sup> on the surface of the Cu-CDs could selectively bind to thiram to form a Cu<sup>2+</sup>-thiram complex, which quenched the fluorescence at 450 nm of the Cu-CDs <i>via</i> the inner filter effect and dynamic quenching effect. In contrast, the fluorescence at 350 nm was changed slightly. The color of the solution was changed from colorless to yellow. These changes allowed for a fluorometric and colorimetric dual-mode optical response. The proposed sensor possessed high sensitivity and selectivity and demonstrated reliable performance in real water samples. Its integration with a smartphone further enabled convenient, on-site detection. This work presented a robust and cost-effective strategy for monitoring thiram in applications related to food safety and environmental protection.</p>","PeriodicalId":94089,"journal":{"name":"Journal of materials chemistry. B","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145254007","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}