Modified screen printed electrode for development of a highly sensitive label-free impedimetric immunosensor to detect amyloid beta peptides

Gold Nanoparticle-Decorated Catalytic Micromotor-Based Aptassay for Rapid Electrochemical Label-Free Amyloid-β42 Oligomer Determination in Clinical Samples from Alzheimer's Patients

Micromotor (MM) technology offers a valuable and smart on-the-move biosensing microscale approach in clinical settings where sample availability is scarce in the case of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Soluble amyloid-β protein oligomers (AβO) (mainly AβO42) that circulate in biological fluids have been recognized as a molecular biomarker and therapeutic target of AD due to their high toxicity, and they are correlated much more strongly with AD compared to the insoluble Aβ monomers. A graphene oxide (GO)-gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)/nickel (Ni)/platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) micromotors (MMGO-AuNPs)-based electrochemical label-free aptassay is proposed for sensitive, accurate, and rapid determination of AβO42 in complex clinical samples such as brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and plasma from AD patients. An approach that implies the in situ formation of AuNPs on the GO external layer of tubular MM in only one step during MM electrosynthesis was performed (MMGO-AuNPs). The AβO42 specific thiolated-aptamer (AptAβO42) was immobilized in the MMGO-AuNPs via Au-S interaction, allowing for the selective recognition of the AβO42 (MMGO-AuNPs-AptAβO42-AβO42). AuNPs were smartly used not only to covalently bind a specific thiolated-aptamer for the design of a label-free electrochemical aptassay but also to improve the final MM propulsion performance due to their catalytic activity (approximately 2.0× speed). This on-the-move bioplatform provided a fast (5 min), selective, precise (RSD < 8%), and accurate quantification of AβO42 (recoveries 94-102%) with excellent sensitivity (LOD = 0.10 pg mL-1) and wide linear range (0.5-500 pg mL-1) in ultralow volumes of the clinical sample of AD patients (5 μL), without any dilution. Remarkably, our MM-based bioplatform demonstrated the competitiveness for the determination of AβO42 in the target samples against the dot blot analysis, which requires more than 14 h to provide qualitative results only. It is also important to highlight its applicability to the potential analysis of liquid biopsies as plasma and CSF samples, improving the reliability of the diagnosis given the heterogeneity and temporal complexity of neurodegenerative diseases. The excellent results obtained demonstrate the analytical potency of our approach as a future tool for clinical/POCT (Point-of-care testing) routine scenarios.

Surface chemistry applications and development of immunosensors using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy: A comprehensive review

Immunosensors are promising alternatives as detection platforms for the current gold standards methods. Electrochemical immunosensors have already proven their capability for the sensitive, selective, detection of target biomarkers specific to COVID-19, varying cancers or Alzheimer's disease, etc. Among the electrochemical techniques, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a highly sensitive technique which examines the impedance of an electrochemical cell over a range of frequencies. There are several important critical requirements for the construction of successful impedimetric immunosensor. The applied surface chemistry and immobilisation protocol have impact on the electroanalytical performance of the developed immunosensors. In this Review, we summarise the building blocks of immunosensors based on EIS, including self-assembly monolayers, nanomaterials, polymers, immobilisation protocols and antibody orientation.

SAM-Support-Based Electrochemical Sensor for Aβ Biomarker Detection of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease has taken the spotlight as a neurodegenerative disease which has caused crucial issues to both society and the economy. Specifically, aging populations in developed countries face an increasingly serious problem due to the increasing budget for patient care and an inadequate labor force, and therefore a solution is urgently needed. Recently, diverse techniques for the detection of Alzheimer's biomarkers have been researched and developed to support early diagnosis and treatment. Among them, electrochemical biosensors and electrode modification proved their effectiveness in the detection of the Aβ biomarker at appropriately low concentrations for practice and point-of-care application. This review discusses the production and detection ability of amyloid beta, an Alzheimer's biomarker, by electrochemical biosensors with SAM support for antibody conjugation. In addition, future perspectives on SAM for the improvement of electrochemical biosensors are also proposed and discussed.

SiC Electrochemical Sensor Validation for Alzheimer Aβ42 Antigen Detection

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease with only late-stage detection; thus, diagnosis is made when it is no longer possible to treat the disease, only its symptoms. Consequently, this often leads to caregivers who are the patient's relatives, which adversely impacts the workforce along with severely diminishing the quality of life for all involved. It is, therefore, highly desirable to develop a fast, effective and reliable sensor to enable early-stage detection in an attempt to reverse disease progression. This research validates the detection of amyloid-beta 42 (Aβ₄₂) using a Silicon Carbide (SiC) electrode, a fact that is unprecedented in the literature. Aβ₄₂ is considered a reliable biomarker for AD detection, as reported in previous studies. To validate the detection with a SiC-based electrochemical sensor, a gold (Au) electrode-based electrochemical sensor was used as a control. The same cleaning, functionalization and Aβ_1-28 antibody immobilization steps were used on both electrodes. Sensor validation was carried out by means of Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) aiming to detect an 0.5 µg·mL^-1 Aβ₄₂ concentration in 0.1 M buffer solution as a proof of concept. A repeatable peak directly related to the presence of Aβ₄₂ was observed, indicating that a fast SiC-based electrochemical sensor was constructed and may prove to be a useful approach for the early detection of AD.

Application of aminobenzoic acid electrodeposited screen-printed carbon electrode in the beta-amyloid electrochemical impedance spectroscopy immunoassay

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the important neurodegenerative diseases, in the modern aging society, it has become an issue people need to work on. Of the pathogenic factor which leads to AD, beta-amyloid (Aβ) is the most important one. It can form the senile plaque which aggregates in the neuron and interrupts the signal transmission. This research is based on the electrochemical system and screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) incorporated with pretreatment, electrodeposition, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), antibody, and blocking agent. This immunosensor is applied to detect the different concentrations of Aβ. The standard curve between electrical impedance and concentration of Aβ is calculated. The specificity of the immunosensor is tested. This survey optimizes the electrodeposition condition for 4-aminobenzoic acid (4-ABA) and the parameter for antibody and blocking agents. This study fabricates a more dense, uniform, and stable film of 4-ABA. This sensor presents a range of detection from 1 fg/ml to 100 pg/ml and a limit of detection to 3.84 fg/ml. This sensor can identify the isoform of Aβ. This research shortens the fabricating time to 3.5 h. This study fabricates a label-free and low-cost immunosensor for Aβ with a short fabricating time, high stability, wide range of detection, low limit of detection, and good specificity. The impedance of the carbon printed electrodes is very high and is always measured by its current but this study provides a fabrication technique for high-efficiency carbon printed electrodes for electrochemical impedance spectroscopy sensing.

Impedimetric Detection Based on Label-Free Immunoassay Developed for Targeting Spike S1 Protein of SARS-CoV-2

After the COVID-19 pandemic started all over the world, great importance was placed on the development of sensitive and selective bioanalytical assays for the rapid detection of the highly pathogenic SARS-CoV-2 virus causing COVID-19 disease. In this present work, an impedimetric immunosensor was developed and applied for rapid, reliable, sensitive and selective detection of the SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein. To detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus, targeting of the spike S1 protein was achieved herein by using S1 protein-specific capture antibody (Cab-S1) immobilized screen-printed electrode (SPE) in combination with the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique. With the impedimetric immunosensor, the detection limit for S1 protein in buffer medium was found to be 0.23 ng/mL (equal to 23.92 amol in 8 µL sample) in the linear concentration range of S1 protein from 0.5 to 10 ng/mL. In the artificial saliva medium, it was found to be 0.09 ng/mL (equals to 9.36 amol in 8 µL sample) in the linear concentration range of S1 protein between 0.1 and 1 ng/mL. The selectivity of the impedimetric immunosensor toward S1 protein was tested against influenza hemagglutinin antigen (HA) in the buffer medium as well as in artificial saliva.

Electrocatalysis of Copper Sulfide Nanoparticle-Engineered Covalent Organic Frameworks for Ratiometric Electrochemical Detection of Amyloid-β Oligomer

Amyloid-β oligomer (AβO) is widely regarded as a reliable biomarker for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, a signal on-off ratiometric electrochemical immunosensor has been developed for ultrasensitive detection of AβO. To achieve the dual-signal ratiometric strategy, ultrasmall copper sulfide nanoparticle-engineered covalent organic framework hybrid nanocomposites (CuS@COFs) were utilized as excellent electrocatalysts toward hydroquinone (HQ) oxidation to produce detectable signals. Meanwhile, electroactive thionine (Thi) and Aβ antibody-modified gold nanoparticles (Thi-AuNPs-Ab bioconjugates) were designed as another electrochemical indicator. Based on these two signals, an ultrasensitive sandwich-like electrochemical immunosensor was established for AβO detection. The introduction of AβO resulted in a remarkable decline in the electrochemical signal of HQ but an increase in the signal of Thi. Under optimum conditions, the ratios between the double signals (I_Thi/I_HQ) showed a proportional linear relationship with the AβO concentration (1 pM-1 μM) with a low detection limit of 0.4 pM (S/N = 3), and the biosensor was able to determine the content of AβO in real cerebrospinal fluid samples with satisfactory results. The ratiometric strategy proposed in our study offers a sensitive and efficient approach for early diagnosis of AD, and this work will promote the further applications of engineered COFs in electrochemical sensors.

A highly sensitive impedimetric sensor based on a MIP biomimetic for the detection of enrofloxacin

The benefits of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) technology in creating artificial receptors to replace natural counterparts have piqued the interest of numerous researchers in recent years. We propose a biomimetic enrofloxacin-MIP for enrofloxacin (ENRO) antigen detection using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and MIP methodologies in this study. A self-assembled monomer layer of aminothiophenol was used to immobilize a pre-formed complex of the anti-enrofloxacin monoclonal antibody and enrofloxacin antigen onto the surface of an AuNP coated screen-printed carbon ink electrode (SPCE). The poly-(aminothiophenol) layer thickness was adjusted to entrap and restrict enrofloxacin antigens near the surface. The imprinting and removal of the enrofloxacin antigen in the MIP film were strongly validated by the Raman spectra. The final mAb-MIP sensor had better sensitivity (302 Ω mL ng^-1) and a better detection limit (0.05 ng mL^-1) than self-assembled monolayer (SAM)-based immunosensors, which had 102 Ω mL ng^-1 and 0.1 ng mL^-1, respectively.

Potentiometric Biosensor Based on Artificial Antibodies for an Alzheimer Biomarker Detection

This paper presents a potentiometric biosensor for the detection of amyloid β-42 (Aβ-42) in point-of-care analysis. This approach is based on the molecular imprint polymer (MIP) technique, which uses covalently immobilised Aβ-42 to create specific detection cavities on the surface of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The biosensor was prepared by binding Aβ-42 to the SWCNT surface and then imprinting it by adding acrylamide (monomer), N,N’-methylene-bis-acrylamide (crosslinker) and ammonium persulphate (initiator). The target peptide was removed from the polymer matrix by the proteolytic action of an enzyme (proteinase K). The presence of imprinting sites was confirmed by comparing a MIP-modified surface with a negative control (NIP) consisting of a similar material where the target molecule had been removed from the process. The ability of the sensing material to rebind Aβ-42 was demonstrated by incorporating the MIP material as an electroactive compound in a PVC/plasticiser mixture applied to a solid conductive support of graphite. All steps of the synthesis of the imprinted materials were followed by Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The analytical performance was evaluated by potentiometric transduction, and the MIP material showed cationic slopes of 75 mV-decade−1 in buffer pH 8.0 and a detection limit of 0.72 μg/mL. Overall, potentiometric transduction confirmed that the sensor can discriminate Aβ-42 in the presence of other biomolecules in the same solution.

The Need to Pair Molecular Monitoring Devices with Molecular Imaging to Personalize Health

By enabling the non-invasive monitoring and quantification of biomolecular processes, molecular imaging has dramatically improved our understanding of disease. In recent years, non-invasive access to the molecular drivers of health versus disease has emboldened the goal of precision health, which draws on concepts borrowed from process monitoring in engineering, wherein hundreds of sensors can be employed to develop a model which can be used to preventatively detect and diagnose problems. In translating this monitoring regime from inanimate machines to human beings, precision health posits that continual and on-the-spot monitoring are the next frontiers in molecular medicine. Early biomarker detection and clinical intervention improves individual outcomes and reduces the societal cost of treating chronic and late-stage diseases. However, in current clinical settings, methods of disease diagnoses and monitoring are typically intermittent, based on imprecise risk factors, or self-administered, making optimization of individual patient outcomes an ongoing challenge. Low-cost molecular monitoring devices capable of on-the-spot biomarker analysis at high frequencies, and even continuously, could alter this paradigm of therapy and disease prevention. When these devices are coupled with molecular imaging, they could work together to enable a complete picture of pathogenesis. To meet this need, an active area of research is the development of sensors capable of point-of-care diagnostic monitoring with an emphasis on clinical utility. However, a myriad of challenges must be met, foremost, an integration of the highly specialized molecular tools developed to understand and monitor the molecular causes of disease with clinically accessible techniques. Functioning on the principle of probe-analyte interactions yielding a transducible signal, probes enabling sensing and imaging significantly overlap in design considerations and targeting moieties, however differing in signal interpretation and readout. Integrating molecular sensors with molecular imaging can provide improved data on the personal biomarkers governing disease progression, furthering our understanding of pathogenesis, and providing a positive feedback loop toward identifying additional biomarkers and therapeutics. Coupling molecular imaging with molecular monitoring devices into the clinical paradigm is a key step toward achieving precision health.

Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of Phosphorylated-Tau Threonine 231 in Human Serum Using Interdigitated Wave-Shaped Electrode

The development of an electrochemical biosensor for the detection of phosphorylated-tau threonine 231 (p-tau231), a biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), has yet to be achieved. Therefore, in this study, we developed a simple, small size, cheap, and sensitive electrochemical biosensor based on an interdigitated wave-shaped electrode via an activated self-assembled monolayer to preserve a specific anti–p-tau231 antibody (IWE/SAM/EDC-NHS/anti–p-tau231). Detection of p-tau231 in human serum (HS) using the biosensor was undertaken using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The change in charge-transfer resistance (R_ct) in the EIS analysis of the biosensor indicated the detection of p-tau231 in HS within a wide linear range of detection (10⁻⁴–10¹ ng mL⁻¹), and a low limit of detection (140 pg mL⁻¹). This lower limit is less than the detection level of p-tau231 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (700 pg mL⁻¹) of AD patients and the level of CSF p-tau231 of patients with mild cognitive impairment (501 pg mL⁻¹), demonstrating the possibility of using the biosensor in detection of p-tau231 at early stage AD. A high binding affinity and low dissociation constant (K_d) between anti–p-tau231 and p-tau231 in HS was demonstrated by using a biosensor and K_d was 7.6 pM, demonstrating the high specific detection of p-tau231 by the biosensor. The good selectivity of the biosensor for the detection of p-tau231 with differential analytes was also examined in this study.

Colorimetric cellulose-based test-strip for rapid detection of amyloid β-42

An innovative sensing assay is described for point-of-care (PoC) quantification of a biomarker of Alzheimer's disease, amyloid β-42 (Aβ-42). This device is based on a cellulose paper-dye test strip platform in which the corresponding detection layer is integrated by applying a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) to the cellulose paper surface. Briefly, the cellulose paper is chemically modified with a silane to subsequently apply the MIP detection layer. The imprinting process is confirmed by the parallel preparation of a control material, namely a non-imprinted polymer (NIP). The chemical changes of the surface were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle, and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). Proteins and peptides can be quantified by conventional staining methods. For this purpose, Coomassie blue (CB) was used as a staining dye for the detection and quantification of Aβ-42. Quantitative determination is made possible by taking a photograph and applying an appropriate mathematical treatment to the color coordinates provided by the ImageJ program. The MIP shows a linear range between 1.0 ng/mL and 10 μg/mL and a detection limit of 0.71 ng/mL. Overall, this cellulose-based assay is suitable for the detection of peptides or proteins in a sample by visual comparison of color change. The test strip provides a simple, instrument-free, and cost-effective method with high chemical stability, capable of detecting very small amounts of peptides or proteins in a sample, and can be used for the detection of any (bio)molecule of interest.

Recent Advancements in Electrochemical Biosensors for Alzheimer's Disease Biomarkers Detection

Background

It is estimated that the average time between the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and the patient’s death is 5-9 years. Therefore, both the initial phase of the disease and the preclinical state can be included in the critical period in disease diagnosis. Accordingly, huge progress has recently been observed in biomarker research to identify risk factors for dementia in older people with normal cognitive functions and mild cognitive impairments.

Methods

Electrochemical biosensors are excellent analytical tools that are used in the detection of AD biomarkers as they are easy to use, portable, and can do analysis in real time.

Results

This review presents the analytical techniques currently used to determine AD biomarkers in terms of their advantages and disadvantages; the most important clinical biomarkers of AD and their role in the disease. All recently used biorecognition molecules in electrochemical biosensor development, i.e., receptor protein, antibodies, aptamers and nucleic acids, are summarized for the first time. Novel electrochemical biosensors for AD biomarker detection, as ideal analytical platforms for point-of-care diagnostics, are also reviewed.

Conclusion

The article focuses on various strategies of biosensor chemical surface modifications to immobilize biorecognition molecules, enabling specific, quantitative AD biomarker detection in synthetic and clinical samples. In addition, this is the first review that presents innovative single-platform systems for simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers and other important AD-associated biological species based on electrochemical techniques. The importance of these platforms in disease diagnosis is discussed.

A Concise Overview of Biosensing Technologies for the Detection of Alzheimer's Disease Biomarkers

Alzheimer&#039;s disease (AD) is a brain-linked pathophysiological condition with neuronal degeneration, cognition dysfunctions, and other debilitations. Due to the growing prevalence of AD, there is a highly commended tendency to accelerate and develop analytical technologies for easy, cost-effective, and sensitive detection of AD biomarkers. In the last decade, remarkable advancements have been achieved on the gate to the progression of biosensors, predominantly optical and electrochemical, to detect AD biomarkers. Biosensors are commanding analytical devices that can conduct biological responses on transducers into measurable signals. These analytical devices can assist the case finding and management of AD. This review focuses on up-to-date developments, contests, and tendencies regarding AD biosensing principally, emphasizing the exclusive possessions of nanomaterials.

A β-Amyloid(1-42) Biosensor Based on Molecularly Imprinted Poly-Pyrrole for Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease

Background:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common form of dementia, characterized by production and deposition of β-amyloid peptide in the brain. Thus, β-amyloid peptide is a potentially promising biomarker used to diagnose and monitor the progression of AD.

Objective:

The study aims to develop a biosensor based on a molecularly imprinted poly-pyrrole for detection of β-amyloid.

Material and Methods:

In this experimental study, an imprinted poly-pyrrole was employed as an artificial receptor synthesized by electro-polymerization of pyrrole on screen-printed carbon electrodes in the presence of β-amyloid. β-amyloid acts as a molecular template within the polymer. The biosensor was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry using ferro/ferricyanide marker. The parameters influencing the biosensor performance, including electro-polymerization cycle umbers and β-amyloid binding time were optimized to achieve the best biosensor sensitivity.

Results:

The β-amyloid binding affinity with the biosensor surface was evaluated by the Freundlich isotherm, and Freundlich constant and exponent were obtained as 0.22 ng mL^-1 and 10.60, respectively. The biosensor demonstrated a detection limit of 1.2 pg mL^-1. The biosensor was applied for β-amyloid determination in artificial cerebrospinal fluid.

Conclusion:

The biosensor is applicable for early Alzheimer’s disease detection.

Graphene based electrochemical immunosensor for the ultra-sensitive label free detection of Alzheimer's beta amyloid peptides Aβ(1-42)

An immunosensor capable of high sensitivity detection of beta-amyloid peptides, shown to be a reliable biomarker for Alzheimer's disease, has been developed using screen printed graphene electrodes (SPGEs) modified with ultra-thin layers of polymerised 1,5-diaminonaphthalene (pDAN). Electropolymerization of 1,5-diaminonaphthalene (DAN) was performed to coat the graphene screen printed electrodes in a continuous polymer layer with controlled thickness. The surface characteristics of pristine graphene and polymer modified graphene electrodes were examined using Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The effects of polymer thickness on the electron transfer rates were investigated. An immunosensor for selective detection of beta amyloid peptides Aβ(1-42) was developed via biofunctionalization of the pDAN modified SPGE with the anti-beta amyloid antibody used as the peptide bioreceptor. The immunosensor has been used for specific detection of Aβ(1-42) with a linear range of 1 pg mL-1 to 1000 pg mL-1 and showed 1.4 pg mL-1 and 4.25 pg mL-1 detection and quantification limit, respectively. The biosensor was further validated for the analysis of spiked human plasma. The immunosensor enables rapid, accurate, precise, reproducible and highly sensitive detection of Aβ(1-42) using a low-cost SPGE platform, which opens the possibilities for diagnostic ex vivo applications and research-based real time studies.

Advances in the development paradigm of biosample-based biosensors for early ultrasensitive detection of alzheimer's disease

This review highlights current developments, challenges, and future directions for the use of invasive and noninvasive biosample-based small biosensors for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) with biomarkers to incite a conceptual idea from a broad number of readers in this field. We provide the most promising concept about biosensors on the basis of detection scale (from femto to micro) using invasive and noninvasive biosamples such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood, urine, sweat, and tear. It also summarizes sensor types and detailed analyzing techniques for ultrasensitive detection of multiple target biomarkers (i.e., amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide, tau protein, Acetylcholine (Ach), microRNA137, etc.) of AD in terms of detection ranges and limit of detections (LODs). As the most significant disadvantage of CSF and blood-based detection of AD is associated with the invasiveness of sample collection which limits future strategy with home-based early screening of AD, we extensively reviewed the future trend of new noninvasive detection techniques (such as optical screening and bio-imaging process). To overcome the limitation of non-invasive biosamples with low concentrations of AD biomarkers, current efforts to enhance the sensitivity of biosensors and discover new types of biomarkers using non-invasive body fluids are presented. We also introduced future trends facing an infection point in early diagnosis of AD with simultaneous emergence of addressable innovative technologies.

Deciphering the Disaggregation Mechanism of Amyloid Beta Aggregate by 4-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-1-Piperazinepropanesulfonic Acid Using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy

Aggregation of amyloid-β (aβ) peptides into toxic oligomers, fibrils, and plaques is central in the molecular pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and is the primary focus of AD diagnostics. Disaggregation or elimination of toxic aβ aggregates in patients is important for delaying the progression of neurodegenerative disorders in AD. Recently, 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazinepropanesulfonic acid (EPPS) was introduced as a chemical agent that binds with toxic aβ aggregates and transforms them into monomers to reduce the negative effects of aβ aggregates in the brain. However, the mechanism of aβ disaggregation by EPPS has not yet been completely clarified. In this study, an electrochemical impedimetric immunosensor for aβ diagnostics was developed by immobilizing a specific anti-amyloid-β (aβ) antibody onto a self-assembled monolayer functionalized with a new interdigitated chain-shaped electrode (anti-aβ/SAM/ICE). To investigate the ability of EPPS in recognizing AD by extricating aβ aggregation, commercially available aβ aggregates (aβ_agg) were used. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to probe the changes in charge transfer resistance (R_ct) of the immunosensor after the specific binding of biosensor with aβ_agg. The subsequent incubation of the aβ_agg complex with a specific concentration of EPPS at different time intervals divulged AD progression. The decline in the R_ct of the immunosensor started at 10 min of EPPS incubation and continued to decrease gradually from 20 min, indicating that the accumulation of aβ_agg on the surface of the anti-aβ/SAM/ICE sensor has been extricated. Here, the kinetic disaggregation rate k value of aβ_agg was found to be 0.038. This innovative study using electrochemical measurement to investigate the mechanism of aβ_agg disaggregation by EPPS could provide a new perspective in monitoring the disaggregation periods of aβ_agg from oligomeric to monomeric form, and then support for the prediction and handling AD symptoms at different stages after treatment by a drug, EPPS.

Printed Electrochemical Biosensors: Opportunities and Metrological Challenges

Printed electrochemical biosensors have recently gained increasing relevance in fields ranging from basic research to home-based point-of-care. Thus, they represent a unique opportunity to enable low-cost, fast, non-invasive and/or continuous monitoring of cells and biomolecules, exploiting their electrical properties. Printing technologies represent powerful tools to combine simpler and more customizable fabrication of biosensors with high resolution, miniaturization and integration with more complex microfluidic and electronics systems. The metrological aspects of those biosensors, such as sensitivity, repeatability and stability, represent very challenging aspects that are required for the assessment of the sensor itself. This review provides an overview of the opportunities of printed electrochemical biosensors in terms of transducing principles, metrological characteristics and the enlargement of the application field. A critical discussion on metrological challenges is then provided, deepening our understanding of the most promising trends in order to overcome them: printed nanostructures to improve the limit of detection, sensitivity and repeatability; printing strategies to improve organic biosensor integration in biological environments; emerging printing methods for non-conventional substrates; microfluidic dispensing to improve repeatability. Finally, an up-to-date analysis of the most recent examples of printed electrochemical biosensors for the main classes of target analytes (live cells, nucleic acids, proteins, metabolites and electrolytes) is reported.

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.

A Probeless Capacitive Biosensor for Direct Detection of Amyloid Beta 1-42 in Human Serum Based on an Interdigitated Chain-Shaped Electrode

Amyloid beta (aβ) 1-42, a peptide that is 1-42 amino acids long, is a major component of senile plaques in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. Aβ detection has become an essential antecedence to predict the declining mental abilities of patients. In this paper, a probeless capacitive biosensor for the non-Faradaic detection of aβ 1-42 peptide was developed by immobilizing a specific anti-aβ antibody onto a self-assembled monolayer functionalized interdigitated chain-shaped electrode (anti-aβ/SAM/ICE). The novelty and difference of this article from previous studies is the direct detection of aβ peptide with no redox probe ((Fe(CN)6)3-/4-), which can avoid the denaturation of the protein caused by the metallization (binding of aβ to metal ion Fe which is presented in the redox couple). The direct detection of aβ with no redox probe is performed by non-Faradaic capacitive measurement, which is greatly different from the Faradaic measurement of the charge transfer resistance of the redox probe. The detection of various aβ 1-42 peptide concentrations in human serum (HS) was performed by measuring the relative change in electrode interfacial capacitance due to the specific antibody-aβ binding. Capacitance change in the anti-aβ/SAM/ICE biosensor showed a linear detection range between 10 pg mL-1 and 104 pg mL-1, and a detection limit of 7.5 pg mL-1 in HS, which was much lower than the limit of detection for CSF aβ 1-42 (~500 pg mL-1) and other biosensors. The small dissociation constant Kd of the antibody-antigen interaction was also found to be 0.016 nM in HS, indicating the high binding affinity of the anti-aβ/SAM/ICE biosensor in the recognizing of aβ 1-42. Thus, the developed sensor can be used for label-free and direct measurement of aβ 1-42 peptide and for point-of-care diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease without redox probe.

A label-free biosensor based on graphene and reduced graphene oxide dual-layer for electrochemical determination of beta-amyloid biomarkers

A label-free biosensor is developed for the determination of plasma-based Aβ_1–42 biomarker in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The platform is based on highly conductive dual-layer of graphene and electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The modification of dual-layer with 1-pyrenebutyric acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (Pyr-NHS) is achieved to facilitate immobilization of H31L21 antibody. The effect of these modifications were studied with morphological, spectral and electrochemical techniques. The response of the biosensor was evaluated using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The data was acquired at a working potential of ~ 180 mV and a scan rate of 50 mV s⁻¹. A low limit of detection (LOD) of 2.398 pM is achieved over a wide linear range from 11 pM to 55 nM. The biosensor exhibits excellent specificity over Aβ_1–40 and ApoE ε4 interfering species. Thus, it provides a viable tool for electrochemical determination of Aβ_1–42. Spiked human and mice plasmas were used for the successful validation of the sensing platform in bio-fluidic samples. The results obtained from mice plasma analysis concurred with the immunohistochemistry (IHC) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data obtained from brain analysis.

Graphical abstract

Biosensors on the road to early diagnostic and surveillance of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is a debilitating and largely untreatable condition with subtle onset and slow progression over an extensive period of time, which culminate in increasing levels of disability. As Alzheimer's disease prevalence is expected to grow exponentially in the upcoming decades, there is an urgency to develop analytical technologies for the sensitive, reliable and cost-effective detection of Alzheimer's disease biomarkers. Biosensors are powerful analytical devices that translate events of biological recognition on physical or chemical transducers into electrical, thermal or optical signals. The high sensitivity and selectivity of biosensors associated with easy, rapid and low-cost determination of analytes have made this discipline one of the most intensively studied in the past decades. This review centers on recent advances, challenges and trends of Alzheimer's disease biosensing particularly in the effort to combine the unique properties of nanomaterials with biorecognition elements. In the last decade, impressive progresses have been made towards the development of biosensors, mainly electrochemical and optical, for detection of Alzheimer's disease biomarkers in the pico- and femto-molar range. Nonetheless, advances in multiplexed detection, robustness, stability and specificity are still necessary to ensure an accurate and differentiated diagnosis of this disease.

Single-Atom Nanozymes Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Sensitive Detection of Aβ 1-40: A Biomarker of Alzheimer's Disease

Single-atom nanozymes (SANs) possess unique features of maximum atomic utilization and present highly assembled enzyme-like structure and remarkable enzyme-like activity. By introducing SANs into immunoassay, limitations of ELISA such as low stability of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) can be well addressed, thereby improving the performance of the immunoassays. In this work, we have developed novel Fe-N-C single-atom nanozymes (Fe-N_x SANs) derived from Fe-doped polypyrrole (PPy) nanotube and substituted the enzymes in ELISA kit for enhancing the detection sensitivity of amyloid beta 1-40. Results indicate that the Fe-N_x SANs contain high density of single-atom active sites and comparable enzyme-like properties as HRP, owing to the maximized utilization of Fe atoms and their abundant active sites, which could mimic natural metalloproteases structures. Further designed SAN-linked immunosorbent assay (SAN-LISA) demonstrates the ultralow limit of detection (LOD) of 0.88 pg/mL, much more sensitive than that of commercial ELISA (9.98 pg/mL). The results confirm that the Fe-N_x SANs can serve as a satisfactory replacement of enzyme labels, which show great potential as an ultrasensitive colorimetric immunoassay.

Nanomaterials towards Biosensing of Alzheimer's Disease Biomarkers

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an incurable and highly debilitating condition characterized by the progressive degeneration and/or death of nerve cells, which leads to manifestation of disabilities in cognitive functioning. In recent years, the development of biosensors for determination of AD's main biomarkers has made remarkable progress, particularly based on the tremendous advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology. The unique and outstanding properties of nanomaterials (such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, gold, silver and magnetic nanoparticles, polymers and quantum dots) have been contributing to enhance the electrochemical and optical behavior of transducers while offering a suitable matrix for the immobilization of biological recognition elements. Therefore, optical and electrochemical immuno- and DNA-biosensors with higher sensitivity, selectivity and longer stability have been reported. Nevertheless, strategies based on the detection of multiple analytes still need to be improved, as they will play a crucial role in minimizing misdiagnosis. This review aims to provide insights into the conjugation of nanomaterials with different transducers highlighting their crucial role in the construction of biosensors for detection of AD main biomarkers.

Disposable Voltammetric Immunosensors Integrated with Microfluidic Platforms for Biomedical, Agricultural and Food Analyses: A Review

Disposable immunosensors are analytical devices used for the quantification of a broad variety of analytes in different areas such as clinical, environmental, agricultural and food quality management. They detect the analytes by means of the strong interactions between antibodies and antigens, which provide concentration-dependent signals. For the herein highlighted voltammetric immunosensors, the analytical measurements are due to changes in the electrical signals on the surface of the transducers. The possibility of using disposable and miniaturized immunoassays is a very interesting alternative for voltammetric analyses, mainly, when associated with screen-printing technologies (screen-printed electrodes, SPEs), and microfluidic platforms. The aim of this paper is to discuss a carefully selected literature about different examples of SPEs-based immunosensors associated with microfluidic technologies for diseases, food, agricultural and environmental analysis. Technological aspects of the development of the voltammetric immunoassays such as the signal amplification, construction of paper-based microfluidic platforms and the utilization of microfluidic devices for point-of-care testing will be presented as well.

An impedimetric micro-immunosensing assay to detect Alzheimer's disease biomarker: Aβ40

A miniaturized biosensing platform, based on monoclonal amyloid-beta antibodies (mAβ_ab) that were immobilized on a disc-shaped platinum/iridium (Pt/Ir) microelectrode surface coupled with an impedimetric signal transducer, was developed for the label-free and sensitive detection of amyloid-beta peptide fragment 1-40 (Aβ40); a reliable biomarker for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). A Pt/Ir microelectrode was electropolymerized with poly (ortho-phenylenediamine), a conducting free amine-containing aromatic polymer; followed by crosslinking with glutaraldehyde for subsequent coupling of mAβ_ab on the microelectrode surface. This modification strategy efficiently improved the impedimetric detection performance of Aβ40 in terms of charge transfer resistance (∼400-fold difference) and normalized impedance magnitude percentage change (∼40% increase) compared with a passive adsorption-based immobilization method. The sensitivity of the micro-immunosensing assay was found to be 1056 kΩ/(pg/mL)/cm² and the limit of detection was found to be 4.81 pg/mL with a dynamic range of 1-10⁴ pg/mL (R² = 0.9932). The overall precision of the assay, as measured by relative standard deviation, ranged from 0.84 to 5.15%, demonstrating its reliability and accuracy; while in respect to assay durability and stability, the immobilized mAβ_ab were able to maintain 80% of their binding activity to Aβ40 after incubation for 48 h at ambient temperature (25 °C). To validate the practical applicability, the assay was tested using brain tissue lysates prepared from AD-induced rats. Results indicate that the proposed impedimetric micro-immunosensing platform is highly versatile and adaptable for the quantitative detection of other disease-related biomarkers.

Biosensors for Alzheimer's disease biomarker detection: A review

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic disease amongst people aged 65 and older. Increasing evidence has illustrated that early diagnosis holds the key to effective treatment of AD. A variety of detection techniques have been developed. Biosensors are excellent analytical tools which have applications in detecting the biomarkers of AD. This review includes appropriate bioreceptors to achieve highly sensitive and selective quantification of AD biomarkers by using transducers. AD biomarkers such as tau protein, amyloid β peptides and apolipoprotein E4, are firstly summarized. The most commonly used bioreceptors, including aptamers and antibodies, are also reviewed. We introduce aptamers specific to AD biomarkers, list the sequences of aptamers designed to capture AD biomarkers and compare the properties of aptamers with those of antibodies with regard to their efficiency as bio-recognition elements. We discuss the recent progress of aptamer systems' applications in AD biomarkers in biosensing. The review also discusses novel strategies used for signal amplification in sensing AD biomarkers.

Bioelectrochemical Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis ESAT-6 in an Antibody-Based Biomicrosystem

Bioelectrochemical sensing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis through electro-immunosensors is a promising technique to detect relevant analytes. In general, immunosensors require the formation of organic assemblies by the adsorption of molecular constituents. Moreover, they depend on the correct immobilization of the bio-recognition element in the biosensor. These procedures cannot be easily monitored without the use of invasive methods. In this work, an impedance analysis technique was used, as a non-invasive method, to measure and differentiate the manufacturing stages of the sensors. Biomicrosystems were fabricated through physical vapor deposition (PVD) of 80 nm Au nanolayers on 35 µm copper surfaces. Later, the surface was modified through thiolation methods generating a self-assembled-monolayer (SAM) with 20 mM 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) on which a polyclonal antibody (pAb) was covalently attached. Using impedance analysis, every step of the electro-immunosensor fabrication protocol was characterized using 40 independent replicas. Results showed that, compared to the negative controls, distilled water, and 0.5 µg/mL HSA, a maximum variation of 171% between each replica was achieved when compared to samples containing 0.5 µg/mL of ESAT-6 M. tuberculosis immunodominant protein. Therefore, this development validates a non-invasive method to electrically monitor the assembly process of electro-immunosensors and a tool for its further measure for detection of relevant antigens.

A highly sensitive plasma-based amyloid-β detection system through medium-changing and noise cancellation system for early diagnosis of the Alzheimer's disease

We developed an interdigitated microelectrode (IME) sensor system for blood-based Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis based on impedimetric detection of amyloid-β (Aβ) protein, which is a representative candidate biomarker for AD. The IME sensing device was fabricated using a surface micromachining process. For highly sensitive detection of several tens to hundreds of picogram/mL of Aβ in blood, medium change from plasma to PBS buffer was utilized with signal cancellation and amplification processing (SCAP) system. The system demonstrated approximately 100-folds higher sensitivity according to the concentrations. A robust antibody-immobilization process was used for stability during medium change. Selectivity of the reaction due to the affinity of Aβ to the antibody and the sensitivity according to the concentration of Aβ were also demonstrated. Considering these basic characteristics of the IME sensor system, the medium change was optimized in relation to the absolute value of impedance change and differentiated impedance changes for real plasma based Aβ detection. Finally, the detection of Aβ levels in transgenic and wild-type mouse plasma samples was accomplished with the designed sensor system and the medium-changing method. The results confirmed the potential of this system to discriminate between patients and healthy controls, which would enable blood-based AD diagnosis.

Printable Electrochemical Biosensors: A Focus on Screen-Printed Electrodes and Their Application

In this review we present electrochemical biosensor developments, focusing on screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) and their applications. In particular, we discuss how SPEs enable simple integration, and the portability needed for on-field applications. First, we briefly discuss the general concept of biosensors and quickly move on to electrochemical biosensors. Drawing from research undertaken in this area, we cover the development of electrochemical DNA biosensors in great detail. Through specific examples, we describe the fabrication and surface modification of printed electrodes for sensitive and selective detection of targeted DNA sequences, as well as integration with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). For a more rounded approach, we also touch on electrochemical immunosensors and enzyme-based biosensors. Last, we present some electrochemical devices specifically developed for use with SPEs, including USB-powered compact mini potentiostat. The coupling demonstrates the practical use of printable electrode technologies for application at point-of-use. Although tremendous advances have indeed been made in this area, a few challenges remain. One of the main challenges is application of these technologies for on-field analysis, which involves complicated sample matrices.

Impedimetric Label-Free Immunosensor on Disposable Modified Screen-Printed Electrodes for Ochratoxin A

An impedimetric label-free immunosensor on disposable screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCE) for quantitative determination of Ochratoxin A (OTA) has been developed. After modification of the SPCE surface with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), the anti-OTA was immobilized on the working electrode through a cysteamine layer. After each coating step, the modified surfaces were characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The capacitance was chosen as the best parameter that describes the reproducible change in electrical properties of the electrode surface at different OTA concentrations and it was used to investigate the analytical parameters of the developed immunosensor. Under optimized conditions, the immunosensor showed a linear relationship between 0.3 and 20 ng/mL with a low detection limit of 0.25 ng/mL, making it suitable to control OTA content in many common food products. Lastly, the immunosensor was used to measure OTA in red wine samples and the results were compared with those registered with a competitive ELISA kit. The immunosensor was sensitive to OTA lower than 2 μg/kg, which represents the lower acceptable limit of OTA established by European legislation for common food products.

Nano-biosensors to detect beta-amyloid for Alzheimer's disease management

Beta-amyloid (β-A) peptides are potential biomarkers to monitor Alzheimer's diseases (AD) for diagnostic purposes. Increased β-A level is neurotoxic and induces oxidative stress in brain resulting in neurodegeneration and causes dementia. As of now, no sensitive and inexpensive method is available for β-A detection under physiological and pathological conditions. Although, available methods such as neuroimaging, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detect β-A, but they are not yet extended at point-of-care (POC) due to sophisticated equipments, need of high expertize, complicated operations, and challenge of low detection limit. Recently, β-A antibody based electrochemical immuno-sensing approach has been explored to detect β-A at pM levels within 30-40 min compared to 6-8h of ELISA test. The introduction of nano-enabling electrochemical sensing technology could enable rapid detection of β-A at POC and may facilitate fast personalized health care delivery. This review explores recent advancements in nano-enabling electrochemical β-A sensing technologies towards POC application to AD management. These analytical tools can serve as an analytical tool for AD management program to obtain bio-informatics needed to optimize therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases diagnosis management.