3D-Ridge Stocked Layers of Nitrogen-Doped Mesoporous Carbon Nanosheets for Ultrasensitive Monitoring of Dopamine Released from PC12 Cells under K+ Stimulation

PC-12 Cell Line as a Neuronal Cell Model for Biosensing Applications

PC-12 cells have been widely used as a neuronal line study model in many biosensing devices, mainly due to the neurogenic characteristics acquired after differentiation, such as high level of secreted neurotransmitter, neuron morphology characterized by neurite outgrowth, and expression of ion and neurotransmitter receptors. For understanding the pathophysiology processes involved in brain disorders, PC-12 cell line is extensively assessed in neuroscience research, including studies on neurotoxicity, neuroprotection, or neurosecretion. Various analytical technologies have been developed to investigate physicochemical processes and the biosensors based on optical and electrochemical techniques, among others, have been at the forefront of this development. This article summarizes the application of different biosensors in PC-12 cell cultures and presents the modern approaches employed in neuronal networks biosensing.

Single-step microwave synthesis of a novel ternary nanocomposite as an efficient luminophore and boron nitride quantum dots as a new coreactant for a cathodic ECL monitoring of chlorpyrifos

In this study, a novel and innovative enzyme-free electrochemiluminescence (ECL) pesticide probe based on a ternary nanocomposite, CuS/CQDs/g-C₃N₄NS, was demonstrated for the accurate monitoring of chlorpyrifos. Boron nitride quantum dots were introduced as a new and effective coreactant in comparison with other coreactants, such as hydrogen peroxide, peroxydisulfate, and tripropylamine, in the negative potential range for the first time. The nanocomposite as a promoted luminophore was synthesized by a one-pot microwave route. Carbon quantum dots and copper sulfide nanostructures were truly incorporated on the porous graphitized carbon nitride, which displayed a good cooperative effect on the signal improvement. CuS as a co-reaction accelerator and CQDs with a superior luminescence effect produced more radical species, and thus, the ECL signal was amplified. Upon increasing the appropriate concentration of this coreactant in electrolyte media, the signal intensity of the nanocomposite increases. A low detection limit of 3.0 × 10^-16 M and a wide range from 2.0 × 10^-15 to 7.0 × 10^-9 M were gained. Also, the fabricated pesticide sensor presented excellent repeatability for 20 consecutive optical signals, with a RSD of about 1.4%. Owing to its high proficiency, the developed sensor was applied as a new probe for chlorpyrifos analysis in water and fruit samples.

Hierarchical engineering of Mn2O3/carbon nanostructured electrodes for sensitive screening of acetylcholine in biological samples

Enzymeless electrochemical sensors have received considerable interest for the direct, sensitive, and selective monitoring of biomolecules in a complex biological environment.

Crystalline H-Aggregate Nanoparticles for Detecting Dopamine Release from M17 Human Neuroblastoma Cells

Dopamine (DA) is an important neurotransmitter, which is essential for transmitting signals in neuronal communications. The deficiency of DA release from neurons is implicated in neurological disorders. Therefore, there has...

Chipset Nanosensor Based on N‐Doped Carbon Nanobuds for Selective Screening of Epinephrine in Human Samples

Chipset nanosensor design and fabrication are important for healthcare research and development. Herein, a functionalized chipset nanosensor is designed to monitor neurotransmitters (i.e., epinephrine (EP)) in human fluids. An interdigitated electrode array (IDA) is functionalized by N‐doped carbon nanobud (N‐CNB) and N‐doped carbon nanostructure (N‐CNS). The surface morphology of N‐CNB shows the formation of nanotubular‐like branches on sheets and micrometer‐size tubes. The N‐CNS design consists of the formation of aggregated sheets and particles in nanometer size. The irregular shape formation provides surface heterogeneity and numerous free spaces between the stacked nanostructures. N‐atoms ascertain highly active N‐CNS with multifunctional active centers, electron‐rich charged surface, and short distance pathway. The N‐CNB/IDA exhibits the best performance for EP signaling with high sensitivity and selectivity. The N‐CNB/IDA sensing performance for EP detection indicates the successful design of a highly selective and sensitive assay with low detection limit of 0.011 × 10−6 m and a broad linear range of 0.5 × 10−6 to 3 × 10−6 m. The N‐CNB/IDA exhibits a high degree of accuracy and reproducibility with RSD of 2.7% and 3.9%, respectively. Therefore, the chipset nanosensor of N‐CNB/IDA can be used for on‐site monitoring of EP in human serum samples and further used in daily monitoring of neuronal disorders.

Gold Nanorods (AuNRs) and Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8) Core-Shell Nanostructure-Based Electrochemical Sensor for Detecting Neurotransmitters

The development of novel electrode materials for rapid and sensitive detection of neurotransmitters in the human body is of great significance for early disease diagnosis and personalized therapy. Herein, gold nanorod@zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (AuNR@ZIF-8) core-shell nanostructures were prepared by controlled encapsulation of gold nanorods within a ZIF-8 assembly. The designed AuNR@ZIF-8 nanostructures have uniform morphology, good dispersion, a large specific surface area, and an average size of roughly 175 nm. Compared with individual ZIF-8 and AuNR-modified electrodes, the obtained core-shell-structured AuNR@ZIF-8 nanocomposite structure-modified electrode shows excellent electrocatalytic performance in the determination of dopamine (DA) and serotonin (ST). The designed AuNR@ZIF-8 exhibited a wide linear range of 0.1-50 μM and low detection limit (LOD, 0.03 μM, S/N = 3) for the determination of DA, as well as a linear range of 0.1-25 μM and low LOD (0.007 μM, S/N = 3) for monitoring ST. The improved performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of the high conductivity of AuNRs and multiple catalytic sites of ZIF-8. The good electroanalytical ability of AuNR@ZIF-8 for detection of DA and ST can provide a guide to efficiently and rapidly monitor other neurotransmitters and construct novel electrochemical sensors.

Optical glucose biosensor built-in disposable strips and wearable electronic devices

On-demand screening, real-time monitoring and rapid diagnosis of ubiquitous diseases, such as diabetes, at early stages are indispensable in personalised treatment. Emerging impacts of nano/microscale materials on optical and portable biosensor strips and devices have become increasingly important in the remarkable development of sensitive visualisation (i.e. visible inspection by the human eye) assays, low-cost analyses and personalised home testing of patients with diabetes. With the increasing public attention regarding the self-monitoring of diabetes, the development of visual readout, easy-to-use and wearable biosensors has gained considerable interest. Our comprehensive review bridges the practical assessment gap between optical bio-visualisation assays, disposable test strips, sensor array designs and full integration into flexible skin-based or contact lens devices with the on-site wireless signal transmission of glucose detection in physiological fluids. To date, the fully modulated integration of nano/microscale optical biosensors into wearable electronic devices, such as smartphones, is critical to prolong periods of indoor and outdoor clinical diagnostics. Focus should be given to the improvements of invasive, wireless and portable sensing technologies to improve the applicability and reliability of screen display, continuous monitoring, dynamic data visualisation, online acquisition and self and in-home healthcare management of patients with diabetes.

Influence of hollow sphere surface heterogeneity and geometry of N-doped carbon on sensitive monitoring of acetaminophen in human fluids and pharmaceutical products

A sensitive and selective acetaminophen sensor assay was designed based on N-HCCS. The surface morphology, and composition of open hollow conjugated spheres of N-HCCS resulted in facile AC diffusion/loading and electrocatalytic oxidation.

Recent advances in nanomaterial-modified electrical platforms for the detection of dopamine in living cells

Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter that plays essential roles in the central nervous system, including motor control, motivation, arousal, and reward. Thus, abnormal levels of dopamine directly cause several neurological diseases, including depressive disorders, addiction, and Parkinson's disease (PD). To develop a new technology to treat such diseases and disorders, especially PD, which is currently incurable, dopamine release from living cells intended for transplantation or drug screening must be precisely monitored and assessed. Owing to the advantages of miniaturisation and rapid detection, numerous electrical techniques have been reported, mostly in combination with various nanomaterials possessing specific nanoscale geometries. This review highlights recent advances in electrical biosensors for dopamine detection, with a particular focus on the use of various nanomaterials (e.g., carbon-based materials, hybrid gold nanostructures, metal oxides, and conductive polymers) on electrode surfaces to improve both sensor performance and biocompatibility. We conclude that this review will accelerate the development of electrical biosensors intended for the precise detection of metabolite release from living cells, which will ultimately lead to advances in therapeutic materials and techniques to cure various neurodegenerative disorders.

Non-metal sensory electrode design and protocol of DNA-nucleobases in living cells exposed to oxidative stresses

Sensory protocols for evaluation of DNA distortion due to exposure to various harmful chemicals and environments in living cells are needed for research and clinical investigations. Here, a design of non-metal sensory (NMS) electrode was built by using boron-doped carbon spherules for detection of DNA nucleobases, namely, guanine (Gu), adenine (Ad), and thymine (Th) in living cells. The key-electrode based nanoscale NMS structures lead to voids with a facile diffusion, and strong binding events of the DNA nucleobases. Furthermore, the NMS geometric structures would significantly create electrode surfaces with numerous centrally active sites, curvature topographies, and anisotropic spherules. The NMS shows potential as sensitive protocol for DNA-nucleobases in living cells exposed to oxidative stresses. In one-step signaling assay, NMS shows high signaling transduction of Gu-, Ad-, and Th-DNA nucleobases targets with ultra-sensitive and low detection limits of 3.0, 0.36, and 0.34 nM, respectively, and a wide linear range of up to 1 μM. The NMS design and protocol show evidence of the role of surface construction features and B-atoms incorporated into the graphitic carbon network for creating abundant active sites with facile electron diffusion and heavily target loads along with within-/out-plane circular spheres. Indeed NMS, with spherule-rich interstitial surfaces can be used for sensitive and selective evaluation of damaged-DNA to various dysfunctional metabolism in the human body.

Improving sensitivity of antimicrobial drug nitrofurazone detection in food and biological samples based on nanostructured anatase-titania sheathed reduced graphene oxide

In this study, we have prepared anatase titanium (IV) oxide warped reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites (TiO₂-rGO NC) using ultrasonic methodology. The morphology of the TiO₂-rGO NC was studied using FESEM and TEM. In addition, XRD, Raman, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and XPS are used to analyze the crystallinity and chemical composition of the TiO₂-rGO NC. We have also investigated the electrochemical behavior of the as-prepared NCs with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and different pulse voltammetry techniques (DPV). The TiO₂-rGO NC modified electrode shows the lower charge transfer resistance (R _ct ) of 62.87 Ω. Next, the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modified with sonochemically prepared TiO₂-rGO NC and used to determine the electrocatalytic reduction of nitrofurazone (NTF). Thus, the proposed sensor established the wider covering range (WCR) of 0.01 to 380 µM and an excellent detection limit of 2.28 nM. Finally, the TiO₂-rGO NC/GCE was applied to determine the NTF in real samples, including crayfish and human blood serum samples, which acquired good found and recovery values.

Dopamine Sensing Based on Ultrathin Fluorescent Metal-Organic Nanosheets

The importance of dopamine (DA) detection as a biomarker for several diseases, especially Parkinson''s disease, has persuaded scientists to develop new nanomaterials for efficient sensing of DA in clinical samples. Ultrathin metal-organic nanosheets due to their exceptional thickness, large surface area, and flexibility are endowed with many accessible active sites and optimal surface interaction with the target analyte molecules. In this regard, a novel layered fluorescent metal-organic nanomaterial with a honeycomb topology based on europium, [Eu(pzdc)(Hpzdc)(H₂O)]_n (ECP) (H₂pzdc = 2,3-pyrazine dicarboxylic acid), was synthesized. X-ray crystallography revealed that the 3D supramolecular architecture of ECP is constructed from noncovalent interactions of coordinated water molecules between the 2D layers along the b axis. These layers that are only ∼4 nm thick were conveniently separated through ultrasound-induced liquid phase exfoliation. Optical studies show that the reduction of ECP thickness enhances the fluorescence intensity and serves as an efficient optical marker for DA detection. ECP nanoflakes exhibited fast response and high selectivity for DA detection in clinical samples. Good linearity for DA detection in the range of 0.1-10 μM with a detection limit of 21 nM proves the potential of ECP nanoflakes in DA sensing applications.

An electrochemical sensor based on an Eriochrome Black T polymer and deep eutectic solvent for the simultaneous determination of omeprazole and lansoprazole

Here we report the fabrication of an electrochemical sensor for the simultaneous determination of the concentrations of omeprazole (OMZ) and lansoprazole (LAN) in biological fluids and pharmaceuticals in Britton-Robinson buffer solution (pH 6.0). The sensor was prepared by bulk modifying a carbon paste electrode with deep eutectic solvent (DES), followed by carrying out electropolymerization of Eriochrome Black T (EBT) at this electrode. The presence of DES increased the extent of the polymerization of EBT on the surface of the electrode, and this increase led to better OMZ and LAN electron transfer kinetics at the electrode surface. The modified electrode was evaluated and characterized by performing cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, scanning electronic microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The best responses were obtained in drug-free Britton-Robinson buffer solution (pH 6.0) after 600 s of stirring at the open circuit potential. Linear relationships were obtained between the anodic peak currents and the concentrations of OMZ and LAN in the ranges of 0.010-0.276 and 0.010-0.300 μM, with detection limits of 0.006 and 0.009 μM, respectively. Satisfactory results were also obtained for the analysis of OMZ and LAN in real samples. The excellent sensitivity and easy regeneration and modification of this electrode with DES followed by the polymerization of EBT make this electrode relatively highly applicable for flow methods.

Mesoscopic open-eye core-shell spheroid carved anode/cathode electrodes for fully reversible and dynamic lithium-ion battery models

We report on the key influence of mesoscopic super-open-eye core-shell spheroids of TiO₂- and LiFePO₄-wrapped nanocarbon carved anode/cathode electrodes with uniform interior accommodation/storage pockets for the creation of fully reversible and dynamic Li-ion power battery (LIB) models. The mesoscopic core-shell anode/cathode electrodes provide potential half- and full-cell LIB-CR2032 configuration designs, and large-scale pouch models. In these variable mesoscopic LIB models, the broad-free-access and large-open-eye like gate-in-transport surfaces featured electrodes are key factors of built-in LIBs with excellent charge/discharge capacity, energy density performances, and outstanding cycling stability. Mesoscopic open-eye spheroid full-LIB-CR2032 configuration models retain 77.8% of the 1^st cycle discharge specific capacity of 168.68 mA h g^-1 after multiple cycling (i.e., 1^st to 2000^th cycles), efficient coulombic performance of approximately 99.6% at 0.1C, and high specific energy density battery of approximately 165.66 W h kg^-1 at 0.1C. Furthermore, we have built a dynamic, super-open-mesoeye pouch LIB model using dense packing sets that are technically significant to meet the tradeoff requirements and long-term driving range of electric vehicles (EVs). The full-pouch package LIB models retain a powerful gate-in-transport system for heavy loaded electron/Li⁺ ion storage, diffusion, and truck movement through open-ended out/in and then up/downward eye circular/curvy folds, thereby leading to substantial durability, and remarkable electrochemical performances even after long-life charge/discharge cycling.

Electrochemical Micropyramid Array-Based Sensor for In Situ Monitoring of Dopamine Released from Neuroblastoma Cells

Abnormal dopamine neurotransmission is associated with several neurological and psychiatric disorders such as Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, attention deficiency and hyperactivity disorder, and addiction. Developing highly sensitive, selective, and fast dopamine monitoring methods is of high importance especially for the early diagnosis of these diseases. Herein, we report a new ultrasensitive electrochemical sensing platform for in situ monitoring of cell-secreted dopamine using Au-coated arrays of micropyramid structures integrated directly into a Petri dish. This approach enables the monitoring of dopamine released from cells in real-time without the need for relocating cultured cells. According to the electrochemical analyses, our dopamine sensing platform exhibits excellent analytical characteristics with a detection limit of 0.50 ± 0.08 nM, a wide linear range of 0.01-500 μM, and a sensitivity of 0.18 ± 0.01 μA/μM. The sensor also has remarkable selectivity toward DA in the presence of different potentially interfering small molecules. The developed electrochemical sensor has great potential for in vitro analysis of neuronal cells as well as early diagnosis of different neurological diseases related to abnormal levels of dopamine.

Nanoscale dynamic chemical, biological sensor material designs for control monitoring and early detection of advanced diseases

Early detection and easy continuous monitoring of emerging or re-emerging infectious, contagious or other diseases are of particular interest for controlling healthcare advances and developing effective medical treatments to reduce the high global cost burden of diseases in the backdrop of lack of awareness regarding advancing diseases. Under an ever-increasing demand for biosensor design reliability for early stage recognition of infectious agents or contagious diseases and potential proteins, nanoscale manufacturing designs had developed effective nanodynamic sensing assays and compact wearable devices. Dynamic developments of biosensor technology are also vital to detect and monitor advanced diseases, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), diabetes, cancers, liver diseases, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), tuberculosis, and central nervous system (CNS) disorders. In particular, nanoscale biosensor designs have indispensable contribution to improvement of health concerns by early detection of disease, monitoring ecological and therapeutic agents, and maintaining high safety level in food and cosmetics. This review reports an overview of biosensor designs and their feasibility for early investigation, detection, and quantitative determination of many advanced diseases. Biosensor strategies are highlighted to demonstrate the influence of nanocompact and lightweight designs on accurate analyses and inexpensive sensing assays. To date, the effective and foremost developments in various nanodynamic designs associated with simple analytical facilities and procedures remain challenging. Given the wide evolution of biosensor market requirements and the growing demand in the creation of early stage and real-time monitoring assays, precise output signals, and easy-to-wear and self-regulating analyses of diseases, innovations in biosensor designs based on novel fabrication of nanostructured platforms with active surface functionalities would produce ​remarkable biosensor devices. This review offers evidence for researchers and inventors to focus on biosensor challenge and improve fabrication of nanobiosensors to revolutionize consumer and healthcare markets.

Graphene oxide-Au nano particle coated quartz crystal microbalance biosensor for the real time analysis of carcinoembryonic antigen

A label-free quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) biosensor was developed for the selective and real-time estimation of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) through the present study. Graphene oxide-Au nanoparticles (GO-AuNPs) was in situ synthesised on the surface of the QCM electrode and the antibody of CEA (monoclonal anti-CEA from mouse) was covalently immobilized on this layer as the bioreceptor for CEA. Mercaptoacetic acid–EDC–NHS reaction mechanism was used for anti-CEA immobilization. The effect of oxygen plasma treatment of the QCM electrode surface before bioreceptor preparation on the performance of the biosensor was tested and was found promising. CEA solutions with various concentrations were analysed using the bioreceptors to estimate the sensitivity and detection limit of the biosensor. The biosensors selectively recognized and captured CEA biomolecules with a detection limit of 0.06 and 0.09 ng mL⁻¹ of CEA for oxygen plasma-treated (E2) and untreated (E1) bioreceptors, respectively. The sensitivity was estimated at 102 and 79 Hz, respectively, for E2 and E1. Clinical serum samples were analysed and the results were found in good agreement with the ELISA analysis. Long term stability was also found to be excellent. Langmuir adsorption isotherm was also conducted using the experimental results.

A label-free quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) biosensor was developed for the selective and real-time estimation of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) through the present study.

Progress in biomimetic leverages for marine antifouling using nanocomposite coatings

Because of the environmental and economic casualties of biofouling on maritime navigation, modern studies have been devoted toward formulating advanced nanoscale composites in the controlled development of effective marine antifouling self-cleaning surfaces.

Design a highly specific sequence for electrochemical evaluation of meat adulteration in cooked sausages

A specific and unique sequence probe was designed for detection of donkey adulteration in cooked sausages and its species specificity was confirmed bioinformatically in the common software and website (ClustalX and NCBI). Subsequently, a novel species-specific electrochemical DNA probe (locked nucleic acid, LNA) was synthesized and implemented in a construction of DNA-based electrochemical genosensor for sensitive, convenient and selective detection of donkey adulteration. The electrochemical behavior of the fabricated genosensor was studied by linear sweep, square wave, differential pulse voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. Due to inherent optimal hybridization conditions, the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was obtained as 148 pM with a relative standard deviation of 0.16%. Eventually, as a proof of concept, the designed biosensor was successfully used for detection of donkey genetic element in consumable beef sausages preparations, as a real sample. It is predicted that the proposed biosensor will provide a sensitive, inexpensive, fast, and reliable bioassay for application in food analysis, forensic investigations, genetic screening and biodiagnostics. As a prominent feature of this study, the recorded results were confirmed by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) as a standard method in adulteration analysis. Our future perspective is minutralization of the development bioassay for making on-desk device and specially merging the designed system by microfluidic systems for accelerating the analysis time.

Meso/macroscopically multifunctional surface interfaces, ridges, and vortex-modified anode/cathode cuticles as force-driven modulation of high-energy density of LIB electric vehicles

Modulation of lithium-ion battery (LIB) anodes/cathodes with three-dimensional (3D) topographical hierarchy ridges, surface interfaces, and vortices promotes the power tendency of LIBs in terms of high-energy density and power density. Large-scale meso-geodesics offer a diverse range of spatial LIB models along the geodetically shaped downward/upward curvature, leading to open-ended movement gate options, and diffusible space orientations. Along with the primary 3D super-scalable hierarchy, the formation of structural features of building block egress/ingress, curvature cargo-like sphere vehicles, irregularly located serrated cuticles with abundant V-undulated rigidness, feathery tube pipe conifers, and a band of dagger-shaped needle sticks on anode/cathode electrode surfaces provides high performance LIB modules. The geodetically-shaped anode/cathode design enables the uniqueness of all LIB module configurations in terms of powerful lithium ion (Li+) movement revolving in out-/in- and up-/downward diffusion regimes and in hovering electron density for high-speed discharge rates. The stability of built-in anode//cathode full-scale LIB-model meso-geodesics affords an outstanding long-term cycling performance. The full-cell LIB meso-geodesics offered 91.5% retention of the first discharge capacity of 165.8 mAhg-1 after 2000 cycles, Coulombic efficiency of ~99.6% at the rate of 1 C and room temperature, and high specific energy density of ≈119 Wh kg-1. This LIB meso-geodesic module configuration may align perfectly with the requirements of the energy density limit mandatory for long-term EV driving range and the scale-up commercial manufactures.

Applications of Metal-Organic-Framework-Derived Carbon Materials

Carbon materials derived from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted much attention in the field of scientific research in recent years because of their advantages of excellent electron conductivity, high porosity, and diverse applications. Tremendous efforts are devoted to improving their chemical and physical properties, including optimizing the morphology and structure of the carbon materials, compositing them with other materials, and so on. Here, many kinds of carbon materials derived from metal-organic frameworks are introduced with a particular focus on their promising applications in batteries (lithium-ion batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, and sodium-ion batteries), supercapacitors (metal oxide/carbon and metal sulfide/carbon), electrocatalytic reactions (oxygen reduction reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, and hydrogen evolution reaction), water treatment (MOF-derived carbon and other techniques), and other possible fields. To close, some existing problem and corresponding possible solutions are proposed based on academic knowledge from the reported literature, along with a great deal of experimental experience.