Batool Fatima

Bio: Batool Fatima is an academic researcher from Bahauddin Zakariya University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Cyclic voltammetry & Drug resistance. The author has an hindex of 7, co-authored 28 publications receiving 144 citations.

Silica-lanthanum oxide: pioneer composite of rare-Earth metal oxide in selective phosphopeptides enrichment.

Abstract: Relying on the successful journey of metal oxides in phosphoproteomics, lanthanum oxide is employed for the engineering of an affinity material for phosphopeptide enrichment. The lanthanum oxide is chemically modified on the surface of silica and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The obtained silica-lanthanum oxide composite is applied for the selective enrichment of phosphopeptides from tryptic digest of standard protein (α-casein, β-casein, and commercially available casein mixtures from bovine milk). The enriched entities are analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The mass spectroscopy (MS) results show that the silica-lanthanum oxide composite exhibits enhanced capability for phosphopeptide enrichment with sensitivity assessed to be 50 fmol. Sequence coverage of casein is interpreted showing successful recovery. As a real sample, a protein digest of nonfat milk is applied. Also, the ability of lanthanum in different formats is checked in the selective phosphopeptides enrichment. The composite holds promising future in economic ground as it also possesses the regenerative ability for repetitive use.

Ceria-based nanocomposites for the enrichment and identification of phosphopeptides

Abstract: Nanocomposites are given preference over the individual materials due to the combined properties of the components involved. Ceria has a high efficiency in phosphopeptide enrichment as well as in dephosphorylation. Iron oxide and tin oxide are chosen as counter metal oxides to synthesize the ceria nanocomposites using a co-precipitation method. The nanocomposites are characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Tryptic β-casein digest shows the feasibility of phosphopeptide enrichment by the two nanocomposites. Selectivity studies show their performance in comparison to ceria. Being more selective in the extended mass range, both nanocomposites are applied to spiked human serum and non-fat milk digest. The ceria nanocomposites are also capable of being used as material-enhanced laser desorption/ionization (MELDI) carrier/affinity materials for real biological samples with varying degrees of complexity. The enriched content is analyzed by MALDI-TOF MS. All the phosphopeptides in all variants of casein are identified. The sequence coverage of caseins is also interpreted. Nanocomposites thus offer a high selectivity and sensitivity, which make them promising materials for biomarker discoveries and the identification of phosphorylation pathways for new post translational modifications (PTMs).

Carbon Dots: A New Type of Carbon-Based Nanomaterial with Wide Applications

Abstract: Carbon dots (CDs), as a new type of carbon-based nanomaterial, have attracted broad research interest for years, because of their diverse physicochemical properties and favorable attributes like good biocompatibility, unique optical properties, low cost, ecofriendliness, abundant functional groups (e.g., amino, hydroxyl, carboxyl), high stability, and electron mobility. In this Outlook, we comprehensively summarize the classification of CDs based on the analysis of their formation mechanism, micro-/nanostructure and property features, and describe their synthetic methods and optical properties including strong absorption, photoluminescence, and phosphorescence. Furthermore, the recent significant advances in diverse applications, including optical (sensor, anticounterfeiting), energy (light-emitting diodes, catalysis, photovoltaics, supercapacitors), and promising biomedicine, are systematically highlighted. Finally, we envisage the key issues to be challenged, future research directions, and perspectives to show a full picture of CDs-based materials.

Development of the affinity materials for phosphorylated proteins/peptides enrichment in phosphoproteomics analysis.

Abstract: Reversible protein phosphorylation is a key event in numerous biological processes. Mass spectrometry (MS) is the most powerful analysis tool in modern phosphoproteomics. However, the direct MS analysis of phosphorylated proteins/peptides is still a big challenge because of the low abundance and insufficient ionization of phosphorylated proteins/peptides as well as the suppression effects of nontargets. Enrichment of phosphorylated proteins/peptides by affinity materials from complex biosamples is the most widely used strategy to enhance the MS detection. The demand of efficiently enriching phosphorylated proteins/peptides has spawned diverse affinity materials based on different enrichment principles (e.g., electronic attraction, chelating). In this review, we summarize the recent development of various affinity materials for phosphorylated proteins/peptides enrichment. We will highlight the design and fabrication of these affinity materials, discuss the enrichment mechanisms involved in different affini...

Carbon Quantum Dots for Energy Applications: A Review

Abstract: Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are a class of carbon nanomaterials that have recently gained recognition as current entrants to traditional semiconductor quantum dots. CQDs have the desirable advantages of low toxicity, environmental friendliness, low cost, photostability, favorable charge transfer with enhanced electronic conductivity, and comparable easy-synthesis protocols. This review examines the advancements in CQD research and development, with a focus on their synthesis, functionalization, and energy applications. Initially, various synthesis methods are discussed briefly with pros and cons. Herein, first top-down methods including the arc-discharge technique, laser ablation technique, plasma treatment, ultrasound synthesis technique, electrochemical technique, chemical exfoliation, and combustion were discussed briefly. The later section presents bottom-up (microwave synthesis, hydrothermal synthesis, thermal pyrolysis, and metal–organic framework template-assisted approach) and waste-derived CQD synthesis methods. The next section is focused on the energy applications of CQDs including supercapacitors, lithium-ion batteries, photovoltaics, hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction. Finally, challenges and future perspectives in this exciting and promising area are presented.

Fishing the PTM proteome with chemical approaches using functional solid phases

Abstract: Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are covalent additions of functional groups to proteins and are known to play essential roles in biological processes. Covalently attached PTMs are usually present at substoichiometric levels, implying that a PTM proteome is often present in only a small fraction of the entire proteome. The low abundance of PTMs creates a tremendous analytical challenge for PTM proteomics. New analytical strategies, especially enrichment approaches, are required to allow the comprehensive determination of PTMs. Solid-phase capture of PTMs through chemical reactions provides the most specific approach for fishing the PTM proteome, and based on these chemical reactions, a variety of novel functional nanomaterials have been developed. This review mainly focuses on the currently available chemical approaches for investigating PTMs, as well as the functional solid phases used for PTM proteome separation.