Lateral flow assays (LFAs) have garnered much interest in the biomedical and agricultural sciences because of their user-friendly design, quick turnaround times, minimal interference, affordability, and ease of use by individuals. To date, many researchers have reported the use of LFAs for microbial and molecular species identification in the area of clinical and environmental fields, respectively. In this review, we describe the progress in the design of LFA techniques from basic formats to advanced technology (artificial intelligence and machine learning programmes) for the detection of molecular and microbial species. The main objective of this review is to discuss potential applications of LFAs with advanced technology for the detection of molecular species (from molecular targets to whole cells) in real samples. In detail, we have discussed the principles, working, fabrication and the detection methods of LFAs. The modification of LFAs with various molecules (organic, polymers and biomolecules) and nanomaterials is summarized. Detection mechanisms of LFAs are discussed for the identification of molecular targets and cells. The further advancements in this technology are also highlighted along with its challenges and future perspectives.

In this study, a new sensor for the fluorescence detection of guanosine and Mg 2+ ions using a “turn-off–on” mechanism was successfully constructed using 2-mercapto-5-nitrobenzimidazole (MNB) modified bimetallic molybdenum–gold nanoclusters (Mo-AuNCs). The method has minimal cost, excellent sensitivity, good selectivity, simplicity, and speed. After being excited at 390 nm, the MNB-Mo-AuNCs fluorescence emission peak was obtained at 531 nm. The addition of guanosine selectively reduces the fluorescence intensity of MNB-Mo-AuNCs and the turn-on mechanism recovers the quenched fluorescence in the presence of Mg 2+ . The limits of detection (LODs) for the guanosine and Mg 2+ ions using this approach were 1.43 and 0.10 µM, respectively. The fluorescence sensing technique based on MNB-Mo-AuNCs demonstrated exceptional performance for guanosine detection in biological samples. The method showed great reproducibility (relative standard deviation < 2%) and recovery ranging from 96.3% to 99.21% in plasma and serum samples indicating the method considerable potential for real-world applications.

The high real-time efficiency and multifunctional photothermal properties of pristine metal nanostructures face challenges due to stability issues, high fabrication costs, potential toxicity, and limited scalability for practical applications. Here, we design a copper nanoparticle-loaded graphene oxide (GO-Cu)-based floater, which works as a low-cost interfacial solar evaporation platform in a synergistic manner, and also analyse its photothermal efficiency, evaporation rate, and long-term stability under simulated and daylight solar irradiation. The optimized composite materials achieved an interfacial water evaporation rate of 1.6 kg m-2 h-1 with 94% energy conversion efficiency under 1 sun irradiation. The high solar absorbing nature results in enhanced internal light reflections and active heat generation owing to the synergistic associations between plasmonic Cu and the porous textured GO surface of the nanocomposite, which facilitate multiple light scattering events and improved photon trapping. This engineered surface structure increases the effective optical path length, thereby enhancing solar light harvesting and thermal generation efficiency. Validation through real-time solar water evaporation reveals the superior photothermal efficiency of the floater, evidenced by rapid surface heating, sustained water temperature elevation, and a significantly enhanced evaporation rate under natural sunlight conditions. Simultaneously, it was integrated with a Bi2Te3-based commercial thermoelectric module, exhibiting excellent photothermoelectric conversion with a high-power output of 110 mV and power density of 0.132 mW cm-2. This approach offers a practical floating photothermal platform with improved heat localization, suitable for real-time solar-driven water evaporation and sustainable freshwater production.

A waste to best eco-friendly approach is developed to prepared the carbon dots (CDs) using Colocasia esculenta (c. esculenta) corm peel waste, demonstrates a sustainable route for the advancement of green nanotechnology. The prepared CDs, named as CECDs, emitted blue fluorescence at 421 nm upon excitation at 334 nm, with a quantum yield of 49.74%. The size of the prepared CECDs is 2.7 nm, and utilized for the sensing of target analytes. The blue fluorescence of CECDs was significantly reduced upon the addition of pendimethalin (PM) and MnO4- ions, indicating the viability of building a sensitive turn-off nanoprobe. The CECDs-based approach offers favorable linear range for both analytes in the range of 0.05–25 and 0.025–10 μM, with the detection limits of 24.32 and 16.30 nM for PM and MnO4-, respectively. The practical use of the developed blue-emissive CECDs showed favorable recovery rates for PM and MnO4- ions assays in vegetable and water samples, respectively.

Utilizing abundant solar energy to produce clean water, eliminate pathogens, and generate electricity is a transformative route for resolving the concomitant global emergencies in water and energy shortages. Photothermal energy conversion emerges as distinct and compelling approach. However, most current photothermal active materials remain constrained within low evaporation efficacy, narrow antibacterial ability, and inefficient energy utilization. Herein, we introduce a hierarchical MnO2‐polypyrrole‐graphene oxide (PPy@MnO2@GO) hydrogel designed as a multifunctional 3D‐photothermal material. Hydrogel structure integrates PPy's broadband solar absorption and high photothermal conversion capacity with MnO2 nanosheet's catalyst benefits within GO's porous hydrophilic framework. This synergistic combination supports ultra‐rapid solar steam generation at 1.44 kgm−2 h−1 evaporation capacity, 75°C rise in water temperature within 1 min, accompanied by highly effective antibacterial activity (99% inactivation within 3h) and consistent thermoelectric power generation (2.7 mA, 0.5 mW cm−2). Furthermore, permeable hydrogel network enables quick water conduction, optimal heat confinement, and satisfactory ion exclusion to provide sustainable operation ability even within saline and polluted media. Long cycling performance evaluation further validated its long‐term stability and multifunctionality, upholding efficacy across repeated cycles. By integrating water purification, sterilization, and power generation within a solitary adaptive PPy@MnO2@GO hydrogel, it stands as potential next‐generation photothermal framework toward sustainable energy and environmental technology.

In this study, a new sensor for the fluorescence detection of guanosine and Mg 2+ ions using a “turn-off–on” mechanism was successfully constructed using 2-mercapto-5-nitrobenzimidazole (MNB) modified bimetallic molybdenum–gold nanoclusters (Mo-AuNCs). The method has minimal cost, excellent sensitivity, good selectivity, simplicity, and speed. After being excited at 390 nm, the MNB-Mo-AuNCs fluorescence emission peak was obtained at 531 nm. The addition of guanosine selectively reduces the fluorescence intensity of MNB-Mo-AuNCs and the turn-on mechanism recovers the quenched fluorescence in the presence of Mg 2+ . The limits of detection (LODs) for the guanosine and Mg 2+ ions using this approach were 1.43 and 0.10 µM, respectively. The fluorescence sensing technique based on MNB-Mo-AuNCs demonstrated exceptional performance for guanosine detection in biological samples. The method showed great reproducibility (relative standard deviation < 2%) and recovery ranging from 96.3% to 99.21% in plasma and serum samples indicating the method considerable potential for real-world applications.

A simple hydrothermal technique was established to synthesize carbon dots (CDs) from the peel of Garcinia indica (GI). The as-developed GI-CDs results in an emission peak at 431 nm with fluorescence quantum yield of 37.21%. Blue fluorescent GI-CDs were highly effective in detecting periodate ions (IO4−), as their fluorescence significantly decreased with the addition of IO4− via fluorescence quenching. The synthesized GI-CDs demonstrated impressive sensitivity, with a detection limit as low as 16.33 nM, and maintained a clear linear response across a wide concentration range (0.05–50 μM). This probe also proved to be stable under different pH conditions and over extended periods. When tested with real water samples, this method showed high accuracy and reliability, achieving recoveries of 98.97–99.47% for river water samples, 98.01–99.76% for tap water samples, 99.19–99.45% for canal water samples, and 98.11–99.79% for industrial water samples, with relative standard deviation of <2%. Overall, this approach presents a sustainable and cost-effective way to monitor IO4− in environmental settings using plant-based nanomaterials.

The global freshwater crisis is intensifying day by day which is driven by both the insufficiency of freshwater supplies to meet anthropogenic and ecological demands and also the widespread lack of access to safe, affordable drinking water. In particular critical aspect of this crisis is the contamination of water resources with toxic heavy metals, notably lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd). This poses significant threats to human health due to their long-term neurotoxic effects and environmental persistence. In this study, we report the development and application of a novel self-propelled Janus microstructure for the efficient removal of Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions from various aquatic environments, which includes seawater, groundwater, and lake water. The self-propelled microstructure comprises of thiol-functionalized silica-coated manganese dioxide (SiO2@MnO2@SH), synthesized to exploit self-diffusiophoretic motion in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, thereby enhancing adsorption dynamics. The synthesized material was extensively characterized in terms of crystallinity, morphology, and surface chemistry using XRD, SEM, and ATR-FTIR, respectively. In the FTIR spectra, the characteristic peak of thiol functional group around 2550 cm- 1 is observed in the synthesized SiO2@MnO2@SH microstructure. Pores are observed in the SEM image of H2O2 treated SiO2@MnO2@SH microstructure. The SiO2@MnO2@SH microstructure demonstrated remarkable adsorption capacities, achieving over 99% removal efficiency for Pb at a pH range of 2-4 and more than 96% for Cd at pH 2-3. Adsorption data were fitted to Langmuir isotherm, Freundlich isotherm, and Sips isotherm models, indicating favorable sorption behavior. Kinetic studies were performed at 277 K and 301 K to evaluate the influence of thermal conditions on adsorption rates. A density functional theory investigation was also conducted to elucidate the fundamental mechanistic pathways governing the interfacial interactions. From the DFT cluster analysis, the calculated binding energies are - 175.95 kcal mol- 1 for Cd2+ and - 179.91 kcal mol- 1 for Pb2+. The findings confirm that the SiO2@MnO2@SH microstructure, when activated by H2O2, serves as an effective and dynamic adsorbent system for the decontamination of Pb and Cd from polluted water systems, offering a promising approach for advanced water purification technologies.

In this study, water-dispersible CsPbBr3@DCTA perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) were successfully fabricated by functionalizing with a new ligand namely 2,2′,2″,2‴-(trans-cyclohexane-1,2-diylbis (azanetriyl) tetra acetic acid hydrate (DCTA). The as-fabricated CsPbBr3@DCTA PQDs act as a probe for the fluorescence detection of phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA). The surface modification with 2,2′,2″,2‴-(trans-cyclohexane-1,2-diylbis(azanetriyl) tetra acetic acid hydrate (DCTA) ligand has noticeably enhanced the aqueous stability and biocompatibility of CsPbBr3 PQDs, making them suitable for bio-sensing agents. The synthesized CsPbBr3@DCTA PQDs exhibited a strong fluorescence emission at 520 nm under 370 nm excitation, displaying a quantum yield of 13.24%. The sensing mechanism was based on fluorescence quenching due to ABA-induced aggregation, favoring to construct a calibration graph in the range of 0.1 to 300 μM. Furthermore, the sensing capability was validated by assaying ABA in real samples, including tomato juice and rice water, showing high recovery rates (96.21%–101%) and low RSD values (0.32%–1.62%). Thus, CsPbBr3@DCTA PQDs could be a potential fluorescent probe to assay ABA in real samples.

The development of solar energy‐driven multifunctional photothermal materials represents a key step toward bridging energy harvesting with environmental sustainability initiatives. Herein, a tactically designed tannic acid intercalated, terbium‐doped graphene oxide (TA–Tb3+–GO) framework is presented. This framework demonstrates synergistic photothermal conversion and a permeable structure that facilitates proficient capillary action, permitting rapid water transmission and steam discharge. Surface temperature of the optimized TA–Tb3+–GO framework reaches over 60 °C within 5 min of exposure to 1 Sun, highlighting its potential as an effective a solar water purifier. It achieves an interfacial water evaporation rate of 1.4 kg m−2 h−1 under 1 Sun illumination, with of 98% conversion efficiency. Its cell viability tests reveal potential antimicrobial efficacy, successfully killing both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, suggesting its prospective for photothermal therapy. Moreover, when integrated with a commercial thermoelectric unit, the TA–Tb3+–GO framework exhibits exceptional photothermoelectric generation efficiency with an achieved power density of 5.8 Wm−2, demonstrating its potential for electrical power generation. In summary, the framework's tremendous stability, lack of photoinduced leaching, ability to yield clean water out of seawater, antimicrobial features, and reutilization make TA–Tb3+–GO an archetype for sustainable freshwater and power production applications.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of electronic devices, the operational lifespan of electronics and electrical equipment has markedly decreased. This obsolescence contributes to a significant increase in electronic waste (e- waste), which, if mishandled, poses environmental hazards due to the release of toxic elements such as Pb, Cr, and Hg. In pursuit of sustainable e-waste management strategies, this study investigates the utilization of activated carbon (AC) based hydrogel beads for the selective extraction of hazardous elements, particularly Pb and Cr. To enhance the efficacy of the separation process, a physical pre-processing step is introduced before subjecting the waste printed circuit boards (PCBs) to acid treatment. AC is synthesized and impregnated into Calcium Alginate matrices to form AC-Ca-Alg beads. The optimized composition of the beads was determined to be 4 % AC, 4 % Ca-Alg, and 92 % water. The synthesized AC is subjected to comprehensive characterization employing XRD, FTIR, and SEM-EDS techniques. Furthermore, the interaction mechanisms between Lead, Chromium, and the AC-Ca-Alg beads are elucidated through sorption and isotherm studies. It was observed that the maximum uptake of lead achieved at pH 6 and for chromium within the pH range of 4-6. The sorption of Pb onto the AC-Ca-Alg beads conforms to the Langmuir isotherm model, with maximum sorption capacity calculated as 29.66 mg g-1. For Cr maximum sorption capacity is calculated as 26.93 mg g-1. Notably, the AC-Ca-Alg beads demonstrate high efficiency in the recovery of heavy metals, including Pb, Cr, and Fe, from actual acid leached solutions of e-waste.

A fluorescence “turn-off-on” nanoprobe is designed by using europium-doped strontium molybdate perovskite quantum dots (Eu3+:SMO PQDs) for the sequential detection of hypoxanthine (Hx) and Fe3+. The Eu3+:SMO PQDs were prepared by the sol-gel method using Sr(NO3)2, (NH4)6Mo7O24.4H2O, and Eu(OCOCH3)3 as precursors. The green fluorescence of Eu3+:SMO PQDs was efficiently reduced (turn-off) in the presence of Hx, then it was restored (turn-on) gradually by introducing Fe3+ due to the competitive formation of Hx@Fe3+, which results to the release of Eu3+:SMO PQDs. In addition, the fluorescent probe exhibits excellent selectivity and sensitivity. Under the optimized experimental conditions, linear ranges and detection limits were 0.25–25 μM and 12.30 nM for Hx and 0.025–50 μM and 10.44 nM for Fe3+ , respectively. Furthermore, the fluorescence method was successfully explored to detect Hx and Fe3+ in plasma and urine samples.

Selective elimination of contaminants from the aquatic medium is essential to harmonize the rapid growth of developmental accomplishments with the necessity for fresh water to ensure sustainability. Lead and cadmium are pollutants that originate primarily from industrial activities, and numerous materials have previously been reported for their selective removal. However, a challenge remains in creating effective field deployable materials. Herein, we report the synthesis and capabilities of a tactically designed, thiol-functionalized TiO2-based magnetic core-shell nanoparticle-loaded hydrogel as a benchmark sorbent for lead and cadmium. The developed synthesis approach involved the creation of a magnetic Fe3O4 core and the fabrication of a TiO2 shell over it, involving hydrolysis and condensation reactions, followed by thiol functionalisation of the TiO2 shell. The obtained core-shell Fe3O4@TiO2-SH magnetic nanoparticles were impregnated (27%) and cross-linked into an alginate polymer to form hydrogel (Fe3O4@TiO2-SH-Ca-Alg) beads. After characterisation, the beads were applied to efficiently eliminate lead and cadmium from diverse aquatic media without impacting water quality limits. Investigation of the driving forces behind the remarkable lead and cadmium affinity was carried out with the support of experimental outcomes and theoretical calculations. Detailed density functional theory calculations were performed to determine the preferred binding site of Cd2+/Pb2+, structural changes due to their adsorption, and selectivity of the metal ion. Optimisation of key parameters and assessment of isotherm, kinetic, and diffusion models were carried out. Sorption capacities of Pb(ii) and Cd(ii) were recorded as 37.1 and 31.6 mg g-1, respectively. Largely, outstanding stability, no impact on water quality, and efficacy for the removal of Pb(ii) and Cd(ii) from natural water selectively mark beads as an impeccable paradigm for sustainable water treatment applications.

A new strategy was developed by doping histidine (His) in bovine serum albumin (BSA) capped vanadium nanoclusters (VNCs) to enable the selective sensing of selenite as an oxidative stress biomarker. The as‐fabricated BSA‐His‐VNCs possess good water solubility, ultra‐small size, and good fluorescent properties. The as‐synthesized BSA‐His‐VNCs displayed an emission peak at 410 nm when excited at 330 nm. Upon the introduction of selenite, the emission intensity of BSA‐His‐VNCs at 410 nm was significantly quenched (50%). The fluorescence lifetime of BSA‐His‐VNCs (1.38 ns) was reduced to 1.09 ns in the presence of selenite. Furthermore, BSA‐His‐VNCs demonstrate good selectivity for selenite over other similar structured oxygen‐containing agents and metal ions. This method showed the limit of detection (LOD) of 0.50 µM for selenite, respectively. The fluorescence turn‐off sensing platform based on BSA‐His‐VNCs demonstrated superior sensing performance in assaying selenite in water samples, indicating the method has high potential for real‐world uses.

Development of a hybrid multifunctional photothermal structure with multifunctional capabilities is deliberated as an effective approach for harvesting abundant solar energy for sustainable environmental applications. Achieving enhanced solar to thermal conversion efficiency utilizing a suitably designed, environmentally compatible thermal management structure however remains a significant challenge. Herein, we report the intercalation of V2O5 and polypyrrole into a graphene oxide layer to design a hybrid photothermal assembly (PPy-V2O5-GO) and its multifunctional proficiencies. The hybrid photothermal structure demonstrated synergistic photothermal conversion, buoyant porous structure sustaining water transmission, and efficient steam release. V2O5 and polypyrrole-intercalated optimized graphene oxide structure attained an evaporation rate of 1.9 kg m(-2) h(-1) with a conversion efficiency of 92% under 1 sun solar radiation. At maximum, the assembly's surface temperature hit 64 +/- 2 degrees C, suggesting its suitability as a solar water purifier. Outdoor experiments suggest the evaporator assembly's capability to accumulate a total output of 15 kg m(-2) over a single day. Cell viability investigations revealed strong antimicrobial properties of PPy-V2O5-GO against both Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, eliminating nearly all under 1 sun, making it a potential candidate for photothermal therapy. Furthermore, when combined with a commercial thermoelectric module, the framework displayed exceptional photothermal conversion efficiency, hinting at its potential for electrical power generation. The integration of PPy-V2O5-GO with a Bi2Te3-based thermoelectric module significantly boosted the thermoelectric generator's performance, offering an enhanced power output of 2.8 mW and a high power density of 1.24 mW/cm(2), making them suitable for off-grid or remote-area application. Overall, the PPy-V2O5-GO photothermal assembly's stability, lack of leaching, effectiveness in producing pure water from seawater, antimicrobial efficacies, and recyclability make it an excellent choice for sustainable water treatment and power generation.

The selective removal of pollutants from water bodies is regarded as a conciliation between the rapid expansion of industrial activities and need of clean water for sustainability. Fluoride is one such geogenic pollutant, and various materials have already been reported. Developing an efficient field employable material is however a challenge. Herein, we report the synthesis and competencies of strategically designed magnetic La-doped Al2O3 core-shell nanoparticle loaded polymeric nanohybrid as a benchmark fluoride sorbent. A facile synthesis strategy involved fabrication of Fe3O4 magnetic core followed by growth of La doped Al2O3 shell using sol-gel method. Doping of La2O3 into Al2O3 structure was optimised (6%), resulting in Fe3O4–Al0.94 La0.06O1.5 core-shell particles which provided exceptional fluoride affinity. The obtained magnetic Fe3O4–Al0.94La0.06O1.5 core-shell nanoparticles were then loaded (22%) into alginate to form cross-linked hydrogel beads (Fe3O4–Al0.94 La0.06 O1.5-Ca-ALG). These prepared hydrogel beads were characterised and utilized for selective recovery of fluoride under different ambient conditions. Driving forces for enhanced fluoride uptake by La doped Al2O3 were investigated and explained with the help of both experimental observation and theoretical simulation. Density functional theory calculations indicated significant expansion in the cell volume of Al2O3 due to La doping which favoured the fluoride sorption. The calculated defect formation energy for the incorporation of F into Al2O3 was found to decrease in the presence of La. XPS analysis suggested direct interaction of fluoride with Al, forming Al–F bond and breaking Al–O bond. Different vital parameters for uptake were optimised. Also, kinetics, isotherm and diffusion models were evaluated. Developed hydrogel beads attained record sorption capacity of 132.3 mgg−1 for fluoride. Overall, excellent stability, no leaching of constituents, effectiveness for selective fluoride recovery from groundwater, brand it a perfect epitome of sustainable water treatment application.

Development of self-assembled multifunctional photothermal materials is considered as reconciliation between solar energy harvesting and sustainable energy and environmental applications. Herein, we report strategically designed self-assembled Cu-doped-NiO nanoparticles loaded-rGO (rGO-Cu-NiO) framework. The self-assembly exhibited synergistic photothermal conversion, floatable porous structure for efficient capillary action enabling water transmission and quick steam escape pathways. The optimized rGO-Cu-NiO framework achieved interfacial water evaporation rate of 1.47 kgm(-2)h(-1) with 92% conversion efficiency under 1Sun illumination. Maximum surface temperature of the framework displays 74 C under 2Sun irradiation, making it highly feasible to be implemented as solar water purifier. Cell viability examination indicated the superior antimicrobial properties, making it a promising candidate for photothermal therapy application. Moreover, the self-assembled rGO-Cu-NiO framework integrated with the commercial thermoelectric module shows outstanding photothermal conversion efficiency to envisage its ability towards electrical power generation. Impressively, the amalgamation of the framework with the Bi2Te3 based commercial thermoelectric module proficiently reinforce the performance of the thermoelectric generator by offering an enhanced power output of 3.91 mW and appreciably high power density of 0.311 mW/cm2. Overall, the excellent stability, no photo-leaching, effectiveness to produce pure water from seawater, antimicrobial properties, recyclability, make rGO-Cu-NiO a perfect epitome of sustainable water treatment and power generation application.

Thorium is an element of immense importance in nuclear industry due to lower environmental impact compared to fossil fuels and conventional nuclear power. In the present study, highly selective adsorption of Th4+ on phosphate modified graphene oxide polymeric beads was investigated. The interaction of –PO4, –OH and –O– functional groups of graphene oxide with thorium ion was thoroughly investigated using Density Functional Theory. The adsorption induced density difference was utilized to investigate the bonding characteristics. The affinity of the Th4+ ions was obtained as –PO4 > –OH > –O– group of the phosphate modified graphene oxide. Phosphate modified Graphene oxide embedded in Calcium alginate matrix was characterized using ATR-FTIR, XRD, SEM and Raman spectroscopy. Highly efficient (> 93