Comparing label free electrochemical impedimetric and capacitive biosensing architectures

Faradaic Impedimetric Immunosensor for Label-Free Point-of-Care Detection of COVID-19 Antibodies Using Gold-Interdigitated Electrode Array

Label-free electrochemical biosensors have many desirable characteristics in terms of miniaturization, scalability, digitization, and other attributes associated with point-of-care (POC) applications. In the era of COVID-19 and pandemic preparedness, further development of such biosensors will be immensely beneficial for rapid testing and disease management. Label-free electrochemical biosensors often employ [Fe(CN)6]-3/4 redox probes to detect low-concentration target analytes as they dramatically enhance sensitivity. However, such Faradaic-based sensors are reported to experience baseline signal drift, which compromises the performance of these devices. Here, we describe the use of a mecaptohexanoic (MHA) self-assembled monolayer (SAM) modified Au-interdigitated electrode arrays (IDA) to investigate the origin of the baseline signal drift, developed a protocol to resolve the issue, and presented insights into the underlying mechanism on the working of label-free electrochemical biosensors. Using this protocol, we demonstrate the application of MHA SAM-modified Au-IDA for POC analysis of human serum samples. We describe the use of a label-free electrochemical biosensor based on covalently conjugated SARS-CoV-2 spike protein for POC detection of COVID-19 antibodies. The test requires a short incubation time (10 min), and has a sensitivity of 35.4/decade (35.4%/10 ng mL-1) and LOD of 21 ng/mL. Negligible cross reactivity to seasonal human coronavirus or other endogenous antibodies was observed. Our studies also show that Faradaic biosensors are ~17 times more sensitive than non-Faradaic biosensors. We believe the work presented here contributes to the fundamental understanding of the underlying mechanisms of baseline signal drift and will be applicable to future development of electrochemical biosensors for POC applications.

Electrochemical capacitance spectroscopy based determination of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 virus spike protein

In this study, we are reporting a novel electrochemical capacitance spectroscopy (ECS) platform designed for the sensitive and label-free detection of antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus spike protein (anti-rS) in diluted blood serum. The determination of anti-rS is crucial for identification individuals who have been infected by SARS-CoV-2 virus and may have acquired immunity. The rS protein was immobilized on a screen-printed carbon electrode, which was incubated in diluted blood serum containing anti-rS antibodies. Label-free ECS was applied for the determination of interaction between immobilized rS and free-standing anti-rS. Here reported bioanalytical platform demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in detecting anti-rS, achieving a limit of detection of 4.38 nM. This versatile platform could be further enhanced by applying various electrode materials and adapting this platform to detect antibodies against some other proteins. Our findings have significant implications for the development of affordable, scalable biosensing platforms capable to provide rapid and accurate public health screening and monitoring, particularly in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Designing Quantum Capacitive Peptide Interfaces for Electroanalytical Applications

Redox-active moieties assembled on metallic interfaces have been shown to follow quantum mechanical rules, where the quantum capacitance of the interface (directly associated with the electronic structure of the redox-active moieties) plays a key role in the electron transfer dynamics of the interface. Modifying these interfaces with biological receptors has significant advantages (simplifying molecular diagnostics methods, reducing size, time, and cost while maintaining high sensitivity), enabling the fabrication of miniaturized electroanalytical devices that can compete with traditional ELISA and RT-PCR benchtop assay methods. Owing to their intrinsic characteristics, the use of peptide-based redox-active moieties is a promising chemical route for modifying metallic surfaces, resulting in a high quantum capacitive signal sensitivity. In the present work, different ferrocene-tagged peptides with a structure of Fc-Glu-XX-XX-Cys-NH2 (XX = serine, phenylalanine, glycine) were used to form self-assembled monolayers on gold. The feasibility of using these interfaces in an electroanalytical assay was verified by detecting the NS1 DENV (Dengue Virus) biomarker to compare the efficiency of peptide structures for biosensing purposes. Parameters such as the formal potential of the interface, normalized electronic density of states (DOS), quantum capacitance, and electron transfer rate constants were obtained for Ser-, Phe-, and Gly-peptides. The Gly-peptide structure presented the highest analytical performance for sensing NS1 with a sensitivity of 5.6% per decade and the lowest LOD (1.4 ng mL-1) and LOQ (2.6 ng mL-1), followed by Phe-peptide, whereas Ser-peptide had the lowest performance. This work demonstrates that the use of peptides to fabricate a self-assembled monolayer as a biosensor component has advantages for low-cost point-of-care diagnostics. It also shows that the performance of the sensing interface depends strongly on how the chemistry of the surface is designed as a whole, not only on the redox-active group.

Ultrafast Biomarker Quantification through Reagentless Capacitive Kinetics

We introduce a facile assessment of binding kinetics at bioreceptive redox-active interfaces as a means of quantifying target proteins. This is achieved by monitoring the redox capacitance (C_r) of a receptor-modified conductive polymer interface under continuous flow. Exemplified with the quantification of C-reactive protein (CRP), capacitance analyses resolve both the association and dissociation regimes in real-time. Significantly, the rate of electrochemical signal change within the association regime is a sensitive function of target concentration, enabling marker assaying down to picomolar levels, comparable to end-point assays, in 15 s. This reagentless proof-of-principle methodology is envisioned to be widely applicable to the facile quantification of a range of other pertinent, clinically relevant targets.

Reagentless Quantum-Rate-Based Electrochemical Signal of Graphene for Detecting SARS-CoV-2 Infection Using Nasal Swab Specimens

The quantum-rate model predicts a rate k as a frequency for transporting electrons within molecular structures, which is governed by the ratio between the quantum of conductance G and capacitance C_q, such that k = G/C_q. This frequency, as measured in a single-layer graphene appropriately modified with suitable biological receptors, can be applied as a transducer signal that ranges sensitivities within the attomole for biosensing applications. Here, we applied this label-free and reagentless biosensing transducer signal methodology for the qualitative diagnosis of COVID-19 infections, where this assay methodology was shown to be similar to the gold-standard real-time polymerase chain reaction. The quantum-rate strategy for the diagnosis of COVID-19 was performed by combining the response of the interface for detecting the S and N proteins of SARS-CoV-2 virus as accessed from nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal patient samples with 80% of sensitivity and 77% of specificity. As a label-free and reagentless biosensing platform, the methodology is decidedly useful for point-of-care and internet-of-things biological assaying technologies, not only because of its real-time ability to measure infections but also because of the capability for miniaturization inherent in reagentless electrochemical methods. This approach effectively permits the rapid development of biological assays for surveillance and control of endemics and pandemics.

Introducing polymer conductance in diagnostically relevant transduction

In this work we demonstrate that an impedance derived capacitance method is able to cleanly resolve the resonant conductance characteristics of an electrode-confined polymer film. In decorating the film with receptors, this conductance is thereafter modulated by the capturing of specific targets, demonstrated herein with C-reactive protein. This entirely reagentless and single step marker quantification is relevant to the drive of moving assays to a scaleable format requiring minimal user intervention.

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Relaxation conductance was used to create a new transducer signal concept.

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This relaxation conductance transducer signal concept was proved to be valid.

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Conductive redox polymer was used as sensitive function for the new signal concept.

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C-reactive protein was successfully detected in suitable low concentrations.

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This transducer principle is equally applicable to any other target.

Label-free capacitive assaying of biomarkers for molecular diagnostics

The label-free analysis of biomarkers offers important advantages in developing point-of-care (PoC) biosensors. In contrast to label-based methodologies, such as ELISA, label-free analysis enables direct detection of targets without additional steps and labeled reagents. Nonetheless, label-free approaches require high sensitivity to detect the intrinsic features of a biomarker and low levels of nonspecific signals. Electrochemical capacitance, [Formula: see text], is a feature of electroactive nanoscale films that can be measured using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. [Formula: see text] is promising as an electrochemical transducing signal for the development of high-sensitivity, reagentless and label-free molecular diagnostic assays. We used a proprietary ferrocene (Fc)-tagged peptide that is able to self-assemble onto gold electrodes (thicknesses <2 nm) to which any biological receptor can be coupled. When coupled with biological receptors (e.g., a monoclonal antibody), [Formula: see text] exhibited by the redox-tagged peptide changes as a function of the target concentration. We provide herein the steps for the qualitative and quantitative detection of dengue non-structural protein 1 (NS1) biomarker. Detection of NS1 can be used to diagnose dengue virus infection, which causes epidemics each year in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Including the pre-treatment of the electrode surface, the analysis takes ~25 h. This time can be reduced to minutes if the electrode surface is fabricated separately, demonstrating that [Formula: see text] is promising for PoC applications. We hope this protocol will serve as a reference point for researchers and companies that intend to further develop capacitive devices for molecular diagnostic assays.

Comparing glucose and urea enzymatic electrochemical and optical biosensors based on polyaniline thin films

Analytical sensors that can detect chemical (including biological) analytes are becoming increasingly widespread within the field of analytical chemistry. More than this, in a world tending towards the 'internet-of-things', the miniaturization of such devices is becoming increasingly urgent. Accordingly, electrochemical methods that are simultaneously multiplexable and effective at a miniature scale are receiving much attention. In the present work, we compare the label-free electrochemical response of enzymatic biosensors with the response of their optical counterpart. As a proof-of-concept we compare the electrochemical impedimetric response and the first time described capacitive response of enzymatic biosensors to their optical reflectance response (measured in the visible region using a portable handset spectrophotometer). The target was the detection of glucose and urea. The chemical platform of the sensors was composed of enzymatically functionalized polyaniline thin films. Sensitivity, linearity, and the limit of detection were analyzed for both electrochemical and optical instrumental settings. We found that the impedimetric/capacitive electrochemical setup produced a response that was of a similar quality to the optical response (sensitivities of 10.7 ± 0.7, 7.4 ± 0.7 and 4.3 ± 0.2% per decade for impedimetric, capacitive and optical glucose biosensors, respectively) with a broader linear range (10^-4 to 10^-1 mol L^-1 for both glucose and urea biosensors) and similar limit-of-detection in the range of 1 μmol L^-1 within a relevant and practical diagnosis range for biomedical applications.

Electrochemical Immunosensing Platform for the Determination of the 20S Proteasome Using an Aminophenylboronic/Poly-indole-6-carboxylic Acid-Modified Electrode

The first electrochemical immunosensor for the determination of the 20S proteasome (P20S) was developed, entailing the immobilization of an antibody on an aminophenylboronic/poly-indole-6-carboxylic acid-modified electrode. The proposed electrochemical bioplatform is a simple and feasible analytical tool applicable for the determination of P20S in human plasma, considering its high clinical and biological relevance. Cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and square wave voltammetry (SWV) were used to determine the optimal step-by-step process to obtain the electrochemical immunosensor. The interaction of P20S with the recognition layer of the immobilized antibody on the nanostructured surface took place by incubating the electrode in a P20S solution at 20 °C for 2 h. Using SWV as an electro-analytical technique, this immunosensor can quantify P20S. The current was linear with the P20S concentration within two dynamic concentration ranges from 20.0 to 80.0 and 80.0 to 200.0 ng·mL^-1 (r² = 0.992 and 0.98, respectively) with a limit of detection and quantification of 6 and 18 ng·mL^-1, respectively. Moreover, the immunosensor showed considerable repeatability and reproducibility, when the determination was done in human serum, which confirms that it is a promising alternative for direct detection of P20S in biological fluids with minimal interference.

Molecularly Imprinted Nanoparticles Based Sensor for Cocaine Detection

The development of a sensor based on molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (nanoMIPs) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for the detection of trace levels of cocaine is described in this paper. NanoMIPs for cocaine detection, synthesized using a solid phase, were applied as the sensing element. The nanoMIPs were first characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Dynamic Light Scattering and found to be ~148.35 ± 24.69 nm in size, using TEM. The nanoMIPs were then covalently attached to gold screen-printed electrodes and a cocaine direct binding assay was developed and optimized, using EIS as the sensing principle. EIS was recorded at a potential of 0.12 V over the frequency range from 0.1 Hz to 50 kHz, with a modulation voltage of 10 mV. The nanoMIPs sensor was able to detect cocaine in a linear range between 100 pg mL-1 and 50 ng mL-1 (R2 = 0.984; p-value = 0.00001) and with a limit of detection of 0.24 ng mL-1 (0.70 nM). The sensor showed no cross-reactivity toward morphine and a negligible response toward levamisole after optimizing the sensor surface blocking and assay conditions. The developed sensor has the potential to offer a highly sensitive, portable and cost-effective method for cocaine detection.

Electrochemical Detection of C-Reactive Protein in Human Serum Based on Self-Assembled Monolayer-Modified Interdigitated Wave-Shaped Electrode

An electrochemical capacitance immunosensor based on an interdigitated wave-shaped micro electrode array (IDWµE) for direct and label-free detection of C-reactive protein (CRP) was reported. A self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of dithiobis (succinimidyl propionate) (DTSP) was used to modify the electrode array for antibody immobilization. The SAM functionalized electrode array was characterized morphologically by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The nature of gold-sulfur interactions on SAM-treated electrode array was probed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The covalent linking of anti-CRP-antibodies onto the SAM modified electrode array was characterized morphologically through AFM, and electrochemically through cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The application of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and human serum (HS) samples containing different concentrations of CRP in the electrode array caused changes in the electrode interfacial capacitance upon CRP binding. CRP concentrations in PBS and HS were determined quantitatively by measuring the change in capacitance (ΔC) through EIS. The electrode immobilized with anti-CRP-antibodies showed an increase in ΔC with the addition of CRP concentrations over a range of 0.01-10,000 ng mL-1. The electrode showed detection limits of 0.025 ng mL-1 and 0.23 ng mL-1 (S/N = 3) in PBS and HS, respectively. The biosensor showed a good reproducibility (relative standard deviation (RSD), 1.70%), repeatability (RSD, 1.95%), and adequate selectivity in presence of interferents towards CRP detection. The sensor also exhibited a significant storage stability of 2 weeks at 4 °C in 1× PBS.

Perspectives on and Precautions for the Uses of Electric Spectroscopic Methods in Label-free Biosensing Applications

Label-free approaches for molecular diagnostic applications are appealing because of their inherent point-of-care advantages. Nonetheless, technical challenges impose a limit on the use of these methods as will be discussed in this paper. Electrochemical spectroscopic methods, such as impedance and impedance-derived methods, are highly effective in the development of label-free diagnostic assays, but they require careful control of the dynamics of the sensing interface. We herein report the strength and challenges of the current methodologies associated with the applications of impedance and impedance-derived methods by focusing on their principles of operation. We demonstrate that the uses of their potentialities are not based on the know-how of these methods, but on how to combine the spectroscopic features with the required chemical design for the associated sensing interfaces. Predominantly, we illustrate how to use the resistive and capacitive terms of the interface to improve its sensitivity to the target. For instance, with the proper signal amplification strategy, limitations related to target-to-receptor size ratio can be overcome. The target-to-receptor ratio is one of the difficulties that we use as an example to illustrate how the sensing of an electric signal can be improved by controlling the properties of the interface on the nanometer scale.

Label-free electrochemical impedimetric immunosensor for sensitive detection of IgM rheumatoid factor in human serum

The authors report a label-free and direct detection of rheumatoid factor- Immunoglobulin M (IgM-RF) based on an impedimetric-interdigitated wave type microelectrode array (IDWμE). IDWμE was functionalized with a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of thioctic acid for antigen immobilization. The SAM functionalized IDWμE were characterized by atomic force microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The covalent immobilization of IgG-Fc onto the SAM modified electrode arrays was characterized morphologically via AFM and electrochemically via cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Impedimetric measurements in the presence of redox probe (Potassium ferrocyanide and potassium ferricyanide) showed a significant change in both the impedance spectrum and charge transfer resistance upon IgM-RF binding. Impedance measurements were target specific and linear with an increase in IgM-RF concentrations between 1 and 200 IU mL^-1 in redox probe and human serum, respectively. The sensor showed detection limits of 0.6 IU mL^-1 in the presence of redox probe and 0.22 IU mL^-1 in the human serum. The biosensor exhibited good reproducibility (relative standard deviation (RSD), 4.96%) and repeatability (RSD, 2.31%) with an acceptable selectivity towards IgM-RF detection. The sensor also showed a good stability for 3 weeks at 4 °C in 1X PBS. Therefore, the sensitive and stable immunosensor exhibiting IDWμE features can be integrated with a miniaturized potentiostat to develop a sensing system that detects IgM-RF for point-of-care applications.

Redox Capacitive Assaying of C-Reactive Protein at a Peptide Supported Aptamer Interface

Electrochemical immunosensors offer much in the potential translation of a lab based sensing capability to a useful "real world" platform. In previous work we have introduced an impedance-derived electrochemical capacitance spectroscopic analysis as supportive of a reagentless means of reporting on analyte target capture at suitably prepared mixed-component redox-active, antibody-modified interfaces. Herein we directly integrate receptive aptamers into a redox charging peptide support in enabling a label-free low picomolar analytical assay for C-reactive protein with a sensitivity that significantly exceeds that attainable with an analogous antibody interface.

Quantum capacitance as a reagentless molecular sensing element

The application of nanoscale capacitance as a transduction of molecular recognition relevant to molecular diagnostics is demonstrated. The energy-related signal relates directly to the electron occupation of quantized states present in readily fabricated molecular junctions such as those presented by redox switchable self-assembled molecular monolayers, reduced graphene oxide or redox-active graphene composite films, assembled on standard metallic or micro-fabricated electrodes. Sensor design is thus based on the response of a confined and resolved electronic density of states to target binding and the associated change in interfacial chemical potential. Demonstrated herein with a number of clinically important markers, this represents a new potent and ultrasensitive molecular detection enabling energy transducer principle capable of quantifying, in a single step and reagentless manner, markers within biological fluid.

Determination of methotrexate in spiked human blood serum using multi-frequency electrochemical immittance spectroscopy and multivariate data analysis

This article describes an attempt to develop a sensor based on multi-frequency immittance spectroscopy for the determination of methotrexate (MTX) in blood serum using gold electrodes modified with antibodies. The attachment of antibodies was monitored with electrochemical immittance spectroscopy (EIS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The EIS measurements of MTX resulted in a data matrix of size 39 × 55. The data were analysed using multivariate data analysis and showed a concentration dependence and time dependence that could be separated. This allowed the calculation of a multivariate calibration model. The model showed good linear behavior on a logarithmic scale offering a detection limit of 5 × 10^-12 mol L^-1.

Microfluidic platform integrated with graphene-gold nano-composite aptasensor for one-step detection of norovirus

Noroviruses are a foremost cause of gastroenteritis outbreaks throughout the world. On-site sample processing and detection of the viral clinical samples has always been a problem. This study reports an all-polydimethylsiloxane microfluidic chip integrated with screen-printed carbon electrode for the electrochemical detection of norovirus. The microfluidic chip contained packed silica microbeads zones to filter and enrich the norovirus infected clinical sample. Selective detection of norovirus was accomplished by functionalizing the graphene-gold nanoparticles composite modified carbon electrode with the viral capsid-specific aptamer. Norovirus specific aptamer was tagged with a ferrocene molecule, which acts a redox probe. The interaction of aptamer and norovirus resulted in a decrease in the electrochemical signal from ferrocene. The microfluidic chip and functionalized electrodes were characterized using several microscopic and electrochemical techniques. The optimized microfluidic aptasensor was employed to detect a range of norovirus concentration. Using differential pulse voltammetric analysis, a detection limit of 100 pM with a detection range from 100 pM to 3.5nM for norovirus was obtained. The application of aptasensor was also assessed by detecting norovirus in spiked blood samples. The aptasensor could easily discriminate between the target norovirus and other interfering molecules. The developed microfluidic aptasensor has the potential to be used for point-of-care one-step detection of norovirus in clinical samples.

Concentration-Normalized Electroanalytical Assaying of Exosomal Markers

Exosomes are both active in mediating intracellular communication and potentially present a potent cargo of disease biomarkers to an assay. The robust evaluation of exosomal markers could lead to a paradigm shift in clinical analysis and associated care. To date, much of this has been hindered by issues of sample preparation and assay signal-to-noise. We introduce here the use of ultrasensitive electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to quantify both external (tetraspanin) and internal (syntenin) exosome-specific markers. Associated exosome detection limits are 1.9 × 10⁵ particles mL^-1 (equivalent to 320 aM or 9500 exosomes in 50 μL) for intact exosomes and 3-5 picomolar for internal exosomal syntenin levels with almost 5 decades of linear dynamic range. Sample preparation can be carried out by simple fine filtering of cell-conditioned medium prior to a non-NTA-determined (i.e., nanoparticle tracking analysis) exosome concentration analysis, lysing, and subsequent internal syntenin quantification. Such concentration-normalized dual-marker analysis can be used to define "analytical zones" in a manner which is then independent of absolute exosome concentration and sample preparation.

Mapping the ionic fingerprints of molecular monolayers

Molecular dynamics simulations support a self-assembled monolayer specific energy barrier to solution-phase ions that once surmounted, the entrapped ions support a film embedded ionic capacitance and non-faradaic relaxation (mapping through electrochemical capacitance measurements). The associated capacitance can be assigned as a particular case of general electrochemical capacitance.

Mesoscopic behaviour of multi-layered graphene: the meaning of supercapacitance revisited

The double layer capacitive phenomena is just a particular case of a more general quantum mechanical approach, wherein the electrochemical capacitance is central hence governing the super-capacitance phenomenology in general.

Molecular conductance of double-stranded DNA evaluated by electrochemical capacitance spectroscopy

Conductance was measured in two different double stranded DNA (both with 20 bases), the more conducting poly(dG)-poly(dC) (ds-DNAc) and the less conducting poly(dA)-poly(dT) (ds-DNAi), by means of Electrochemical Capacitance Spectroscopy (ECS). The use of the ECS approach, exemplified herein with DNA nanowires, is equally a suitable and time-dependent advantageous alternative for conductance measurement of molecular systems, additionally allowing better understanding of the alignment existing between molecular scale conductance and electron transfer rate.

The Mesoscopic Electrochemistry of Molecular Junctions

Within the context of an electron dynamic (time-dependent) perspective and a voltage driving force acting to redistribute electrons between metallic and addressable molecular states, we define here the associated electron admittance and conductance. We specifically present a mesoscopic approach to resolving the electron transfer rate associated with the electrochemistry of a redox active film tethered to metallic leads and immersed in electrolyte. The methodology is centred on aligning the lifetime of the process of electron exchange with associated resistance and capacitance quantities. Notably, however, these are no longer those empirically known as charge transfer resistance and pseudo-capacitance, but are those derived instead from a consideration of the quantum states contained in molecular films and their accessibility through a scattering region existing between them and the metallic probe. The averaged lifetime (τr) associated with the redox site occupancy is specifically dependent on scattering associated with the quantum channels linking them to the underlying metallic continuum and associated with both a quantum resistance (Rq) and an electrochemical (redox) capacitance (Cr). These are related to electron transfer rate through k = 1/τr = (RqCr)(-1). The proposed mesoscopic approach is consistent with Marcus's (electron transfer rate) theory and experimental measurements obtained by capacitance spectroscopy.

K4[Fe(CN)6] immobilized anion sensitive protonated amine functionalized polysilsesquioxane films for ultra-low electrochemical detection of dsDNA

We describe the ultra-low detection of dsDNA molecule using redox couple, ferro/ferricyanide immobilized in PSQ films possessing protonated amine functional groups by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

Capacitance spectroscopy and density functional theory

We relate capacitance spectroscopy with density functional theory, providing a theoretical description of redox capacitance and its electrostatic and quantum terms.