Fiber-optic-based localized surface plasmon resonance (FO-LSPR) sensors with three-dimensional (3D) nanostructures have been developed. These sensors were fabricated using zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for highly sensitive plasmonic biosensing. The main achievements in the development of the biosensors include: (1) an extended sensing area, (2) light trapping effect by nanowires, and (3) a simple optical system based on an optical fiber. The 3D nanostructure was fabricated by growing the ZnO nanowires on the cross-section of optical fibers using hydrothermal synthesis and via immobilization of AuNPs on the nanowires. The proposed sensor outputted a linear response according to refractive index changes. The 3D FO-LSPR sensor exhibited an enhanced localized surface plasmon resonance response of 171% for bulk refractive index changes when compared to the two-dimensional (2D) FO-LSPR sensors where the AuNPs are fixed on optical fiber as a monolayer. In addition, the prostate-specific antigen known as a useful biomarker to diagnose prostate cancer was measured with various concentrations in 2D and 3D FO-LSPR sensors, and the limits of detection (LODs) were 2.06 and 0.51 pg/ml, respectively. When compared to the 2D nanostructure, the LOD of the sensor with 3D nanostructure was increased by 404%.
: KNI3126 which is the eco-friendly material made by plant extracts -neem and matrine -have been evaluated for efficacies against 6 main pests and toxicity on natural enemies. Insecticidal efficacies of KNI3126 against plant hopper were above 95% at 5 days after treatment (DAT), whereas pesticidal effects against the cotton aphid were above 95% at 3 DAT and slightly decreased at 5 DAT. Insecticidal efficacy against the palm thrips resulted in lower control value as 68.1% than that of chemical insecticides. KNI3126 showed more than 95% control value against diamond back moth, suggesting that it could suppress the population of pest hard to control as eco-friendly material. Mortalities against two-spotted spider mite were about 80% at 1 DAT and over 90% at 5 DAT, respectively. For evaluation of the toxicity on natural enemies, effect against predatory natural enemy was classified as moderate selective toxicity based on the criterion of International Organization of Bio-Control (IOBC), whereas against parasitic natural enemies was found to be relatively safe. Repellent effect was weak against plant hopper, but strong against two-spotted spider mite. In the toxicity test for safety, KNI3126 was classified as the lowest level at acute oral, acute dermal and fish toxicity test and did not induce the irritancy at skin irritation test and eye irritation test.
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