Novel Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology: From Fabrication Methods and Improvement Strategies to Applications in Biosensing and Biomedicine

A special issue of Biosensors (ISSN 2079-6374). This special issue belongs to the section "Biosensor Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2024) | Viewed by 24806

Special Issue Editors

College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
Interests: biosensors; DNA nanostructures and nanotechnology; nanomaterials; isothermal nucleic acid amplification; DNA hydrogels; DNA-based biochip and interface sensing technology; new biosensing methodology applied to environmental, food, and health fields
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
Interests: nanomaterials; DNA/RNA nanotechnology; biosensors; membrane biophysics; lipid nanoparticles; drug delivery

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Guest Editor
Food, Nutrition and Health, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
Interests: nanotechnology; sensors; spectroscopy; chemical imaging; food safety; food packaging

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nanotechnology has revolutionized the field of biosensors and biomedical research, with the development of new fabrication methods and performance enhancement strategies for novel nanomaterials. Nanomaterials, which are materials with dimensions between approximately 1 and 100 nanometers, exhibit unique physical, chemical, and biological properties that differ from those of bulk materials, single atoms, and molecules. These properties can be exploited to create biosensors that are more sensitive, specific, and reliable than traditional sensors. The use of nanomaterials in biosensors has expanded rapidly in recent years, with nanoparticles, nucleic acids, quantum dots, polymers, carbon nanotubes, graphene, and peptides being used for qualitative and quantitative analyses of biomolecules, proteins, DNA/RNA, biomarkers, metal ions, microorganisms, and toxin pollutants. The performance of biosensors is dependent on the intrinsic characteristics of the materials used in their fabrication, such as physicochemical properties, composition, crystal phases, and morphologies. Therefore, the investigation and exploitation of appropriate materials and advanced nanomaterials are crucial for developing cost-effective, sensitive, biocompatible, and reliable next-generation sensors.

Therefore, the development of new fabrication methods and performance enhancement strategies for novel nanomaterials is critical for the advancement of biosensor devices for various applications, including biological and biomedical, clinical and medical diagnostics, biotechnological, environmental monitoring, and food industries. The combination of advanced materials and analytical techniques signifies the possibility for the advancement of biosensor devices for various applications, including biological and biomedical, clinical and medical diagnostics, biotechnological, environmental monitoring, and food industries.

The aim of this Special Issue is to summarize the latest developments in nanotechnology, investigate methods for the fabrication and improvement of innovative nanomaterials, and explore their potential applications in biosensing and biomedicine, focusing on the following topics:

  • Improvement measures for the performance of nanomaterials/nanostructures to broaden their application prospects.
  • Biosensors or chemical sensors that can be used for medical monitoring, diagnostics and therapeutic treatments.
  • Research on the development of biosensing capabilities in electrochemical, optical or other sensor systems.
  • Development of sensor systems based on innovative nanotechnologies.
  • Innovative approaches to nanomaterials production and applications.
  • Innovative approaches to the detection of multiple analytes.
  • New approaches for interface regulation in biosensing.

Dr. Juan Yan
Dr. Bin Zhao
Dr. Tianxi Yang
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • aptamer
  • aptasensor
  • gold nanoparticles
  • magnetic nanoparticles
  • quantum dots
  • metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)
  • matal oxide nanoparticles
  • tetrahedral DNA nanostructures
  • nucleic acid signal amplification technology
  • nucleic acid
  • DNA/RNA G-quadruplexes
  • i-motif
  • DNA hydrogel
  • biomolecules and biomarkers
  • food contaminants
  • food safety
  • drug delivery
  • environmental waters
  • electrochemical sensors
  • colorimetric sensors
  • SERS biosensors
  • optical sensors
  • lateral flow assays
  • other nano- and microstructures

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 2420 KiB  
Article
Using AuNPs-DNA Walker with Fluorophores Detects the Hepatitis Virus Rapidly
by Baining Sun, Chenxiang Zheng, Dun Pan, Leer Shen, Wan Zhang, Xiaohua Chen, Yanqin Wen and Yongyong Shi
Biosensors 2024, 14(8), 370; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14080370 - 29 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1298
Abstract
Viral hepatitis is a systemic infectious diseases caused by various hepatitis viruses, primarily leading to liver damage. It is widely prevalent worldwide, with hepatitis viruses categorized into five types: hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, based on their etiology. Currently, the detection [...] Read more.
Viral hepatitis is a systemic infectious diseases caused by various hepatitis viruses, primarily leading to liver damage. It is widely prevalent worldwide, with hepatitis viruses categorized into five types: hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, based on their etiology. Currently, the detection of hepatitis viruses relies on methods such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunoelectron microscopy to observe and identify viral particles, and in situ hybridization to detect viral DNA in tissues. However, these methods have limitations, including low sensitivity, high error rates in results, and potential false negative reactions due to occult serum infection conditions. To address these challenges, we have designed an AuNPs-DNA walker method that uses gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and complementary DNA strands for detecting viral DNA fragments through a colorimetric assay and fluorescence detection. The DNA walker, attached to gold nanoparticles, comprises a long walking strand with a probe sequence bound and stem-loop structural strands featuring a modified fluorescent molecule at the 3′ end, which contains the DNAzyme structural domain. Upon the addition of virus fragments, the target sequence binds to the probe chains. Subsequently, the long walking strand is released and continuously hybridizes with the stem-loop structural strand. The DNAzyme undergoes hydrolytical cleavage by Mg2+, breaking the stem-loop structural strand into linear single strands. As a result of these structural changes, the negative charge density in the solution decreases, weakening spatial repulsion and rapidly reducing the stability of the DNA walker. This leads to aggregation upon the addition of a high-salt solution, accompanied by a color change. Virus typing can be performed through fluorescence detection. The innovative method can detect DNA/RNA fragments with high specificity for the target sequence, reaching concentrations as low as 1 nM. Overall, our approach offers a more convenient and reliable method for the detection of hepatitis viruses. Full article
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18 pages, 3868 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Transducer Elements Based on Different Material Configurations for Aptamer-Based Electrochemical Biosensors
by Ivan Lopez Carrasco, Gianaurelio Cuniberti, Jörg Opitz and Natalia Beshchasna
Biosensors 2024, 14(7), 341; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14070341 - 13 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1282
Abstract
The selection of an appropriate transducer is a key element in biosensor development. Currently, a wide variety of substrates and working electrode materials utilizing different fabrication techniques are used in the field of biosensors. In the frame of this study, the following three [...] Read more.
The selection of an appropriate transducer is a key element in biosensor development. Currently, a wide variety of substrates and working electrode materials utilizing different fabrication techniques are used in the field of biosensors. In the frame of this study, the following three specific material configurations with gold-finish layers were investigated regarding their efficacy to be used as electrochemical (EC) biosensors: (I) a silicone-based sensor substrate with a layer configuration of 50 nm SiO/50 nm SiN/100 nm Au/30–50 nm WTi/140 nm SiO/bulk Si); (II) polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) with a gold inkjet-printed layer; and (III) polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with a screen-printed gold layer. Electrodes were characterized using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) to evaluate their performance as electrochemical transducers in an aptamer-based biosensor for the detection of cardiac troponin I using the redox molecule hexacyanoferrade/hexacyaniferrade (K3[Fe (CN)6]/K4[Fe (CN)6]. Baseline signals were obtained from clean electrodes after a specific cleaning procedure and after functionalization with the thiolate cardiac troponin I aptamers “Tro4” and “Tro6”. With the goal of improving the PEN-based and PET-based performance, sintered PEN-based samples and PET-based samples with a carbon or silver layer under the gold were studied. The effect of a high number of immobilized aptamers will be tested in further work using the PEN-based sample. In this study, the charge-transfer resistance (Rct), anodic peak height (Ipa), cathodic peak height (Ipc) and peak separation (∆E) were determined. The PEN-based electrodes demonstrated better biosensor properties such as lower initial Rct values, a greater change in Rct after the immobilization of the Tro4 aptamer on its surface, higher Ipc and Ipa values and lower ∆E, which correlated with a higher number of immobilized aptamers compared with the other two types of samples functionalized using the same procedure. Full article
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12 pages, 2570 KiB  
Communication
The Development of a Specific Nanofiber Bioreceptor for Detection of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus from Air
by Leontýna Varvařovská, Petr Kudrna, Bruno Sopko and Taťána Jarošíková
Biosensors 2024, 14(5), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14050234 - 8 May 2024
Viewed by 1254
Abstract
Polluted air and the presence of numerous airborne pathogens affect our daily lives. The sensitive and fast detection of pollutants and pathogens is crucial for environmental monitoring and effective medical diagnostics. Compared to conventional detection methods (PCR, ELISA, metabolic tests, etc.), biosensors bring [...] Read more.
Polluted air and the presence of numerous airborne pathogens affect our daily lives. The sensitive and fast detection of pollutants and pathogens is crucial for environmental monitoring and effective medical diagnostics. Compared to conventional detection methods (PCR, ELISA, metabolic tests, etc.), biosensors bring a very attractive possibility to detect chemicals and organic particles with the mentioned reliability and sensitivity in real time. Moreover, by integrating nanomaterials into the biosensor structure, it is possible to increase the sensitivity and specificity of the device significantly. However, air quality monitoring could be more problematic even with such devices. The greatest challenge with conservative and sensing methods for detecting organic matter such as bacteria is the need to use liquid samples, which slows down the detection procedure and makes it more difficult. In this work, we present the development of a polyacrylonitrile nanofiber bioreceptor functionalized with antibodies against bacterial antigens for the specific interception of bacterial cells directly from the air. We tested the presented novel nanofiber bioreceptor using a unique air filtration system we had previously created. The prepared antibody-functionalized nanofiber membranes for air filtration and pathogen detection (with model organisms E. coli and S. aureus) show a statistically significant increase in bacterial interception compared to unmodified nanofibers. Creating such a bioreceptor could lead to the development of an inexpensive, fast, sensitive, and incredibly selective bionanosensor for detecting bacterial polluted air in commercial premises or medical facilities. Full article
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16 pages, 3937 KiB  
Article
Parallel Monitoring of Glucose, Free Amino Acids, and Vitamin C in Fruits Using a High-Throughput Paper-Based Sensor Modified with Poly(carboxybetaine acrylamide)
by Xinru Yin, Cheng Zhao, Yong Zhao and Yongheng Zhu
Biosensors 2023, 13(12), 1001; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13121001 - 28 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1835
Abstract
Herein, a cost-effective and portable microfluidic paper-based sensor is proposed for the simultaneous and rapid detection of glucose, free amino acids, and vitamin C in fruit. The device was constructed by embedding a poly(carboxybetaine acrylamide) (pCBAA)-modified cellulose paper chip within a hydrophobic acrylic [...] Read more.
Herein, a cost-effective and portable microfluidic paper-based sensor is proposed for the simultaneous and rapid detection of glucose, free amino acids, and vitamin C in fruit. The device was constructed by embedding a poly(carboxybetaine acrylamide) (pCBAA)-modified cellulose paper chip within a hydrophobic acrylic plate. We successfully showcased the capabilities of a filter paper-based microfluidic sensor for the detection of fruit nutrients using three distinct colorimetric analyses. Within a single paper chip, we simultaneously detected glucose, free amino acids, and vitamin C in the vivid hues of cyan blue, purple, and Turnbull’s blue, respectively, in three distinctive detection zones. Notably, we employed more stable silver nanoparticles for glucose detection, replacing the traditional peroxidase approach. The detection limits for glucose reached a low level of 0.049 mmol/L. Meanwhile, the detection limits for free amino acids and vitamin C were found to be 0.236 mmol/L and 0.125 mmol/L, respectively. The feasibility of the proposed sensor was validated in 13 different practical fruit samples using spectrophotometry. Cellulose paper utilizes capillary action to process trace fluids in tiny channels, and combined with pCBAA, which has superior hydrophilicity and anti-pollution properties, it greatly improves the sensitivity and practicality of paper-based sensors. Therefore, the paper-based colorimetric device is expected to provide technical support for the nutritional value assessment of fruits in the field of rapid detection. Full article
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14 pages, 3329 KiB  
Article
A Novel Dual Bacteria-Imprinted Polymer Sensor for Highly Selective and Rapid Detection of Pathogenic Bacteria
by Xiaoli Xu, Xiaohui Lin, Lingling Wang, Yixin Ma, Tao Sun and Xiaojun Bian
Biosensors 2023, 13(9), 868; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13090868 - 3 Sep 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1824
Abstract
The rapid, sensitive, and selective detection of pathogenic bacteria is of utmost importance in ensuring food safety and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Here, we present a novel, reusable, and cost-effective impedimetric sensor based on a dual bacteria-imprinted polymer (DBIP) for the [...] Read more.
The rapid, sensitive, and selective detection of pathogenic bacteria is of utmost importance in ensuring food safety and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Here, we present a novel, reusable, and cost-effective impedimetric sensor based on a dual bacteria-imprinted polymer (DBIP) for the specific detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus. The DBIP sensor stands out with its remarkably short fabrication time of just 20 min, achieved through the efficient electro-polymerization of o-phenylenediamine monomer in the presence of dual bacterial templates, followed by in-situ template removal. The key structural feature of the DBIP sensor lies in the cavity-free imprinting sites, indicative of a thin layer of bacterial surface imprinting. This facilitates rapid rebinding of the target bacteria within a mere 15 min, while the sensing interface regenerates in just 10 min, enhancing the sensor’s overall efficiency. A notable advantage of the DBIP sensor is its exceptional selectivity, capable of distinguishing the target bacteria from closely related bacterial strains, including different serotypes. Moreover, the sensor exhibits high sensitivity, showcasing a low detection limit of approximately 9 CFU mL−1. The sensor’s reusability further enhances its cost-effectiveness, reducing the need for frequent sensor replacements. The practicality of the DBIP sensor was demonstrated in the analysis of real apple juice samples, yielding good recoveries. The integration of quick fabrication, high selectivity, rapid response, sensitivity, and reusability makes the DBIP sensor a promising solution for monitoring pathogenic bacteria, playing a crucial role in ensuring food safety and safeguarding public health. Full article
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14 pages, 4081 KiB  
Article
Molybdenum Disulfide-Integrated Iron Organic Framework Hybrid Nanozyme-Based Aptasensor for Colorimetric Detection of Exosomes
by Chao Li, Zichao Guo, Sisi Pu, Chaohui Zhou, Xi Cheng, Ren Zhao and Nengqin Jia
Biosensors 2023, 13(8), 800; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13080800 - 9 Aug 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1994
Abstract
Tumor-derived exosomes are considered as a potential marker in liquid biopsy for malignant tumor screening. The development of a sensitive, specific, rapid, and cost-effective detection strategy for tumor-derived exosomes is still a challenge. Herein, a visualized and easy detection method for exosomes was [...] Read more.
Tumor-derived exosomes are considered as a potential marker in liquid biopsy for malignant tumor screening. The development of a sensitive, specific, rapid, and cost-effective detection strategy for tumor-derived exosomes is still a challenge. Herein, a visualized and easy detection method for exosomes was established based on a molybdenum disulfide nanoflower decorated iron organic framework (MoS2-MIL-101(Fe)) hybrid nanozyme-based CD63 aptamer sensor. The CD63 aptamer, which can specifically recognize and capture tumor-derived exosomes, enhanced the peroxidase activity of the hybrid nanozyme and helped to catalyze the 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB)-H2O2 system to generate a stronger colorimetric signal, with its surface modification on the hybrid nanozyme. With the existence of exosomes, CD63 aptamer recognized and adsorbed them on the surface of the nanozyme, which rescued the enhanced peroxidase activity of the aptamer-modified nanozyme, resulting in a deep-to-moderate color change in the TMB-H2O2 system where the change is visible and can be monitored with ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. In the context of optimal circumstances, the linear range of this exosome detection method is measured to be 1.6 × 104 to 1.6 × 106 particles/μL with a limit of detection as 3.37 × 103 particles/μL. Generally, a simple and accessible approach to exosome detection is constructed, and a nanozyme-based colorimetric aptamer sensor is proposed, which sheds light on novel oncological biomarker measurements in the field of biosensors. Full article
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11 pages, 5552 KiB  
Article
High-Performance Au@Ag Nanorods Substrate for SERS Detection of Malachite Green in Aquatic Products
by Xiaoxiao Zhou, Shouhui Chen, Yi Pan, Yuanfeng Wang, Naifeng Xu, Yanwen Xue, Xinlin Wei and Ying Lu
Biosensors 2023, 13(8), 766; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13080766 - 28 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1848
Abstract
In order to improve the detection performance of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), a low-cost Au@Ag nanorods (Au@Ag NRs) substrate with a good SERS enhancement effect was developed and applied to the detection of malachite green (MG) in aquaculture water and crayfish. By comparing [...] Read more.
In order to improve the detection performance of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), a low-cost Au@Ag nanorods (Au@Ag NRs) substrate with a good SERS enhancement effect was developed and applied to the detection of malachite green (MG) in aquaculture water and crayfish. By comparing the SERS signal enhancement effect of five kinds of Au@Ag NRs substrates with different silver layer thickness on 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) solution, it was found that the substrate prepared with 100 µL AgNO3 had the smallest aspect ratio (3.27) and the thickest Ag layer (4.1 nm). However, it showed a good signal enhancement effect, and achieved a detection of 4-MBA as low as 1 × 10−11 M, which was 8.7 times higher than that of the AuNRs substrate. In addition, the Au@Ag NRs substrate developed in this study was used for SRES detection of MG in crayfish; its detection limit was 1.58 × 10−9 M. The developed Au@Ag NRs sensor had the advantages of stable SERS signal, uniform size and low cost, which provided a new tool for SERS signal enhancement and highly sensitive SERS detection method development. Full article
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15 pages, 4740 KiB  
Article
Investigation of the Impact of Hydrogen Bonding Degree in Long Single-Stranded DNA (ssDNA) Generated with Dual Rolling Circle Amplification (RCA) on the Preparation and Performance of DNA Hydrogels
by Xinyu Wang, Huiyuan Wang, Hongmin Zhang, Tianxi Yang, Bin Zhao and Juan Yan
Biosensors 2023, 13(7), 755; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13070755 - 23 Jul 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2038
Abstract
DNA hydrogels have gained significant attention in recent years as one of the most promising functional polymer materials. To broaden their applications, it is critical to develop efficient methods for the preparation of bulk-scale DNA hydrogels with adjustable mechanical properties. Herein, we introduce [...] Read more.
DNA hydrogels have gained significant attention in recent years as one of the most promising functional polymer materials. To broaden their applications, it is critical to develop efficient methods for the preparation of bulk-scale DNA hydrogels with adjustable mechanical properties. Herein, we introduce a straightforward and efficient molecular design approach to producing physically pure DNA hydrogel and controlling its mechanical properties by adjusting the degree of hydrogen bonding in ultralong single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) precursors, which were generated using a dual rolling circle amplification (RCA)-based strategy. The effect of hydrogen bonding degree on the performance of DNA hydrogels was thoroughly investigated by analyzing the preparation process, morphology, rheology, microstructure, and entrapment efficiency of the hydrogels for Au nanoparticles (AuNPs)–BSA. Our results demonstrate that DNA hydrogels can be formed at 25 °C with simple vortex mixing in less than 10 s. The experimental results also indicate that a higher degree of hydrogen bonding in the precursor DNA resulted in stronger internal interaction forces, a more complex internal network of the hydrogel, a denser hydrogel, improved mechanical properties, and enhanced entrapment efficiency. This study intuitively demonstrates the effect of hydrogen bonding on the preparation and properties of DNA hydrogels. The method and results presented in this study are of great significance for improving the synthesis efficiency and economy of DNA hydrogels, enhancing and adjusting the overall quality and performance of the hydrogel, and expanding the application field of DNA hydrogels. Full article
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Review

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24 pages, 2108 KiB  
Review
Biosensors for Cancer Biomarkers Based on Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles
by Minja Mladenović, Stefan Jarić, Mirjana Mundžić, Aleksandra Pavlović, Ivan Bobrinetskiy and Nikola Ž. Knežević
Biosensors 2024, 14(7), 326; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14070326 - 30 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1733
Abstract
Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) exhibit highly beneficial characteristics for devising efficient biosensors for different analytes. Their unique properties, such as capabilities for stable covalent binding to recognition groups (e.g., antibodies or aptamers) and sensing surfaces, open a plethora of opportunities for biosensor construction. [...] Read more.
Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) exhibit highly beneficial characteristics for devising efficient biosensors for different analytes. Their unique properties, such as capabilities for stable covalent binding to recognition groups (e.g., antibodies or aptamers) and sensing surfaces, open a plethora of opportunities for biosensor construction. In addition, their structured porosity offers capabilities for entrapping signaling molecules (dyes or electroactive species), which could be released efficiently in response to a desired analyte for effective optical or electrochemical detection. This work offers an overview of recent research studies (in the last five years) that contain MSNs in their optical and electrochemical sensing platforms for the detection of cancer biomarkers, classified by cancer type. In addition, this study provides an overview of cancer biomarkers, as well as electrochemical and optical detection methods in general. Full article
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25 pages, 4415 KiB  
Review
PCR Independent Strategy-Based Biosensors for RNA Detection
by Xinran Li, Haoqian Wang, Xin Qi, Yi Ji, Fukai Li, Xiaoyun Chen, Kai Li and Liang Li
Biosensors 2024, 14(4), 200; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14040200 - 18 Apr 2024
Viewed by 2237
Abstract
RNA is an important information and functional molecule. It can respond to the regulation of life processes and is also a key molecule in gene expression and regulation. Therefore, RNA detection technology has been widely used in many fields, especially in disease diagnosis, [...] Read more.
RNA is an important information and functional molecule. It can respond to the regulation of life processes and is also a key molecule in gene expression and regulation. Therefore, RNA detection technology has been widely used in many fields, especially in disease diagnosis, medical research, genetic engineering and other fields. However, the current RT-qPCR for RNA detection is complex, costly and requires the support of professional technicians, resulting in it not having great potential for rapid application in the field. PCR-free techniques are the most attractive alternative. They are a low-cost, simple operation method and do not require the support of large instruments, providing a new concept for the development of new RNA detection methods. This article reviews current PCR-free methods, overviews reported RNA biosensors based on electrochemistry, SPR, microfluidics, nanomaterials and CRISPR, and discusses their challenges and future research prospects in RNA detection. Full article
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25 pages, 2750 KiB  
Review
Development of Optical Differential Sensing Based on Nanomaterials for Biological Analysis
by Lele Wang, Yanli Wen, Lanying Li, Xue Yang, Wen Li, Meixia Cao, Qing Tao, Xiaoguang Sun and Gang Liu
Biosensors 2024, 14(4), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14040170 - 31 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1732
Abstract
The discrimination and recognition of biological targets, such as proteins, cells, and bacteria, are of utmost importance in various fields of biological research and production. These include areas like biological medicine, clinical diagnosis, and microbiology analysis. In order to efficiently and cost-effectively identify [...] Read more.
The discrimination and recognition of biological targets, such as proteins, cells, and bacteria, are of utmost importance in various fields of biological research and production. These include areas like biological medicine, clinical diagnosis, and microbiology analysis. In order to efficiently and cost-effectively identify a specific target from a wide range of possibilities, researchers have developed a technique called differential sensing. Unlike traditional “lock-and-key” sensors that rely on specific interactions between receptors and analytes, differential sensing makes use of cross-reactive receptors. These sensors offer less specificity but can cross-react with a wide range of analytes to produce a large amount of data. Many pattern recognition strategies have been developed and have shown promising results in identifying complex analytes. To create advanced sensor arrays for higher analysis efficiency and larger recognizing range, various nanomaterials have been utilized as sensing probes. These nanomaterials possess distinct molecular affinities, optical/electrical properties, and biological compatibility, and are conveniently functionalized. In this review, our focus is on recently reported optical sensor arrays that utilize nanomaterials to discriminate bioanalytes, including proteins, cells, and bacteria. Full article
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24 pages, 2232 KiB  
Review
Emerging Applications of Nanobiosensors in Pathogen Detection in Water and Food
by Hiram Martin Valenzuela-Amaro, Alberto Aguayo-Acosta, Edgar Ricardo Meléndez-Sánchez, Orlando de la Rosa, Perla Guadalupe Vázquez-Ortega, Mariel Araceli Oyervides-Muñoz, Juan Eduardo Sosa-Hernández and Roberto Parra-Saldívar
Biosensors 2023, 13(10), 922; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13100922 - 11 Oct 2023
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4721
Abstract
Food and waterborne illnesses are still a major concern in health and food safety areas. Every year, almost 0.42 million and 2.2 million deaths related to food and waterborne illness are reported worldwide, respectively. In foodborne pathogens, bacteria such as Salmonella, Shiga-toxin [...] Read more.
Food and waterborne illnesses are still a major concern in health and food safety areas. Every year, almost 0.42 million and 2.2 million deaths related to food and waterborne illness are reported worldwide, respectively. In foodborne pathogens, bacteria such as Salmonella, Shiga-toxin producer Escherichia coli, Campylobacter, and Listeria monocytogenes are considered to be high-concern pathogens. High-concern waterborne pathogens are Vibrio cholerae, leptospirosis, Schistosoma mansoni, and Schistosima japonicum, among others. Despite the major efforts of food and water quality control to monitor the presence of these pathogens of concern in these kinds of sources, foodborne and waterborne illness occurrence is still high globally. For these reasons, the development of novel and faster pathogen-detection methods applicable to real-time surveillance strategies are required. Methods based on biosensor devices have emerged as novel tools for faster detection of food and water pathogens, in contrast to traditional methods that are usually time-consuming and are unsuitable for large-scale monitoring. Biosensor devices can be summarized as devices that use biochemical reactions with a biorecognition section (isolated enzymes, antibodies, tissues, genetic materials, or aptamers) to detect pathogens. In most cases, biosensors are based on the correlation of electrical, thermal, or optical signals in the presence of pathogen biomarkers. The application of nano and molecular technologies allows the identification of pathogens in a faster and high-sensibility manner, at extremely low-pathogen concentrations. In fact, the integration of gold, silver, iron, and magnetic nanoparticles (NP) in biosensors has demonstrated an improvement in their detection functionality. The present review summarizes the principal application of nanomaterials and biosensor-based devices for the detection of pathogens in food and water samples. Additionally, it highlights the improvement of biosensor devices through nanomaterials. Nanomaterials offer unique advantages for pathogen detection. The nanoscale and high specific surface area allows for more effective interaction with pathogenic agents, enhancing the sensitivity and selectivity of the biosensors. Finally, biosensors’ capability to functionalize with specific molecules such as antibodies or nucleic acids facilitates the specific detection of the target pathogens. Full article
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