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| Open AccessNanomechanical DNA resonators for sensing and structural analysis of DNA-ligand complexes
Intercalating molecules can significantly change the conformation of DNA. Here, the authors fabricated resonators fully composed of DNA forming bundles between microfabricated pillars to study the vibration property of the DNA bundles with/without intercalant molecules.
- Stefano Stassi
- , Monica Marini
- & Enzo Di Fabrizio
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Article
| Open AccessMultispectral optoacoustic imaging of dynamic redox correlation and pathophysiological progression utilizing upconversion nanoprobes
Reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) species are involved in key physiological processes and their balance is altered in various human diseases. Here the authors develop near-infrared upconversion nanoprobes to screen ROS/RNS dynamics simultaneously by multispectral optoacoustic imaging in vivo.
- Xiangzhao Ai
- , Zhimin Wang
- & Bengang Xing
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Article
| Open AccessSingle gold-bridged nanoprobes for identification of single point DNA mutations
The identification of single point mutations is an important step toward personalizing detection and treatment. Here the authors design a gold-bridged nanoparticle for sensing MutS affinities to point mutations, and compile an atlas of the affinity data for detecting BRCA1 mutations in cell lines.
- Xingyi Ma
- , Sojin Song
- & Sang Jun Sim
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Article
| Open AccessHigh-speed mechano-active multielectrode array for investigating rapid stretch effects on cardiac tissue
While strain is known to affect cardiac electrophysiology, experimental systems to interrogate the effect of rapid strain cycles on cardiac tissue are lacking. Here the authors introduce a multielectrode array that can induce rapid dynamic strain cycles on cardiomyocyte strands and see effects of strain amplitude but not strain rate on impulse conduction.
- Matthias Imboden
- , Etienne de Coulon
- & Stephan Rohr
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Article
| Open AccessBioconjugation strategy for cell surface labelling with gold nanostructures designed for highly localized pH measurement
Understanding the pH changes at cell surfaces is important for understanding the mechanisms of different physiological processes. Here, the authors report on the development of a cell membrane anchored gold nanoparticle for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy determination of pH.
- Leonardo Puppulin
- , Shigekuni Hosogi
- & Yoshinori Marunaka
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Article
| Open AccessLayer-by-layer biofunctionalization of nanostructured porous silicon for high-sensitivity and high-selectivity label-free affinity biosensing
In label-free biosensing surface functionalisation is a complex issue that can affect sensing performance. Here, the authors report on an electrostatic layer-by-layer technique to functionalize a surface and demonstrate this technique using biotinylated polymer for streptavidin detection in saliva.
- Stefano Mariani
- , Valentina Robbiano
- & Giuseppe Barillaro
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Article
| Open AccessEpigenetically reprogrammed methylation landscape drives the DNA self-assembly and serves as a universal cancer biomarker
DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification that control genetic programs. Here, the authors found that the methylation landscape influences the physicochemical properties of DNA and that it can serve as a universal cancer biomarker, and developed a one-step assay for the detection of cancer DNA.
- Abu Ali Ibn Sina
- , Laura G. Carrascosa
- & Matt Trau
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Article
| Open AccessA microfabricated nerve-on-a-chip platform for rapid assessment of neural conduction in explanted peripheral nerve fibers
Peripheral nerves have a complex physiology and it is therefore difficult to measure axonal activity in vitro. Here the authors make a nerve-on-a-chip platform to align peripheral nerves and permit measurement of conduction amplitude and velocity along several axons in a single experiment.
- Sandra Gribi
- , Sophie du Bois de Dunilac
- & Stéphanie P. Lacour
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Article
| Open AccessDNA engineered micromotors powered by metal nanoparticles for motion based cellphone diagnostics
Micromotors have a range of potential healthcare applications. Here, the authors describe the development of a metal nanoparticle DNA micromotor which can be used to detect human HIV-1 by a change in the motion of the micromotors, monitored by cell phone camera, triggered by binding of HIV-1 RNA.
- Mohamed Shehata Draz
- , Kamyar Mehrabi Kochehbyoki
- & Hadi Shafiee
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Article
| Open AccessDirect electrical quantification of glucose and asparagine from bodily fluids using nanopores
Protein nanopores are emerging as sensors for a variety of biomolecules. Here the authors develop a nanopore based on the bacterial toxin ClyA, in conjunction with binding proteins for glucose and asparagine, to detect these biomolecules simultaneously from a variety of unprocessed, diluted body fluids.
- Nicole Stéphanie Galenkamp
- , Misha Soskine
- & Giovanni Maglia
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Article
| Open AccessRatiometric nanothermometer in vivo based on triplet sensitized upconversion
Though luminescence imaging is a promising approach for contactless thermometry in vivo, the low thermal sensitivity of existing thermometers limits its potential. Here, the authors develop a high-sensitivity ratiometric nanothermometer based on triplet-sensitized upconversion.
- Ming Xu
- , Xianmei Zou
- & Fuyou Li
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Article
| Open Access2D transition metal dichalcogenides with glucan multivalency for antibody-free pathogen recognition
The detection of pathogenic microorganisms is key consideration for safety across a wide range of fields. Here, the authors report on the simultaneous exfoliation and functionalisation of transition metal dichalcogenides with dextran for antibody-free detection of pathogenic Escherichia coli.
- Tae Woog Kang
- , Juhee Han
- & Jong-Ho Kim
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Article
| Open AccessContinuous biomarker monitoring by particle mobility sensing with single molecule resolution
Biomarkers are natural indicators of some biological conditions, often used in diagnostics. Here, the authors developed a biosensor that continuously measures concentrations of DNA or protein biomarkers, and is based on particles that change mobility by directly interacting with individual molecules.
- Emiel W. A. Visser
- , Junhong Yan
- & Menno W. J. Prins
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Article
| Open AccessResolving molecule-specific information in dynamic lipid membrane processes with multi-resonant infrared metasurfaces
Complex protein-lipid interactions are difficult to study in real-time without labels. Here, Rodrigo et al. introduce a multimodal plasmonic infrared biosensor to simultaneously distinguish multiple analytes with high sensitivity.
- Daniel Rodrigo
- , Andreas Tittl
- & Hatice Altug
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Article
| Open AccessCVD-grown monolayer MoS2 in bioabsorbable electronics and biosensors
Transient electronics entails the capability of electronic components to dissolve or reabsorb in a controlled manner when used in biomedical implants. Here, the authors perform a systematic study of the processes of hydrolysis, bioabsorption, cytotoxicity and immunological biocompatibility of monolayer MoS2.
- Xiang Chen
- , Yong Ju Park
- & Jong-Hyun Ahn
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Correspondence
| Open AccessReply to ‘Pitfalls in the quantitative imaging of glutathione in living cells’
- Xiqian Jiang
- , Jianwei Chen
- & Jin Wang
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Correspondence
| Open AccessPitfalls in the quantitative imaging of glutathione in living cells
- Cristina Cossetti
- , Gianna Di Giovamberardino
- & Anna Pastore
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Article
| Open AccessCharacterising the phenotypic evolution of circulating tumour cells during treatment
Monitoring the heterogeneity of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and their phenotypic changes during treatment is a challenge. This study describes and tests a method for detection and quantitative heterogeneity analysis of melanoma CTCs in 10 stage-IV melanoma patients.
- Simon Chang-Hao Tsao
- , Jing Wang
- & Matt Trau
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Article
| Open AccessFluorescent label-free quantitative detection of nano-sized bioparticles using a pillar array
The detection and quantification of bioparticles is important to a range of applications including disease diagnostics. Here, the authors present a fluorescent label-free detection method using deterministic lateral displacement and demonstrate its use in detecting a range of proteins and vesicles.
- Kerwin Kwek Zeming
- , Thoriq Salafi
- & Yong Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessLabel-free analysis of physiological hyaluronan size distribution with a solid-state nanopore sensor
Involved in various diseases, hyaluronic acid is an important indicator of pathophysiology. Here, the authors report on a solid-state nanopore for the detection of the molecular weight and abundance of hyaluronic acid and demonstrate the system by studying an equine model of osteoarthritis
- Felipe Rivas
- , Osama K. Zahid
- & Adam R. Hall
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| Open AccessBiosensing with the singular phase of an ultrathin metal-dielectric nanophotonic cavity
Optical sensors generally rely on abrupt phase changes to detect the presence of an analyte, but oftentimes they require complex nanostructures. Here, Sreekanth et al. use a simple asymmetric thin-film multilayer stack to demonstrate a point of darkness and phase singularity to develop a sensitive biosensor.
- Kandammathe Valiyaveedu Sreekanth
- , Sivaramapanicker Sreejith
- & Ranjan Singh
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Article
| Open AccessComprehensive profiling of the ligand binding landscapes of duplexed aptamer families reveals widespread induced fit
Duplexed aptamers are a common biosensor format; however, how complementary strand sequence, length, and position modulate ligand binding is not well understood. Here, the authors introduce ACE-Scan to comprehensively map binding landscapes, uncovering hotspots of enhanced binding by induced fit.
- Jeffrey D. Munzar
- , Andy Ng
- & David Juncker
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Article
| Open AccessDevelopment of a genetically encodable FRET system using fluorescent RNA aptamers
FRET has been used to study protein conformational changes but has never been applied to RNA aptamers. Here the authors develop a genetically encodable RNA aptamer-based FRET system on single-stranded RNA origami scaffolds, and demonstrate it can be used to study RNA conformational changes.
- Mette D. E. Jepsen
- , Steffen M. Sparvath
- & Ebbe S. Andersen
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Article
| Open AccessSingle molecule multiplexed nanopore protein screening in human serum using aptamer modified DNA carriers
It is still a challenge for current nanopore sensing methods to differentiate multiple analytes from complex biological material. Here, the authors graft nucleic acid aptamer sequences along the backbone of a double stranded DNA carrier for the detection of multiple protein targets in human serum.
- Jasmine Y. Y. Sze
- , Aleksandar P. Ivanov
- & Joshua B. Edel
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Article
| Open AccessDevelopment of a genetic sensor that eliminates p53 deficient cells
TP53 is mutated in many cancers, a system to detect and selectively eliminate p53 mutant cells is an attractive therapeutic strategy. Here, the authors present a genetic sensor that can detect p53 activity and is coupled to the thymidine kinase gene, which can activate the drug Ganciclovir, resulting in cell death.
- Jovan Mircetic
- , Antje Dietrich
- & Frank Buchholz
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Article
| Open AccessElectro-osmotic capture and ionic discrimination of peptide and protein biomarkers with FraC nanopores
Biological nanopore–based protein sequencing and recognition is challenging due to the folded structure or non-uniform charge of peptides. Here the authors show that engineered FraC nanopores can overcome these problems and recognize biomarkers in the form of oligopeptides, polypeptides and folded proteins.
- Gang Huang
- , Kherim Willems
- & Giovanni Maglia
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Article
| Open AccessA DNA nanoscope via auto-cycling proximity recording
The spatial organisation of nanostructures is fundamental to their function. Here, the authors develop a non-destructive, proximity-based method to record extensive spatial organization information in DNA molecules for later readout.
- Thomas E. Schaus
- , Sungwook Woo
- & Peng Yin
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Article
| Open AccessNanopore extended field-effect transistor for selective single-molecule biosensing
Efficient detection of single molecules is vital to many biosensing technologies, which require analytical platforms with high selectivity and sensitivity. Ren et al. combine a nanopore sensor and a field-effect transistor, whereby gate voltage mediates DNA and protein transport through the nanopore.
- Ren Ren
- , Yanjun Zhang
- & Yuri Korchev
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Article
| Open AccessSRpHi ratiometric pH biosensors for super-resolution microscopy
Ratiometric fluorescent pH probes are useful tools to monitor acidification of vesicles during endocytosis, but the size of vesicles is below the diffraction limit. Here the authors develop a family of ratiometric pH sensors for use in STED super-resolution microscopy, and optimize their delivery to endosomes.
- Douglas S. Richardson
- , Carola Gregor
- & Stefan W. Hell
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Article
| Open AccessAsymmetric dynamics of DNA entering and exiting a strongly confining nanopore
Translocation of a charged polymer through confined nanoenvironments is highly dependent on their geometrical parameters. Here, the authors investigate experimentally the translocation dynamics of DNA through conical nanopores and provide a quantitative model for the translocation into and out of confinement.
- Nicholas A. W. Bell
- , Kaikai Chen
- & Ulrich F. Keyser
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Article
| Open AccessQuantitative real-time imaging of glutathione
Fluorescent sensors for small biomolecules are needed to shed insight into real-time cellular processes. Here the authors develop RealThiol, a sensor that can quantitatively monitor glutathione dynamics in living cells, and measure increased antioxidant capability of activated neurons and glutathione changes during ferroptosis.
- Xiqian Jiang
- , Jianwei Chen
- & Jin Wang
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Article
| Open AccessA point-of-care microfluidic biochip for quantification of CD64 expression from whole blood for sepsis stratification
Sepsis is a potentially life–threatening complication of infection and diagnosis depends on rapid assessment of leukocyte count and CD64 expression. Here the authors present a microfluidic chip that can quantify these parameters from minimal amounts of whole blood with no manual processing.
- U. Hassan
- , T. Ghonge
- & R. Bashir
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Article
| Open AccessSpaser as a biological probe
Advanced diagnostic probes are required for monitoring disease progression. Here Galanzhaet al. demonstrate a 22 nm plasmonic nanolaser to serve as a super-bright, biocompatible probe capable of generating stimulated emission directly inside living cells and animal tissue, while targeting cancer cells.
- Ekaterina I. Galanzha
- , Robert Weingold
- & Vladimir P. Zharov
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Article
| Open AccessDual-stimuli responsive and reversibly activatable theranostic nanoprobe for precision tumor-targeting and fluorescence-guided photothermal therapy
A number of nanomaterials for dual diagnostic and therapeutic application have a number of limitations including poor signal-to-noise ratio. Here, the authors developed dual stimuli-responsive and reversibly activatable nanoprobes for tumour targeting and fluorescence-guided photothermal therapy.
- Xu Zhao
- , Cheng-Xiong Yang
- & Xiu-Ping Yan
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Article
| Open AccessElectrostatic melting in a single-molecule field-effect transistor with applications in genomic identification
DNA hybridization of two single-strands to form a double-stranded helix is widely used for genomic identification applications. Here, Vernicket al. record duplex formation of 20-mer oligonucleotide using a single-molecule field-effect transistor, where DNA kinetics is affected by electrostatic bias.
- Sefi Vernick
- , Scott M. Trocchia
- & Kenneth L. Shepard
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| Open AccessFRET biosensor uncovers cAMP nano-domains at β-adrenergic targets that dictate precise tuning of cardiac contractility
cAMP/PKA signalling plays important roles in physiology, but there are a lack of tools to spatially distinguish cAMP. Here the authors present a FRET-based cAMP biosensor they call CUTie that can directly compare cAMP signals at multiple subcellular sites and detect nanoscale heterogeneity in cAMP in cardiac myocytes.
- Nicoletta C. Surdo
- , Marco Berrera
- & Manuela Zaccolo
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Article
| Open AccessOptical imaging of localized chemical events using programmable diamond quantum nanosensors
The use of nanoscale sensors capable of detection of biological parameters is of great interest in diagnosis. Here, the authors use experimental and theoretical methods to develop a nanodiamond sensor with nitrogen vacancy defects for detection of pH and redox in a microfluidic device.
- Torsten Rendler
- , Jitka Neburkova
- & Jörg Wrachtrup
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Article
| Open AccessIn vivo gastrointestinal drug-release monitoring through second near-infrared window fluorescent bioimaging with orally delivered microcarriers
The sustained release of drugs within the gastrointestinal tract as well as their detection following administration is a challenge. Here, the authors develop a microcarrier that supported sustained drug release in the gastrointestinal tractin vivoand could be monitored with real-time imaging.
- Rui Wang
- , Lei Zhou
- & Fan Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessWafer-scale integration of sacrificial nanofluidic chips for detecting and manipulating single DNA molecules
The wide use of microfluidics for biological analysis demands scalable preparation methods, yet in practice it is very challenging. Here, Wanget al. show a wafer-scale fabrication of nanofluidic chips with single-digit nanometre dimension, which is compatible with standard semiconductor processing.
- Chao Wang
- , Sung-Wook Nam
- & Qinghuang Lin
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Article
| Open AccessFive colour variants of bright luminescent protein for real-time multicolour bioimaging
The use of luminescence, rather than fluorescence, for imaging is advantageous in situations where laser illumination should be avoided. Here the authors make five colour variants of bright luminescent proteins based on FRET between NLuc and fluorescent proteins, and show their utility as Ca2+indicators.
- Kazushi Suzuki
- , Taichi Kimura
- & Takeharu Nagai
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Article
| Open AccessThe electrophotonic silicon biosensor
A label-free and low-cost sensor capable of detecting several biomarkers in parallel is a sought-after medical tool. Here, the authors describe an approach exploiting both photonic and electrochemical properties of silicon to build a multi-domain biosensor for label-free and multiplexed detection.
- José Juan-Colás
- , Alison Parkin
- & Steven D. Johnson
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Article
| Open AccessProgramming a topologically constrained DNA nanostructure into a sensor
DNA nanostructures with interlocked topologies will tend to display different behaviour to the linear counterparts. Here, the authors show a DNA catenane that is inactive for rolling circle amplification but is activated upon cleavage of one ring, and exploit this for the development of a biosensing system.
- Meng Liu
- , Qiang Zhang
- & Yingfu Li
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Article
| Open AccessEngineering intracellular biomineralization and biosensing by a magnetic protein
Magnetic manipulation of biological systems requires the development of improved molecular handles. Here the authors isolate ferritin mutants with enhanced biomineralization from a yeast genetic screen and show their application to cell separation, multiscale imaging, and construction of sensors.
- Yuri Matsumoto
- , Ritchie Chen
- & Alan Jasanoff
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In vivo model with targeted cAMP biosensor reveals changes in receptor–microdomain communication in cardiac disease
cAMP is a second messenger that acts in distinct intracellular locations regulating diverse cellular functions. Here the authors design a FRET-based cAMP biosensor and use it to measure in vivodynamics of cAMP concentration changes in the sarcoplasmatic reticulum of mouse cardiomyocytes in health and disease.
- Julia U. Sprenger
- , Ruwan K. Perera
- & Viacheslav O. Nikolaev
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Article
| Open AccessA fluorescent hormone biosensor reveals the dynamics of jasmonate signalling in plants
Jasmonate regulates multiple aspects of plant growth, development and stress responses. Here, Larrieu et al. develop a fluorescent biosensor that allows jasmonate perception to be monitored at previously unobtainable levels of spatiotemporal resolution in Arabidopsis.
- Antoine Larrieu
- , Antony Champion
- & Laurent Laplaze
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Continuous wireless pressure monitoring and mapping with ultra-small passive sensors for health monitoring and critical care
Continuous monitoring of physiological parameters in clinical practice requires wired connections to the sensors that are attached to or implanted in patients. Here, Chen et al. demonstrate a wireless, millimetre-scale sensor, which can monitor intracranial pressure of mice in real-time.
- Lisa Y. Chen
- , Benjamin C. -K. Tee
- & Zhenan Bao
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A biosensor to monitor dynamic regulation and function of tumour suppressor PTEN in living cells
PTEN is a prominent tumour suppressor and monitoring its conformation and activity are key to developing targeted therapies. Here, the authors develop a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer biosensor for PTEN conformation and identify novel G protein-coupled receptor regulation and therapeutic activation.
- Evelyne Lima-Fernandes
- , Stanislas Misticone
- & Mark G.H. Scott
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Article
| Open AccessUltrashort single-walled carbon nanotubes in a lipid bilayer as a new nanopore sensor
Nanopore sensors are a promising tool for the controlled detection of a range of possible substrates. Here the authors describe a nanopore sensor based on short single-walled carbon nanotubes inserted into a lipid bilayer, with modified sensing properties compared to longer nanotubes.
- Lei Liu
- , Chun Yang
- & Hai-Chen Wu
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Real-time electrical detection of nitric oxide in biological systems with sub-nanomolar sensitivity
The real-time monitoring of nitric oxide levels in the human body is critical for understanding the roles it has in biological processes. Jiang et al. report a graphene-based sensor for selective detection of nitric oxide in living cells with direct electrical read-out and sub-nanomole sensitivity.
- Shan Jiang
- , Rui Cheng
- & Xiangfeng Duan