查看更多>>摘要：An ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensor to detect trace Hg2+in environmental samples was developed utilizing nanogold-decorated magnetic reduced graphene oxide(MrGO-AuNPs),exonuclease Ⅲ-assisted target cycle(Exo Ⅲ-ATC)and hybridization chain reaction(HCR)synergistic triple signal amplification.The MrGO-AuNPs is a superior carrier for capture DNA(cDNA)and acts as magnetic media for automatic separation and adsorption.This innovative utilization of the magnetism and improved sensing efficiency obviates the need for direct modification and repeated polishing of the working electrode.Additionally,the three DNA hairpins(cDNA,methylene blue(MB)labeled HP1 and HP2)further contribute to biosensor specificity and selectivity.When cDNA captures Hg2+,it activates Exo Ⅲ-ATC due to the formation of a sticky end in the cDNA stem via thymine-Hg2+-thymidine(T-Hg2+-T),this leads to the hydrolysis of self-folded cDNA by Exo Ⅲ-ATC to form"key"DNA(kDNA).The kDNA subsequently initiates HCR,resulting in massive super-sandwich structures(kDNA-[HP1/HP2]n)carrying signaling molecules on MrGO-AuNPs,and this overall structure serves as a signal probe(SP).Leveraging magnetic adsorption,the SP was automatically adsorbed onto the magneto-glass carbon electrode(MGCE),generating an amplified signal.This biosensor's detection limit(LOD)was 3.14 pmol/L,far below the limit of 10 nmol/L for mercury in drinking water set by the US EPA.The biosensor also showed excellent selectivity when challenged by interfering ions,and the results of its application in actual samples indicate that it has good potential for practical applications in environmental monitoring.
查看更多>>摘要：The deep-learning protein structure prediction method AlphaFold2 has garnered enormous attention beyond the realm of structural biology,for its groundbreaking contribution to solving the"protein folding problem".In this perspective,we explore the connection between protein structure studies and environmental research,delving into the potential for addressing specific environmental challenges.Proteins are promising for environmental applications because of the functional diversity endowed by their structural complexity.However,structural studies on proteins with environmental significance remain scarce.Here,we present the opportunity to study proteins by advancing experimental determination and deep-learning prediction methods.Specifically,the latest progress in environmental research via cryogenic electron microscopy is highlighted.It allows us to determine the structure of protein complexes in their native state within cells at molecular resolution,revealing environmentally-associated structural dynamics.With the remarkable advancements in computational power and experimental resolution,the study of protein structure and dynamics has reached unprecedented depth and accuracy.These advancements will undoubtedly accelerate the establishment of comprehensive environmental protein structural and functional databases.Tremendous opportunities for protein engineering exist to enable innovative solutions for environmental applications,such as the degradation of persistent contaminants,and the recovery of valuable metals as well as rare earth elements.
Alexander JohsShuo QianLeighton CoatesBrian H.Davison...
179-186页
查看更多>>摘要：The use of neutron methods in environmental and biological sciences is rapidly emerging and accelerating with the development of new instruments at neutron user facilities.This article,based on a workshop held at Oak Ridge National Laboratory(ORNL),offers insights into the application of neutron techniques in environmental and biological sciences.We highlight recent advances and identify key challenges and potential future research areas.These include soil and rhizosphere processes,root water dynamics,plant-microbe interactions,structure and dynamics of biological systems,applications in synthetic biology and enzyme engineering,next-generation bioproducts,biomaterials and bioenergy,nanoscale structure,and fluid dynamics of porous materials in geochemistry.We provide an outlook on emerging opportunities with an emphasis on new capabilities that will be enabled at the Spallation Neutron Source Second Target Station currently under design at ORNL.The mission of scientific neutron user facilities worldwide is to enable science using state-of-the-art neutron capabilities.We aim to encourage researchers in the environmental and biological research community to explore the unique capability afforded by neutrons at these facilities.
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