Research

20797 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Proposition of a Silica Nanoparticle-Enhanced Hybrid Spin-Microcantilever Sensor Using Nonlinear Optics for Detection of DNA in Liquid

by Wen-Hao Wu and Ka-Di Zhu

Sensors 2015, 15(10), 24848-24861; https://doi.org/10.3390/s151024848 - 25 Sep 2015

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4854

Abstract

We theoretically propose a method based on the combination of a nonlinear optical mass sensor using a hybrid spin-microcantilever and the nanoparticle-enhanced technique, to detect and monitor DNA mutations. The technique theoretically allows the mass of external particles (ssDNA) landing on the surface [...] Read more.

We theoretically propose a method based on the combination of a nonlinear optical mass sensor using a hybrid spin-microcantilever and the nanoparticle-enhanced technique, to detect and monitor DNA mutations. The technique theoretically allows the mass of external particles (ssDNA) landing on the surface of a hybrid spin-microcantilever to be detected directly and accurately at 300 K with a mass responsivity 0.137 Hz/ag in situ in liquid. Moreover, combined with the nanoparticle-enhanced technique, even only one base pair mutation in the target DNA sequence can be identified in real time accurately, and the DNA hybridization reactions can be monitored quantitatively. Furthermore, in situ detection in liquid and measurement of the proposed nonlinear optical spin resonance spectra will minimize the experimental errors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mass-Sensitive Sensors Based on Biomimetic Recognition)

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1851 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Nano-Thin Film-Based Prototype QCM Sensor Array for Monitoring Human Breath and Respiratory Patterns

by Roman Selyanchyn, Shunichi Wakamatsu, Kenshi Hayashi and Seung-Woo Lee

Sensors 2015, 15(8), 18834-18850; https://doi.org/10.3390/s150818834 - 31 Jul 2015

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 7819

Abstract

Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor array was developed for multi-purpose human respiration assessment. The sensor system was designed to provide feedback for human respiration. Thorough optimization of measurement conditions: air flow, temperature in the QCM chamber, frequency measurement rate, and electrode position regarding [...] Read more.

Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor array was developed for multi-purpose human respiration assessment. The sensor system was designed to provide feedback for human respiration. Thorough optimization of measurement conditions: air flow, temperature in the QCM chamber, frequency measurement rate, and electrode position regarding to the gas flow—was performed. As shown, acquisition of respiratory parameters (rate and respiratory pattern) could be achieved even with a single electrode used in the system. The prototype system contains eight available QCM channels that can be potentially used for selective responses to certain breath chemicals. At present, the prototype machine is ready for the assessment of respiratory functions in larger populations in order to gain statistical validation. To the best of our knowledge, the developed prototype is the only respiratory assessment system based on surface modified QCM sensors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mass-Sensitive Sensors Based on Biomimetic Recognition)

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706 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Label-Free Immunosensor for Ultrasensitive Detection of Ketamine Based on Quartz Crystal Microbalance

by Ya Yang, Yifeng Tu, Xiaoshu Wang, Jinyin Pan and Yun Ding

Sensors 2015, 15(4), 8540-8549; https://doi.org/10.3390/s150408540 - 13 Apr 2015

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5401

Abstract

In this study, we have developed a label-free immunosensor with the variation of resonance frequency (Δf) of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) as readout signal for ultrasensitive detection of Ketamine (KT). An optimized strategy for immobilization of KT antibody on the surface of [...] Read more.

In this study, we have developed a label-free immunosensor with the variation of resonance frequency (Δf) of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) as readout signal for ultrasensitive detection of Ketamine (KT). An optimized strategy for immobilization of KT antibody on the surface of the QCM chip was implemented via the self-assembly modification of 3-mercaptopropionic acid, and then activated with 1-ethyl-3- (3-dimethylaminoprophl) carbodiimide and n-hydroxysuccinimide. The specific affinity between the antibody and the antigen ensured a selective response toward KT. The Δf linearly related to the concentration of KT in the range of 1 to 40 pg/mL, with a detection limit of 0.86 pg/mL (S/N = 3). The obtained immunosensor was applied to detect the KT in spiked human urine without any pretreatment but dilution with recoveries from 91.8% to 108%. The developed sensor is promising to perform the portable or on-spot KT detection in clinic or forensic cases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mass-Sensitive Sensors Based on Biomimetic Recognition)

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259 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Corroles-Porphyrins: A Teamwork for Gas Sensor Arrays

by Rosamaria Capuano, Giuseppe Pomarico, Roberto Paolesse and Corrado Di Natale

Sensors 2015, 15(4), 8121-8130; https://doi.org/10.3390/s150408121 - 08 Apr 2015

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 6144

Abstract

Porphyrins provide an excellent material for chemical sensors, and they have been used for sensing species both in air and solution. In the gas phase, the broad selectivity of porphyrins is largely dependant on molecular features, such as the metal ion complexed at [...] Read more.

Porphyrins provide an excellent material for chemical sensors, and they have been used for sensing species both in air and solution. In the gas phase, the broad selectivity of porphyrins is largely dependant on molecular features, such as the metal ion complexed at the core of the aromatic ring and the peripheral substituents. Although these features have been largely exploited to design gas sensor arrays, so far, little attention has been devoted to modify the sensing properties of these macrocycles by variation of the molecular aromatic ring. In this paper, the gas sensing properties of a porphyrin analog, the corrole, are studied in comparison with those of the parent porphyrin. Results show that changes in the aromatic ring have important consequences on the sensitivity and selectivity of the sensors and that porphyrins and corroles can positively cooperate to enhance the performance of sensor arrays. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mass-Sensitive Sensors Based on Biomimetic Recognition)

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1289 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of the Interaction of Trastuzumab and SKOV3 Epithelial Cancer Cells Using a Quartz Crystal Microbalance Sensor

by Louise Elmlund, Camilla Käck, Teodor Aastrup and Ian A. Nicholls

Sensors 2015, 15(3), 5884-5894; https://doi.org/10.3390/s150305884 - 10 Mar 2015

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 7494

Abstract

Analytical methods founded upon whole cell-based assays are of importance in early stage drug development and in fundamental studies of biomolecular recognition. Here we have studied the binding of the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) on human [...] Read more.

Analytical methods founded upon whole cell-based assays are of importance in early stage drug development and in fundamental studies of biomolecular recognition. Here we have studied the binding of the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) on human ovary adenocarcinoma epithelial cancer cells (SKOV3) using quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) technology. An optimized procedure for immobilizing the cells on the chip surface was established with respect to fixation procedure and seeding density. Trastuzumab binding to the cell decorated sensor surface was studied, revealing a mean dissociation constant, K_D, value of 7 ± 1 nM (standard error of the mean). This study provides a new perspective on the affinity of the antibody-receptor complex presented a more natural context compared to purified receptors. These results demonstrate the potential for using whole cell-based QCM assay in drug development, the screening of HER2 selective antibody-based drug candidates, and for the study of biomolecular recognition. This real time, label free approach for studying interactions with target receptors present in their natural environment afforded sensitive and detailed kinetic information about the binding of the analyte to the target. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mass-Sensitive Sensors Based on Biomimetic Recognition)

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1495 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electropolymerized Molecularly Imprinted Polypyrrole Film for Sensing of Clofibric Acid

by Bianca Schweiger, Jungtae Kim, Young Jun Kim and Mathias Ulbricht

Sensors 2015, 15(3), 4870-4889; https://doi.org/10.3390/s150304870 - 26 Feb 2015

Cited by 57 | Viewed by 8247

Abstract

Piezoelectric quartz crystals and analogous gold substrates were electrochemically coated with molecularly imprinted polypyrrole films for pulsed amperometric detection (PAD) of clofibric acid, a metabolite of clofibrate. Cyclic voltammetry data obtained during polymerization and deposited weight estimations revealed a decrease of the polymerization [...] Read more.

Piezoelectric quartz crystals and analogous gold substrates were electrochemically coated with molecularly imprinted polypyrrole films for pulsed amperometric detection (PAD) of clofibric acid, a metabolite of clofibrate. Cyclic voltammetry data obtained during polymerization and deposited weight estimations revealed a decrease of the polymerization rate with increasing clofibric acid concentration. XPS measurements indicated that clofibric acid could be removed after imprinting with an aqueous ethanol solution, which was further optimized by using PAD. Zeta potential and contact angle measurements revealed differences between molecularly imprinted (MIP) and non-imprinted polymer (NIP) layers. Binding experiments with clofibric acid and other substances showed a pronounced selectivity of the MIP for clofibric acid vs. carbamazepine, but the response of MIP and NIP to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid was higher than that for clofibric acid. A smooth surface, revealed by AFM measurements, with roughness of 6–8 nm for imprinted and non-imprinted layers, might be a reason for an excessively low density of specific binding sites for clofibric acid. Furthermore, the decreased polymerization rate in the presence of clofibric acid might not result in well-defined polymer structures, which could be the reason for the lower sensitivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mass-Sensitive Sensors Based on Biomimetic Recognition)

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5098 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biomimetic Receptors for Bioanalyte Detection by Quartz Crystal Microbalances — From Molecules to Cells

by Usman Latif, Jianjin Qian, Serpil Can and Franz L. Dickert

Sensors 2014, 14(12), 23419-23438; https://doi.org/10.3390/s141223419 - 05 Dec 2014

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 7240

Abstract

A universal label-free detection of bioanalytes can be performed with biomimetic quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) coatings prepared by imprinting strategies. Bulk imprinting was used to detect the endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) known as estradiols. The estrogen 17β-estradiol is one of the most potent [...] Read more.

A universal label-free detection of bioanalytes can be performed with biomimetic quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) coatings prepared by imprinting strategies. Bulk imprinting was used to detect the endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) known as estradiols. The estrogen 17β-estradiol is one of the most potent EDCs, even at very low concentrations. A highly sensitive, selective and robust QCM sensor was fabricated for real time monitoring of 17β-estradiol in water samples by using molecular imprinted polyurethane. Optimization of porogen (pyrene) and cross-linker (phloroglucinol) levels leads to improved sensitivity, selectivity and response time of the estradiol sensor. Surface imprinting of polyurethane as sensor coating also allowed us to generate interaction sites for the selective recognition of bacteria, even in a very complex mixture of interfering compounds, while they were growing from their spores in nutrient solution. A double molecular imprinting approach was followed to transfer the geometrical features of natural bacteria onto the synthetic polymer to generate biomimetic bacteria. The use of biomimetic bacteria as template makes it possible to prepare multiple sensor coatings with similar sensitivity and selectivity. Thus, cell typing, e.g., differentiation of bacteria strains, bacteria growth profile and extent of their nutrition, can be monitored by biomimetic mass sensors. Obviously, this leads to controlled cell growth in bioreactors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mass-Sensitive Sensors Based on Biomimetic Recognition)

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2471 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Approach to a Practical Quartz Crystal Microbalance Sensor Utilizing an Inkjet Printing System

by Yusuke Fuchiwaki, Masato Tanaka, Yoji Makita and Toshihiko Ooie

Sensors 2014, 14(11), 20468-20479; https://doi.org/10.3390/s141120468 - 30 Oct 2014

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5949

Abstract

The present work demonstrates a valuable approach to developing quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor units inexpensively for reliable determination of analytes. This QCM sensor unit is constructed by inkjet printing equipment utilizing background noise removal techniques. Inkjet printing equipment was chosen as an [...] Read more.

The present work demonstrates a valuable approach to developing quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor units inexpensively for reliable determination of analytes. This QCM sensor unit is constructed by inkjet printing equipment utilizing background noise removal techniques. Inkjet printing equipment was chosen as an alternative to an injection pump in conventional flow-mode systems to facilitate the commercial applicability of these practical devices. The results demonstrate minimization of fluctuations from external influences, determination of antigen-antibody interactions in an inkjet deposition, and quantification of C-reactive protein in the range of 50–1000 ng∙mL⁻¹. We thus demonstrate a marketable application of an inexpensive and easily available QCM sensor system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mass-Sensitive Sensors Based on Biomimetic Recognition)

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