Synthesis of bilirubin imprinted polymer thin film for the continuous detection of bilirubin in an MIP/QCM/FIA system

Noninvasive direct bilirubin detection by spectral analysis of color images using a Mini-LED light source

Urine test paper is a standard, noninvasive detection method for direct bilirubin, but this method can only achieve qualitative analysis and cannot achieve quantitative analysis. This study used Mini-LEDs as the light source, and direct bilirubin was oxidized to biliverdin by an enzymatic method with ferric chloride (FeCl₃) for labeling. Images were captured with a smartphone and evaluated for red (R), green (G), and blue (B) colors to analyze the linear relationship between the spectral change of the test paper image and the direct bilirubin concentration. This method achieved noninvasive detection of bilirubin. The experimental results demonstrated that Mini-LEDs can be used as the light source to analyze the grayscale value of the image RGB. For the direct bilirubin concentration range of 0.1-2 mg/dL, the green channel had the highest coefficient of determination coefficient (R²) of 0.9313 and a limit of detection of 0.56 mg/dL. With this method, direct bilirubin concentrations higher than 1.86 mg/dL can be quantitatively analyzed with the advantage of rapid and noninvasive detection.

Synthesis, column packing and liquid chromatography of molecularly imprinted polymers for the acid black 1, acid black 210, and acid Brown 703 dyes

Molecularly imprinted polymers have been synthesized for the acid black 1, acid black 210, and acid brown 703 dyes using methacrylic acid, ethylene glycol, and azobisisobutyronitrile as the monomer, cross-linker, and initiator, respectively, in the ratio of 1 : 10 : 44 (template:monomer:cross-linker). The MIPs were used for the selective removal of their corresponding dyes. The selective nature of the MIPs towards their respective dyes was confirmed by a homemade liquid chromatography system. The resultant polymer materials were packed in a stainless steel column and checked for the separation of mixtures of dyes in liquid chromatography. The dyes complementary in structure to the imprinted cavities in the MIPs had long retention times, showing the highly selective nature of the MIPs. The pH, quantity of the MIPs, time, and concentration of the dyes were optimized for the highly efficient removal of the newly synthesized MIP adsorbents in batch adsorption studies. First-order, second-order, and intra-particle diffusion models were applied to all the three MIP-based adsorbents for their kinetic investigations towards the dyes. All the three MIPs selectively absorbed their target template molecule in the presence of four other template dyes having closely related structures with % RSD < 4% for the three batch experiments. The synthesized MIPs were characterized by FTIR, SEM imaging and liquid chromatography. FTIR results strongly confirmed the presence of hydrogen bonding interactions (600–900) between the template and the individual monomers present in the unwashed MIPs. Liquid chromatography revealed the highly selective nature of the MIPs towards their template molecules. The synthesized polymeric substances possess excellent thermal, chemical, and mechanical stability and can be reused several hundred times. The MIPs were applied in the removal of dyes from spiked water samples (river water, tap water and distilled water) where the % removal of the dyes by their corresponding MIPs was greater than 90%.

MIP synthesis for the recently emerging dyes, a new method for their characterization in liquid chromatography by packing packing the MIP particles in a stainless steel column, and their application in environmental remediation.

Molecularly Imprinted Polymers in Diagnostics: Accessing Analytes in Biofluids

Bio-applied molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are biomimetic materials with tailor-made synthetic recognition sites, mimicking biological counterparts known for their sensitive and selective analyte detection. MIPs, specifically designed for biomarker analysis...

Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Based Quartz Crystal Microbalance Sensor for the Clinical Detection of Insulin

In this study, we reported the design of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors for selective insulin detection. In the first step, N-methacryloyl-(L) 3-histidine methyl ester (MAH) monomer was formed a complex with insulin. Then, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate were mixed with MAH:insulin complex. Insulin-imprinted and non-imprinted QCM sensors were synthesized by ultraviolet polymerization for the insulin detection. Insulin-imprinted QCM sensors was characterized by the contact angle measurements, atomic force microscopy and ellipsometry. Limit of detection (LOD) was found as 0.00158 ng/mL for the insulin-imprinted QCM sensors. Selectivity of insulin-imprinted and non-imprinted QCM sensors was carried in the presence of glucagon and aprotinin. Insulin-imprinted QCM sensor for insulin detection was also examined in the artificial plasma.

Metal-Organic Framework Traps with Record-High Bilirubin Removal Capacity for Hemoperfusion Therapy

Adsorption-based hemoperfusion has been widely used to remove toxins from the blood of patients suffering acute liver failure (ALF). However, its detoxification effect has been severely hampered by the unsatisfactory adsorption performance of clinically used porous adsorbents, such as activated carbon (AC) and adsorption resin. Herein, two cage-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), PCN-333 (constructed from 4,4,4-s-triazine-2,4,6-triyl-tribenzoic acid (H₃TATB) ligands and Al₃ metal clusters) and MOF-808 (constructed from 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid (H₃BTC) ligands and Zr₆ metal clusters), are introduced for highly efficient hemoperfusion. They possess negligible hemolytic activity and can act as "bilirubin traps" to achieve outstanding adsorption performance toward bilirubin, a typical toxin related to ALF. Notably, PCN-333 shows a record-high adsorption capacity (∼1003.8 mg g^-1) among various bilirubin adsorbents previously reported. More importantly, they can efficiently adsorb bilirubin in bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution or even in 100% fetal bovine serum (FBS) due to their high selectivity. Strikingly, the adsorption rate and capacity of PCN-333 in biological solutions are approximately four times faster and 69 times higher than those of clinical AC, respectively. Findings in this work pave a new avenue to overcome the challenge of low adsorption efficiency and capacity in hemoperfusion therapy.

Selective bilirubin sensor fabrication based on doped IAO nanorods for environmental remediation

In this approach, low-dimensional facile IAO nanorods were prepared by using the hydrothermal technique, which is efficiently applied to develop a non-enzymatic sensor coated with GCE probe by electrochemical reduction method.

Development of new methods for determination of bilirubin

The ever-increasing demand for a sensitive, rapid and reliable method for determination of serum bilirubin level has been inciting the interest of the researchers to develop new methods for both laboratory set up and point of care applications. These efforts embrace measurement of different forms of bilirubin, such as, unconjugated (free and albumin bound) bilirubin, conjugated (direct) bilirubin, and total (both conjugated and unconjugated) bilirubin in the serum that may provide critical information useful for diagnosis of many diseases and metabolic disorders. Herein, an effort has been made to provide a broad overview on the subject starting from the conventional spectroscopy based analytical methods widely practiced in the laboratory setup along with the sophisticated instrument based sensitive methods suitable for determination of different forms of bilirubin to various portable low cost systems applicable in point of care (POC) settings. In all these discussions emphasis is given on the novel methods and techniques bearing potential to measure the bilirubin level in biological samples reliably with less technical complexity and cost. We expect that this review will serve as a ready reference for the researchers and clinical professionals working on the subject and allied fields.

Label-Free Bioanalyte Detection from Nanometer to Micrometer Dimensions-Molecular Imprinting and QCMs †

Modern diagnostic tools and immunoassay protocols urges direct analyte recognition based on its intrinsic behavior without using any labeling indicator. This not only improves the detection reliability, but also reduces sample preparation time and complexity involved during labeling step. Label-free biosensor devices are capable of monitoring analyte physiochemical properties such as binding sensitivity and selectivity, affinity constants and other dynamics of molecular recognition. The interface of a typical biosensor could range from natural antibodies to synthetic receptors for example molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs). The foremost advantages of using MIPs are their high binding selectivity comparable to natural antibodies, straightforward synthesis in short time, high thermal/chemical stability and compatibility with different transducers. Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) resonators are leading acoustic devices that are extensively used for mass-sensitive measurements. Highlight features of QCM devices include low cost fabrication, room temperature operation, and most importantly ability to monitor extremely low mass shifts, thus potentially a universal transducer. The combination of MIPs with quartz QCM has turned out as a prominent sensing system for label-free recognition of diverse bioanalytes. In this article, we shall encompass the potential applications of MIP-QCM sensors exclusively label-free recognition of bacteria and virus species as representative micro and nanosized bioanalytes.

A novel quartz crystal microbalance sensor array based on molecular imprinted polymers for simultaneous detection of clenbuterol and its metabolites

For the rapid and robust detection of both parent clenbuterol (CLB) and its metabolites in swine urine samples, a novel quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor array for CLB detection based on molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) was developed in this investigation. At first, clenbuterol and the structural analogs of its metabolites, 4-Aminohippuric acid (AHA) and 4-hydroxymandelic acid (HMA), were chosen as molecular templates. Through computational molecular modeling, the optimum ratio between the functional monomer and molecular template was selected. The surface imprinting method was applied to modify QCM electrode surface to graft a thin MIP film. The grafting polymer was characterized by Fourier-transformed infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. After then, an array system composed of three sensors was employed to test the responses with different solutions and the principal component analysis (PCA) was adopted to analyze the corresponding data. As a result, for the designed sensor to clenbuterol, a linear equation y=100.07x-722.96 (R²=0.9928) was found between the sensor frequency shift ΔF and negative logarithm of clenbuterol concentration (-lgC). The limitation of detection (LOD) was 3.0ng/mL, which is lower than the Codex Alimentarius Commission regulations residue limit 10μg/L. The corresponding data of the three template solutions were analyzed by PCA, obtaining 100% recognition. The result demonstrated the feasibility that the developed method could be applied to detect whether the livestock was feed with CLB nutrient redistribution agent by checking the urine samples.

Microcontact imprinted quartz crystal microbalance nanosensor for protein C recognition

Detection of protein C (PC) in human serum was performed by quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) based on molecular imprinting technique (MIP). The high-resolution and mass-sensitive QCM based sensor was integrated with high sensitivity and selectivity of the MIP technique. The PC microcontact imprinted (PC-μCIP) nanofilm was prepared on the glass surface. Then, the PC-μCIP/QCM sensor was prepared with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) and N-methacryloyl l-histidine methylester (MAH) as the functional monomer with copper(II) ions. The polymerization was performed under UV light (100W and 365nm) for 20-25min under nitrogen atmosphere. The characterization studies of QCM sensor were done by observation using atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle measurements, ellipsometry and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Detection of PC was investigated in a concentration range of 0.1-30μg/mL. Selectivity of PC-μCIP and PC non-imprinted/QCM (PC-non-μCIP) sensors for PC determination was investigated by using proteins namely hemoglobin (Hb), human serum albumin (HSA) and fibrinogen solutions. QCM sensor was also used for detection of PC molecules in aqueous solutions and human plasma. The detection limit was determined as 0.01μg/mL for PC analysis. The PC-μCIP/QCM sensor was used for five consecutive adsorption-desorption cycles. According to the results, the PC-μCIP/QCM sensor had obtained high selectivity and sensitivity for detection of PC molecules.

Molecular imprinting science and technology: a survey of the literature for the years 2004-2011

Herein, we present a survey of the literature covering the development of molecular imprinting science and technology over the years 2004-2011. In total, 3779 references to the original papers, reviews, edited volumes and monographs from this period are included, along with recently identified uncited materials from prior to 2004, which were omitted in the first instalment of this series covering the years 1930-2003. In the presentation of the assembled references, a section presenting reviews and monographs covering the area is followed by sections describing fundamental aspects of molecular imprinting including the development of novel polymer formats. Thereafter, literature describing efforts to apply these polymeric materials to a range of application areas is presented. Current trends and areas of rapid development are discussed.

Surface Nano-patterning of Polymers for Mass-Sensitive Biodetection

The crafting of sensor material of desired features has always remained a challenging task in the field of material designing and predominantly becomes more interesting when analyte belongs to biospecies. Label-free detection of different bioanalytes such as enzymes, viruses, microorganisms, and blood groups through mass-sensitive transducers has gained considerable importance in the development of modern biosensors. Analyte molecules interact with the surface of sensitive layer coated on these devices and as a result of this interaction, the frequency change is determined, which provides quantitative information about the mass of analyte. One of the most vital elements of these detection systems is to design selective sensor coatings through control surface structuring at nanoscale. Molecular imprinting has proven to be a highly suitable technique to generate selective surfaces that are capable of detecting different analytes, quantitatively and qualitatively as well. The tailor-made synthetic antibody cavities are rigid and stable, which are not immediately collapsed upon analyte interaction; moreover, the different bioanalytes do not undergo any phase change and maintain their original identity during analysis. This chapter will discuss the contribution of imprinting methods to design optimized surfaces for mass-sensitive detection of diverse biological species.

Microchip capillary electrophoresis for frontal analysis of free bilirubin and study of its interaction with human serum albumin

To meet the need for bedside monitoring of free bilirubin for neonates under critical conditions, a microfluidic chip was fabricated and tested for its coupling with CE/frontal analysis (FA) to determine free bilirubin and study of its binding interaction with HSA, which regulated its concentration in plasma. The poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) multichannel chip was fabricated by CO2 laser ablation and bonded with a fused-silica separation capillary for CE/FA separation with UV detection. The chip was designed to allow a complete assay of four electrophoretic runs using preconditioned channels to speed up the determination of free bilirubin and to deliver quick results for bedside monitoring. Under optimized conditions, the linear working range for free bilirubin was from 10 to 200 micromol with RSDs from 2.1 to 5.0% for n=3, and the LOD at 9 micromol for S/N=3. From a binding study between bilirubin and HSA under FA condition, the second binding constant for bilirubin-HSA was determined as 1.07x10(5) L/mol and the number of binding sites per HSA as 3.46. The results enabled the calculation of free bilirubin for jaundiced infants based on the clinically significant level of total bilirubin, producing a range of 118.3-119.4 micromol/L. The developed method is shown to meet the clinical requirement with additional margin of protection to detect the early rising level of free bilirubin prior to jaundice condition. The low-cost microchip CE/FA device is shown to produce quick results with high potential to deliver a suitable bed-side monitoring method for bilirubin management in neonates.