Showing papers by "Hui Wei published in 2011"
TL;DR: It is shown that intact single crystals of lysozyme can be used to study the time-dependent, protein-directed growth of gold nanoparticles, allowing detailed kinetic studies to be carried out, and permit a three-dimensional structural characterization that would be difficult to achieve in solution.
Abstract: Gold nanoparticles are useful in biomedical applications due to their distinct optical properties and high chemical stability. Reports of the biogenic formation of gold colloids from gold complexes has also led to an increased level of interest in the biomineralization of gold. However, the mechanism responsible for biomolecule-directed gold nanoparticle formation remains unclear due to the lack of structural information about biological systems and the fast kinetics of biomimetic chemical systems in solution. Here we show that intact single crystals of lysozyme can be used to study the time-dependent, protein-directed growth of gold nanoparticles. The protein crystals slow down the growth of the gold nanoparticles, allowing detailed kinetic studies to be carried out, and permit a three-dimensional structural characterization that would be difficult to achieve in solution. Furthermore, we show that additional chemical species can be used to fine-tune the growth rate of the gold nanoparticles.
197 citations
TL;DR: Its application in constructing an effective bioassay is discussed in detail and three types of ECL assay are covered: DNA, immunoassay and functional nucleic acid sensors.
Abstract: Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) [Ru(bpy)(3) (2+)] is an active research area and includes the synthesis of ECL-active materials, mechanistic studies and broad applications. Extensive research has been focused on this area, due to its scientific and practical importance. In this mini-review we focus on the bio-related applications of ECL. After a brief introduction to Ru(bpy)(3) (2+) ECL and its mechanisms, its application in constructing an effective bioassay is discussed in detail. Three types of ECL assay are covered: DNA, immunoassay and functional nucleic acid sensors. Finally, future directions for these assays are discussed.
99 citations