Mathematical Modelling of the Influence of Ultra‐micro Electrode Geometry on Approach Curves Registered by Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy

Cytochrome c oxidase deficiency detection in human fibroblasts using scanning electrochemical microscopy

Cytochrome c oxidase deficiency (COXD) is an inherited disorder characterized by the absence or mutation in the genes encoding for the cytochrome c oxidase protein (COX). COX deficiency results in severe muscle weakness, heart, liver, and kidney disorders, as well as brain damage in infants and adolescents, leading to death in many cases. With no cure for this disorder, finding an efficient, inexpensive, and early means of diagnosis is essential to minimize symptoms and long-term disabilities. Furthermore, muscle biopsy, the traditional detection method, is invasive, expensive, and time-consuming. This study demonstrates the applicability of scanning electrochemical microscopy to quantify COX activity in living human fibroblast cells. Taking advantage of the interaction between the redox mediator N, N, N', N'-tetramethyl-para-phenylene-diamine, and COX, the enzymatic activity was successfully quantified by monitoring current changes using a platinum microelectrode and determining the apparent heterogeneous rate constant k0 using numerical modeling. This study provides a foundation for developing a diagnostic method for detecting COXD in infants, which has the potential to increase treatment effectiveness and improve the quality of life of affected individuals.

Scanning Electrochemical Impedance Microscopy in Redox-Competition Mode for the Investigation of Antibodies Labelled with Horseradish Peroxidase

Scanning electrochemical microscopy enhanced by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (SEIM) was applied to detect immobilized antibodies labelled with horseradish peroxidase (Ab-HRP). The localized HRP activity was investigated by the SEIM redox competition (RC-SEIM) mode using hydrogen peroxide as a substrate and hexacyanoferrate as a redox mediator. Electrochemical impedance shows to be related to the consumption of hydrogen peroxide at the ultramicroelectrode. For the evaluation of impedimetric results, an equivalent electric circuit was applied with solution resistance, double-layer capacitance, and charge-transfer resistance. These equivalent circuit characteristics depend on the distance between the sample and ultramicroelectrode, and the concentration of substrate. From the gathered data, the charge-transfer resistance appeared to be the parameter describing the behavior of HRP catalyzed reaction as it showed a linear dependence on H₂O₂ concentration. The RC-SEIM mode suitability for the studying of HRP catalyzed reactions and for the evaluation of Ab-HRP bound to the surface was demonstrated. Additionally, the applicability of RC-SEIM mode for the determination of Ab-HRP affinity bound to the target analyte was discussed.

Effects of cone angle and length of nanopores on the resistive pulse quality

Resistive pulse sensing (RPS) has proved to be a viable method for the detection and characterization of micro and nano particles. Modern fabrication methods have introduced different nanopore geometries for resistive pulse sensors. In this paper, we have numerically studied the effects of membrane thickness and the pore's cone angle, as the main geometrical parameters, on the sensing performance of the nanopores used for nanoparticle detection in the resistive pulse sensing method. To compare the sensing performance, three resistive pulse quality parameters were investigated - sensitivity, pulse duration and pulse amplitude. The thorough investigation on the relations between the geometrical parameters and the pulse quality parameters produced several interesting results, which were categorized and summarized for different nanopore structures (as different nanopore platforms) enabling the readers to more effectively compare them with one another. The results revealed that large cone angle and low aspect ratio nanopores have higher pulse amplitude and sensitivity, but their low duration could be a challenge in the process of detecting the resistive pulse. In addition, our results show small variation in sensitivity and duration of large cone angle nanopores with respect to pore length change, which is explained using the effective length concept and the definition of electric field strength and length. The findings of the present work can be used in practical applications where choosing the optimal pore geometry is of crucial significance. Furthermore, the results provide several possible ways to improve the resistive pulse quality for better sensing performance.

Scanning electrochemical microscopy in the development of enzymatic sensors and immunosensors

Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) is very useful, non-invasive tool for the analysis of surfaces pre-modified with biomolecules or by whole cells. This review focuses on the application of SECM technique for the analysis of surfaces pre-modified with enzymes (horseradish peroxidase, alkaline phosphatase and glucose oxidase) or labelled with antibody-enzyme conjugates. The working principles and operating modes of SECM are outlined. The applicability of feedback, generation-collection and redox competition modes of SECM on surfaces modified by enzymes or labelled with antibody-enzyme conjugates is discussed. SECM is important in the development of miniaturized bioanalytical systems with enzymes, since it can provide information about the local enzyme activity. Technical challenges and advantages of SECM, experimental parameters, used enzymes and redox mediators, immunoassay formats and analytical parameters of enzymatic SECM sensors and immunosensors are reviewed.