The immunosensors for measurement of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

Toward a Practical Impedimetric Biosensor: A Micro-Gap Parallel Plate Electrode Structure That Suppresses Unexpected Device-to-Device Variations

We propose a rational electrode design concept for affinity biosensors based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to substantially suppress unexpected device-to-device variations. On the basis that the uniformity of the current distribution affects the variation, a novel micro-gap parallel plate electrode (PPE) was developed, where two planar electrodes with edges covered with a SiO₂ layer were placed face to face. The structure provides a uniform current distribution over the planar electrode surface and maximizes the contribution of the planar electrode surface to sensing. For a comparative study, we also fabricated a micro-structured interdigitated electrode (IDE) that has been widely adopted for high-sensitivity measurement, although its current is highly concentrated on the electrode edge corner. Protein G (PrG) molecules were immobilized on both electrodes to prepare an immunoglobulin G (IgG) biosensor on which the specific binding of PrG-IgG can occur. We demonstrated that the IgG sensor with the PPE has small device-to-device variations, in strong contrast to the sensor with the IDE having large device-to-device variations. The results indicate that the current distribution on the electrode surface is important to fabricating electrochemical impedance spectroscopy biosensors with small device-to-device variations. Furthermore, it was found that the PPE allows ultrasensitive detection, that is, the sensor exhibited a linear range from 1 × 10^-13 to 1 × 10^-7 mol/L with a detection limit of 1 × 10^-14 mol/L, which is a record sensitivity at low concentrations for EIS-based IgG sensors.

New Ultrasensitive Sandwich-Type Immunoassay of Dendritic Tri-Fan Blade-like PdAuCu Nanoparticles/Amine-Functionalized Graphene Oxide for Label-Free Detection of Carcinoembryonic Antigen

The early detection of tumor markers has an effective role in the treatment of cancer. Here, a new sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensor for early label-free detection of the cancer biomarker carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was developed. Dendritic tri-fan blade-like PdAuCu nanoparticles (PdAuCu NPs)/amine functionalized graphene oxide (NH₂-GO) were the label of secondary antibodies (Ab₂), and Au nanoparticle-decorated polydopamines (Au/PDA) were immobilized on a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) as the substrate materials. Dendritic tri-fan blade-like PdAuCu NPs/NH₂-GO was synthesized according to a simple hydrothermal procedure and used to immobilize antibodies (Ab₂) with large surfaces areas, increased catalytic properties and good adsorption to amplify the current signals. Subsequently, Ab₂/PdAuCu NPs/NH₂-GO catalyzed the reduction of H₂O₂ in the sandwich-type immunoreactions. Under optimal conditions, the immunosensor exhibited a satisfactory response to CEA with a limit detection of 0.07 pg mL⁻¹ and a linear detection range from 0.1 pg mL⁻¹ to 200 ng mL⁻¹. The proposed immunosensor could be suitable enough for a real sample analysis of CEA, and has clinical value in the early diagnosis of cancer.

Electrochemical investigation of the interaction of 2,4-D and double stranded DNA using pencil graphite electrodes

2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is an auxinic herbicide used to control broadleaf weeds. It is also a threatening factor for not only aquatic life but also human health due to its genotoxicity and endocrine disruptive property. Herein, the interaction between 2,4-D and double stranded DNA was investigated by using single-use pencil graphite electrodes (PGE) in combination with electrochemical techniques. The detection mechanism was based on the monitoring of the changes at the guanine oxidation signal obtained before/after surface-confined interaction of 2,4-D and DNA at the surface of PGE. The electrochemical characterization of the interaction was studied by using microscopic and electrochemical techniques. The response obtained by interaction in the presence of another herbicide, glyphosate, which is widely used with 2,4-D for weed control, was compared to the one occurred in the presence of 2,4-D. Electrochemical monitoring of the interaction between the herbicide whose active molecule was 2,4-D and DNA was also investigated. The detection (LOD) and quantification limits (LOQ) for 2,4-D and the herbicide could be obtained in the linear concentration ranges of 30-70 µg/mL and 10-30 µg/mL, respectively and LOD and LOQ values were found to be 2.85 and 9.50 µg/mL for both 2,4-D and the herbicide. The sensitivity of the biosensor was calculated as 0.087 µA.mL / µg.cm² .This is the first study in literature by means of not only voltammetric detection of 2,4-D and DNA interaction but also the herbicide-DNA interaction at the surface of PGE based on the changes at the guanine signal.

Monitoring of glyphosate-DNA interaction and synergistic genotoxic effect of glyphosate and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid using an electrochemical biosensor

Glyphosate (GLY) is a broad-spectrum herbicide used worldwide to control broadleaf sedge, and grass weeds to control non-specific vegetation. Although it was evaluated as non-toxic agent in 20th century, its carcinogenic and genotoxic potential has being intensively investigated all over the world in the last decade. Moreover, the combination of GLY and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) has been widely applied. Although genotoxicity of GLY has been evaluated in vivo studies, there is no report in the literature for the monitoring of in vitro biointeraction of GLY and double stranded DNA, or how effect the combination of GLY and 2,4-D onto DNA. Herein, an electrochemical biosensor platform was developed for detection of the pesticide-DNA interaction by using disposable pencil graphite electrodes (PGEs). First, voltammetric detection of the interaction between GLY and DNA was investigated and the electrochemical characterization of the interaction was achieved. Taking a step further, the synergistic genotoxic effect of the mixture of GLY and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) or the mixture of their herbicide forms onto DNA could be monitored. This effect was concentration dependent, and the herbicide of GLY or the use of mixture of herbicides of GLY and 2,4-D had more genotoxic effect than analytical grade of the active molecules, GLY and 2,4-D. The single-use PGEs provided to fabricate robust, eco-friendly and time saver recognition platform for monitoring of herbicide-DNA interaction with the sensitive and reliable results. It is expected that this study will lead to be designed miniaturized lab-on-a chip platforms for on-line analysis of the pesticide-nucleic acid interactions.

Electrochemical (Bio)Sensors for Pesticides Detection Using Screen-Printed Electrodes

Pesticides are among the most important contaminants in food, leading to important global health problems. While conventional techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS) have traditionally been utilized for the detection of such food contaminants, they are relatively expensive, time-consuming and labor intensive, limiting their use for point-of-care (POC) applications. Electrochemical (bio)sensors are emerging devices meeting such expectations, since they represent reliable, simple, cheap, portable, selective and easy to use analytical tools that can be used outside the laboratories by non-specialized personnel. Screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) stand out from the variety of transducers used in electrochemical (bio)sensing because of their small size, high integration, low cost and ability to measure in few microliters of sample. In this context, in this review article, we summarize and discuss about the use of SPEs as analytical tools in the development of (bio)sensors for pesticides of interest for food control. Finally, aspects related to the analytical performance of the developed (bio)sensors together with prospects for future improvements are discussed.

An imprinted polymeric matrix containing DNA for electrochemical sensing of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid

The authors describe an electrochemical method for the determination of herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). It is based on the use of a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) and of dsDNA as a bio-specific substance. The modified electrode was prepared by electropolymerization of ortho-phenylenediamine (oPD) in the presence of DNA and of 2,4-D (the template). The imprinted MIP was placed on a pencil graphite electrode (PGE) modified with chitosan and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The template was removed with 0.4 M NaOH. The interaction of DNA with 2,4-D leads to its adsorption on the electrode, and this increases the sensitivity and selectivity of the method. After rebinding 2,4-D, the decrease in the peak current of oxidation of iron(II) acting as an electrochemical redox probe was measured by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The current, typically measured at around 0.5 V, increases linearly in the 0.01 to 10 pM 2,4-D concentration range, and the detection limit is 4.0 fM. The method is highly selective for 2,4-D. The modified electrode was applied to quantify 2,4-D in spiked environmental water and soil samples and gave absolute recoveries varying from 91.5 to 109.0%. Graphical abstractSchematic representation of the fabrication of an electrochemical sensor for determination of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Initially, the electrode was modified with chitosan and MWCNTs and then a composite was formed on it consisting of ortho-phenylenediamine (oPD), DNA and 2,4-D.

Hyaluronate-Functionalized Graphene for Label-Free Electrochemical Cytosensing

Electrochemical sensors for early tumor cell detection are currently an important area of research, as this special region directly improves the efficiency of cancer treatment. Functional graphene is a promising alternative for selective recognition and capture of target cancer cells. In our work, an effective cytosensor of hyaluronate-functionalized graphene (HG) was prepared through chemical reduction of graphene oxide. The as-prepared HG nanostructures were characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy coupled with cyclic voltammograms and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, respectively. The self-assembly of HG with ethylene diamine, followed by sodium hyaluronate, enabled the fabrication of a label-free electrochemical impedance spectroscopy cytosensor with high stability and biocompatibility. Finally, the proposed cytosensor exhibited satisfying electrochemical behavior and cell-capture capacity for human colorectal cancer cells HCT-116, and also displayed a wide linear range, from 5.0 × 10² cells∙mL-1 to 5.0 × 10⁶ cells∙mL-1, and a low detection limit of 100 cells∙mL-1 (S/N = 3) for quantification. This work paves the way for graphene applications in electrochemical cytosensing and other bioassays.

Electrochemical immunosensors - A powerful tool for analytical applications

Immunosensors are biosensors based on interactions between an antibody and antigen on a transducer surface. Either antibody or antigen can be the species immobilized on the transducer to detect antigen or antibody, respectively. Because of the strong binding forces between these biomolecules, immunosensors present high selectivity and very high sensitivity, making them very attractive for many applications in different science fields. Electrochemical immunosensors explore measurements of an electrical signal produced on an electrochemical transductor. This signal can be voltammetric, potentiometric, conductometric or impedimetric. Immunosensors utilizing electrochemical detection have been explored in several analyses since they are specific, simple, portable, and generally disposable and can carry out in situ or automated detection. This review addresses the potential of immunosensors destined for application in food and environmental analysis, and cancer biomarker diagnosis. Emphasis is given to the approaches that have been used for construction of electrochemical immunosensors. Additionally, the fundamentals of immunosensors, technology of transducers and nanomaterials and a general overview of the possible applications of electrochemical immunosensors to the food, environmental and diseases analysis fields are described.

Highly Sensitive, Label-Free Detection of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid Using an Optofluidic Chip

A highly sensitive approach for rapid and label-free detection of the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) using an optofluidic chip is demonstrated. The optofluidic chip is prepared by covalent immobilization of 2,4-D-bovine serum albumin (2,4-D-BSA) conjugate to an integrated microring resonator. Subsequent detection of 2,4-D carried out in a competitive immunoreaction format enables selective detection of 2,4-D in different types of water samples, including bottled, tap, and lake water, at a limit of detection (LOD) of 4.5 pg/mL and in a quantitative range of 15-10⁵ pg/mL. The microring resonator-based optofluidic chip is reusable with ultrahigh sensitivity that offers real-time and on-site detection of low-molecular-weight targets for potential applications in food safety and environmental monitoring.

Inhibition-based first-generation electrochemical biosensors: theoretical aspects and application to 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid detection

In this work, several theoretical aspects involved in the first-generation inhibition-based electrochemical biosensor measurements have been discussed. In particular, we have developed a theoretical-methodological approach for the characterization of the kinetic interaction between alkaline phosphatase (AlP) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) as representative inhibitor studied by means of cyclic voltammetry and amperometry. Based on these findings, a biosensor for the fast, simple, and inexpensive determination of 2,4-D has been developed. The enzyme has been immobilized on screen-printed electrodes (SPEs). To optimize the biosensor performances, several carbon-based SPEs, namely graphite (G), graphene (GP), and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), have been evaluated. AlP was immobilized on the electrode surface by means of polyvinyl alcohol with styryl-pyridinium groups (PVA-SbQ) as cross-linking agent. In the presence of ascorbate 2-phosphate (A2P) as substrate, the herbicide has been determined, thanks to its inhibition activity towards the enzyme catalyzing the oxidation of A2P to ascorbic acid (AA). Under optimum experimental conditions, the best performance in terms of catalytic efficiency has been demonstrated by MWCNTs SPE-based biosensor. The inhibition biosensor shows a linearity range towards 2,4-D within 2.1-110 ppb, a LOD of 1 ppb, and acceptable repeatability and stability. This analysis method was applied to fortified lake water samples with recoveries above 90%. The low cost of this device and its good analytical performances suggest its application for the screening and monitoring of 2,4-D in real matrices.

Dielectric study of the adhesion of mesenchymal stem cells from human umbilical cord on a sugarcane biopolymer

It is of current interest the identification of appropriate matrices for growing mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). These cells are able not only to regenerate themselves but also to differentiate into other type of functional cells, and so they have been extensively used in tissue engineering. In this work, we have evaluated the use of electric impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to follow the adhesion of MSC from Wharton's jelly of the human umbilical cord (hWJMSC) on sugarcane biopolymers (SCB). Impedance spectra of the systems were obtained in the frequency range of 10(2)-10(5) Hz. An EIS investigation showed that when deposited on a metallic electrode SCB films prevent the passage of electrons between the solution and the metallic interface. The impedance spectra of hWJMSCs adhered on SCB revealed that there is a significant increase in the magnitude of the impedance when compared to that of pure SCB. The corresponding resistance (real part of the impedance) was even higher for the SCB-hWJMSC system than for SCB without cells on their surface, in an indication of an increased blockage to the electron transfers. The resistance charge transfer is extracted by curve-fitting the impedance spectra to an equivalent circuit model. Also, a shift of the phase angle to higher frequencies was obtained for SCB-hWJMSC system as a result from hWJMSC adhesion. Our study demonstrates that EIS is an appropriate method to evaluate the adhesion of MSC. SCB can be considered as a promising biomaterial for tissue engineering.

Label-free impedimetric immunosensor for sensitive detection of 2,4-dichlorophenoxybutyric acid (2,4-DB) in soybean

Electrochemical impedance immunosensor, with its high sensitivity from electrochemical impedance analysis and ideal specificity from the immunoassay, is increasingly used in the detection of a kind of phenoxy acid herbicides which is 2,4-Dichlorophenoxybutyric acid (2,4-DB). In this experiment, synthetic 2,4-DB antibodies were immobilized on the electrode by the crosslinking of L-Cysteine/glutaraldehyde, and 2,4-DB were measured by the increase of electron-transfer resistance when the immune reaction occurred, with Fe(CN)(6)(3-)/Fe(CN)(6)(4-) as the probe. Under optimal conditions, the change of resistance is in a linear relationship with the logarithm of the concentration in the range of 1.0×10(-7)-1.0×10(-3) g/L (R=0.994) with the detection limit of 1.0×10(-7) g/L (0.1 ppb). This method bears such merits as simplicity in operation, high sensitivity, wide linear range, specificity, reproducibility and good stability. The actual soybean samples were analyzed with the recovery of 82.8%-102.3%.

Development of surface chemistry for surface plasmon resonance based sensors for the detection of proteins and DNA molecules

The immobilisation of biological recognition elements onto a sensor chip surface is a crucial step for the construction of biosensors. While some of the optical biosensors utilise silicon dioxide as the sensor surface, most of the biosensor surfaces are coated with metals for transduction of the signal. Biological recognition elements such as proteins can be adsorbed spontaneously on metal or silicon dioxide substrates but this may denature the molecule and can result in either activity reduction or loss. Self assembled monolayers (SAMs) provide an effective method to protect the biological recognition elements from the sensor surface, thereby providing ligand immobilisation that enables the repeated binding and regeneration cycles to be performed without losing the immobilised ligand, as well as additionally helping to minimise non-specific adsorption. Therefore, in this study different surface chemistries were constructed on SPR sensor chips to investigate protein and DNA immobilisation on Au surfaces. A cysteamine surface and 1%, 10% and 100% mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUDA) coatings with or without dendrimer modification were utilised to construct the various sensor surfaces used in this investigation. A higher response was obtained for NeutrAvidin immobilisation on dendrimer modified surfaces compared to MUDA and cysteamine layers, however, protein or DNA capture responses on the immobilised NeutrAvidin did not show a similar higher response when dendrimer modified surfaces were used.

Concanavalin A and polyvinyl butyral use as a potential dengue electrochemical biosensor

Immobilization of concanavalin A on gold electrode by means of gold nanoparticles and polyvinyl butyral was carried out and investigated by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The system was tested with sera from patients infected by dengue fever (DF) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (in the frequency range from 100mHz to 100KHz), and cyclic voltammetry (from -0.2 to 0.7V vs. Ag/AgCl), was performed in phosphate buffer solution containing 10mM K(3)[Fe(CN)(6)]/K(4)[Fe(CN)(6)] (1:1) mixture as a redox probe. As biomolecules accumulated on the electrode surface the voltammetric response changed from a clear diffusional to an irreversible behavior. Impedance spectroscopy showed a clear increase of the electron-transfer resistance when the sensor is exposed to contaminated sera (DF or DHF) as compared to exposure to uncontaminated serum (NDF). The results were analyzed through an equivalent circuit and values of charge transfer resistance and capacitance were obtained. Variations in charge transfer resistance were used to distinguish the sensor response for the different sera investigated (DF, DHF and NDF). Alternatively, a three-dimensional graph gave the best response for differentiation of all three blood sera. The distinctive patterns of impedimetric responses observed were ascribed to different glycoprotein patterns in the sera investigated. Therefore, the lectin immobilization on electrode surface with gold nanoparticles and polyvinyl butyral, combined with the three-dimensional impedance analysis introduced herein are valuable tools in the development of a biosensor for immunological response to diseases.

Label-free impedimetric immunosensor for sensitive detection of ochratoxin A

A novel label-free electrochemical impedimetric immunosensor for sensitive detection of ochratoxin A (OTA) was reported. A two-step reaction protocol was elaborated to modify the gold electrode. The electrode was first derivatized by electrochemical reduction of in situ generated 4-carboxyphenyl diazonium salt (4-CPDS) in acidic aqueous solution yielded stable 4-carboxyphenyl (4-CP) monolayer. The ochratoxin A antibody was then immobilized making use of the carbodiimide chemistry. The steps of the immunosensor elaboration and the immunochemical reaction between ochratoxin A and the surface-bound antibody were interrogated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The impedance change, due to the specific immuno-interaction at the immunosensor surface was utilized to detect ochratoxin A. The increase in electron-transfer resistance (DeltaR(et)) values was linearly proportional to the concentration of OTA in the range of 1-20ngmL(-1), with a detection limit of 0.5ngmL(-1).

Evaluation of Endothelial Cell Adhesion onto Different Protein/Gold Electrodes by EIS

To study cell attachment to biomaterials, several proteins such as fibronectin, collagen IV, heparin, immunoglobulin G, and albumin have been deposited onto polystyrene adsorbed on a self-assembled monolayer (silane or thiol) on glass or gold, respectively. The different steps of this multilayer assembly have been characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). These data are compared to those of adhesion rate, viability percentage, and cytoskeleton labeling for a better understanding of the cell adhesion process to each protein. All the proteins are endothelial cell adhering biomolecules but not with the same features. A linear relationship has been established between adhesion rate and resistance of the endothelial cell/protein interface for all negatively charged proteins.

An impedimetric immunosensor for the detection of autoantibodies directed against gliadins

An immunosensor has been developed for the detection of autoantibodies directed against wheat gliadin, a protein fraction of cereal gluten which is involved in celiac disease. The immunosensor is based on the immobilization of gliadins onto gold electrodes covered with a polyelectrolyte layer of poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid sodium salt). The immobilization was monitored by quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) analysis. The antigen-antibody interaction signal was amplified by an incubation step with peroxidase-labeled immunoglobulins and subsequent peroxidase-catalyzed oxidation of 3-amino-9-ethylcarbazole (AEC). Changes in the insulating properties of the electrode layer were measured by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in the presence of ferri/ferro-cyanide. Impedance spectra could be fitted to a Randles equivalent circuit with high accuracy. Exposing the sensor electrodes to various antigliadin antibody concentrations resulted in proportional changes in the charge transfer resistance. A calibration graph for the detection of antigliadin antibodies was established for antibody concentrations between 10(-8) and 10(-6) M. Finally, the sensor was used for the determination of antigliadin autoantibodies of the IgG and IgA type in several human sera.

On the response of a label-free interferon-γ immunosensor utilizing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

The research on our flow-injection, label-free, non-faradaic impedimetric immunosensor for interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) has been extended. The sensor is prepared by immobilization of anti-IFN-gamma antibodies on a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of acetylcysteine, deposited on polycrystalline gold. A multi-frequency impedance method is described, which allows time-resolved measurement of Nyquist plots. To these plots, an equivalent circuit was fitted, which is discussed in terms of a two-layer structure (inner and outer layer) of the interfacial region. Because binding of IFN-gamma mainly causes a decrease of Q (a constant-phase element), this element is considered as the outer layer. Several aspects of the impedimetric sensor response are studied, including the dependence on detection frequency, target concentration and applied dc potential. For quantitative detection of IFN-gamma, an optimum of the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio of the out-of-phase impedance component (Z'') was found at about 100 Hz. At a dc-potential of +0.2 V versus a saturated calomel reference electrode, the sensor response is higher than at 0.0 V. Logarithmic dose-response curves of IFN-gamma in the concentration range of 10(-18) to 10(-9) M were obtained using two procedures: by successive injections over a single electrode, and by using freshly prepared electrodes for each measurement. Using the latter method, the repeatability is impaired. The need for in situ complementary techniques for a correct interpretation of the studied parameters is discussed.