Ningbo Li

Given the well-documented immunotoxic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic properties of ochratoxin A (OTA) and zearalenone (ZEN), simultaneous monitoring of both mycotoxins in food samples is essential for public health protection. In this study, a novel sandwich-type electrochemical aptasensor was developed for the simultaneous detection of the fungal toxins OTA and ZEN. Carboxyl-functionalized graphene oxide was first synthesized and modified onto the electrode surface to enhance specific surface area and electrical conductivity. An aminated aptamer (NH2-Apt1) was then immobilized on the electrode through amide bonding. Concurrently, Cu2+ and Pb2+ ions were coordinated with NH2-AuNPs, connecting to sulfhydrated aptamer (SH-Apt2) via Au-SH to form a sandwich structure targeting the mycotoxins. This configuration allowed for the simultaneous detection of OTA and ZEN based on the distinct oxidation potentials of Cu2+ and Pb2+. Under optimal conditions, the sensor detected OTA and ZEN concentrations from 0.001 to 50 ng·mL-1, with limits of detection as low as 1.8 pg·mL-1 for OTA and 1.9 pg·mL-1 for ZEN. This sensor demonstrated high sensitivity, stability, and selectivity, successfully detecting OTA and ZEN in real wine samples with recoveries between 94.90% and 103.60% for OTA and 89.00% to 103.60% for ZEN. These results confirm the sensor's practicality and highlight its potential for simultaneous mycotoxin detection applications.

A novel self‐catalyzed sono‐photoinduced C–H acyloxylation of 4H‐pyrido[1,2‐a]pyrimidin‐4‐ones with aryl diacyl peroxides has been established. This protocol employs eco‐friendly DMC as the solvent and proceeds efficiently without exogenous catalysts or additives, affording C3‐acyloxylated derivatives in good to excellent yields. The synergistic sono‐photocatalysis strategy significantly enhances reaction kinetics, product yields, and energy efficiency compared to traditional photocatalytic methods. Moreover, preliminary biological assays reveal that the synthesized compounds exhibit promising antitumor activities.

A ratiometric electrochemical aptasensor has been successfully developed for ultrasensitive detection of zearalenone. Furthermore, this method has been successfully applied to detect ZEN in wine.

Given that ochratoxin A (OTA) exhibits immunotoxic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic properties, it is essential to monitor its presence in food samples. In the present work, a novel electrochemical aptasensor for OTA detection uses β-cyclodextrin-functionalized graphene (CG) to enhance electron transfer and provide abundant double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) binding sites. The sensor immobilizes OTA aptamers, complementary DNA (cDNA), and ferrocene-labeled dsDNA on a gold nanoparticle-modified electrode. The host–guest interaction between β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and ferrocene (Fc) stabilizes the sensing layer, while thiolated dsDNA ensures strong attachment to AuNPs. Without OTA, impedance is high and current is low. In the presence of OTA, its high affinity for the aptamer induces conformational changes in dsDNA. Upon applying an oxidative potential, ferrocene is oxidized to Fc⁺, which, due to reduced hydrophobicity, dissociates from β-CD. This releases dsDNA from the electrode surface, reducing the impedance and enhancing the current response. The sensor demonstrates a robust response across a concentration range of 1 pg mL⁻¹ to 100 ng mL⁻¹, achieving a detection limit of 0.78 pg mL⁻¹. Notably, this method has been successfully applied to detect OTA in wine, yielding high recovery rates of 96.20% to 98.67%. These findings suggest that the MCH/AuNPs/dsDNA/CG/GCE configuration is a promising electrochemical sensor for OTA detection.

A green and efficient synthetic route to novel tetrahydropyrimidine-fused coumarins has been established via a visible-light-induced multicomponent reaction of 4-aminocoumarins, N -arylglycines, and formaldehyde without exogenous photosensitizers.

The first example of heterogeneous photoredox-catalyzed fluoroalkylation of 4H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ones has been developed. With low-cost commercial g-C₃N₄ as the recyclable photocatalyst and cheap sodium fluoroalkyl sulfonates as the fluoroalkyl source, a variety of fluoroalkylated pyridopyrimidinones were constructed in moderate to high yields. The present reaction can be easily scaled up with good efficiency, and the heterogeneous catalytic system can be reused 5 times with a slight loss of catalytic activities. Furthermore, the biological activity of the synthesized compounds was preliminarily investigated.

In this study, the mesoporous Fe3O4 nanodrug carriers containing disulfide bonds (CHO-SMNPs) were successfully synthesized and characterized. Doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded onto the CHO-SMNPs as a model drug and gatekeeper through the formation of imine bonds with the aldehyde groups on the surface of the mesoporous materials. This drug carrier demonstrates effective drug release triggered by pH, glutathione (GSH), and near-infrared (NIR) light, along with satisfactory photothermal conversion efficiency under NIR irradiation at 808 nm. Furthermore, CHO-SMNPs exhibit excellent blood compatibility and biodegradability. They also show good biocompatibility and efficient cellular uptake in HeLa and MCF-7 cancer cells. Most importantly, the CHO-SMNPs/DOX has shown significant effectiveness in killing both HeLa and MCF-7 cancer cells. Consequently, CHO-SMNPs/DOX presents substantial potential as a magnetic-targeted, pH/GSH/NIR triple-triggered drug delivery system for synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy in tumor treatment.

In this study, glutathione (GSH)-responsive magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles grafted by disulfide organosilicon (SMNPs) were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated as controlled drug carriers. The nanoparticles exhibited consistent dispersion, considerable drug-loading capacity, and high saturation magnetization. Importantly, they demonstrated the ability to release doxorubicin (DOX) by up to 43% in a reducing tumor microenvironment, highlighting their potential for targeted therapy. In addition, the SMNPs displayed favorable biocompatibility, making them suitable for biomedical applications. Most notably, the SMNPs loaded with DOX effectively killed both HepG2 and HeLa cancer cells, while also showing efficient cellular uptake in HeLa cells. These findings suggest that SMNPs are a promising platform for magnetic-targeted and GSH-responsive delivery of therapeutic agents.