Electrochemical immunosensors for the simultaneous detection of two tumor markers

A review of the role of graphene-based nanomaterials in tackling challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic

In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic due to the emergence of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) which had resulted by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). At present, the emergence of many new variants and mutants were found to be more harmful compared to the previous strains. As a result, research scientists around the world had devoted significant efforts to understand the mechanism, causes and transmission due to COVID-19 along with the treatment to cure these diseases. However, despite achieving several findings, much more was unknown and yet to be explored. Hence, along with these developments, it is also extremely essential to design effective systems by incorporating smart materials to battle the COVID-19. Therefore, several approaches have been implemented to combat against COVID-19. Recently, the graphene-based materials have been explored for the current COVID-19 and future pandemics due to its superior physicochemical properties, providing efficient nanoplatforms for optical and electrochemical sensing and diagnostic applications with high sensitivity and selectivity. Moreover, based on the photothermal effects or reactive oxygen species formation, the carbon-based nanomaterials have shown its potentiality for targeted antiviral drug delivery and the inhibitory effects against pathogenic viruses. Therefore, this review article sheds light on the recent progress and the most promising strategies related to graphene and related materials and its applications for detection, decontamination, diagnosis, and protection against COVID-19. In addition, the key challenges and future directives are discussed in detail for fundamental design and development of technologies based on graphene-based materials along with the demand aspects of graphene-based products and lastly, our personal opinions on the appropriate approaches to improve these technologies respectively.

Simultaneous Determination of Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim from Clinical Urine and Blood Serum Samples by the Application of Poly(Cu2P4BCL4)/GCE

Synthetic antibiotics known as sulfonamides suppress the synthesis of tetrahydrofolic acid, which cures respiratory tract infections and protozoal infections by preventing the creation of dihydrofolic acid. Electrochemical sensors based on tetrakis(1,10-phenanthroline)-μ-(4,4'-bipyridine) dicopper(II) chloride monohydrate ([P2Cu-Bip-CuP2]Cl4·H2O or simply Cu2P4BCl4) have been successfully applied for the determination of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and trimethoprim (TMP) from samples. The experimental conditions and parameters were optimized to achieve the best electrode performances for simultaneous quantification of SMX and TMP. Based on the analysis of the effect of scan rate on the peak parameters, the R 2 for the peak current vs square root of the scan rate was greater than that of the peak current vs scan rate, indicating diffusion-controlled behavior of both species. The current intensities of both SMX and TMP were highly improved due to surface activation of the electrodes by electropolymerization. For SMX, the limit of detection was determined to be 27.94 nM, while for TMP, it was 21.56 nM, and the limit of quantifications was 71.88 nM, and the corresponding relative standard deviation for each was 0.74% and 0.11%. The constructed electrode was stored for varying durations ranging from two h to 2 days, and it was found to be above 97% stable after storing for 15 days. The real applicability of the suggested sensor for the simultaneous determination of SMX and TMP was verified by sensing clinical serum and urine samples and their spike recovery studies.

Progress in Electrochemical Immunosensors with Alkaline Phosphatase as the Signal Label

Electrochemical immunosensors have shown great potential in clinical diagnosis, food safety, environmental protection, and other fields. The feasible and innovative combination of enzyme catalysis and other signal-amplified elements has yielded exciting progress in the development of electrochemical immunosensors. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is one of the most popularly used enzyme reporters in bioassays. It has been widely utilized to design electrochemical immunosensors owing to its significant advantages (e.g., high catalytic activity, high turnover number, and excellent substrate specificity). In this work, we summarized the achievements of electrochemical immunosensors with ALP as the signal reporter. We mainly focused on detection principles and signal amplification strategies and briefly discussed the challenges regarding how to further improve the performance of ALP-based immunoassays.

Nucleic acid aptamer-based biosensors and their application in thrombin analysis

Thrombin is a multifunctional serine protease that plays an important role in coagulation and anticoagulation processes. Aptamers have been widely applied in biosensors due to their high specificity, low cost and good biocompatibility. This review summarizes recent advances in thrombin quantification using aptamer-based biosensors. The primary focus is optical sensors and electrochemical sensors, along with their applications in thrombin analysis and disease diagnosis.

Recent Developments in Electrochemical Sensors for the Detection of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

The development of efficient point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tools for detecting infectious diseases caused by destructive pathogens plays an important role in clinical and environmental monitoring. Nevertheless, evolving complex and inconsistent antibiotic-resistant species mire their drug efficacy. In this regard, substantial effort has been expended to develop electrochemical sensors, which have gained significant interest for advancing POC testing with rapid and accurate detection of resistant bacteria at a low cost compared to conventional phenotype methods. This review concentrates on the recent developments in electrochemical sensing techniques that have been applied to assess the diverse latent antibiotic resistances of pathogenic bacteria. It deliberates the prominence of biorecognition probes and tailor-made nanomaterials used in electrochemical antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST). In addition, the bimodal functional efficacy of nanomaterials that can serve as potential transducer electrodes and the antimicrobial agent was investigated to meet the current requirements in designing sensor module development. In the final section, we discuss the challenges with contemporary AST sensor techniques and extend the key ideas to meet the demands of the next POC electrochemical sensors and antibiotic design modules in the healthcare sector.

Single-Layer-Graphene-Coated and Gold-Film-Based Surface Plasmon Resonance Prism Coupler Sensor for Immunoglobulin G Detection

A graphene-based surface plasmon resonance (SPR) prism coupler sensor is proposed for the rapid detection of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. The feasibility of the proposed sensor is demonstrated by measuring the IgG concentration in phantom mouse and human serum solutions over the range of 0–250 ng/mL. The results show that the circular dichroism and principal fast axis angle of linear birefringence increase in line with increases in IgG concentration over the considered range. Moreover, the proposed device has a resolution of 5–10 ng/mL and a response time of less than three minutes. In general, the sensor provides a promising approach for IgG detection and has significant potential for rapid infectious viral disease testing applications.

3D printed enzymatic microchip for multiplexed electrochemical biosensing

The low-cost e-fabrication of specialized multianalyte biosensors within the point-of-care (POC) settings in a few minutes remains a great challenge. Unlike prefabricated biosensors, 3D printing seems to be able to meet this challenge, empowering the end user with the freedom to create on-demand devices adapted to immediate bioanalytical need. Here, we describe a novel miniature all-3D-printed 4-electrode biochip, capable of the simultaneous determination of different biomarkers in a single assay. The chip is utterly fabricated via an one-step 3D printing process and it is connected to a mini portable bi-potentiostant, permitting simultaneous measurements. The bioanalytical capability of the microchip is demonstrated through the simultaneous amperometric determination of two cardiac biomarkers (cholesterol and choline) in the same blood droplet, via enzymatic assays developed on its two tiny integrated electrodes. The simultaneous determination of cholesterol and choline is free from cross-talk phenomena and interferences offering limits of detection much lower than the cut-off levels of these biomarkers in blood for coronary syndromes. The biodevice is an easy-constructed, low-cost, sensitive and e-transferable POC chip with wide scope of applicability to other enzymatic bioassays.

Paper-based analytical devices for virus detection: Recent strategies for current and future pandemics

The importance of user-friendly, inexpensive, sensitive, and selective detection of viruses has been highlighted again due to the recent Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Among the analytical tools, paper-based devices (PADs) have become a leading alternative for point-of-care (POC) testing. In this review, we discuss the recent development strategies and applications in nucleic acid-based, antibody/antigen-based and other affinity-based PADs using optical and electrochemical detection methods for sensing viruses. In addition, advantages and drawbacks of presented PADs are identified. Current state and insights towards future perspectives are presented regarding developing POC diagnosis platform for COVID-19. This review considers state-of-the-art technologies for further development and improvement in PADs performance for virus detection.

Colorimetric immunosensor based on glassy carbon microspheres test strips for the detection of prostate-specific antigen

Micro-sized glassy carbon microspheres (GCMs, typically 3 μm in diameter) instead of nano-sized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs, typically 20 nm in diameter) were for the first time used as signal markers for the quantitative detection of antigen such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA). After being treated with concentrated HNO3, GCMs bear carboxyl groups at their surfaces, which enables antibodies to be conjugated with GCMs to yield new type of micro-sized material-based colorimetric probes used for immunochromatographic test strips (ICTSs). The captured black GCMs (with strong and wide-band light absorption) on the T-line of ICTS were used both for qualitative and quantitative determination of PSA. In the case of quantitative determination, a lab-assembled optical strip reader system was used to measure the reflected LED light intensity at 550 nm. The sensing performances of the developed GCM-based ICTSs, such as sensitivity, selectivity, reproducibility, stability, and applicability, were investigated in detail. The developed GCM-based ICTSs can have much higher (3 times) detection sensitivity than AuNP-based ICTSs, showing promising applications in sensitive immunoassay.

A review of biosensors for the detection of B-type natriuretic peptide as an important cardiovascular biomarker

Heart disease, as the most serious threat to human health globally, is responsible for rising mortality rates, largely due to lifestyle and diet. Unfortunately, the main problem for patients at high risk of heart disease is the validation of prognostic tests. To this end, the detection of cardiovascular biomarkers has been employed to obtain pathological and physiological information in order to improve prognosis and early-stage diagnosis of chronic heart failure. Short-term changes in B-type natriuretic peptide are known as a standard and important biomarker for diagnosis of heart failure. The most important problem for detection is low concentration and short half-life in the blood. The normal concentration of BNP in blood is less than 7 nM (25 pg/mL), which increases significantly to more than 80 pg/mL. Therefore, the development of new biosensors with better sensitivity, detection limit, and dynamic range than current commercial kits is urgently needed. This review classifies the biosensors designed for detection of BNP into electrochemical, optical, microfluidic, and lateral-flow immunoassay techniques. The review clearly demonstrates that a variety of immunoassay, aptasensor, enzymatic and catalytic nanomaterials, and fluorophores have been successfully employed for detection of BNP at low attomolar ranges. Dtection of B-type natriuretic peptide with biosensors.

Preparation of IgG imprinted polymers by metal-free visible-light-induced ATRP and its application in biosensor

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is related to the occurrence of many diseases, such as measles and inflammatory. In this paper, IgG imprinted polymers (IgGIPs) were fabricated on the surface of nano Au/nano Ni modified Au electrode (IgGIPs/AuNCs/NiNCs/Au) via metal-free visible-light-induced atom transfer radical polymerization (MVL ATRP). The IgGIPs were prepared by IgG conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC-IgG) as both a template and a photocatalyst. After the templates were removed, the photocatalysts (FITC) would not remain in the polymer and avoided all the effect of catalysts on the electrode. The fabricated electrodes were examined by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Under the optimized conditions, IgGIPs/AuNCs/NiNCs/Au was prepared and used as an electrochemical biosensor. The biosensor could be successfully applied for the determination of IgG by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) measurement. The results showed that the proposed biosensor displayed a broader linear range and a lower detection limit for IgG determination when it was compared to those similar IgG sensors. The linear range from 1.0 × 10-6 mg L-1 to 1.0 × 101 mg L-1 was obtained with a low detection limit (LOD) of 2.0 × 10-8 mg L-1 (S/N = 3). Briefly, the biosensor in this study introduced an easy and non-toxic method for IgG determination and also provided a progressive approach for designing protein imprinted polymers.

Recent advances in nanomaterials based biosensors for point of care (PoC) diagnosis of Covid-19 - A minireview

Early diagnosis and ultrahigh sample throughput screening are the need of the hour to control the geological spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Traditional laboratory tests such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and computed tomography are implemented for the detection of COVID-19. However, they are limited by the laborious sample collection and processing procedures, longer wait time for test results and skilled technicians to operate sophisticated facilities. In this context, the point of care (PoC) diagnostic platform has proven to be the prospective approach in addressing the abovementioned challenges. This review emphasizes the mechanism of viral infection spread detailing the host-virus interaction, pathophysiology, and the recent advances in the development of affordable PoC diagnostic platforms for rapid and accurate diagnosis of COVID-19. First, the well-established optical and electrochemical biosensors are discussed. Subsequently, the recent advances in the development of PoC biosensors, including lateral flow immunoassays and other emerging techniques, are highlighted. Finally, a focus on integrating nanotechnology with wearables and smartphones to develop smart nanobiosensors is outlined, which could promote COVID-19 diagnosis accessible to both individuals and the mass population at patient care.

Multiplex bioassaying of cancer proteins and biomacromolecules: Nanotechnological, structural and technical perspectives

Since the specific proteins (carbohydrate antigens, ligands and interleukins) get raised up in body tissue or fluids in cancer cases, early detection of them will provide an effective treatment and survival rate. Sensitive and accurate determination of multiple cancer proteins can be engaged in chorus by simultaneous/multiplex detection in the biomedical fields. Bioassaying technology is one of the non-invasive, high-sensitive, and economical methods. Currently, extensive application of nanomaterial (biocompatible polymers, metallic and metal oxide) in bioassays resulted in ultra-high sensitive and selective diagnosis. This review article focuses on types of multiplex bioassays for delicate and specific determination of cancer proteins for diagnostic aims. It also covers two modes of multiplex bioassays as multi labeled bioassays and spatially-separated test zones (multi-electrode mode). In this review, the nanotechnological, structural, and technical perspectives in the multiplex analysis of cancer proteins were discussed. Finally, the use of different types of nanomaterials, polysaccharides, biopolymers and their advantages in signal amplification are discussed.

Fabrication of a sensitive label free electrochemical immunosensor for detection of prostate specific antigen using functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes/polyaniline/AuNPs

The aim of this research is to introduce a novel label free electrochemical immunosensor based on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with carboxylated carbon nanotubes (COOH-MWCNTs)/polyaniline (PANI)/gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for the detection of prostate specific antigen (PSA). The AuNPs were utilized as a connector for PSA antibody immobilization through NH₂ groups on antibody. Investigations on modified electrode surface were performed by FT-IR spectrum, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) to evaluate the synthesized nanocomposite and modified electrode surface. As a sensitive analytical method for the detection of PSA, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was employed in different ranges of antigen concentration, 1.66 ag·mL^-1 to 1.3 ng·mL^-1. In addition, the detection limit was obtained 0.5 pg·mL^-1, from the linear relationship between antigen concentration log and peak current. Also, the proposed immunosensor was carried out for the determination of PSA in human serum samples, indicating recoveries ranging from 92 to 104%. Finally, it should be noted that the reproducibility and specificity, along with the stability of the present immunosensor were examined, and satisfactory findings were obtained, thus proving it as a promising PSA immunosensor.

Integrated hand-powered centrifugation and paper-based diagnosis with blood-in/answer-out capabilities

To date, 55% of inhabitants of the developing world still live in rural regions and they have a very urgent need to improve the level of disease diagnosis, especially in resource-limited settings. Herein, we present a microfluidic system that centrifuges whole blood and quantifies contained biomarkers in a rapid, feasible and integrated way. Such a device provides a blood-in/answer-out capability and is small enough to be carried by any individual in any environment. The successful integration a hand-powered centrifuge and immunoassay unit within a rotational paper-based device allows for diagnostic application by untrained users and in environments where access to electricity cannot be assumed. In addition, the low cost (~$ 0.5), light weight and small instrumental footprint make the device ideally suited for rapid on-site detection. To validate the applicability of the system in a clinical diagnostic testing, we successfully perform enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis of carcinoembryonic antigen and alpha fetoprotein from human blood samples. We expect that this powerful platform technology will provide the opportunities for point-of-care diagnosis in resource-limited settings.

Nanostructured Chemoresistive Sensors for Oncological Screening and Tumor Markers Tracking: Single Sensor Approach Applications on Human Blood and Cell Samples

Preventive screening does not only allow to preemptively intervene on pathologies before they can harm the host; but also to reduce the costs of the intervention itself; boosting the efficiency of the NHS (National Health System) by saving resources for other purposes. To improve technology advancements in this field; user-friendly yet low-cost devices are required; and various applications for gas sensors have been tested and proved reliable in past studies. In this work; cell cultures and blood samples have been studied; using nanostructured chemoresistive sensors; to both verify if this technology can reliably detect tumor markers; and if correlations between responses from tumor line metabolites and the screening outcomes on human specimens could be observed. The results showed how sensors responded differently to the emanations from healthy and mutant (for cells) or tumor affected (for blood) samples, and how those results were consistent between them, since the tumoral specimens had higher responses compared to the ones of their healthy counterparts. Even though the patterns in the responses require a bigger population to be defined properly; it appeared that the different macro-groups between the same kind of samples are distinguishable from some of the sensors chosen in the study; giving promising outcomes for further research.

The Role of Electrochemical Immunosensors in Clinical Analysis

An immunosensor is a kind of affinity biosensor based on interactions between an antigen and specific antigen immobilized on a transducer surface. Immunosensors possess high selectivity and sensitivity due to the specific binding between antibody and corresponding antigen, making them a suitable platform for several applications especially in the medical and bioanalysis fields. Electrochemical immunosensors rely on the measurements of an electrical signal recorded by an electrochemical transducer and can be classed as amperometric, potentiometric, conductometric, or impedimetric depending on the signal type. Among the immunosensors, electrochemical immunosensors have been more perfected due to their simplicity and, especially their ability to be portable, and for in situ or automated detection. This review addresses the potential of immunosensors destined for application in clinical analysis, especially cancer biomarker diagnosis. The emphasis is on the approaches used to fabricate electrochemical immunosensors. A general overview of recent applications of the developed electrochemical immunosensors in the clinical approach is described.

Label-Free Flow Multiplex Biosensing via Photonic Crystal Surface Mode Detection

Circulating cancer markers are metabolic products found in body fluids of cancer patients, which are specific for a certain type of malignant tumors. Cancer marker detection plays a key role in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and disease monitoring. The growing need for early cancer diagnosis requires quick and sensitive analytical approaches to detection of cancer markers. The approach based on the photonic crystal surface mode (PC SM) detection has been developed as a label-free high-precision biosensing technique. It allows real-time monitoring of molecular and cellular interactions using independent recording of the total internal reflection angle and the excitation angle of the PC surface wave. We used the PC SM technique for simultaneous detection of the ovarian cancer marker cancer antigen 125 and two breast cancer markers, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 and cancer antigen 15-3. The new assay is based on the real-time flow detection of specific interaction between the antigens and capture antibodies. Its particular advantage is the possibility of multichannel recording with the same chip, which can be used for multiplexed detection of several cancer markers in a single experiment. The developed approach demonstrates high specificity and sensitivity for detection of all three biomarkers.

Determination of cholic acid in body fluids by β‑cyclodextrin-modified N-doped carbon dot fluorescent probes

An easy, dependable, and sensitive cholic acid activity experiment was designed based on β‑cyclodextrin-modified carbon dot (β‑CD-CD) nanoprobes with specific host-guest recognizing ability and photoelectron transfer capability. The β‑CD-CD nanoprobes were characterized by infrared, ultraviolet-visible, and fluorescence spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The fluorescence of the probes under optimized conditions linearly responded to cholic acid concentration from 0 to 650 μmol·L^-1 with a detection limit of 25 nmol·L^-1. The probes also performed well in detecting cholic acid in serum and urine samples with an average recovery rate of 97.1%-103.4%. Thus, this study provides a reliable, rapid, and easy method of cholic acid detection in body fluids that can be potentially applied in medical studies.

Multiparametric detection of bacterial contamination based on the photonic crystal surface mode detection

Conventional techniques for food and water quality control and environmental monitoring in general have a number of drawbacks. Below we propose a label-free highly accurate analytical technique for multiplex detection of biomarkers based on the analysis of propagation of Bloch waves on the surface of a photonic crystal. The technique can be used to measure molecular and cell affinity interactions in real time by recording critical and excitation angles of the surface wave on the surface of a photonic crystal. Based on the analysis of photonic crystal surface modes, we elaborated a protocol for the detection of the exotoxin A of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the heat-labile toxin LT of Escherichia coli. The protocol exploits detection of affinity interactions between antigens pumped through a microfluidic cell and detector antibodies conjugated to the chemically activated silica chip. The proposed technique is highly sensitive, cheap and less time-consuming in comparison with surface plasmon resonance.

Simply and sensitively simultaneous detection hepatocellular carcinoma markers AFP and miRNA-122 by a label-free resonance light scattering sensor

In this study, an intelligent and label-free sensor is utilized for the first time to one-spot simultaneous detection hepatocellular carcinoma markers AFP and miRNA-122 by a resonance light scattering (RLS) sensor. cDNA1 hybridizes with cDNA2 to form double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). The construction of dsDNA and methyl violet is used to form the RLS sensor via the electronic interaction. When AFP or miRNA-122 is present, the cDNA (cDNA1 or cDNA2) can bindings of target, thereby RLS intensity changed proportionally with the concentration of AFP or that of miRNA-122. The detection limits of AFP and miRNA-122 are 0.94 μg/L and 98 pM respectively, and their good linear which ranges from 5 to 100 μg/L and 200 pM to 10 nM are achieved using the assay. In the presence of miRNA-122 and AFP mixtures, AFP bound to the AFP aptamer to increase the RLS signal, and miRNA-122 bound to the miRNA-122 complementary strand to decrease the RLS signal. The RLS signal changed in response to changing AFP and miRNA-122 concentrations, so that one-spot simultaneous detection of alpha fetal protein and miRNA-122 is achieved. This method has potential practical applications in the research of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Lab-on-a-chip electrical multiplexing techniques for cellular and molecular biomarker detection

Signal multiplexing is vital to develop lab-on-a-chip devices that can detect and quantify multiple cellular and molecular biomarkers with high throughput, short analysis time, and low cost. Electrical detection of biomarkers has been widely used in lab-on-a-chip devices because it requires less external equipment and simple signal processing and provides higher scalability. Various electrical multiplexing for lab-on-a-chip devices have been developed for comprehensive, high throughput, and rapid analysis of biomarkers. In this paper, we first briefly introduce the widely used electrochemical and electrical impedance sensing methods. Next, we focus on reviewing various electrical multiplexing techniques that had achieved certain successes on rapid cellular and molecular biomarker detection, including direct methods (spatial and time multiplexing), and emerging technologies (frequency, codes, particle-based multiplexing). Lastly, the future opportunities and challenges on electrical multiplexing techniques are also discussed.

Fast and Sensitive Ellipsometry-Based Biosensing

In this work, a biosensing method based on in situ, fast, and sensitive measurements of ellipsometric parameters (Ψ, ∆) is proposed. Bare silicon wafer substrate is functionalized and used to bind biomolecules in the solution. Coupled with a 45° dual-drive symmetric photoelastic modulator-based ellipsometry, the parameters Ψ and ∆ of biolayer arising due to biomolecular interactions are determined directly, and the refractive index (RI) of the solution and the effective thickness and surface mass density of the biolayer for various interaction time can be further monitored simultaneously. To illustrate the performance of the biosensing method, immunosensing for immunoglobulin G (IgG) was taken as a case study. The experiment results show that the biosensor response of the limit of detection for IgG is 15 ng/mL, and the data collection time is in milliseconds. Moreover, the method demonstrates a good specificity. Such technique is a promising candidate in developing a novel sensor which can realize fast and sensitive, label-free, easy operation, and cost-effective biosensing.

Mini Review: Nanosheet Technology towards Biomedical Application

The fabrication technique of ultrathin film (commonly known as nanosheets) has been significantly developed over the years. Due to the mechanical properties of nanosheets, such as high levels of adhesion and flexibility, this made nanosheets the ideal candidate in biomedical applications. In this review, innovative biomedical applications of nanosheets are discussed, which include, drug delivery, wound treatment, and functional nanosheets towards flexible biodevices, etc. Finally, the future outlook of nanosheet technology towards a biomedical application is discussed.

Separation and dual detection of prostate cancer cells and protein biomarkers using a microchip device

Current efforts for the detection of prostate cancer using only prostate specific antigen are not ideal and indicate a need to develop new assays - using multiple targets - that can more accurately stratify disease states. We previously introduced a device capable of the concurrent detection of cellular and molecular markers from a single sample fluid. Here, an improved design, which achieves affinity as well as size-based separation of captured targets using antibody-conjugated magnetic beads and a silicon chip containing micro-apertures, is presented. Upon injection of the sample, the integration of magnetic attraction with the micro-aperture chip permits larger cell-bead complexes to be isolated in an upper chamber with the smaller protein-bead complexes and remaining beads passing through the micro-apertures into the lower chamber. This enhances captured cell purity for on chip quantification, allows the separate retrieval of captured cells and proteins for downstream analysis, and enables higher bead concentrations for improved multiplexed ligand targeting. Using LNCaP cells and prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) to model prostate cancer, the device was able to detect 34 pM of spiked PSMA and achieve a cell capture efficiency of 93% from culture media. LNCaP cells and PSMA were then spiked into diluted healthy human blood to mimic a cancer patient. The device enabled the detection of spiked PSMA (relative to endogenous PSMA) while recovering 85-90% of LNCaP cells which illustrated the potential of new assays for the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Multiplex Immunosensor Arrays for Electrochemical Detection of Cancer Biomarker Proteins

Measuring panels of protein biomarkers offer a new personalized approach to early cancer detection, disease monitoring and patients' response to therapy. Multiplex electrochemical methods are uniquely positioned to provide faster, more sensitive, point of care (POC) devices to detect protein biomarkers for clinical diagnosis. Nanomaterials-based electrochemical methods offer sensitivity needed for early cancer detection. This review discusses recent advances in multiplex electrochemical immunosensors for cancer diagnostics and disease monitoring. Different electrochemical strategies including enzyme-based immunoarrays, nanoparticle-based immunoarrays and electrochemiluminescence methods are discussed. Many of these methods have been integrated into microfluidic systems, but measurement of more than 2-4 protein markers in a small single serum sample is still a challenge. For POC applications, a simple, low cost method is required. Major challenges in multiplexed microfluidic immunoassays are reagent additions and washing steps that require creative engineering solutions. 3-D printed microfluidics and paper-based microfluidic devices are also explored.

New approach for monitoring fish stress: A novel enzyme-functionalized label-free immunosensor system for detecting cortisol levels in fish

Fishes display a wide variation in their physiological responses to stress, which is clearly evident in the plasma corticosteroid changes, chiefly cortisol levels in fish. As a well-known indicator of fish stress, a simple and rapid method for detecting cortisol changes especially sudden increases is desired. In this study, we describe an enzyme-functionalized label-free immunosensor system for detecting fish cortisol levels. Detection of cortisol using amperometry was achieved by immobilizing both anti-cortisol antibody (selective detection of cortisol) and glucose oxidase (signal amplification and non-toxic measurement) on an Au electrode surface with a self-assembled monolayer. This system is based on the maximum glucose oxidation output current change induced by the generation of a non-conductive antigen-antibody complex, which depends on the levels of cortisol in the sample. The immunosensor responded to cortisol levels with a linear decrease in the current in the range of 1.25-200ngml^-1 (R=0.964). Since the dynamic range of the sensor can cover the normal range of plasma cortisol in fish, the samples obtained from the fish did not need to be diluted. Further, electrochemical measurement of one sample required only ~30min. The sensor system was applied to determine the cortisol levels in plasma sampled from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), which were then compared with levels of the same samples determined using the conventional method (ELISA). Values determined using both methods were well correlated. These findings suggest that the proposed label-free immunosensor could be useful for rapid and convenient analysis of cortisol levels in fish without sample dilution. We also believe that the proposed system could be integrated in a miniaturized potentiostat for point-of-care cortisol detection and useful as a portable diagnostic in fish farms in the future.

Enzyme Biosensors for Biomedical Applications: Strategies for Safeguarding Analytical Performances in Biological Fluids

Enzyme-based chemical biosensors are based on biological recognition. In order to operate, the enzymes must be available to catalyze a specific biochemical reaction and be stable under the normal operating conditions of the biosensor. Design of biosensors is based on knowledge about the target analyte, as well as the complexity of the matrix in which the analyte has to be quantified. This article reviews the problems resulting from the interaction of enzyme-based amperometric biosensors with complex biological matrices containing the target analyte(s). One of the most challenging disadvantages of amperometric enzyme-based biosensor detection is signal reduction from fouling agents and interference from chemicals present in the sample matrix. This article, therefore, investigates the principles of functioning of enzymatic biosensors, their analytical performance over time and the strategies used to optimize their performance. Moreover, the composition of biological fluids as a function of their interaction with biosensing will be presented.

Ultrasensitive electrochemical immunosensor for quantitative detection of tumor specific growth factor by using Ag@CeO2 nanocomposite as labels

In this paper, an ultrasensitive electrochemical immunosensor was developed for the detection of tumor specific growth factor (TSGF). Reduced graphene oxide-tetraethylene pentamine (rGO-TEPA) was used to modify the surface of glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Meanwhile, Ag@CeO2 nanocomposite was synthesized and applied as secondary-antibody (Ab2) labels for the fabrication of the immunosensor. The amperometric response of the immunosensor for the reduction of H2O2 was recorded. Simultaneously, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Cyclic voltammetry (CV) were used to characterize the fabrication process of the immunosensor. The anti-TSGF primary antibody (Ab1) was immobilized onto the rGO-TEPA modified GCE via cross-linking with glutaraldehyde (GA). And then the TSGF antigen and Ab2-Ag@CeO2 were modified onto the electrode surface in sequence. Under the optimal conditions, the immunosensor exhibited a wide linear range (0.500-100pg/mL), a low detection limit (0.2pg/mL), good reproducibility, acceptable selectivity and excellent stability. The proposed sensing strategy may provide a potential application in the detection of other cancer biomarkers.

Electrochromic sensing platform based on steric hindrance effects for CEA detection

In this work, an electrochromic sensing platform with prussian blue (PB) as the indicator was proposed for signaling carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) using the bipolar electrode (BPE) system.

Recent advances on developing 3rd generation enzyme electrode for biosensor applications

The electrochemical biosensor with enzyme as biorecognition element is traditionally pursued as an attractive research topic owing to their high commercial perspective in healthcare and environmental sectors. The research interest on the subject is sharply increased since the beginning of 21st century primarily, due to the concomitant increase in knowledge in the field of material science. The remarkable effects of many advance materials such as, conductive polymers and nanomaterials, were acknowledged in the developing efficient 3rd generation enzyme bioelectrodes which offer superior selectivity, sensitivity, reagent less detection, and label free fabrication of biosensors. The present review article compiles the major knowledge surfaced on the subject since its inception incorporating the key review and experimental papers published during the last decade which extensively cover the development on the redox enzyme based 3rd generation electrochemical biosensors. The tenet involved in the function of these direct electrochemistry based enzyme electrodes, their characterizations and various strategies reported so far for their development such as, nanofabrication, polymer based and reconstitution approaches are elucidated. In addition, the possible challenges and the future prospects in the development of efficient biosensors following this direct electrochemistry based principle are discussed. A comparative account on the design strategies and critical performance factors involved in the 3rd generation biosensors among some selected prominent works published on the subject during last decade have also been included in a tabular form for ready reference to the readers.

Novel electrochemical redox-active species: one-step synthesis of polyaniline derivative-Au/Pd and its application for multiplexed immunoassay

Electrochemical redox-active species play crucial role in electrochemically multiplexed immunoassays. A one-pot method for synthesizing four kinds of new electrochemical redox-active species was reported using HAuCl4 and Na2PdCl4 as dual oxidating agents and aniline derivatives as monomers. The synthesized polyaniline derivative-Au/Pd composites, namely poly(N-methyl-o-benzenediamine)-Au/Pd, poly(N-phenyl-o-phenylenediamine)-Au/Pd, poly(N-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine)-Au/Pd and poly(3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine)-Au/Pd, exhibited electrochemical redox activity at -0.65 V, -0.3 V, 0.12 V, and 0.5 V, respectively. Meanwhile, these composites showed high H2O2 electrocatalytic activity because of the presence of Au/Pd. The as-prepared composites were used as electrochemical immunoprobes in simultaneous detection of four tumor biomarkers (carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA199), carbohydrate antigen 72-4 (CA724), and alpha fetoprotein (AFP)). This immunoassay shed light on potential applications in simultaneous gastric cancer (related biomarkers: CEA, CA199, CA724) and liver cancer diagnosis (related biomarkers: CEA, CA199, AFP). The present strategy to the synthesize redox species could be easily extended to other polymers such as polypyrrole derivatives and polythiophene derivatives. This would be of great significance in the electrochemical detection of more analytes.