2026-09-11 合肥物質科学研究院（HFIPS）
Establishment of a novel directed and precise recognition mechanism for target molecules based on the inherent characteristics of the P–C bond in organophosphorus agent molecules. (Image by ZHAO Qian)
＜関連情報＞
- https://english.hf.cas.cn/nr/rn/202609/t20260911_1200353.html
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1385894726087826
有機リン系神経剤の超高感度かつ携帯可能なSERS検出のためのオキシム官能化プローブの合理的設計 Rational design of an oxime-functionalized probe for ultrasensitive and portable SERS detection of organophosphorus nerve agents
Qian Zhao, Hongwen Zhang, Jinglin Kong, Weiwei Liu, Da Chen, Zhenxing Cheng, Weiping Cai
Chemical Engineering Journal Available online: 28 August 2026
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2026.181320
Highlights
- A new probe molecule with oxime group as core group is designed and synthesized
- This probe demonstrates selective binding to organophosphorus (OP) nerve agents
- The probe-functionalized SERS chip has high SERS performance to OP agent sarin
- This chip enables ppb-level OP nerve agent detection in liquids/gases (<20s response)
- P
C bond-directed mechanism identifies trace OP agent sarin in liquid/gas phases
Abstract
The rapid and precise identification of trace organophosphorus (OP) nerve agents (typically, sarin) in the environment remains a formidable challenge due to their ultralow volatility, weak plasmonic interactions, and the lack of reliable capture probes. Herein, we propose a materials-driven detection strategy that synergizes molecular engineering with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). A novel multifunctional oxime-based probe, para-pyridylamidoxime-2-mercapto (p-PAOM), was rationally designed and synthesized, integrating oxime, amine, pyridine, and thiol groups as synergistic functional units. This design establishes a phosphorus–carbon (PC) bond-directed molecular recognition mechanism that enables the selective enrichment of OP threats on plasmonic SERS chips. The p-PAOM probe exhibits unprecedented environmental stability, with thermal tolerance up to 100 °C and pH resilience from 3 to 12, addressing the long-standing instability of conventional probes under harsh conditions. After surface functionalization with p-PAOM, the plasmonic SERS chips demonstrate specific capture of methylphosphonic acid (a simulant) and sarin, achieving ultrasensitive detection at the ppb level, in both liquid and gaseous phases, with a rapid response (<20 s in liquid environment) and fingerprint identification capabilities. This work provides a foundational framework for designing SERS chips specifically targeting OP nerve agents, paving the way for rapid on-site analysis, field-portable trace detection, and precise identification in real-world scenarios.
