Electrochemistry as a tool for nano-TiO2 deposition and for photoremediation pollutant monitoring

In the present work electrochemical technologies are used i) to obtain nanotitania films, by electrophoretic deposition from a slurry of commercial TiO2 in acetylacetone and ii) to monitor in situ the photodegradation of a model organic molecule (formic acid) in water, by using the same electrodeposited layers, which permit the elimination of filtration steps. Keywords: Nanotitania, Electrophoretic deposition, Photocatalysis, In situ voltammetric monitorin

Special issue on the 2nd E3 Mediterranean symposium foreword

As Guest Editors, we are delighted to introduce this Special Issue made to celebrate the '2nd E3 Mediterranean Symposium: Electrochemistry for Environment and Energy', which was held in Palazzo Feltrinelli, Gargnano, Italy, from 14 to 16 September 2016 following the 'Giornate dell'Elettrochimica Italiana'

Metal-free phthalimide-labeled peptide nucleic acids for electrochemical biosensing applications

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Nanostructured Photoelectrochemical Biosensing Platform for Cancer Biomarker Detection

The innovative photoelectrochemical properties of multifunctional nanomaterials are here investigated for the development of biosensing platforms for rapid and sensitive detection of a class of cancer biomarker candidates, known as microRNAs. Many different transducers have been proposed, so far, for microRNA detection. Recently, with the emergence of novel photoelectrochemically active species and new detection schemes, photoelectrochemistry has received increasing attention. Gold nanostructures have been, here, used to modify TiO2 electrodes. The surface of the nanostructured platform has been modified by nucleic acid capture probes (CPs). Biotinylated target miRNAs have been recognized by the specific CPs. The biosensing platform has been incubated with streptavidin alkaline phosphatase and exposed to a proper substrate. The product of the enzymatic reaction has been photoelectrochemically monitored. A compact and hand-held analytical device has been developed in order to have a final prototype in line with the concept of point of care testing. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd

Chemical Images on Fingerprints Revealed with Mass Spectrometry

Commercially available UV-adsorbent TiO2 nanoparticles were used to assist laser/desorption ionization in the course of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI). Titanium nano-powders proved extremely stable and efficient for small molecule ionization, with negligible background noise in the low mass region (m/z < 500 Da). Validation steps were carried out, assessing detection limits and comparing the results to those of the established DESI/Orbitrap technique. The new analytical method was used to reveal the molecular distribution of endogenous (lipids) and exogenous (analgesics and antipyretics) compounds in latent finger marks (LFMs). The detection limits of endogenous fatty acids and small molecules such as caffeine were in the range of fmol/mm2 on LFMs. The technique separated overlapping latent finger marks, exploiting the differences in lipid expression of human skin. Finally, the method was used to prove contact between skin and objects contaminated by different substances, such as credit cards and paper clips, with chemical images that maintain the shape of the objects on the LFM

Sprayed carbon nanotubes on Pyrolysed Photoresist Carbon Electrodes: Application to o-toluidine determination

An innovative spray technique for the modification of pyrolysed Photoresist Carbon Electrodes with multiwalled carbon nanotubes was studied. The modified electrodes were used for the determination of trace levels of o-toluidine, a carcinogenic organic compound employed in the synthesis of azo-dyes. The best conditions in terms of solvent used and quantity of carbon nanotubes deposited are discussed. Comparison with usual deposition methods is presented