Aeromonas species, such as A. hydrophila, A. veronii, A. caviae, and Aps. caviae, are common aquaculture pathogens that cause substantial economic losses to the aquaculture industries, highlighting the need for their rapid and accurate detection. Here, we report a novel method for detecting and distinguishing these four pathogens using a reactive sulfur species (RSS)-responsive near-infrared (NIR) probe with single-channel integrated signal readout. Based on a naphthalene-hemicyanine scaffold, the probe is efficiently taken up by bacteria and enables simultaneous rapid sensing of Cys, Hcy, GSH, SO2, and H2S via a multisite binding reaction. The response results in pronounced fluorescence quenching at 710 nm accompanied by a distinct colorimetric change, with characteristic linear ranges and detection limits. The probe was validated for tracking of RSS fluctuations in A. hydrophila and A. veronii, allowing bacterial fluorescence imaging. It also responds effectively to the four target Aeromonas species, showing a strong linear response across the OD600 range of 0.0 to 1.0. Notably, different bacteria induce distinguishable changes in both the visible color and fluorescence, enabling visual discrimination among these pathogens. Moreover, the probe successfully detected bacteria in various tissues of infected fish. This work thus provides a new chemical tool for bacterial imaging and a promising alternative strategy for pathogen identification in aquaculture.
Early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention of Parkinson’s disease (PD) are hindered by the absence of reliable biomarkers and an incomplete understanding of its precise etiology. Homocysteine (Hcy) and microenvironmental viscosity are now recognized as key parameters of PD pathogenesis, yet the causal link between them has remained unexplored. Herein, we report a minimal (molecular weight: 398) dual-function fluorescent probe, HV, which integrates a dual-binding site motif with free rotor-restriction to suppress non-radiative decay, enabling the simultaneous and differential imaging of Hcy and microviscosity changes. HV allowed real-time visualization of endogenous Hcy fluctuations and viscosity changes in living cells and Drosophila brain tissues, providing the first direct evidence that both parameters are concurrently altered in PD. Mechanistic studies revealed that homocysteine thiolactone, the metabolite of Hcy, disrupts microenvironmental homeostasis by triggering protein aggregation, oxidative stress, and intracellular acidification, thereby accelerating the progression of PD neuropathology. Proteomics analysis further revealed that homocysteine thiolactone can enhance aggregation and neurotoxicity of α-synuclein, the core pathological protein in PD, by covalently modifying lysine residues such as K12, K21, K23, K45, and K60. These findings establish Hcy-viscosity dyshomeostasis as a previously unrecognized disease axis, and offer both a molecular imaging tool and a mechanistic foundation for early PD diagnosis and targeted therapeutic intervention.
Fe 3+ -modified COF-SO 3 H composites were constructed with high photocatalytic performance and good reusability and applied for highly efficient removal of Cr( vi ) from water samples.
Formaldehyde is often illegally used as a preservative in aquatic products to extend shelf life, posing severe threats to public health due to its carcinogenicity. Herein, amino-functionalized carbon dots (CDs) were prepared via a simple one-pot hydrothermal approach employing dicyandiamide and sodium citrate as starting materials, and a rapid, selective fluorescent quenching-based method for formaldehyde detection was established. The prepared CDs exhibited remarkable solubility in water, a high fluorescence quantum yield of 36.3
The decomposition of H2O2 into reactive oxygen species (ROS) offers an effective strategy for eradicating bacteria without inducing resistance. However, endogenous H2O2 levels are typically insufficient for satisfactory antibacterial outcomes. Designing nanomaterials capable of specific and efficient self-supplying of H2O2 remains a significant challenge. In this work, a bacterial microenvironment-responsive self-supplying H2O2 nano-antimicrobial agent was prepared based on the synthesized polyvinylpyrrolidone-modified ZnO2 nanoparticles (ZnO2 NPs). These ZnO2 NPs were prepared by coordinating H2O2 with Zn2+ in the assistance of hydroxide ion, which could be reversed by acid treatment. In the slightly acidic microenvironment characteristic of bacterial infection, the ZnO2 NPs exhibit a responsive decomposition behavior, enabling the controlled release of H2O2. The released H2O2 subsequently decomposes to generate ROS, which induced injury to the bacterial membranes and subcellular components (including DNA and proteins), ultimately leading to bacteria death. In vitro studies demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli), with minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of 0.06 mg mL-1 and 0.08 mg mL-1, respectively. The NPs also effectively inhibited and cleared S. aureus biofilms. In vivo, ZnO2 NPs significantly accelerated the healing of S. aureus-infected mouse wounds within 5 days and exhibited excellent biocompatibility. Given their pH-responsive self-supplying capacity and low toxicity, these ZnO2 NPs hold considerable potential for clinical translation in combating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections and promoting infected wound healing.
Altered levels and disrupted metabolic homeostasis of reactive sulfur species are closely associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Real-time monitoring and targeted modulation of the metabolic status of homocysteine (Hcy) and cysteine (Cys) may thus offer novel therapeutic avenues for AD intervention. Herein, we developed a multi-site fluorescent probe with good water solubility and high quantum yield for the simultaneous differentiation of Cys, SO2, and H2S, the key metabolites of Hcy and Cys derived from different metabolic pathways. Benefiting from its excellent selectivity, high sensitivity, and fast kinetics, the probe was successfully applied to simultaneously monitor the endogenous Cys, SO2, and H2S dynamics in cells and tissues. Notably, simultaneous profiling of the metabolic fluxes and status of Hcy and Cys in cells under varying enzymatic perturbations were also allowed. Furthermore, we identified a metabolic shift in brain Hcy and Cys metabolism during the AD progression, marked by elevated oxidative and diminished transsulfuration metabolic fluxes. These observations have important implications for the field of metabolic medicine, especially in unraveling the concurrent biochemical dynamics of these reactive sulfur species and the management of AD.
Developing efficient and recyclable adsorbent materials is crucial for the environmental remediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). In this study, magnetic bimetallic carbon nanotube materials (BM-CNTs) derived from zinc-cobalt bimetallic ZIFs (BMZIFs) were fabricated and employed for the adsorptive removal of PAHs. Characterization results of BM-CNTs revealed a porous network structure formed by intertwined carbon nanotubes with uniform dispersion of Co and Zn metal particles. The adsorptive removal efficiency of the magnetic BM-CNTs was more than 84.5 % for all four PAHs (C-0 = 10 mg/L), and the adsorption experimental data are well described by the Langmuir model and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Additionally, the maximum adsorption capacities of BM-CNTs for Phenanthrene (PHE), Pyrene (PYR), Benzo[k]fluoranthene (BKF), and Benzo[a]anthracene (BAP) are 71.3 mg/g, 74.4 mg/g, 157.7 mg/g, and 179.7 mg/g, respectively, and the thermodynamic analysis revealed that the PAHs adsorption was an exothermic (Delta H & ring;<0), spontaneous (Delta G & ring;<0), and entropically unfavorable (Delta S & ring;<0) process. Moreover, the influence of different anions, cations, and sample pH on adsorption efficiency was not obvious. This research constructed a magnetic bimetallic ZIF derived carbon nanotubes for PAHs adsorption and offers a promising removal methods for environmental remediation.
The pervasive contamination of water bodies by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, antibiotics, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals poses a serious threat to ecological safety and human health, therefore, the removal of the organic pollutants from environmental samples are important. In this study, zinc-doped carbon nanotubes (Zn-CNTs) composite membrane was successfully fabricated and applied for adsorption removal of the typical organic pollutants including pyrene (PYR), sulfamethoxazole (SMZ), and bisphenol A (BPA). The membrane exhibited a three-dimensional interconnected porous network with high specific surface area (473.63 m2/g), abundant microporosity (79.6%), and uniformly distributed active sites. Batch adsorption experiments demonstrated exceptional maximum adsorption capacities of 135.95, 128.62, and 106.23 mg/g, and excellent removal efficiencies of 99.33 ± 0.94%, 88.63 ± 4.47%, and 79.95 ± 4.51% for PYR, SMZ, and BPA, respectively. The adsorption process followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherms, with thermodynamic parameters confirming spontaneous, exothermic chemisorption. The D-R model further verified the dominance of chemisorption (E=16.23-17.07 kJ/mol). Mechanistic studies revealed that adsorption was governed by the synergistic effects of micropore filling, π-π stacking, Zn2+ coordination, and hydrophobic interactions. The prepared Zn-CNTs membrane maintained robust performance across diverse water matrices (tap water, river water, and drinking water) with excellent anti-interference capability against coexisting ions. Furthermore, Zn-CNTs membrane exhibited outstanding reusability, retaining >50% efficiency after 30 cycles. This work provided a rational design strategy for advanced adsorbent membranes targeting multicomponent organic pollutants in water remediation.
Photocatalytic technology has garnered significant attention due to its environmentally friendly nature and effective degradation capabilities. However, the absence of photocatalytic materials that possessed high removal efficiency, facile separation from aqueous phases, and good recyclability has constrained the advancement of photocatalytic treatment technologies. To address these challenges, a novel magnetic flower-like Bi5O7I-modified CuFe2O4 (BOI/CFO) photocatalyst was successfully fabricated via solvothermal method and subsequent calcination. The prepared BOI/CFO composites exhibited excellent antimicrobial properties and highly efficient photocatalytic degradation performance. Under the optimal conditions, the photodegradation efficiency of BOI/CFO composite (10 mg) for doxycycline (20 mg/L) was 99.48 % within 30 min under visible light irradiation, and retain above 88 % even after 5 consecutive uses. Further characterization and bacterial experiments confirmed the presence of a photogenerated electron transfer mechanism in the BOI/CFO composite and its strong antimicrobial capability. Finally, the possible doxycycline degradation pathways were speculated by analyzing the corresponding degradation intermediates with LC-MS method, and the toxicity evolution of the doxycycline degradation products was valuated by using density functional theoretical method. This research is anticipated to furnish valuable insights into the designing of photocatalysts characterized by superior recyclability S-Scheme Heterojunction Photocatalyst.
The photocatalytic process is a promising, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly method for remediating environmental pollution. Unfortunately, practical applications have been limited by the shortage of highly efficient photocatalysts. To overcome this problem, a unique cactus-like Bi12O17Br2/Bi2O3/Bi25FeO40 (BBF) was synthesized facilely by hydrolyzing of rod-like MOF (CAU-17/MIL-100(Fe)) precursor, and the ratio of photocatalyst was adjusted by controlling the hydrolysis time. In this photocatalyst, Bi12O17Br2 and Bi25FeO40 were dispersed in Bi2O3, as well as Bi12O17Br2 and Bi2O3 were attached to an S-type heterojunction. The developed BBF demonstrated high photocatalytic efficiency and exceptional stability in degrading five bisphenol pollutants. The photocatalytic degradation of bisphenol A (BPA) using BBF could reach up to 98.7% within 60 min under visible light irradiation. Further characterization demonstrated a significant improvement in the photogenerated charge transfer efficiency and confirmed the S-scheme structure of BBF. Additionally, the possible degradation pathways and the evolution of intermediate toxicity of BPA were discussed according to the intermediates detected in the photocatalytic reaction process.
Thermo-sensitive g-C 3 N 4 /NIPAM-DADMAC photocatalyst offers high degradation activity, efficient thermal recovery, reusability for water remediation.
Sn2+ pollution poses significant risks to ecosystems and human health, necessitating the development of simple detection methods for accurate monitoring of Sn2+ dynamics. Here, we developed a conceptually distinct strategy that exploits the Sn2+-mediated reduction of organic azides rather than conventional chelation mechanism, and constructed a series of azide-based fluorescent probes (A-G) operating via turn-on, ratiometric, or fluorescence resonance energy transfer modality with emissions spanning blue to near-infrared for specific sensing of Sn2+. These probes exhibit exceptional selectivity for Sn2+ over Sn4+ and other biologically relevant species, sub-micromolar detection limits (as low as 13.7 nM), fast response kinetics (t1/2 < 1 min), and full aqueous compatibility. The reduction mechanism was confirmed through radical trapping and product isolation. Probe B enabled direct quantify Sn2+ in real water samples with good recovery (93.5-103.3 %). All designed probes facilitated high-contrast in-situ imaging of Sn2+ in living cells. This work provides a robust platform for deciphering the environmental fate and biological roles of Sn2+.
In this study, novel cerium(iv)-crosslinked carboxymethyl-beta-cyclodextrin (Ce/CM-beta-CD) was prepared through a chelation reaction between the carboxyl groups of CM-beta-CD and Ce(iv) ions from cerium ammonium nitrate (H8CeN8O18), and then applied for adsorption of tetracycline antibiotic from aqueous solutions. During the adsorption process, the maximum adsorption capacity of the Ce/CM-beta-CD sorbent for tetracycline was 170.65 mg g-1. The effects of adsorption factors, such as pollutant concentration, pH, adsorption temperature, ionic strength, actual water sample and the coexistence of double pollutants were mainly studied. The results showed that a pseudo-first-order rate equation described the adsorption kinetics mechanisms well, while the Langmuir model fitted different adsorption isotherms, respectively. In addition, the prepared adsorbent retained 87.0% of its initial adsorption capacity after six consecutive adsorption-desorption cycles. Thus, the advantages of simple and green fabrication, excellent adsorption capacity, and perfect regeneration ability demonstrated that the Ce/CM-beta-CD adsorbent has potential for application in the treatment of environmental pollution. This study also provides new insights into the preparation of an advanced trifunctional CD polymer absorbent under simple and green conditions for water purification.
With the continue emergence of Alzheimer's disease (AD)-modifying therapies, pinpointing the treatments that offer the greatest benefits to patients is increasingly critical. Complementary diagnostics are powerful tests that can provide crucial biomarker dynamics about the drug usage that can improve treatment outcomes by individualized pharmacotherapy. Herein, we exploited a robust near-infrared fluorescent probe, by attenuating the pre-twisting tendency and the twist intramolecular charge transfer effect, for sensing of Hcy in vitro and in vivo with high quantum yield, excellent selectivity, and remarkable sensitivity. The probe is capable of monitoring endogenous Hcy dynamics in cells, tissues and in vivo with exceptional blood-brain barrier permeability. Specifically, we revealed that Hcy can contribute to the onset and development of AD by facilitating the formation of amyloid-β aggregates, elucidating the intricate relationship between brain Hcy levels and AD progression. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of four licensed drugs on endogenous marker Hcy dynamics in cells and in mice with AD model. Our study provides a valuable molecular probe platform utilizing Hcy as a biomarker for supplementary diagnosis applications.
Angiogenesis is a critical driver of tumor metastasis, making it a key target for anticancer therapy. While oncogenic miR-21 has been identified as a key promoter of tumor angiogenesis through vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) regulation, existing approaches fail to visualize this epigenetic regulatory mechanism in real time. To address this gap, we developed two DNA tetrahedron sensors using DNA nanotechnology, enabling precise recognition and real-time visualization of miR-21 and its downstream VEGF mRNA through a dual-target synchronous detection strategy. Our results demonstrate that sensor 1 not only enables real-time imaging of miR-21-mediated angiogenesis in tumor cells but also exhibits robust antiangiogenic activity by specifically disrupting the miR-21/VEGF signaling pathway. This dual functionality effectively suppresses tumor cell migration and invasion. By integrating molecular diagnosis and therapeutic intervention, this strategy overcomes the limitations of conventional single-function sensors. It provides a novel tool for elucidating tumor angiogenesis mechanisms while highlighting the dual applications of DNA nanostructures in precision cancer therapy. This study opens new avenues for antimetastatic therapies based on epigenetic regulation and underscores the translational potential of functional DNA nanodevices in cancer treatment.
The advancement of industrialization has led to severe environmental challenges stemming from inadequate pollutant management. Photocatalytic technology has emerged as a research focus due to its eco-friendly nature and high degradation efficiency. However, the widespread application of photocatalysts is hindered by limitations in recoverability and reusability. Therefore, designing high-performance photocatalysts with facile recoverability has become a critical research direction. Thermo-responsive materials, which precipitate upon heating and disperse upon cooling, offer a promising solution for enhancing recovery efficiency. In this study, a composite photocatalyst with thermo-responsive properties was successfully synthesized by combining graphite carbon nitride (g-C3N4) with the thermo-responsive copolymer NIPAM-DADMAC (poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-diallyl dimethylammonium chloride). Key parameters including the optimal mass ratio of g-C3N4 to DADMAC-NIPAM, and the optimal recovery conditions were systematically determined by measuring the material's lower critical solution temperature (LCST). Experimental results demonstrated that under visible light irradiation, the composite photocatalyst achieved a remarkable 98.15% degradation rate of methyl orange (MO) within 120 min. Moreover, the composite exhibited exceptional stability and reusability, retaining over 77.92% of its degradation efficiency even after eight consecutive cycles. Additionally, its inherent thermo-responsive nature enabled highly efficient recovery of the catalyst. This research provides valuable insights and a novel strategy for the development of high-performance photocatalysts with enhanced recyclability, holding significant potential for practical applications in environmental remediation.