Disposable immunoplatforms for the simultaneous determination of biomarkers for neurodegenerative disorders using poly(amidoamine) dendrimer/gold nanoparticle nanocomposite

Advancing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease diagnosis: A lab-on-chip electrochemical immunosensor for ultra-sensitive TDP-43 protein detection and monitoring in serum patients'

The global increase in population aging has led to a rise in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), posing significant challenges to public health. Developing selective and specific biomarkers for early diagnosis and drug development is crucial addressing the growing burden of NDs. In this context, the RNA-binding protein TDP-43 has emerged as a promising biomarker for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), and TDP-43-associated proteinopathies. However, existing detection methods suffer from limitations such as cost, complexity, and operator dependence. Here, we present a novel electrochemical biosensor integrated into a lab-on-chip (LoC) platform to detect TDP-43. The sensor utilizes electrosynthesized polypyrrole derivatives with carboxylic groups for transducer functionalization, enabling targeted immobilization of TDP-43 antibodies. Differential pulsed voltammetry (DPV) is used for the indirect detection and quantification of TDP-43. The chip exhibits rapid response, good reproducibility, a linear detection range, and sensitivity from 0.01 ng/mL to 25 ng/mL of TDP-43 protein concentration with a LOD = 10 pg/mL. Furthermore, successful TDP-43 detection in complex matrices like serum of ALS patients and healthy individuals demonstrates its potential as a point-of-care diagnostic device. This electrochemical biosensor integrated into a chip offers good sensitivity, rapid response, and robust performance, providing a promising avenue for advancing neurodegenerative disease diagnostics and therapeutic development.

A Simple Sandwich Electrochemical Immunosensor for Rapid Detection of the Alzheimer's Disease Biomarker Tau Protein

As a typical biomarker of Alzheimer's disease, rapid and specific detection of tau protein can help improve the early diagnosis and prognosis of the disease. In this study, a simple sandwich electrochemical immunosensor was developed for rapid detection of tau protein. Primary monoclonal antibodies (mAb1) against the middle domain of tau protein (amino acids 189-195) were immobilized on the gold electrode surface through a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of 3,3'-dithiobis (sulfosuccinimidyl propionate) (DTSSP). Then the tau protein was captured through the specific adsorption between the antigen and the antibody, resulting in a change in the impedance. Secondary monoclonal antibodies (mAb2) against the N-terminal region of tau protein were used for further amplification of the binding reaction between mAb1 and tau protein. A linear correlation between the total change in impedance and the logarithm of tau concentration was found from 2 × 10-6 mg mL-1 to 2 × 10-3 mg mL-1, with a detection limit as low as 1 × 10-6 mg mL-1. No significant interference was observed from human serum albumin. Furthermore, the fabricated sandwich immunosensor successfully detected target tau protein in artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) samples, indicating good potential for clinical applications in the future.

Tau- and α-synuclein-targeted gold nanoparticles: applications, opportunities, and future outlooks in the diagnosis and therapy of neurodegenerative diseases

The use of nanomaterials in medicine offers multiple opportunities to address neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. These diseases are a significant burden for society and the health system, affecting millions of people worldwide without sensitive and selective diagnostic methodologies or effective treatments to stop their progression. In this sense, the use of gold nanoparticles is a promising tool due to their unique properties at the nanometric level. They can be functionalized with specific molecules to selectively target pathological proteins such as Tau and α-synuclein for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, respectively. Additionally, these proteins are used as diagnostic biomarkers, wherein gold nanoparticles play a key role in enhancing their signal, even at the low concentrations present in biological samples such as blood or cerebrospinal fluid, thus enabling an early and accurate diagnosis. On the other hand, gold nanoparticles act as drug delivery platforms, bringing therapeutic agents directly into the brain, improving treatment efficiency and precision, and reducing side effects in healthy tissues. However, despite the exciting potential of gold nanoparticles, it is crucial to address the challenges and issues associated with their use in the medical field before they can be widely applied in clinical settings. It is critical to ensure the safety and biocompatibility of these nanomaterials in the context of the central nervous system. Therefore, rigorous preclinical and clinical studies are needed to assess the efficacy and feasibility of these strategies in patients. Since there is scarce and sometimes contradictory literature about their use in this context, the main aim of this review is to discuss and analyze the current state-of-the-art of gold nanoparticles in relation to delivery, diagnosis, and therapy for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, as well as recent research about their use in preclinical, clinical, and emerging research areas.

Sensor-integrated brain-on-a-chip platforms: Improving the predictive validity in neurodegenerative research

Affecting millions of individuals worldwide, neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) pose a significant and growing health concern in people over the age of 60 years. Contributing to this trend are the steady increase in the aging population coupled with a persistent lack of disease-altering treatment strategies targeting NDDs. The absence of efficient therapeutics can be attributed to high failure rates in clinical trials and the ineptness of animal models in preceding preclinical studies. To that end, in recent years, significant research effort has been dedicated to the development of human cell-based preclinical disease models characterized by a higher degree of predictive validity. However, a key requirement of any in vitro model constitutes the precise knowledge and replication of the target tissues' (patho-)physiological microenvironment. Herein, microphysiological systems have demonstrated superiority over conventional static 2D/3D in vitro cell culture systems, as they allow for the emulation and continuous monitoring of the onset, progression, and remission of disease-associated phenotypes. This review provides an overview of recent advances in the field of NDD research using organ-on-a-chip platforms. Specific focus is directed toward non-invasive sensing strategies encompassing electrical, electrochemical, and optical sensors. Additionally, promising on- and integrable off-chip sensing strategies targeting key analytes in NDDs will be presented and discussed in detail.

Recent Advances in Electrochemical Immunosensors with Nanomaterial Assistance for Signal Amplification

Electrochemical immunosensors have attracted immense attention due to the ease of mass electrode production and the high compatibility of the miniature electric reader, which is beneficial for developing point-of-care diagnostic devices. Electrochemical immunosensors can be divided into label-free and label-based sensing strategies equipped with potentiometric, amperometric, voltammetric, or impedimetric detectors. Emerging nanomaterials are frequently used on electrochemical immunosensors as a highly rough and conductive interface of the electrodes or on nanocarriers of immobilizing capture antibodies, electroactive mediators, or catalyzers. Adopting nanomaterials can increase immunosensor characteristics with lower detection limits and better sensitivity. Recent research has shown innovative immobilization procedures of nanomaterials which meet the requirements of different electrochemical immunosensors. This review discusses the past five years of advances in nanomaterials (metal nanoparticles, metal nanostructures, carbon nanotubes, and graphene) integrated into the electrochemical immunosensor. Furthermore, the new tendency and endeavors of nanomaterial-based electrochemical immunosensors are discussed.

Emerging Materials, Wearables, and Diagnostic Advancements in Therapeutic Treatment of Brain Diseases

Among the most critical health issues, brain illnesses, such as neurodegenerative conditions and tumors, lower quality of life and have a significant economic impact. Implantable technology and nano-drug carriers have enormous promise for cerebral brain activity sensing and regulated therapeutic application in the treatment and detection of brain illnesses. Flexible materials are chosen for implantable devices because they help reduce biomechanical mismatch between the implanted device and brain tissue. Additionally, implanted biodegradable devices might lessen any autoimmune negative effects. The onerous subsequent operation for removing the implanted device is further lessened with biodegradability. This review expands on current developments in diagnostic technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, mass spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, angiography, and electroencephalogram while providing an overview of prevalent brain diseases. As far as we are aware, there hasn't been a single review article that addresses all the prevalent brain illnesses. The reviewer also looks into the prospects for the future and offers suggestions for the direction of future developments in the treatment of brain diseases.

The application of nanotechnology in treatment of Alzheimer's disease

The buildup of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain results in Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative condition. A permanent treatment for AD is not yet available. Only a slowing down of its advancement is possible with the current pharmaceutical options. Nevertheless, nanotechnology has proven to be advantageous in medical applications. It has a lot of potential for AD therapy, particularly in diagnosing the condition and providing an alternative course of treatment. In this review, we outline the developments and benefits of nanomedicines in treating AD. Prospective nanomedicines for diagnosing and surveillance therapeutic interventions for AD and other diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) may be clinically accessible, persuading the development of investigation in this field.

Advances on Therapeutic Strategies for Alzheimer's Disease: From Medicinal Plant to Nanotechnology

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic dysfunction of neurons in the brain leading to dementia. It is characterized by gradual mental failure, abnormal cognitive functioning, personality changes, diminished verbal fluency, and speech impairment. It is caused by neuronal injury in the cerebral cortex and hippocampal area of the brain. The number of individuals with AD is growing at a quick rate. The pathology behind AD is the progress of intraneuronal fibrillary tangles, accumulation of amyloid plaque, loss of cholinergic neurons, and decrease in choline acetyltransferase. Unfortunately, AD cannot be cured, but its progression can be delayed. Various FDA-approved inhibitors of cholinesterase enzyme such as rivastigmine, galantamine, donepezil, and NDMA receptor inhibitors (memantine), are available to manage the symptoms of AD. An exhaustive literature survey was carried out using SciFinder's reports from Alzheimer's Association, PubMed, and Clinical Trials.org. The literature was explored thoroughly to obtain information on the various available strategies to prevent AD. In the context of the present scenario, several strategies are being tried including the clinical trials for the treatment of AD. We have discussed pathophysiology, various targets, FDA-approved drugs, and various drugs in clinical trials against AD. The goal of this study is to shed light on current developments and treatment options, utilizing phytopharmaceuticals, nanomedicines, nutraceuticals, and gene therapy.

Concept of the "Universal Slope": Toward Substantially Shorter Decentralized Insulin Immunoassays

Decentralized sensing of analytes in remote locations is today a reality. However, the number of measurable analytes remains limited, mainly due to the requirement for time-consuming successive standard additions calibration used to address matrix effects and resulting in greatly delayed results, along with more complex and costly operation. This is particularly challenging in commonly used immunoassays of key biomarkers that typically require from 60 to 90 min for quantitation based on two standard additions, hence hindering their implementation for rapid and routine diagnostic applications, such as decentralized point-of-care (POC) insulin testing. In this work we have developed and demonstrated the theoretical framework for establishing a universal slope for direct calibration-free POC insulin immunoassays in serum samples using an electrochemical biosensor (developed originally for extended calibration by standard additions). The universal slope is presented as an averaged slope constant, relying on 68 standard additions-based insulin determinations in human sera. This new quantitative analysis approach offers reliable sample measurement without successive standard additions, leading to a dramatically simplified and faster assay (30 min vs 90 min when using 2 standard additions) and greatly reduced costs, without compromising the analytical performance while significantly reducing the analyses costs. The substantial improvements associated with the new universal slope concept have been demonstrated successfully for calibration-free measurements of serum insulin in 30 samples from individuals with type 1 diabetes using meticulous statistical analysis, supporting the prospects of applying this immunoassay protocol to routine decentralized POC insulin testing.

Advancement in Nanoparticle-Based Biosensors for Point-of-Care In Vitro Diagnostics

Abstract:

Recently, there has been great progress in the field of extremely sensitive and precise detection of bioanalytes. The importance of the utilization of nanoparticles in biosensors has been recognized due to their unique properties. Specifically, nanoparticles of gold, silver, and magnetic plus graphene, quantum dots, and nanotubes of carbon are being keenly considered for utilizations within biosensors to detect nucleic acids, glucose, or pathogens (bacteria as well as a virus). Taking advantage of nanoparticles, faster and sensitive biosensors can be developed. Here we review the nanoparticles' contribution to the biosensors field and their potential applications.

Amperometric immunosensor developed for sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 spike S1 protein in combined with portable device

In this present study, an amperometric immunosensor was developed based on disposable screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) for specific and sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1 monoclonal antibody was firstly immobilized onto the electrode surface. Then, the sandwich complex was formed by addition of S1 protein, secondary antibody and HRP-IgG, respectively. Chronoamperometry measurements were done in the presence of TMB mediator and the detection of SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein was performed by using 10 μL sample. The limit of detection (LOD) was found to be 0.19 ng/mL (equals to 24.7 amol in 10 μL sample) in the linear range of 0.5–10 ng/mL obtained in buffer medium. The applicability of this assay was investigated in the linear range of 0.5–3 ng/mL S1 protein in artificial saliva medium with the LOD as 0.13 ng/mL (equals to 16.9 amol in 10 μL sample). The selectivity study was examined in the presence of Hemagglutinin antigen (HA) in both mediums; buffer and artificial saliva while resulting with the successful discrimination between S1 protein and HA. The one of ultimate goals of our study is to present the possible implementation of this assay to point of care (POC) analysis. Under this aim, this assay was performed in combination with a portable device that is the commercial electrochemical analyzer. Amperometric detection of S1 protein in the range of 0.5–5 ng/mL was also successfully performed in artificial saliva medium with a resulting LOD as 0.15 ng/mL (equals to 19.5 amol in 10 μL sample). In addition, a selectivity study was similarly carried out by portable device.

An Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy-Based Aptasensor for the Determination of SARS-CoV-2-RBD Using a Carbon Nanofiber-Gold Nanocomposite Modified Screen-Printed Electrode

Worldwide, human health is affected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Hence, the fabrication of the biosensors to diagnose SARS-CoV-2 is critical. In this paper, we report an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS)-based aptasensor for the determination of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (SARS-CoV-2-RBD). For this purpose, the carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were first decorated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Then, the surface of the carbon-based screen-printed electrode (CSPE) was modified with the CNF-AuNP nanocomposite (CSPE/CNF-AuNP). After that, the thiol-terminal aptamer probe was immobilized on the surface of the CSPE/CNF-AuNP. The surface coverage of the aptamer was calculated to be 52.8 pmol·cm^-2. The CSPE/CNF-AuNP/Aptamer was then used for the measurement of SARS-CoV-2-RBD by using the EIS method. The obtained results indicate that the signal had a linear-logarithmic relationship in the range of 0.01-64 nM with a limit of detection of 7.0 pM. The proposed aptasensor had a good selectivity to SARS-CoV-2-RBD in the presence of human serum albumin; human immunoglobulins G, A, and M, hemagglutinin, and neuraminidase. The analytical performance of the aptasensor was studied in human saliva samples. The present study indicates a practical application of the CSPE/CNF-AuNP/Aptamer for the determination of SARS-CoV-2-RBD in human saliva samples with high sensitivity and accuracy.

Fluorescence Liquid Biopsy for Cancer Detection Is Improved by Using Cationic Dendronized Hyperbranched Polymer

(1) Background: Biophysical techniques applied to serum samples characterization could promote the development of new diagnostic tools. Fluorescence spectroscopy has been previously applied to biological samples from cancer patients and differences from healthy individuals were observed. Dendronized hyperbranched polymers (DHP) based on bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid (bis-MPA) were developed in our group and their potential biomedical applications explored. (2) Methods: A total of 94 serum samples from diagnosed cancer patients and healthy individuals were studied (20 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, 25 blood donor, 24 ovarian cancer, and 25 benign ovarian cyst samples). (3) Results: Fluorescence spectra of serum samples (fluorescence liquid biopsy, FLB) in the presence and the absence of DHP-bMPA were recorded and two parameters from the signal curves obtained. A secondary parameter, the fluorescence spectrum score (FSscore), was calculated, and the diagnostic model assessed. For pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and ovarian cancer, the classification performance was improved when including DHP-bMPA, achieving high values of statistical sensitivity and specificity (over 85% for both pathologies). (4) Conclusions: We have applied FLB as a quick, simple, and minimally invasive promising technique in cancer diagnosis. The classification performance of the diagnostic method was further improved by using DHP-bMPA, which interacted differentially with serum samples from healthy and diseased subjects. These preliminary results set the basis for a larger study and move FLB closer to its clinical application, providing useful information for the oncologist during patient diagnosis.

Electrochemical sensing of blood proteins for mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) diagnostics and prognostics: towards a point-of-care application

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) being one of the principal causes of death and acquired disability in the world imposes a large burden on the global economy. Mild TBI (mTBI) is particularly challenging to assess due to the frequent lack of well-pronounced post-injury symptoms. However, if left untreated mTBI (especially when repetitive) can lead to serious long-term implications such as cognitive and neuropathological disorders. Computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging commonly used for TBI diagnostics require well-trained personnel, are costly, difficult to adapt for on-site measurements and are not always reliable in identifying small brain lesions. Thus, there is an increasing demand for sensitive point-of-care (POC) testing tools in order to aid mTBI diagnostics and prediction of long-term effects. Biomarker quantification in body fluids is a promising basis for POC measurements, even though establishing a clinically relevant mTBI biomarker panel remains a challenge. Actually, a minimally invasive, rapid and reliable multianalyte detection device would allow the efficient determination of injury biomarker release kinetics and thus support the preclinical evaluation and clinical validation of a proposed biomarker panel for future decentralized in vitro diagnostics. In this respect electrochemical biosensors have recently attracted great attention and the present article provides a critical study on the electrochemical protocols suggested in the literature for detection of mTBI-relevant protein biomarkers. The authors give an overview of the analytical approaches for transduction element functionalization, review recent technological advances and highlight the key challenges remaining in view of an eventual integration of the proposed concepts into POC diagnostic solutions.

Nanomedicine: A Promising Way to Manage Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating disease of the aging population characterized by the progressive and slow brain decay due to the formation of extracellular plaques in the hippocampus. AD cells encompass tangles of twisted strands of aggregated microtubule binding proteins surrounded by plaques. Delivering corresponding drugs in the brain to deal with these clinical pathologies, we face a naturally built strong, protective barrier between circulating blood and brain cells called the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Nanomedicines provide state-of-the-art alternative approaches to overcome the challenges in drug transport across the BBB. The current review presents the advances in the roles of nanomedicines in both the diagnosis and treatment of AD. We intend to provide an overview of how nanotechnology has revolutionized the approaches used to manage AD and highlight the current key bottlenecks and future perspective in this field. Furthermore, the emerging nanomedicines for managing brain diseases like AD could promote the booming growth of research and their clinical availability.

Multimodal/Multifunctional Nanomaterials in (Bio)electrochemistry: Now and in the Coming Decade

Multifunctional nanomaterials, defined as those able to achieve a combined effect or more than one function through their multiple functionalization or combination with other materials, are gaining increasing attention in the last years in many relevant fields, including cargo targeted delivery, tissue engineering, in vitro and/or in vivo diseases imaging and therapy, as well as in the development of electrochemical (bio)sensors and (bio)sensing strategies with improved performance. This review article aims to provide an updated overview of the important advances and future opportunities exhibited by electrochemical biosensing in connection to multifunctional nanomaterials. Accordingly, representative aspects of recent approaches involving metal, carbon, and silica-based multifunctional nanomaterials are selected and critically discussed, as they are the most widely used multifunctional nanomaterials imparting unique capabilities in (bio)electroanalysis. A brief overview of the main remaining challenges and future perspectives in the field is also provided.

Electrochemical Affinity Biosensors Based on Selected Nanostructures for Food and Environmental Monitoring

The excellent capabilities demonstrated over the last few years by electrochemical affinity biosensors should be largely attributed to their coupling with particular nanostructures including dendrimers, DNA-based nanoskeletons, molecular imprinted polymers, metal-organic frameworks, nanozymes and magnetic and mesoporous silica nanoparticles. This review article aims to give, by highlighting representative methods reported in the last 5 years, an updated and general overview of the main improvements that the use of such well-ordered nanomaterials as electrode modifiers or advanced labels confer to electrochemical affinity biosensors in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, stability, conductivity and biocompatibility focused on food and environmental applications, less covered in the literature than clinics. A wide variety of bioreceptors (antibodies, DNAs, aptamers, lectins, mast cells, DNAzymes), affinity reactions (single, sandwich, competitive and displacement) and detection strategies (label-free or label-based using mainly natural but also artificial enzymes), whose performance is substantially improved when used in conjunction with nanostructured systems, are critically discussed together with the great diversity of molecular targets that nanostructured affinity biosensors are able to quantify using quite simple protocols in a wide variety of matrices and with the sensitivity required by legislation. The large number of possibilities and the versatility of these approaches, the main challenges to face in order to achieve other pursued capabilities (development of antifouling, continuous operation, wash-, calibration- and reagents-free devices, regulatory or Association of Official Analytical Chemists, AOAC, approval) and decisive future actions to achieve the commercialization and acceptance of these devices in our daily routine are also noted at the end.

Electrochemical Biosensors Based on Nanomaterials for Early Detection of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an untreatable neurodegenerative disease that initially manifests as difficulty to remember recent events and gradually progresses to cognitive impairment. The incidence of AD is growing yearly as life expectancy increases, thus early detection is essential to ensure a better quality of life for diagnosed patients. To reach that purpose, electrochemical biosensing has emerged as a cost-effective alternative to traditional diagnostic techniques, due to its high sensitivity and selectivity. Of special relevance is the incorporation of nanomaterials in biosensors, as they contribute to enhance electron transfer while promoting the immobilization of biological recognition elements. Moreover, nanomaterials have also been employed as labels, due to their unique electroactive and electrocatalytic properties. The aim of this review is to add value in the advances achieved in the detection of AD biomarkers, the strategies followed for the incorporation of nanomaterials and its effect in biosensors performance.

Enlightening the advancements in electrochemical bioanalysis for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders

Neurodegenerative disorders (NDD), and particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD), are one of the greatest challenges facing our current medicine and society because of its increasing incidence and the high burden imposed both on patients' families and health systems. Despite this, their accurate diagnosis, mostly conducted by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis or neuroimaging techniques, costly, time-consuming, and unaffordable for most of the population, remains a complex task. In this situation, electrochemical biosensors are flourishing as promising alternative tools for the simple, fast, and low-cost diagnosis of NDD/AD. This review article provides the relevant clinical details of NDD/AD along with the closely related genetic (genetic mutations, polymorphisms of ApoE and specific miRNAs) and proteomic (amyloid-β peptides, total and phosphorylated tau protein) biomarkers circulating mostly in CSF. In addition, the article systematically enlightens a general view of the electrochemical affinity biosensors (mostly aptasensors and immunosensors) reported in the past two years for the determination of such biomarkers. The different developed strategies, analytical performances and applications are comprehensively discussed. Recent advancements in signal amplification methodologies involving smart designs and the use of nanomaterials and rational surface chemistries, as well as the challenges that must be struggled and the prospects in electrochemical affinity biosensing to bring more accessibility to NDD/AD diagnosis, prognosis, and follow-up, are also pointed out.