Sandwich-type immunosensors and immunoassays exploiting nanostructure labels: A review

Aptamer-based sandwich-type biosensors

Sandwich-type biosensor platforms have drawn lots of attentions due to its superior features, compared to other platforms, in terms of its stable and reproducible responses and easy enhancement in the detection sensitivity. The sandwich-type assays can be developed by utilizing a pair of receptors, which bind to the different sites of the same target. In this mini-review paper, the sandwich-type biosensors using either pairs of aptamers or aptamer-antibody pairs are reviewed in terms of its targets and platforms, the schematic designs, and their analytical performance.

Sensitive detection of protein biomarkers using silver nanoparticles enhanced immunofluorescence assay

Detection of biomarkers is extremely important for the early diagnosis of diseases. Here, we developed an easy and highly sensitive fluorescence detection system for the determination of biomarkers by combining the rapid separation of magnetic beads and silver nanoparticles labeled antibodies. An ultrasensitive silver ions fluorescence probe 3', 6'-bis (diethylamino)-2-(2-iodoethyl) spiro[isoindoline-1, 9'-xanthen]-3-one (Ag+-FP) was applied to immunoassay. A significant signal amplification was achieved as the AgNPs can be dissolved by H2O2 and generate numerous Ag+, which would turn "on" the fluorescence of Ag+-FP. Using α-fetoprotein (AFP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) as target analytes, good linear responses were obtained from 0.1 to 10 ng mL-1 and the limits of detection (LOD) were as low as 70 pg·mL-1 and 30 pg·mL-1, respectively. In addition, the developed system was further evaluated for the detection of real samples including 30 positive serum specimens obtained from hepatocarcinoma patients and 20 negative serum samples, and performs as well as the commercial electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLI) method with less cost and more convenience. Thus, the designed detection system can be used as a promising platform for the detection of a variety of biomarkers and served as a powerful tool in clinical diagnosis.

Copper sulfide-functionalized molybdenum disulfide nanohybrids as nanoenzyme mimics for electrochemical immunoassay of myoglobin in cardiovascular disease

Myoglobin is one of the most commonly used cardiac biomarkers for the clinical diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, which is the leading cause of mortality worldwide.

A review of fluorescent signal-based lateral flow immunochromatographic strips

Fluorescent signal-based lateral flow immunochromatographic strips (FLFICS) have received great expectations since they combine the quantitative sensitivity of fluorescence analysis and the simplicity, rapidness, and portability of a common lateral flow immunochromatographic strip (LFICS).

All-in-one dual-aptasensor capable of rapidly quantifying carcinoembryonic antigen

Using a dual DNA aptamer (CEA aptamer linked to hemin aptamer), capable of rapidly capturing carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and hemin, an all-in-one dual-aptasensor with 1,1'-oxalyldiimidazole (ODI) chemiluminescence detection was developed for the early diagnosis of human cancer. CEA and hemin competitively bound with the dual DNA aptamer while the mixture in a detection cell was incubated for 30min at room temperature. When Amplex Red and H₂O₂ were added in the detection cell after the incubation, the yield of resorufin formed from the reaction Amplex Red and H₂O₂ depended on the concentration of HRP-mimicking G-quardruplex DNAzyme formed from the binding interaction between hemin and the dual DNA aptamer. Bright red light was observed with the addition of ODI and H₂O₂ in the detection cell containing resorufin. Relative CL intensity of all-in-one dual-aptasensor, operated with the competitive reaction of CEA and hemin in the presence of the dual aptamer, was exponentially decreased with the increase of CEA concentration in human serum. The limit of detection (LOD=3σ) of the all-in-one dual-aptasensor which operated with excellent accuracy, precision, and reproducibility was as low as 0.58ng/ml. The good correlation between the easy to use all-in-one dual-aptasensor and conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), operated with time consuming procedures (e.g., long incubations and multiple washings), indicates that the rapid all-in-one dual-aptasensor can be applied as a novel clinical tool for the early diagnosis of breast cancer.

Biosensing with Paper-Based Miniaturized Printed Electrodes-A Modern Trend

From the bench-mark work on microfluidics from the Whitesides’s group in 2007, paper technology has experienced significant growth, particularly regarding applications in biomedical research and clinical diagnostics. Besides the structural properties supporting microfluidics, other advantageous features of paper materials, including their versatility, disposability and low cost, show off the great potential for the development of advanced and eco-friendly analytical tools. Consequently, paper was quickly employed in the field of electrochemical sensors, being an ideal material for producing custom, tailored and miniaturized devices. Stencil-, inkjet-, or screen-printing are the preferential techniques for electrode manufacturing. Not surprisingly, we witnessed a rapid increase in the number of publications on paper based screen-printed sensors at the turn of the past decade. Among the sensing strategies, various biosensors, coupling electrochemical detectors with biomolecules, have been proposed. This work provides a critical review and a discussion on the future progress of paper technology in the context of miniaturized printed electrochemical biosensors.

Delivery of minimally dispersed liquid interfaces for sequential surface chemistry

We present a method for sequential delivery of reagents to a reaction site with minimal dispersion of their interfaces. Using segmented flow to encapsulate the reagents as droplets, the dispersion between reagent plugs remains confined in a limited volume, while being transmitted to the reaction surface. In close proximity to the target surface, we use a passive array of microstructures for removal of the oil phase such that the original reagent sequence is reconstructed, and only the aqueous phase reaches the reaction surface. We provide a detailed analysis of the conditions under which the method can be applied and demonstrate maintaining a transition time of 560 ms between reagents transported to a reaction site over a distance of 60 cm. We implemented the method using a vertical microfluidic probe on an open surface, allowing contact-free interaction with biological samples, and demonstrated two examples of assays implemented using the method: measurements of receptor-ligand reaction kinetics and of the fluorescence response of immobilized GFP to local variations in pH. We believe that the method can be useful for studying the dynamic response of cells and proteins to various stimuli, as well as for highly automated multi-step assays.

Magnetic-optical nanohybrids for targeted detection, separation, and photothermal ablation of drug-resistant pathogens

A rapid, sensitive and quantitative immunoassay for the targeted detection and decontamination of E. coli based on Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and plasmonic popcorn-shaped gold nanostructure attached single-walled carbon nanotubes (AuNP@SWCNT) is presented. The MNPs were synthesized as the support for a monoclonal antibody (mAb@MNP). E. coli (49979) was captured and rapidly preconcentrated from the sample with the mAb@MNP, followed by binding with Raman-tagged concanavalin A-AuNP@SWCNTs (Con A-AuNP@SWCNTs) as detector nanoprobes. A Raman tag 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) generated a Raman signal upon 670 nm laser excitation enabling the detection and quantification of E. coli concentration with a limit of detection of 10(2) CFU mL(-1) and a linear logarithmic response range of 1.0 × 10(2) to 1.0 × 10(7) CFU mL(-1). The mAb@MNP could remove more than 98% of E. coli (initial concentration of 1.3 × 10(4) CFU mL(-1)) from water. The potential of the immunoassay to detect E. coli bacteria in real water samples was investigated and the results were compared with the experimental results from the classical count method. There was no statistically significant difference between the two methods (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the MNP/AuNP@SWCNT hybrid system exhibits an enhanced photothermal killing effect. The sandwich-like immunoassay possesses potential for rapid bioanalysis and the simultaneous biosensing of multiple pathogenic agents.

Miniaturized Flow Stacked Immunoassay for Detecting Escherichia coli in a Single Step

Commercially available systems that provide cost-effective, fast, simple, and portable solutions for health and environmental applications are few despite advancements in bioassays and biosensor research. We have developed a new system based on stacked membranes, each layer with a specific function. Samples were added onto the bottom-most layer, and as each layer becomes wet, the analyte pushes through to the next membrane layers. During migration, the analyte attaches with the corresponding antibody, itself conjugated with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) to produce a measurable signal. To prevent false positive results, blocking layer membranes are added to stop unbound antibodies from reaching the top membrane. Thus, only analyte/antibody-HRP complex will generate a signal. In order to prove this concept, Escherichia coli was used as the target analyte. After optimization, our immunoassay sensitivity was adjusted to 100 cells mL(-1). Different environmental water sources were also tested to demonstrate the sensitivity and specificity of our proposed stacked bioassay. Simplicity, low price, sensitivity, and modularity (capability to change to any target analyte) make this idea very promising for future commercialization.

Flotation Immunoassay: Masking the Signal from Free Reporters in Sandwich Immunoassays

In this work, we demonstrate that signal-masking reagents together with appropriate capture antibody carriers can eliminate the washing steps in sandwich immunoassays. A flotation immunoassay (FI) platform was developed with horseradish peroxidase chemiluminescence as the reporter system, the dye Brilliant Blue FCF as the signal-masking reagent, and buoyant silica micro-bubbles as the capture antibody carriers. Only reporters captured on micro-bubbles float above the dye and become visible in an analyte-dependent manner. These FIs are capable of detecting proteins down to attomole levels and as few as 10(6) virus particles. This signal-masking strategy represents a novel approach to simple, sensitive and quantitative immunoassays in both laboratory and point-of-care settings.

Ratiometric electrochemical immunoassay based on internal reference value for reproducible and sensitive detection of tumor marker

A ratiometric assay in an electrochemical immunosensor for tumor marker, herein carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was chosen as a model analyte, was developed to improve simplicity and accuracy. The immunosensor was fabricated via the simple expedient way of using Polythionine-gold (PTh-Au) as electrode modified material to be an internal reference signal and K3[Fe(CN)6] in electrolyte as an indicator signal. When the CEA was fixed on the modified electrode via immunoreaction, only the indicator signal sensitively altered; by contrast, the internal reference signal of PTh-Au remained constant at a suitable pH of the electrolyte. The ratio between the alterations of the indicator signal of K3[Fe(CN)6] and the constant internal reference signal can be used to monitor the concentration of CEA reliably, reproducibly, and sensitively. The prepared ratiometric electrochemical immunosensor could detect CEA with good specificity within a wide linear range from 0.005ng/ml to 40ng/ml with a detection limit of 2.2pg/ml. Additionally, experimental results confirm that our proposed method is practical. Thus, this method can expand to recognize and test other protein markers.

Investigation of Reagent Delivery Formats in a Multivalent Malaria Sandwich Immunoassay and Implications for Assay Performance

Conventional lateral flow tests (LFTs), the current standard bioassay format used in low-resource point-of-care (POC) settings, have limitations that have held back their application in the testing of low concentration analytes requiring high sensitivity and low limits of detection. LFTs use a premix format for a rapid one-step delivery of premixed sample and labeled antibody to the detection region. We have compared the signal characteristics of two types of reagent delivery formats in a model system of a sandwich immunoassay for malarial protein detection. The premix format produced a uniform binding profile within the detection region. In contrast, decoupling the delivery of sample and labeled antibody to the detection region in a sequential format produced a nonuniform binding profile in which the majority of the signal was localized to the upstream edge of the detection region. The assay response was characterized in both the sequential and premix formats. The sequential format had a 4- to 10-fold lower limit of detection than the premix format, depending on assay conjugate concentration. A mathematical model of the assay quantitatively reproduced the experimental binding profiles for a set of rate constants that were consistent with surface plasmon resonance measurements and absorbance measurements of the experimental multivalent malaria system.

Graphene: The Missing Piece for Cancer Diagnosis?

This paper reviews recent advances in graphene-based biosensors development in order to obtain smaller and more portable devices with better performance for earlier cancer detection. In fact, the potential of Graphene for sensitive detection and chemical/biological free-label applications results from its exceptional physicochemical properties such as high electrical and thermal conductivity, aspect-ratio, optical transparency and remarkable mechanical and chemical stability. Herein we start by providing a general overview of the types of graphene and its derivatives, briefly describing the synthesis procedure and main properties. It follows the reference to different routes to engineer the graphene surface for sensing applications with organic biomolecules and nanoparticles for the development of advanced biosensing platforms able to detect/quantify the characteristic cancer biomolecules in biological fluids or overexpressed on cancerous cells surface with elevated sensitivity, selectivity and stability. We then describe the application of graphene in optical imaging methods such as photoluminescence and Raman imaging, electrochemical sensors for enzymatic biosensing, DNA sensing, and immunosensing. The bioquantification of cancer biomarkers and cells is finally discussed, particularly electrochemical methods such as voltammetry and amperometry which are generally adopted transducing techniques for the development of graphene based sensors for biosensing due to their simplicity, high sensitivity and low-cost. To close, we discuss the major challenges that graphene based biosensors must overcome in order to reach the necessary standards for the early detection of cancer biomarkers by providing reliable information about the patient disease stage.

Recent advances in cytokine detection by immunosensing

The detection of cytokines in body fluids, cells, tissues and organisms continues to attract considerable attention due to the importance of these key cell signaling molecules in biology and medicine. In this review, we describe recent advances in cytokine detection in the course of ongoing pursuit of new analytical approaches for these trace analytes with specific focus on immunosensing. We discuss recent elegant designs of sensing interface with improved performance with respect to sensitivity, selectivity, stability, simplicity, and the absence of sample matrix effects. Various immunosensing approaches based on multifunctional nanomaterials open novel opportunities for ultrasensitive detection of cytokines in body fluids in vitro and in vivo. Methodologies such as suspension arrays also known as bead assays together with optical fiber-based sensors, on their own or in combination with microfluidic devices will continue to have an important role to address the grand challenge of real-time in vivo multiplex cytokine detection.

Proximity hybridization-regulated electrochemical stripping of silver nanoparticles via nanogold induced deposition for immunoassay

An electrochemical immunosensor was developed for detection of a biomarkerviatarget-induced proximity hybridization and electrochemical stripping analysis of silver nanoparticles.

Novel glucometer-based immunosensing strategy suitable for complex systems with signal amplification using surfactant-responsive cargo release from glucose-encapsulated liposome nanocarriers

Methods based on surfactant-responsive controlled release systems of cargoes from nanocontainers have been developed for bioanalytical applications, but most were utilized for drug delivery and a few reports were focused on immunoassays. Herein we design an in situ amplified immunoassay protocol for high-efficient detection of aflatoxins (aflatoxin B1, AFB1 used in this case) based on surfactant-responsive cargo release from glucose-encapsulated liposome nanocarriers with sensitivity enhancement. Initially, biotinylated liposome nanocarrier encapsulated with glucose was synthesized using a reverse-phase evaporation method. Thereafter, the nanocarrier was utilized as the signal-generation tag on capture antibody-coating microplate through classical biotin-avidin linkage after reaction with biotinylated detection antibody. Upon addition of buffered surfactant (1X PBS-Tween 20 buffer) into the medium, the surfactant immediately hydrolyzed the conjugated liposome, and released the encapsulated glucose from the nanocarriers, which could be quantitatively determined by using a low-cost personal glucometer (PGM). The detectable signal increased with the increment of target analyte. Under the optimal conditions, the assay could allow PGM detection toward target AFB1 as low as 0.6 pg mL(-1) (0.6 ppt). Moreover, the methodology also showed good reproducibility and high specificity toward target AFB1 against other mycotoxins and proteins, and was applicable for quantitatively monitoring target AFB1 in the complex systems, e.g., naturally contaminated/spiked peanut samples and serum specimens, with the acceptable results. Taking these advantages of simplification, low cost, universality and sensitivity, our design provides a new horizon for development of advanced immunoassays in future point-of-care testing.

Tetraphenylporphyrin as a protein label for triple detection analytical systems

Porphyrins and metalloporphyrins are promising new protein labels that can be detected using multiple techniques; improving the reliability of the analysis and broadening the range of the linear response. Here, we investigate the potential of 5,10,15,20-tetraphenyl-21H,23H-porphyrin (Tpp) as a hybrid protein label. The electrochemical and optical properties of porphyrin conjugated with bovine serum albumin (BSA), chicken egg albumin (CEA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) were determined and optimal conditions for Tpp-protein conjugation established. Model conjugates of carboxylated Tpp with BSA and short peptides were characterized using differential pulse voltammetry, UV-Vis spectrophotometry and spectrofluorimetry. These results reveal that Tpp is a promising molecule to be used in a triple detection protein labelling system.

Cubic Cu2O nanoframes with a unique edge-truncated structure and a good electrocatalytic activity for immunosensor application

In this work, an ultrasensitive sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensor was developed for the quantitative detection of prostate specific antigen (PSA). Gold nanoparticles decorated 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane functionalized graphene sheets (Au@APTES-GS) with a large specific surface area, good biocompatibility and superior electron transfer ability were employed as the matrix. In addition, cubic Cu2O nanoframes with hollow edges were employed as the label for the first time. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were used to confirm the nanostructure of Au@APTES-GS and Cu2O. Using square wave voltammetry (SWV) to monitor the electrocatalytic process, the signal amplification mechanism of the matrix and the label were explored successfully. Here we find that the unique edge-truncated structure of Cu2O nanoframes can load with a larger amount of redox mediators, ferrocenecarboxylic acid (Fc-COOH), offering a higher electrochemical signal response. Apart from that, Cu2O nanoframes have a good electrocatalytic activity towards the Fc-COOH and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), making a contribution to further enhance the sensitivity of the fabricated immunosensor. Under optimal conditions, the proposed immunosensor achieved an ultrasensitive and specific detection of PSA, and displayed acceptable reproducibility, selectivity and stability. This work may provide an effective method for the clinical monitoring of tumor markers and demonstrate the potential application promising of nanoframes in the fabrication of immunosensors.

Magnetic bead-quantum dot assay for detection of a biomarker for traumatic brain injury

Current diagnostic methods for traumatic brain injury (TBI), which accounts for 15% of all emergency room visits, are limited to neuroimaging modalities. The challenges of accurate diagnosis and monitoring of TBI have created the need for a simple and sensitive blood test to detect brain-specific biomarkers. Here we report on an assay for detection of S100B, a putative biomarker for TBI, using antibody-conjugated magnetic beads for capture of the protein, and antibody-conjugated quantum dots for optical detection. From Western Blot, we show efficient antigen capture and concentration by the magnetic beads. Using magnetic bead capture and quantum dot detection in serum samples, we show a wide detection range and detection limit below the clinical cut-off level.

Update on hepatitis B and C virus diagnosis

Viral hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV) are responsible for the most of chronic liver disease worldwide and are transmitted by parenteral route, sexual and vertical transmission. One important measure to reduce the burden of these infections is the diagnosis of acute and chronic cases of HBV and HCV. In order to provide an effective diagnosis and monitoring of antiviral treatment, it is important to choose sensitive, rapid, inexpensive, and robust analytical methods. Primary diagnosis of HBV and HCV infection is made by using serological tests for detecting antigens and antibodies against these viruses. In order to confirm primary diagnosis, to quantify viral load, to determine genotypes and resistance mutants for antiviral treatment, qualitative and quantitative molecular tests are used. In this manuscript, we review the current serological and molecular methods for the diagnosis of hepatitis B and C.

Glucose encapsulating liposome for signal amplification for quantitative detection of biomarkers with glucometer readout

A new technology was developed to quantitatively detect a broad range of disease biomarkers and proven to be portable, economical, and conveniently accessible. Measurements were performed based on releasing encapsulated glucose from antibody-tagged liposomes and subsequently detecting the released glucose using a commercial personal glucose meter (GM). The innovative aspect of this approach lies in the quantification of target biomarkers through the detection of glucose, thus expanding the applicability of the GM by broadening the range of target biomarkers instead of detecting only one analyte, glucose. Because of the bilayer membrane of liposomes, which can accommodate tens of thousands of glucose molecules, the sensitivity was greatly enhanced by using glucose encapsulating liposomes as a signal output and an amplifier. Here, the model analyte, protein 53 phosphorylated on Serine 15 (phospho-p53(15)), was captured by primary antibodies bound on magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles and then recognized by reporting antibodies conjugated to glucose encapsulating liposomes. Finally, the target phospho-p53(15) was detected by lysing the bound liposomes to release the encapsulated glucose (4 × 10(5) glucose molecules per liposome), which is detected with the GM. This approach was demonstrated to be a universal technology that can be easily produced to quantify a wide variety of biomarkers in medical diagnostics, food safety, public health, and environmental monitoring. In the near future, it is expected that these sensors, in combination with a portable GM, can be used in many fields such as physicians' laboratories, hospitals and the common household.