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[EN] One appealing concept in the field of hybrid materials is related to the design of gated materials. These materials are prepared in such a way that the release of chemical or biochemical species from voids of porous supports to a solution is triggered upon the application of external stimuli. Such gated materials are mainly composed of two subunits: i) a porous inorganic scaffold in which a cargo is stored, and ii) certain molecular or supramolecular entities, grafted onto the external surface, that can control mass transport from the interior of the pores. On the basis of this concept, a large number of examples are developed in the past ten years. A comprehensive overview of gated materials used in drug delivery applications in in vivo models from 2016 to date is thus given here. ; The authors thank Spanish Government (Project No. RTI2018-100910-B-C41 (MCUI/AEI/FEDER, UE)) and Generalitat Valenciana (PROMETEO2018/024) for their support. ; García-Fernández, A.; Aznar, E.; Martínez-Máñez, R.; Sancenón Galarza, F. (2020). New Advances in In Vivo Applications of Gated Mesoporous Silica as Drug Delivery Nanocarriers. Small. 16(3):1-62. https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.201902242 ; S ; 1 ; 62 ; 16 ; 3 ; Tang, Q., Yu, B., Gao, L., Cong, H., Song, N., & Lu, C. (2018). Stimuli Responsive Nanoparticles for Controlled Anti-cancer Drug Release. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 25(16), 1837-1866. doi:10.2174/0929867325666180111095913 ; Aftab, S., Shah, A., Nadhman, A., Kurbanoglu, S., Aysıl Ozkan, S., Dionysiou, D. D., … Aminabhavi, T. M. (2018). Nanomedicine: An effective tool in cancer therapy. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 540(1-2), 132-149. doi:10.1016/j.ijpharm.2018.02.007 ; Kozlovskaya, V., Xue, B., & Kharlampieva, E. (2016). Shape-Adaptable Polymeric Particles for Controlled Delivery. Macromolecules, 49(22), 8373-8386. doi:10.1021/acs.macromol.6b01740 ; Mishra, D. K., Shandilya, R., & Mishra, P. K. (2018). Lipid based nanocarriers: a translational perspective. Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology ...

[EN] The development of easy and affordable methods for the detection of cyanide is of great significance due to the high toxicity of this anion and the potential risks associated with its pollution. Herein, optical detection of cyanide in water has been achieved by using a hybrid organic-inorganic nanomaterial. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles were loaded with [Ru(bipy)(3)](2+), functionalized with macrocyclic nickel(II) complex subunits, and capped with a sterically hindering anion (hexametaphosphate). Cyanide selectively induces demetallation of nickel(II) complexes and the removal of capping anions from the silica surface, allowing the release of the dye and the consequent increase in fluorescence intensity. The response of the capped nanoparticles in aqueous solution is highly selective and sensitive towards cyanide with a limit of detection of 2 mu M. ; We thank the Spanish Government (projects MAT2015-64139-C4-1-R and AGL2015-70235-C2-2-R (MINECO/FEDER, UE)) and the Generalitat Valenciana (project PROMETEOII/2014/047) for support. ; El Sayed, S.; Licchelli, M.; Martínez-Máñez, R.; Sancenón Galarza, F. (2017). Capped Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for the Selective and Sensitive Detection of Cyanide. Chemistry - An Asian Journal. 12(20):2670-2674. https://doi.org/10.1002/asia.201701130 ; S ; 2670 ; 2674 ; 12 ; 20 ; Tylleskar, T., Howlett, W. P., Rwiza, H. T., Aquilonius, S. M., Stalberg, E., Linden, B., … Rosling, H. (1993). Konzo: a distinct disease entity with selective upper motor neuron damage. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 56(6), 638-643. doi:10.1136/jnnp.56.6.638 ; Johnson, J. D., Meisenheimer, T. L., & Isom, G. E. (1986). Cyanide-induced neurotoxicity: Role of neuronal calcium. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, 84(3), 464-469. doi:10.1016/0041-008x(86)90251-6 ; Cyanide Toxicity 1991 ; Jiang, J., Wang, X., Zhou, W., Gao, H., & Wu, J. (2002). Extraction of gold from alkaline cyanide solution by the tetradecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride/tri-n-butyl ...

[EN] beta-Galactosidase (beta-Gal) is a widely used enzyme as a reporter gene in the field of molecular biology which hydrolyzes the beta-galactosides into monosaccharides. beta-Gal is an essential enzyme in humans and its deficiency or its overexpression results in several rare diseases. Cellular senescence is probably one of the most relevant physiological disorders that involve beta-Gal enzyme. In this review, we assess the progress made to date in the design of molecular-based probes for the detection of beta-Gal both in vitro and in vivo. Most of the reported molecular probes for the detection of beta-Gal consist of a galactopyranoside residue attached to a signalling unit through glycosidic bonds. The beta-Gal-induced hydrolysis of the glycosidic bonds released the signalling unit with remarkable changes in color and/or emission. Additional examples based on other approaches are also described. The wide applicability of these probes for the rapid and in situ detection of de-regulation beta-Gal-related diseases has boosted the research in this fertile field ; R.M laboratory members received the financial support from the Spanish Government (project RTI2018-100910-B-C41) and the Generalitat Valenciana (project PROMETEO 2018/024). B.L-T. received support from the Spanish Ministry of Economy for their PhD grants (FPU15/02707). J. F.-B received fellowship (CD19/00038) ; Lozano-Torres, B.; Blandez, JF.; Sancenón Galarza, F.; Martínez-Máñez, R. (2021). Chromo-fluorogenic probes for beta-galactosidase detection. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. 413(9):2361-2388. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-020-03111-8 ; S ; 2361 ; 2388 ; 413 ; 9 ; Fernandes P. Enzymes in food processing: a condensed overview on strategies for better biocatalysts. Enzyme Res. 2010;2010:86253–73. ; Likidlilid A, Patchanans N, Peerapatdit T, Sriratanasathavorn C. Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities in erythrocytes of type 2 diabetic patients. J Med Assoc Thail. 2010;93(6):682–93. ; Pinto N, Dolan ME. Clinically relevant ...

This study demonstrates the feasibility of using a voltammetric electronic tongue to monitor effluent dissolved orthophosphate concentration in a struvite precipitation reactor. The electrochemical response of the electronic tongue to the presence of orthophosphate in samples collected from the effluent of the precipitation reactor is used to predict orthophosphate concentration via a statistical model based on Partial Least Squares (PLS) Regression. PLS predictions were suitable for this monitoring application in which precipitation efficiencies higher than 80% (i.e., effluent dissolved orthophosphate concentrations lower than 40 mg P-PO43- L-1) could be considered as indicator of good process performance. The electronic tongue consisted of a set of metallic (noble and non-noble) electrodes housed inside a stainless steel cylinder which was used as the body of the electronic tongue system. Fouling problems were prevented via a simple mechanical polishing of the electrodes. The measurement of each sample with the electronic tongue was done in less than 3 s. Conductivity of the samples only affected the electronic tongue marginally, being the main electrochemical response due to the orthophosphate concentration in the samples. Copper, silver, iridium and rhodium were the electrodes that exhibited noticeable response correlated with the dissolved orthophosphate concentration variations, while gold, platinum and especially cobalt and nickel were the less useful electrodes for this application. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. ; Financial support from the Spanish Government (Project MAT2015-64139-C4-1), the Generalitat Valencia (Project PROME-TEOII/2014/047) is gratefully acknowledged. This research work was also possible thanks to FCC Aqualia participation in IN-NPRONTA 2011 IISIS IPT-20111023 project (partially funded by The Centre for Industrial Technological Development (CDTI) and supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness). ; Aguado García, D.; Barat Baviera, R.; Soto Camino, ...

[EN] This paper focuses on the study of the release behaviour of an entrapped dye (i.e. [Ru(bipy)3] 2+) in the presence of different anions from silica mesoporous supports functionalized in the external surface with Zn(II)–bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine complexes (solid SZn). The Zn(II)–dipicolylamine complexes, anchored in the external surface of SZn, are too small to induce pore blockage and the loaded [Ru(bipy)3] 2+ dye is freely to diffuse from the inner of the pores to the bulk solution. Addition of selected anions (F, Cl, Br, I , AcO, BzO, SO4 2, NO3 , PO4 3, P2O7 2, ATP, ADP and AMP) modulates the release of the entrapped cargo. It was observed that the interaction of the Zn(II) complex with bulky organic phosphates (such as ATP, ADP and AMP), pyrophosphate and phosphate resulted in a remarkable inhibition of the [Ru(bipy)3] 2+ dye. Small or poorly coordinating anions induced moderate or negligible inhibitions of [Ru(bipy)3] 2+ release. The delivery observed was clearly related with the ability of the anion to form complexes with the Zn(II)–dipicolylamine groups and with the size and charge of the anion. ; Financial support from the Spanish Government (project MAT2012-38429-C04-01) and the Generalitat Valencia (project PROMETEO/2009/016) is gratefully acknowledged. ; Bartovsky, P.; Ribes, À.; Agostini, A.; Benito Beorlegui, Á.; Martínez-Máñez, R. (2014). Delivery modulation in silica mesoporous supports via functionalization in the pore outlets with a Zn(II) bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine complex. Inorganica Chimica Acta. 417:263-269. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ica.2014.01.036 ; S ; 263 ; 269 ; 417

[EN] Food waste is one of the main issues for international organisms. It is not only an ethical and economic issue but it also depletes the environment of limited natural resources. Among strategies suitable for fighting such challenge, intelligent packaging is an interesting tool to reduce waste derived from households and retailers. A revision of 45 recent advances in the area of optical systems for freshness monitoring is reported herein. The study covers fruits, vegetables, fish products and meat since they are the most representative fields of application. Furthermore, a discussion about the main research challenges and opportunities that will be faced by intelligent packaging in the coming years is included. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. ; The authors thank financial support from the Spanish Government (project MAT2015-64139-C4-1-R) and the Generalitat Valenciana (project (Project PROMETEOII/2014/047). ; Poyatos-Racionero, E.; Ros-Lis, JV.; Vivancos, J.; Martínez-Máñez, R. (2018). Recent advances on intelligent packaging as tools to reduce food waste. Journal of Cleaner Production. 172:3398-3409. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.11.075 ; S ; 3398 ; 3409 ; 172

[EN] Chemical burns, mainly produced by acids, are a topic of concern. A new sensing material for the detection of strong acids able to be incorporated into textiles has been developed. The material is prepared by the covalent attachment of 2,2 ',4,4 ',4 ''-pentamethoxy triphenyl methanol to a mesoporous material which further is included in a nitro resin to obtain a colourless composite. The response of this composite to diverse acid solutions was tested showing the appearance of an intense purple colour (with a colour difference higher than 160) that can be monitored by the naked eye or could be easily digitised to feed an instrumental sensor. Reversibility and resistance to washing cycles were studied with positive results. Finally, the response of the sensing composite to acid vapours was assayed, observing a colour change similar to that found in solution. ; The authors thank the financial support from the Spanish Government (project MAT2015-64139-C4-1-R) and the Generalitat Valenciana (project PROMETEOII/2014/047). ; Pallas, I.; Marcos Martínez, MD.; Martínez-Máñez, R.; Ros-Lis, JV. (2017). Development of a textile nanocomposite as naked eye indicator of the exposition to strong acids. Sensors. 17(9):1-12. https://doi.org/10.3390/s17092134 ; S ; 1 ; 12 ; 17 ; 9 ; MCCOY, M. (2008). MADE IN WISCONSIN. Chemical & Engineering News, 86(19), 27. doi:10.1021/cen-v086n019.p027 ; Koh, D.-H., Lee, S.-G., & Kim, H.-C. (2017). Incidence and characteristics of chemical burns. Burns, 43(3), 654-664. doi:10.1016/j.burns.2016.08.037 ; Ye, C., Wang, X., Zhang, Y., Ni, L., Jiang, R., Liu, L., & Han, C. (2016). Ten-year epidemiology of chemical burns in western Zhejiang Province, China. Burns, 42(3), 668-674. doi:10.1016/j.burns.2015.12.004 ; Ghahremani Honarvar, M., & Latifi, M. (2016). Overview of wearable electronics and smart textiles. The Journal of The Textile Institute, 108(4), 631-652. doi:10.1080/00405000.2016.1177870 ; Stoppa, M., & Chiolerio, A. (2014). Wearable Electronics and Smart Textiles: ...

[EN] Silica mesoporous supports (SMSs) have a large specific surface area and volume and are particularly exciting vehicles for delivery applications. Such container-like structures can be loaded with numerous different chemical substances, such as drugs and reporters. Gated systems also contain addressable functions at openings of voids, and cargo delivery can be controlled on-command using chemical, biochemical or physical stimuli. Many of these gated SMSs have been applied for drug delivery. However, fewer examples of their use in sensing protocols have been reported. The approach of applying SMSs in sensing uses another concept that of loading pores with a reporter and designing a capping mechanism that is selectively opened in the presence of a target analyte, which results in the delivery of the reporter. According to this concept, we provide herein a complete compilation of published examples of probes based on the use of capped SMSs for sensing. Examples for the detection of anions, cations, small molecules and biomolecules are provided. The diverse range of gated silica mesoporous materials presented here highlights their usefulness in recognition protocols. ; The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support from the Spanish Government (Project MAT2012-38429-C04-01) and the Generalitat Valenciana (Project PROMETEOII/2014/047). Ll. P. and M. O. also thank the Universidad Politecnica de Valencia for their predoctoral grants. ; Sancenón Galarza, F.; Pascual, L.; Oroval, M.; Aznar Gimeno, E.; Martínez-Máñez, R. (2015). Gated Silica Mesoporous Materials in Sensing Applications. ChemistryOpen. 4(4):418-437. https://doi.org/10.1002/open.201500053 ; S ; 418 ; 437 ; 4 ; 4

[EN] In recent years nanotechnology has become a significant component in food industry. It is present in all food chain steps, from the design of new ingredients or additives, to the most modern systems of food quality methods or packaging, demonstrating the great potential of this new technology in a sector as traditional as food. However, while interest by industry in nanotechnology increases, the rejection by consumers, concerned about the potential risk, does too. The aim of this review is to evaluate the development of food nanotechnology by means of a patent analysis, highlighting current applications of nanotechnology along the whole food chain and contextualizing this evolution in the social scene. ; Financial support from the Spanish Government (project MAT2009-14564-C04-01 and AGL2010-20539) and the Generalitat Valencia (project PROMETEO/2009/016) are gratefully acknowledged. E.P. thanks the Ministerio de Educación for a fellowship ; Pérez-Esteve, É.; Bernardos Bau, A.; Martínez-Máñez, R.; Barat Baviera, JM. (2013). Nanotechnology in the Development of Novel Functional Foods or their Package. An Overview Based in Patent Analysis. Recent Patents on Food, Nutrition and Agriculture. 5(1):35-43. https://doi.org/10.2174/2212798411305010006 ; S ; 35 ; 43 ; 5 ; 1

[EN] Magnetic hyperthermia and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are two of the most important biomedical applications of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). However, the design of MNPs with good heating performance for hyperthermia and dual T1/T2 contrast for MRI remains a considerable challenge. In this work, ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (USPIONs) are synthesized through a simple one-step methodology. A post-synthetic purification strategy has been implemented in order to separate discrete nanoparticles from aggregates and unstable nanoparticles, leading to USPIONs that preserve chemical and colloidal stability for extended periods of time. The optimized nanoparticles exhibit high saturation magnetization and show good heating efficiency in magnetic hyperthermia experiments. Remarkably, the evaluation of the USPIONs as MRI contrast agents revealed that the nanoparticles are also able to provide significant dual T1/T2 signal enhancement. These promising results demonstrate that USPIONs are excellent candidates for the development of theranostic nanodevices with potential application in both hyperthermia and dual T1/T2 MR imaging. ; We are grateful to the Spanish Government (projects MAT2015-64139-C4-1-R and AGL2015-70235-C2-2-R (MINECO/FEDER)) and the Generalitat Valenciana (Projects PROMETEO/2018/024 and PROMETEOII/2014/047) for financial support. S. S. C. is grateful to the Spanish MEC for his FPU grant. JG acknowledges funding from FCT and the ERDF through NORTE2020 through the project Self-reporting immunestimulating formulation for on-demand cancer therapy with real-time treatment response monitoring (028052). ; Sánchez-Cabezas, S.; Montes-Robles, R.; Gallo, J.; Sancenón Galarza, F.; Martínez-Máñez, R. (2019). Combining magnetic hyperthermia and dual T1/T2 MR imaging using highly versatile iron oxide nanoparticles. Dalton Transactions. 48(12):3883-3892. https://doi.org/10.1039/c8dt04685a ; S ; 3883 ; 3892 ; 48 ; 12 ; Lee, J.-H., Jang, J., Choi, J., Moon, S. H., Noh, S., Kim, J., … Cheon, ...

[EN] A simple colorimetric probe for the selective and sensitive detection of neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE), an important biomarker in the detection of tumors such as pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma, is described. The sensing strategy is based on the use of spherical gold nanoparticles functionalized with benzaldehyde and boronic acid-terminated moieties. A double molecular recognition involving on one hand the aromatic aldehyde and the aminoalcohol group of NE, and on the other hand the boronic acid and the catechol moiety of the neurotransmitter, results in analyte triggered aggregation of the gold nanoparticles, leading to a bathochromic shift of the SPR band in the UV-vis spectrum of the probe and a clear change in the color of the solution from red to blue. Probe P1 shows a remarkable selectivity toward NE versus other catecholamine neurotransmitters (dopamine and epinephrine) and selected biomolecules (S-HIAA, L-Tyr, glucose, uric acid, Lys and glutamic acid). Moreover, a linear response to NE in the 0-1 mu M concentration range was observed and a limit of detection of 0.07 mu M in aqueous media was determined by UV-vis spectroscopy. The sensitivity of the probe toward NE in synthetic urine was also evaluated. In this medium, a limit of detection of 0.09 mu M was obtained which falls within the range of clinical interest ; Financial support from the Spanish Government (Projects MAT2015-64139-C4-1-R and MAT2015-64139-C4-4-R) and the Generalitat Valencia (Projects PROMETEOII/2014/047 and AICO/2017/093) is gratefully acknowledged. T. Godoy-Reyes is grateful to the Generalitat Valenciana for her Santiago Grisolia fellowship. ; Godoy-Reyes, TM.; Costero, AM.; Gaviña, P.; Martínez-Máñez, R.; Sancenón Galarza, F. (2019). A Colorimetric Probe for the Selective Detection of Norepinephrine Based on a Double Molecular Recognition with Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles. ACS Applied Nano Materials. 2(3):1367-1373. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsanm.8b02254 ; S ; 1367 ; 1373 ; 2 ; 3

"This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Otri, Ismael, Sameh El-Sayed, Serena Medaglia, Ramón Martínez-Máñez, Elena Aznar, and Félix Sancenón. 2019. Simple Endotoxin Detection Using Polymyxin-B&-Gated Nanoparticles. Chemistry A European Journal 25 (15). Wiley: 3770 74. doi:10.1002/chem.201806306, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.201806306. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving." ; [EN] A nanodevice based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles with rhodamine B in the pore framework, functionalized with carboxylates on the outer surface and capped with the cationic polymyxin B peptide, was used to selectively detect endotoxin in aqueous solutions with a limit of detection in the picomolar range. ; The authors thank the Spanish Government (MAT2015 64139-C4-1-R) and the Generalitat Valenciana (PROMETEO2018/024) for their support. I.O. thanks to Erasmus Mundus Programme, Action 2, Lot 1, Syria, for his predoctoral fellowship. S.S. is grateful to Spanish Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad for his Juan de la Cierva contract (FJCI-2015-27201). ; Otri, I.; El Sayed, S.; Medaglia, S.; Martínez-Máñez, R.; Aznar, E.; Sancenón Galarza, F. (2019). Simple Endotoxin Detection Using Polymyxin-B-Gated Nanoparticles. Chemistry - A European Journal. 25(15):3770-3774. https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.201806306 ; S ; 3770 ; 3774 ; 25 ; 15 ; Ulevitch, R. J., & Tobias, P. S. (1994). Recognition of endotoxin by cells leading to transmembrane signaling. Current Opinion in Immunology, 6(1), 125-130. doi:10.1016/0952-7915(94)90043-4 ; YOUNG, L. S. (1977). Gram-Negative Rod Bacteremia: Microbiologic, Immunologic, and Therapeutic Considerations. Annals of Internal Medicine, 86(4), 456. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-86-4-456 ; Mueller, M., Lindner, B., Kusumoto, S., Fukase, K., Schromm, A. B., & Seydel, U. (2004). Aggregates Are the Biologically Active Units of Endotoxin. Journal of Biological Chemistry, ...

[EN] This review includes examples of silica-based, chromo-fluorogenic nanosensors with the aim of illustrating the evolution of the discipline in recent decades through relevant research developed in our group. Examples have been grouped according to the sensing strategies. A clear evolution from simply functionalized materials to new protocols involving molecular gates and the use of highly selective biomolecules such as antibodies and oligonucleotides is reported. Some final examples related to the evolution of chromogenic arrays and the possible use of nanoparticles to communicate with other nanoparticles or cells are also included. A total of 64 articles have been summarized, highlighting different sensing mechanisms. ; This research was funded by the Spanish Government (projects RTI2018-100910-B-C41, RTI2018-100910-B-C44, and AGL2015-70235-C2-2-R) and the Generalitat Valenciana (project PROMETEO/2018/024) for support. B.L.-T. is grateful to the Spanish MEC for her FPU grant. Additionally, L.P. thanks the Spanish MEC for his FPI fellowship. ; Pla, L.; Lozano-Torres, B.; Martínez-Máñez, R.; Sancenón Galarza, F.; Ros-Lis, JV. (2019). Overview of the Evolution of Silica-Based Chromo-Fluorogenic Nanosensors. Sensors. 19(23):1-23. https://doi.org/10.3390/s19235138 ; S ; 1 ; 23 ; 19 ; 23 ; Martínez-Máñez, R., & Sancenón, F. (2006). Chemodosimeters and 3D inorganic functionalised hosts for the fluoro-chromogenic sensing of anions. Coordination Chemistry Reviews, 250(23-24), 3081-3093. doi:10.1016/j.ccr.2006.04.016 ; Dutta, S. (2019). Point of care sensing and biosensing using ambient light sensor of smartphone: Critical review. TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry, 110, 393-400. doi:10.1016/j.trac.2018.11.014 ; Huang, X., Xu, D., Chen, J., Liu, J., Li, Y., Song, J., … Guo, J. (2018). Smartphone-based analytical biosensors. The Analyst, 143(22), 5339-5351. doi:10.1039/c8an01269e ; Yu, L., Qiao, Y., Miao, L., He, Y., & Zhou, Y. (2018). Recent progress in fluorescent and colorimetric sensors for the detection ...

[EN] A simple and effective colorimetric method for the detection of normetanephrine (NMN), an O-methylated metabolite of norepinephrine, using functionalised gold nanoparticles is described. This metabolite is an important biomarker in the diagnosis of adrenal tumours such as pheocromocytoma or paraganglioma. The colorimetric probe consists of spherical gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalised with two different ligands, which specifically recognize different functional groups in normetanephrine. Thus, a benzaldehyde-terminated ligand was used for the recognition of the amino alcohol moiety in NMN, by forming the corresponding oxazolidine. On the other hand, N-acetyl-cysteine was chosen for the recognition of the phenolic hydroxyl group through the formation of hydrogen bonds. The selective double molecular recognition between the probe and the hydroxyl and the amino-alcohol moieties of normetanephrine led to interparticle-crosslinking aggregation resulting in a change in the color of the solution, from red to blue, which could be observed by naked eye. The probe was highly selective towards normetanephrine and no color changes were observed in the presence of other neurotransmitter metabolites such as homovanillic acid (HVA) (dopamine metabolite), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) (serotonin metabolite), or other biomolecules present in urine such as glucose (Glc), uric acid (U.A), and urea. Finally, the probe was evaluated in synthetic urine with constituents that mimic human urine, where a limit of detection of 0.5 mu M was achieved. ; Financial support from the Spanish Government (project MAT2015-64139-C4) and Generalitat Valenciana (Project PROMETEOII/2014/047 and AICO/2017/093) is gratefully acknowledged. T. Godoy-Reyes is grateful to Generalitat Valenciana for her Santiago Grisolia fellowship. ; Godoy-Reyes, TM.; Costero, AM.; Gaviña, P.; Martínez-Máñez, R.; Sancenón Galarza, F. (2019). Colorimetric detection of normetanephrine, a pheochromocytoma biomarker, using bifunctionalised gold nanoparticles. ...

The consumption of illicit drugs has increased exponentially in recent years and has become a problem that worries both governments and international institutions. The rapid emergence of new compounds, their easy access, the low levels at which these substances are able to produce an effect, and their short time of permanence in the organism make it necessary to develop highly rapid, easy, sensitive, and selective methods for their detection. Currently, the most widely used methods for drug detection are based on techniques that require large measurement times, the use of sophisticated equipment, and qualified personnel. Chromo‐ and fluorogenic methods are an alternative to those classical procedures.