Inspired by natural enzymes that possess multiple catalytic activities, here we develop a bifunctional metal–organic frame-work (MOF) for biosensing applications. Ultrasmall gold nano-particles (AuNPs) are grown in the internal cavities of an iron (Fe) porphyrin-based MOF to produce a hybridized nanozyme, AuNPs@PCN-224(Fe), in which AuNPs and PCN-224(Fe) exhibit the catalytic activity of glucose oxidase (GOx) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP), respectively. We established that the bifunctional nanozyme was capable of a cascade reaction to generate hydrogen peroxide in the presence of D-glucose and oxygen in situ, and subsequently activate a colorimetric or chemiluminescent substrate through HRP-mimicking catalytic activity. The nanozyme was selective over a range of other saccharides, and 93% of the catalytic activity was retained after being recycled five times.

Twisted Intramolecular charge transfer (TICT)-based fluorescent probes are crucial in chemical sensing due to their sensitivity and specificity.

In this review we discuss the development of nanomaterial based systems for antibacterial applications.

In this study, “core–shell” gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been functionalised using a simple one-pot approach to form fucose-based glycoconjugate AuNPs (Fuc-AuNPs) and galactose-based glycoconjugate AuNPs (Gal-AuNPs), respectively. Owing to the selective carbohydrate-based recognition of the key virulence factors of P. aeruginosa, LecB (fucose-specific lectin)/LecA (galactose-specific lectin), Fuc-AuNPs and Gal-AuNPs-based imaging and therapeutic strategies were evaluated towards P. aeruginosa. Both Fuc-AuNPs and Gal-AuNPs were non-covalently loaded with the fluorophore dicyanomethylene 4H-pyran (DCM) to afford two highly selective fluorescence imaging agents for the visualisation of P. aeruginosa. The loading of Fuc-AuNPs and Gal-AuNPs with the known antibiotic Ceftazidime (CAZ) exhibited an enhanced therapeutic effect, illustrating the significance of this targeted drug delivery strategy. Exploiting the phototherapeutic properties of AuNPs, photoirradiation (600 nm) of Fuc-AuNP@CAZ/Gal-AuNP@CAZ provided both photothermal and photodynamic therapeutic (PTT/PDT) effects, which facilitated the release of CAZ. Fuc-AuNP@CAZ and Gal-AuNP@CAZ were shown to be effective photo/chemotherapeutics resulting in almost complete eradication of P. aeruginosa biofilms formed on clinically relevant surfaces (glass slides and steel surface).

A two-dimensional (2D) glycomaterial for targeted delivery of maytansine to liver cancer cells was developed. Host–guest interaction between a galactosyl dye and human serum albumin (HSA) produces supramolecular galactoside–HSA conjugates, which are then used to coat 2D MoS₂. The 2D glycomaterial was shown to be capable of the targeted delivery of maytansine to a liver cancer cell line that highly expresses a galactose receptor, resulting in greater cytotoxicity than maytansine alone.

Peroxynitrite (ONOO⁻) is a reactive nitrogen species (RNS) that plays pivotal roles in various physiological and pathological processes. The recent literature has seen significant progress in the development of highly sensitive and selective fluorescent probes applicable for monitoring ONOO⁻ dynamics in live cells and a variety of animal models of human diseases. However, the clinical applications of those probes remain much less explored. This review delves into the biological roles of ONOO⁻ and summarizes the design strategies, sensing mechanisms, and bioimaging applications of near-infrared (NIR), long-wavelength, two-photon, and ratiometric fluorescent probes modified with a diverse range of functional groups responsive to ONOO⁻. Furthermore, we will discuss the remaining problems that prevent the currently developed ONOO⁻ probes from translating into clinical practice.