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12 pages, 2745 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reduced Glutathione-Modified Electrode for the Detection of Hydroxyl Free Radicals

by Hamidreza Ghaedamini, Surachet Duanghathaipornsuk, Patrick Onusko, Abdullah M. Binsheheween and Dong-Shik Kim

Biosensors 2023, 13(2), 254; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13020254 - 10 Feb 2023

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2466

Abstract

Hydroxyl radicals (•OH) are known as essential chemicals for cells to maintain their normal functions and defensive responses. However, a high concentration of •OH may cause oxidative stress-related diseases, such as cancer, inflammation, and cardiovascular disorders. Therefore, •OH can be used as a [...] Read more.

Hydroxyl radicals (•OH) are known as essential chemicals for cells to maintain their normal functions and defensive responses. However, a high concentration of •OH may cause oxidative stress-related diseases, such as cancer, inflammation, and cardiovascular disorders. Therefore, •OH can be used as a biomarker to detect the onset of these disorders at an early stage. Reduced glutathione (GSH), a well-known tripeptide for its antioxidant capacity against reactive oxygen species (ROS), was immobilized on a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) to develop a real-time detection sensor with a high selectivity towards •OH. The signals produced by the interaction of the GSH-modified sensor and •OH were characterized using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The CV curve of the GSH-modified sensor in the Fenton reagent exhibited a pair of well-defined peaks, demonstrating the redox reaction of the electrochemical sensor and •OH. The sensor showed a linear relationship between the redox response and the concentration of •OH with a limit of detection (LOD) of 49 µM. Furthermore, using EIS studies, the proposed sensor demonstrated the capability of differentiating •OH from hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), a similar oxidizing chemical. After being immersed in the Fenton solution for 1 hr, redox peaks in the CV curve of the GSH-modified electrode disappeared, revealing that the immobilized GSH on the electrode was oxidized and turned to glutathione disulfide (GSSG). However, it was demonstrated that the oxidized GSH surface could be reversed back to the reduced state by reacting with a solution of glutathione reductase (GR) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), and possibly reused for •OH detection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Issue of Biosensors and Bioelectronic Devices Section)

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11 pages, 3874 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Single Printing Step Prussian Blue Bulk-Modified Transducers for Oxidase-Based Biosensors

by Darya Vokhmyanina, Elena Daboss, Olesya Sharapova, Mariia Mogilnikova and Arkady Karyakin

Biosensors 2023, 13(2), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13020250 - 9 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2411

Abstract

We report on hydrogen peroxide sensors made through a single printing step with carbon ink containing catalytically synthesized Prussian blue nanoparticles. Despite their reduced sensitivity, the resulting bulk-modified sensors displayed both a wider linear calibration range (5 × 10⁻⁷–1 × 10 [...] Read more.

We report on hydrogen peroxide sensors made through a single printing step with carbon ink containing catalytically synthesized Prussian blue nanoparticles. Despite their reduced sensitivity, the resulting bulk-modified sensors displayed both a wider linear calibration range (5 × 10⁻⁷–1 × 10⁻³ M) and an approximately four times lower detection limit versus the surface-modified sensors due to the dramatically decreased noise resulting in, on average, a six times higher signal-to-noise ratio. The corresponding glucose and lactate biosensors demonstrated similar and even higher sensitivities compared to those of biosensors based on surface-modified transducers. The biosensors have been validated through analysis of human serum. The decreased time and cost for production of single printing step bulk-modified transducers, as well as their analytical performance characteristics, which are advantageous over conventional surface-modified ones, would be expected to enable their wide use in (bio)sensorics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Issue of Biosensors and Bioelectronic Devices Section)

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14 pages, 3399 KiB

Open AccessArticle

SMART: A Swing-Assisted Multiplexed Analyzer for Point-of-Care Respiratory Tract Infection Testing

by Li Zhang, Xu Wang, Dongchen Liu, Yu Wu, Li Feng, Chunyan Han, Jiajia Liu, Ying Lu, Dmitriy V. Sotnikov, Youchun Xu and Jing Cheng

Biosensors 2023, 13(2), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13020228 - 4 Feb 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2303

Abstract

Respiratory tract infections such as the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has seriously threatened public health in the last decades. The experience of fighting against the epidemic highlights the importance of user-friendly and accessible point-of-care systems for nucleic acid (NA) detection. To realize [...] Read more.

Respiratory tract infections such as the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has seriously threatened public health in the last decades. The experience of fighting against the epidemic highlights the importance of user-friendly and accessible point-of-care systems for nucleic acid (NA) detection. To realize low-cost and multiplexed point-of-care NA detection, a swing-assisted multiplexed analyzer for point-of-care respiratory tract infection testing (SMART) was proposed to detect multiple respiratory tract pathogens using visible loop-mediated isothermal amplification. By performing hand-swing movements to generate acceleration force to distribute samples into reaction chambers, the design of the SMART system was greatly simplified. By using different format of chips and integrating into a suitcase, this system can be applied to on-site multitarget and multi-sample testing. Three targets including the N and Orf genes of SARS-CoV-2 and the internal control were simultaneously analyzed (limit of detection: 2000 copies/mL for raw sample; 200 copies/mL for extracted sample). Twenty-three clinical samples with eight types of respiratory bacteria and twelve COVID-19 clinical samples were successfully detected. These results indicate that the SMART system has the potential to be further developed as a versatile tool in the diagnosis of respiratory tract infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Issue of Biosensors and Bioelectronic Devices Section)

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17 pages, 6772 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Real-Time Monitoring of Breath Biomarkers with A Magnetoelastic Contactless Gas Sensor: A Proof of Concept

by Alvaro Peña, Juan Diego Aguilera, Daniel Matatagui, Patricia de la Presa, Carmen Horrillo, Antonio Hernando and Pilar Marín

Biosensors 2022, 12(10), 871; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12100871 - 13 Oct 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2768

Abstract

In the quest for effective gas sensors for breath analysis, magnetoelastic resonance-based gas sensors (MEGSs) are remarkable candidates. Thanks to their intrinsic contactless operation, they can be used as non-invasive and portable devices. However, traditional monitoring techniques are bound to slow detection, which [...] Read more.

In the quest for effective gas sensors for breath analysis, magnetoelastic resonance-based gas sensors (MEGSs) are remarkable candidates. Thanks to their intrinsic contactless operation, they can be used as non-invasive and portable devices. However, traditional monitoring techniques are bound to slow detection, which hinders their application to fast bio-related reactions. Here we present a method for real-time monitoring of the resonance frequency, with a proof of concept for real-time monitoring of gaseous biomarkers based on resonance frequency. This method was validated with a MEGS based on a Metglass 2826 MB microribbon with a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) nanofiber electrospun functionalization. The device provided a low-noise (RMS = 1.7 Hz), fast (<2 min), and highly reproducible response to humidity (Δf = 46–182 Hz for 17–95% RH), ammonia (Δf = 112 Hz for 40 ppm), and acetone (Δf = 44 Hz for 40 ppm). These analytes are highly important in biomedical applications, particularly ammonia and acetone, which are biomarkers related to diseases such as diabetes. Furthermore, the capability of distinguishing between breath and regular air was demonstrated with real breath measurements. The sensor also exhibited strong resistance to benzene, a common gaseous interferent in breath analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Issue of Biosensors and Bioelectronic Devices Section)

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15 pages, 3439 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Flow-Through Acetylcholinesterase Sensor with Replaceable Enzyme Reactor

by Alexey Ivanov, Dmitry Stoikov, Insiya Shafigullina, Dmitry Shurpik, Ivan Stoikov and Gennady Evtugyn

Biosensors 2022, 12(9), 676; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12090676 - 24 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2098

Abstract

Fast and reliable determination of enzyme inhibitors are of great importance in environmental monitoring and biomedicine because of the high biological activity and toxicity of such species and the necessity of their reliable assessment in many media. In this work, a flow-through biosensor [...] Read more.

Fast and reliable determination of enzyme inhibitors are of great importance in environmental monitoring and biomedicine because of the high biological activity and toxicity of such species and the necessity of their reliable assessment in many media. In this work, a flow-through biosensor has been developed and produced by 3D printing from poly(lactic acid). Acetylcholinesterase from an electric eel was immobilized on the inner walls of the reactor cell. The concentration of thiocholine formed in enzymatic hydrolysis of the substrate was monitored amperometrically with a screen-printed carbon electrode modified with carbon black particles, pillar[5]arene, electropolymerized Methylene blue and thionine. In the presence of thiocholine, the cathodic current at −0.25 V decreased because of an alternative chemical reaction of the macrocycle. The conditions of enzyme immobilization and signal measurements were optimized and the performance of the biosensor was assessed in the determination of reversible (donepezil, berberine) and irreversible (carbofuran) inhibitors. In the optimal conditions, the flow-through biosensor made it possible to determine 1.0 nM–1.0 μM donepezil, 1.0 μM–1.0 mM berberine and 10 nM to 0.1 μM carbofuran. The AChE biosensor was tested on spiked samples of artificial urine for drugs and peanuts for carbofuran. Possible interference of the sample components was eliminated by dilution of the samples with phosphate buffer. Easy mounting, low cost of replaceable parts of the cell and satisfactory analytical and metrological characteristics made the biosensor a promising future application as a point-of-care or point-of-demand device outside of a chemical laboratory. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Issue of Biosensors and Bioelectronic Devices Section)

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13 pages, 7066 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Peculiar Binding Characterization of DNA (RNA) Nucleobases at MoOS-Based Janus Biosensor: Dissimilar Facets Role on Selectivity and Sensitivity

by Slimane Laref, Bin Wang, Sahika Inal, Salah Al-Ghamdi, Xin Gao and Takashi Gojobori

Biosensors 2022, 12(7), 442; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12070442 - 23 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2187

Abstract

Distinctive properties of Janus monolayer have drawn much interest in biotechnology applications. For this purpose, it has explored theoretically all sensing possibilities of nucleobases molecules (DNA/RNA) by Janus MoOS monolayer on both oxygen and sulfur terminations by means of rigorous first–principles calculation. Indeed, [...] Read more.

Distinctive properties of Janus monolayer have drawn much interest in biotechnology applications. For this purpose, it has explored theoretically all sensing possibilities of nucleobases molecules (DNA/RNA) by Janus MoOS monolayer on both oxygen and sulfur terminations by means of rigorous first–principles calculation. Indeed, differences in interaction energy between nucleobases indicate that a monolayer can be used for DNA sequencing. Exothermic interaction energy range for DNA/RNA molecules with both oxygen and sulfur sides of the Janus MoOS surfaces have been found to range between (0.61–0.91 eV), and (0.63–0.88 eV), respectively, and the binding distances indicate that these molecules bind to both facets by physisorption. The exchange of weak electronic charges between the MoOS monolayer and the nucleobases molecules has been studied by means of Hirshfeld-I charge analysis. It has been observed that the introduction of DNA/RNA nucleobases molecules alters the electronic properties of both oxygen and sulfur atomic layers of the Janus MoOS complex systems as determined by plotting the 3D Kohn–Sham frontier orbitals. A good correlation has been found between the interaction energy, van der Waals energy, Hirshfeld-I, and d–band center as a function of the nucleobase’s affinity, and the interaction energy, suggesting adsorption dominated by van der Waals interactions driven by molybdenum d–orbital. Moreover, the lowering in the adsorption energy leads to an active interaction of the DNA/RNA with the surfaces, accordingly its conduct to shorter the recovery time. The selectivity of the biosensor modulation device has illustrated a significant sensitivity for the nucleobases on both the oxygen and sulfur layer sides of the MoOS monolayer. This finding reveals that apart from graphene, dichalcogenides–Janus transition metal may also be adequate for identifying DNA/RNA bases in applied biotechnology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Issue of Biosensors and Bioelectronic Devices Section)

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15 pages, 5448 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microwave-Assisted Rapid Synthesis of Luminescent Tryptophan-Stabilized Silver Nanoclusters for Ultra-Sensitive Detection of Fe(III), and Their Application in a Test Strip

by Sayed M. Saleh, Wael A. El-Sayed, May A. El-Manawaty, Malek Gassoumi and Reham Ali

Biosensors 2022, 12(6), 425; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12060425 - 16 Jun 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2496

Abstract

A new preparation method for extreme fluorescent green emission tryptophan-stabilized silver nanoclusters (Tryp-AgNCs) is presented in this scientific research. The produced silver nanoclusters are dependent on tryptophan amino acid which contributes to normal growth in infants and the sublimation and recovery of human [...] Read more.

A new preparation method for extreme fluorescent green emission tryptophan-stabilized silver nanoclusters (Tryp-AgNCs) is presented in this scientific research. The produced silver nanoclusters are dependent on tryptophan amino acid which contributes to normal growth in infants and the sublimation and recovery of human protein, muscles, and enzymes. Herein, we have introduced a green method by using microwave-assisted rapid synthesis. The subsequent silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) have excitation/emission peaks at 408/498 nm and display a considerable selectivity to Fe(III) ions. The tryptophan amino acid molecule was used in the synthesis process as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The Tryp-AgNCs’ properties were investigated in terms of morphology, dispersity, and modification of the synthesized particles using different advanced instruments. The luminescent nanoclusters traced the Fe(III) ions by the luminescence-quenching mechanism of the Tryp-AgNCs luminescence. Therefore, the extreme selectivity of the prepared nanoclusters was exhibited to the Fe(III) ions, permitting the sensitive tracing of ferric ions in the lab and in the real environmental samples. The limit of detection for Fe(III) ions based on Tryp-AgNCs was calculated to be 16.99 nM. The Tryp-AgNCs can be efficiently applied to a paper test strip method. The synthesized nanoclusters were used efficiently to detect the Fe(III) ions in the environmental samples. Moreover, we examined the reactivity of Tryp-AgNCs on various human tumor cell lines. The results show that the Tryp-AgNCs exhibited their activity versus the cancer cells in a dose-dependent routine for the perceived performance versus the greatest-used cancer cell lines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Issue of Biosensors and Bioelectronic Devices Section)

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13 pages, 2428 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Aptamer-Functionalised Schottky-Field Effect Transistor for the Detection of Proteins

by Thomas Farrow, Siriny Laumier, Ian Sandall and Harm van Zalinge

Biosensors 2022, 12(5), 347; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12050347 - 18 May 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3158

Abstract

The outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in December 2019 has highlighted the need for a flexible sensing system that can quickly and accurately determine the presence of biomarkers associated with the disease. This sensing system also needs to be easily adaptable [...] Read more.

The outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in December 2019 has highlighted the need for a flexible sensing system that can quickly and accurately determine the presence of biomarkers associated with the disease. This sensing system also needs to be easily adaptable to incorporate both novel diseases as well as changes in the existing ones. Here we report the feasibility of using a simple, low-cost silicon field-effect transistor functionalised with aptamers and designed to attach to the spike protein of SARS-CoV2. It is shown that a linear response can be obtained in a concentration range of 100 fM to 10 pM. Furthermore, by using a larger range of source-drain potentials compared with other FET based sensors, it is possible to look at a wider range of device parameters to optimise the response. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Issue of Biosensors and Bioelectronic Devices Section)

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14 pages, 2872 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Structure of Bilirubin Oxidase from Bacillus pumilus Reveals a Unique Disulfide Bond for Site-Specific Direct Electron Transfer

by Shalev Gihaz, Nidaa Shrara Herzallh, Yifat Cohen, Oren Bachar, Ayelet Fishman and Omer Yehezkeli

Biosensors 2022, 12(5), 258; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12050258 - 19 Apr 2022

Viewed by 3691

Abstract

Efficient oxygen-reducing biocatalysts are essential for the development of biofuel cells or photo-bioelectrochemical applications. Bilirubin oxidase (BOD) is a promising biocatalyst for oxygen reduction processes at neutral pH and low overpotentials. BOD has been extensively investigated over the last few decades. While the [...] Read more.

Efficient oxygen-reducing biocatalysts are essential for the development of biofuel cells or photo-bioelectrochemical applications. Bilirubin oxidase (BOD) is a promising biocatalyst for oxygen reduction processes at neutral pH and low overpotentials. BOD has been extensively investigated over the last few decades. While the enzyme’s internal electron transfer process and methods to establish electrical communication with electrodes have been elucidated, a crystal structure of BOD from bacterial origin has never been determined. Here we present the first crystal structure of BOD from Bacillus pumilus (BpBOD) at 3.5 Å resolution. Overall, BpBOD shows high homology with the fungal enzymes; however, it holds a unique surface-exposed disulfide bond between Cys229 and Cys322 residues. We present methodologies to orient the T1 site towards the electrode by coupling the reduced disulfide bond with maleimide moiety on the electrodes. The developed configurations were further investigated and revealed improved direct electron transfer rates with the electrodes. The work presented here may contribute to the construction of rationally designed bioanodes or biocathode configurations that are based on redox-active enzymes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Issue of Biosensors and Bioelectronic Devices Section)

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12 pages, 2291 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Detection of Ampelovirus and Nepovirus by Lab-on-a-Chip: A Promising Alternative to ELISA Test for Large Scale Health Screening of Grapevine

by Ilaria Buja, Erika Sabella, Anna Grazia Monteduro, Silvia Rizzato, Luigi De Bellis, Vito Elicio, Lilia Formica, Andrea Luvisi and Giuseppe Maruccio

Biosensors 2022, 12(3), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12030147 - 27 Feb 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3232

Abstract

The Ampelovirus Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3) and the Nepovirus Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) are pathogens reported in many grapevine-growing areas all over the world, main causal agents of grapevine leafroll disease and grapevine fanleaf disease, respectively. Prevention of virus spread thanks to [...] Read more.

The Ampelovirus Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3) and the Nepovirus Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) are pathogens reported in many grapevine-growing areas all over the world, main causal agents of grapevine leafroll disease and grapevine fanleaf disease, respectively. Prevention of virus spread thanks to rapid diagnosis of infected plants is a key factor for control of both diseases. Although serological (e.g., enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-ELISA test) and molecular methods are available to reveal the presence of the viruses, they turn out to be quite expensive, time-consuming and laborious, especially for large-scale health screening. Here we report the optimization of a lab-on-a-chip (LOC) for GLRaV-3 and GFLV detection, based on an electrochemical transduction and a microfluidic multichamber design for measurements in quadruplicate and simultaneous detection of both targets. The LOC detect GLRaV-3 and GFLV at dilution factors more than 15 times higher than ELISA, providing a higher sensitivity in the detection of both viruses. Furthermore, the platform offers several advantages as easy-to-use, rapid-test, portability and low costs, favoring its potential application for large-scale monitoring programs. Compared to other grapevine virus biosensors, our sensing platform is the first one to provide a dose-dependent calibration curve combined with a microfluidic module for sample analysis and a portable electronics providing an operator-independent read-out scheme. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Issue of Biosensors and Bioelectronic Devices Section)

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16 pages, 3899 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Optimisation of Elliptical-Shaped Planar Hall Sensor for Biomedical Applications

by Shah Mukim Uddin, Abkar Sayad, Jianxiong Chan, Efstratios Skafidas and Patrick Kwan

Biosensors 2022, 12(2), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12020108 - 10 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3443

Abstract

The magnetic beads detection-based immunoassay, also called magneto-immunoassay, has potential applications in point-of-care testing (POCT) due to its unique advantage of minimal background interference from the biological sample and associated reagents. While magnetic field detection technologies are well established for numerous applications in [...] Read more.

The magnetic beads detection-based immunoassay, also called magneto-immunoassay, has potential applications in point-of-care testing (POCT) due to its unique advantage of minimal background interference from the biological sample and associated reagents. While magnetic field detection technologies are well established for numerous applications in the military, as well as in geology, archaeology, mining, spacecraft, and mobile phones, adaptation into magneto-immunoassay is yet to be explored. The magnetic field biosensors under development tend to be multilayered and require an expensive fabrication process. A low-cost and affordable biosensing platform is required for an effective point-of-care diagnosis in a resource-limited environment. Therefore, we evaluated a single-layered magnetic biosensor in this study to overcome this limitation. The shape-induced magnetic anisotropy-based planar hall effect sensor was recently developed to detect a low-level magnetic field, but was not explored for medical application. In this study, the elliptical-shaped planar hall effect (EPHE) sensor was designed, fabricated, characterized, and optimized for the magneto-immunoassay, specifically. Nine sensor variants were designed and fabricated. A customized measurement setup incorporating a lock-in amplifier was used to quantify 4.5 µm magnetic beads in a droplet. The result indicated that the single-domain behaviour of the magnetic film and larger sensing area with a thinner magnetic film had the highest sensitivity. The developed sensor was tested with a range of magnetic bead concentrations, demonstrating a limit of detection of 200 beads/μL. The sensor performance encourages employing magneto-immunoassay towards developing a low-cost POCT device in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Issue of Biosensors and Bioelectronic Devices Section)

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15 pages, 5125 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electrophoretic µPAD for Purification and Analysis of DNA Samples

by Natascha Katharina Heinsohn, Robert Raimund Niedl, Alexander Anielski, Fred Lisdat and Carsten Beta

Biosensors 2022, 12(2), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12020062 - 24 Jan 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5152

Abstract

In this work, the fabrication and characterization of a simple, inexpensive, and effective microfluidic paper analytic device (µPAD) for monitoring DNA samples is reported. The glass microfiber-based chip has been fabricated by a new wax-based transfer-printing technique and an electrode printing process. It [...] Read more.

In this work, the fabrication and characterization of a simple, inexpensive, and effective microfluidic paper analytic device (µPAD) for monitoring DNA samples is reported. The glass microfiber-based chip has been fabricated by a new wax-based transfer-printing technique and an electrode printing process. It is capable of moving DNA effectively in a time-dependent fashion. The nucleic acid sample is not damaged by this process and is accumulated in front of the anode, but not directly on the electrode. Thus, further DNA processing is feasible. The system allows the DNA to be purified by separating it from other components in sample mixtures such as proteins. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that DNA can be moved through several layers of the glass fiber material. This proof of concept will provide the basis for the development of rapid test systems, e.g., for the detection of pathogens in water samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Issue of Biosensors and Bioelectronic Devices Section)

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16 pages, 5670 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An FPGA-Based Machine Learning Tool for In-Situ Food Quality Tracking Using Sensor Fusion

by Daniel Enériz, Nicolas Medrano and Belen Calvo

Biosensors 2021, 11(10), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios11100366 - 30 Sep 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3468

Abstract

The continuous development of more accurate and selective bio- and chemo-sensors has led to a growing use of sensor arrays in different fields, such as health monitoring, cell culture analysis, bio-signals processing, or food quality tracking. The analysis and information extraction from the [...] Read more.

The continuous development of more accurate and selective bio- and chemo-sensors has led to a growing use of sensor arrays in different fields, such as health monitoring, cell culture analysis, bio-signals processing, or food quality tracking. The analysis and information extraction from the amount of data provided by these sensor arrays is possible based on Machine Learning techniques applied to sensor fusion. However, most of these computing solutions are implemented on costly and bulky computers, limiting its use in in-situ scenarios outside complex laboratory facilities. This work presents the application of machine learning techniques in food quality assessment using a single Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) chip. The characteristics of low-cost, low power consumption as well as low-size allow the application of the proposed solution even in space constrained places, as in food manufacturing chains. As an example, the proposed system is tested on an e-nose developed for beef classification and microbial population prediction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Issue of Biosensors and Bioelectronic Devices Section)

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14 pages, 2469 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In-Situ Monitoring of Real-Time Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification with QCM: Detecting Listeria monocytogenes

by Sirirat Wachiralurpan, Isaratat Phung-On, Narong Chanlek, Supatra Areekit, Kosum Chansiri and Peter A. Lieberzeit

Biosensors 2021, 11(9), 308; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios11090308 - 31 Aug 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4117

Abstract

Functionalized DNA sequences are promising sensing elements to combine with transducers for bio-sensing specific target microbes. As an application example, this paper demonstrates in situ detection of loop-mediated isothermal amplification products by hybridizing them with thiolated-ssDNA covalently anchored on the electrodes of a [...] Read more.

Functionalized DNA sequences are promising sensing elements to combine with transducers for bio-sensing specific target microbes. As an application example, this paper demonstrates in situ detection of loop-mediated isothermal amplification products by hybridizing them with thiolated-ssDNA covalently anchored on the electrodes of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). Such hybridization leads to a frequency signal, which is suitable for monitoring real-time LAMP amplification based on mass-sensing: it detects interactions between the complementary nucleobases of LAMP products in solution and the thiolated-ssDNA probe sequence on the gold surface. Target DNA LAMP products cause irreversible frequency shifts on the QCM surfaces during hybridization in the kHz range, which result from both changes in mass and charge on the electrode surface. In order to confirm the LAMP assay working in the QCM sensing system at elevated temperature, the sky blue of positive LAMP products solution was achieved by using the Hydroxy Naphthol Blue (HNB) and agarose gel electrophoresis. Since on-QCM sensing of DNA hybridization leads to irreversible sensor responses, this work shows characterization by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) core spectra of S2p, N1s, Mg1s, P2p and C1s. XPS results confirmed that indeed both DNA and by-products of LAMP attached to the surface. Listeria monocytogenes DNA served to study in-situ detection of amplified LAMP products on DNA-functionalized surfaces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Issue of Biosensors and Bioelectronic Devices Section)

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13 pages, 1970 KiB

Open AccessArticle

DNA Aptamer Functionalized Hydrogels for Interferometric Fiber-Optic Based Continuous Monitoring of Potassium Ions

by Nataša Žuržul and Bjørn Torger Stokke

Biosensors 2021, 11(8), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios11080266 - 6 Aug 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3605

Abstract

In the present paper, we describe a potassium sensor based on DNA-aptamer functionalized hydrogel, that is capable of continuous label-free potassium ion (K⁺) monitoring with potential for in situ application. A hydrogel attached to the end of an optical fiber is [...] Read more.

In the present paper, we describe a potassium sensor based on DNA-aptamer functionalized hydrogel, that is capable of continuous label-free potassium ion (K⁺) monitoring with potential for in situ application. A hydrogel attached to the end of an optical fiber is designed with di-oligonucleotides grafted to the polymer network that may serve as network junctions in addition to the covalent crosslinks. Specific affinity toward K⁺ is based on exploiting a particular aptamer that exhibits conformational transition from single-stranded DNA to G-quadruplex formed by the di-oligonucleotide in the presence of K⁺. Integration of this aptamer into the hydrogel transforms the K⁺ specific conformational transition to a K⁺ concentration dependent deswelling of the hydrogel. High-resolution interferometry monitors changes in extent of swelling at 1 Hz and 2 nm resolution for the hydrogel matrix of 50 µm. The developed hydrogel-based biosensor displayed high selectivity for K⁺ ions in the concentration range up to 10 mM, in the presence of physiological concentrations of Na⁺. Additionally, the concentration dependent and selective K⁺ detection demonstrated in the artificial blood buffer environment, both at room and physiological temperatures, suggests substantial potential for practical applications such as monitoring of potassium ion concentration in blood levels in intensive care medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Issue of Biosensors and Bioelectronic Devices Section)

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14 pages, 2183 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clinical Application of the Novel Cell-Based Biosensor for the Ultra-Rapid Detection of the SARS-CoV-2 S1 Spike Protein Antigen: A Practical Approach

by Sophie Mavrikou, Vasileios Tsekouras, Kyriaki Hatziagapiou, Foteini Paradeisi, Petros Bakakos, Athanasios Michos, Antonia Koutsoukou, Elissavet Konstantellou, George I. Lambrou, Eleni Koniari, Elizabeth-Barbara Tatsi, Joseph Papaparaskevas, Dimitrios Iliopoulos, George P. Chrousos and Spyridon Kintzios

Biosensors 2021, 11(7), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios11070224 - 6 Jul 2021

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 6050

Abstract

The availability of antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2 represents a major step for the mass surveillance of the incidence of infection, especially regarding COVID-19 asymptomatic and/or early-stage patients. Recently, we reported the development of a Bioelectric Recognition Assay-based biosensor able to detect the SARS-CoV-2 [...] Read more.

The availability of antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2 represents a major step for the mass surveillance of the incidence of infection, especially regarding COVID-19 asymptomatic and/or early-stage patients. Recently, we reported the development of a Bioelectric Recognition Assay-based biosensor able to detect the SARS-CoV-2 S1 spike protein expressed on the surface of the virus in just three minutes, with high sensitivity and selectivity. The working principle was established by measuring the change of the electric potential of membrane-engineered mammalian cells bearing the human chimeric spike S1 antibody after attachment of the respective viral protein. In the present study, we applied the novel biosensor to patient-derived nasopharyngeal samples in a clinical set-up, with absolutely no sample pretreatment. More importantly, membrane-engineered cells were pre-immobilized in a proprietary biomatrix, thus enabling their long-term preservation prior to use as well as significantly increasing their ease-of-handle as test consumables. The plug-and-apply novel biosensor was able to detect the virus in positive samples with a 92.8% success rate compared to RT-PCR. No false negative results were recorded. These findings demonstrate the potential applicability of the biosensor for the early, routine mass screening of SARS-CoV-2 on a scale not yet realized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Issue of Biosensors and Bioelectronic Devices Section)

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17 pages, 1538 KiB

Open AccessReview

Lab-on-a-Chip Electrochemical Biosensors for Foodborne Pathogen Detection: A Review of Common Standards and Recent Progress

by Or Zolti, Baviththira Suganthan and Ramaraja P. Ramasamy

Biosensors 2023, 13(2), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13020215 - 1 Feb 2023

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3481

Abstract

Foodborne pathogens are an important diagnostic target for the food, beverage, and health care industries due to their prevalence and the adverse effects they can cause to public health, food safety, and the economy. The standards that determine whether a given type of [...] Read more.

Foodborne pathogens are an important diagnostic target for the food, beverage, and health care industries due to their prevalence and the adverse effects they can cause to public health, food safety, and the economy. The standards that determine whether a given type of food is fit for consumption are set by governments and must be taken into account when designing a new diagnostic tool such as a biosensor platform. In order to meet these stringent detection limits, cost, and reliability standards, recent research has been focused on developing lab-on-a-chip-based approaches for detection devices that use microfluidic channels and platforms. The microfluidics-based devices are designed, developed, and used in different ways to achieve the established common standards for food pathogen testing that enable high throughput, rapid detection, low sample volume, and minimal pretreatment procedures. Combining microfluidic approaches with electrochemical biosensing could offer affordable, portable, and easy to use devices for food pathogen diagnostics. This review presents an analysis of the established common standards and the recent progress made in electrochemical sensors toward the development of future lab-on-a-chip devices that will aid ‘collection-to-detection’ using a single method and platform. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Issue of Biosensors and Bioelectronic Devices Section)

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30 pages, 29351 KiB

Open AccessReview

Impedimetric Sensing: An Emerging Tool for Combating the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Victor Ong, Ali Soleimani, Farbod Amirghasemi, Sina Khazaee Nejad, Mona Abdelmonem, Meisam Razaviyayn, Parisa Hosseinzadeh, Lucio Comai and Maral P. S. Mousavi

Biosensors 2023, 13(2), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13020204 - 30 Jan 2023

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3394

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed a pressing need for the development of sensitive and low-cost point-of-care sensors for disease diagnosis. The current standard of care for COVID-19 is quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). This method is sensitive, but takes time, effort, and [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed a pressing need for the development of sensitive and low-cost point-of-care sensors for disease diagnosis. The current standard of care for COVID-19 is quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). This method is sensitive, but takes time, effort, and requires specialized equipment and reagents to be performed correctly. This make it unsuitable for widespread, rapid testing and causes poor individual and policy decision-making. Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are a widely used alternative that provide results quickly but have low sensitivity and are prone to false negatives, particularly in cases with lower viral burden. Electrochemical sensors have shown much promise in filling this technology gap, and impedance spectroscopy specifically has exciting potential in rapid screening of COVID-19. Due to the data-rich nature of impedance measurements performed at different frequencies, this method lends itself to machine-leaning (ML) algorithms for further data processing. This review summarizes the current state of impedance spectroscopy-based point-of-care sensors for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This article also suggests future directions to address the technology’s current limitations to move forward in this current pandemic and prepare for future outbreaks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Issue of Biosensors and Bioelectronic Devices Section)

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27 pages, 2871 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advancements in CRISPR-Based Biosensing for Next-Gen Point of Care Diagnostic Application

by Akash Kumaran, Nathan Jude Serpes, Tisha Gupta, Abija James, Avinash Sharma, Deepak Kumar, Rupak Nagraik, Vaneet Kumar and Sadanand Pandey

Biosensors 2023, 13(2), 202; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13020202 - 29 Jan 2023

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 6711

Abstract

With the move of molecular tests from diagnostic labs to on-site testing becoming more common, there is a sudden rise in demand for nucleic acid-based diagnostic tools that are selective, sensitive, flexible to terrain changes, and cost-effective to assist in point-of-care systems for [...] Read more.

With the move of molecular tests from diagnostic labs to on-site testing becoming more common, there is a sudden rise in demand for nucleic acid-based diagnostic tools that are selective, sensitive, flexible to terrain changes, and cost-effective to assist in point-of-care systems for large-scale screening and to be used in remote locations in cases of outbreaks and pandemics. CRISPR-based biosensors comprise a promising new approach to nucleic acid detection, which uses Cas effector proteins (Cas9, Cas12, and Cas13) as extremely specialized identification components that may be used in conjunction with a variety of readout approaches (such as fluorescence, colorimetry, potentiometry, lateral flow assay, etc.) for onsite analysis. In this review, we cover some technical aspects of integrating the CRISPR Cas system with traditional biosensing readout methods and amplification technologies such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and continue to elaborate on the prospects of the developed biosensor in the detection of some major viral and bacterial diseases. Within the scope of this article, we also discuss the recent COVID pandemic and the numerous CRISPR biosensors that have undergone development since its advent. Finally, we discuss some challenges and future prospects of CRISPR Cas systems in point-of-care testing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Issue of Biosensors and Bioelectronic Devices Section)

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29 pages, 6549 KiB

Open AccessReview

Bacterial Membrane Mimetics: From Biosensing to Disease Prevention and Treatment

by Sagar S. Arya, Nada K. Morsy, Deema K. Islayem, Sarah A. Alkhatib, Charalampos Pitsalidis and Anna-Maria Pappa

Biosensors 2023, 13(2), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13020189 - 26 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3617

Abstract

Plasma membrane mimetics can potentially play a vital role in drug discovery and immunotherapy owing to the versatility to assemble facilely cellular membranes on surfaces and/or nanoparticles, allowing for direct assessment of drug/membrane interactions. Recently, bacterial membranes (BMs) have found widespread applications in [...] Read more.

Plasma membrane mimetics can potentially play a vital role in drug discovery and immunotherapy owing to the versatility to assemble facilely cellular membranes on surfaces and/or nanoparticles, allowing for direct assessment of drug/membrane interactions. Recently, bacterial membranes (BMs) have found widespread applications in biomedical research as antibiotic resistance is on the rise, and bacteria-associated infections have become one of the major causes of death worldwide. Over the last decade, BM research has greatly benefited from parallel advancements in nanotechnology and bioelectronics, resulting in multifaceted systems for a variety of sensing and drug discovery applications. As such, BMs coated on electroactive surfaces are a particularly promising label-free platform to investigate interfacial phenomena, as well as interactions with drugs at the first point of contact: the bacterial membrane. Another common approach suggests the use of lipid-coated nanoparticles as a drug carrier system for therapies for infectious diseases and cancer. Herein, we discuss emerging platforms that make use of BMs for biosensing, bioimaging, drug delivery/discovery, and immunotherapy, focusing on bacterial infections and cancer. Further, we detail the synthesis and characteristics of BMs, followed by various models for utilizing them in biomedical applications. The key research areas required to augment the characteristics of bacterial membranes to facilitate wider applicability are also touched upon. Overall, this review provides an interdisciplinary approach to exploit the potential of BMs and current emerging technologies to generate novel solutions to unmet clinical needs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Issue of Biosensors and Bioelectronic Devices Section)

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21 pages, 2988 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Analyte Sensing with Catalytic Micromotors

by Mihail N. Popescu and Szilveszter Gáspár

Biosensors 2023, 13(1), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13010045 - 28 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2128

Abstract

Catalytic micromotors can be used to detect molecules of interest in several ways. The straightforward approach is to use such motors as sensors of their “fuel” (i.e., of the species consumed for self-propulsion). Another way is in the detection of species which are [...] Read more.

Catalytic micromotors can be used to detect molecules of interest in several ways. The straightforward approach is to use such motors as sensors of their “fuel” (i.e., of the species consumed for self-propulsion). Another way is in the detection of species which are not fuel but still modulate the catalytic processes facilitating self-propulsion. Both of these require analysis of the motion of the micromotors because the speed (or the diffusion coefficient) of the micromotors is the analytical signal. Alternatively, catalytic micromotors can be used as the means to enhance mass transport, and thus increase the probability of specific recognition events in the sample. This latter approach is based on “classic” (e.g., electrochemical) analytical signals and does not require an analysis of the motion of the micromotors. Together with a discussion of the current limitations faced by sensing concepts based on the speed (or diffusion coefficient) of catalytic micromotors, we review the findings of the studies devoted to the analytical performances of catalytic micromotor sensors. We conclude that the qualitative (rather than quantitative) analysis of small samples, in resource poor environments, is the most promising niche for the catalytic micromotors in analytical chemistry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Issue of Biosensors and Bioelectronic Devices Section)

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33 pages, 3225 KiB

Open AccessReview

Carbon Nanotube (CNT)-Based Biosensors

by David C. Ferrier and Kevin C. Honeychurch

Biosensors 2021, 11(12), 486; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios11120486 - 29 Nov 2021

Cited by 119 | Viewed by 12613

Abstract

This review focuses on recent advances in the application of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for the development of sensors and biosensors. The paper discusses various configurations of these devices, including their integration in analytical devices. Carbon nanotube-based sensors have been developed for a broad [...] Read more.

This review focuses on recent advances in the application of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for the development of sensors and biosensors. The paper discusses various configurations of these devices, including their integration in analytical devices. Carbon nanotube-based sensors have been developed for a broad range of applications including electrochemical sensors for food safety, optical sensors for heavy metal detection, and field-effect devices for virus detection. However, as yet there are only a few examples of carbon nanotube-based sensors that have reached the marketplace. Challenges still hamper the real-world application of carbon nanotube-based sensors, primarily, the integration of carbon nanotube sensing elements into analytical devices and fabrication on an industrial scale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Issue of Biosensors and Bioelectronic Devices Section)

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23 pages, 7544 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Recent Advances in the Fabrication and Functionalization of Flexible Optical Biosensors: Toward Smart Life-Sciences Applications

by Bruno Miranda, Ilaria Rea, Principia Dardano, Luca De Stefano and Carlo Forestiere

Biosensors 2021, 11(4), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios11040107 - 4 Apr 2021

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 6390

Abstract

Over the last 30 years, optical biosensors based on nanostructured materials have obtained increasing interest since they allow the screening of a wide variety of biomolecules with high specificity, low limits of detection, and great sensitivity. Among them, flexible optical platforms have the [...] Read more.

Over the last 30 years, optical biosensors based on nanostructured materials have obtained increasing interest since they allow the screening of a wide variety of biomolecules with high specificity, low limits of detection, and great sensitivity. Among them, flexible optical platforms have the advantage of adapting to non-planar surfaces, suitable for in vivo and real-time monitoring of diseases and assessment of food safety. In this review, we summarize the newest and most advanced platforms coupling optically active materials (noble metal nanoparticles) and flexible substrates giving rise to hybrid nanomaterials and/or nanocomposites, whose performances are comparable to the ones obtained with hard substrates (e.g., glass and semiconductors). We focus on localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR)-based and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-based biosensors. We show that large-scale, cost-effective plasmonic platforms can be realized with the currently available techniques and we emphasize the open issues associated with this topic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Issue of Biosensors and Bioelectronic Devices Section)

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