The trends in nanomaterial-based biosensors for detecting critical biomarkers in stroke

Relationship between maximum carotid plaque area and prognosis of patients with acute ischaemic stroke

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the relationship between maximum carotid plaque area and stroke prognosis was analysed by carotid ultrasonography, and the relevant risk factors affecting the prognosis of acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) were investigated to provide novel insights into stroke prevention and management.

METHODS

A total of 205 AIS patients with carotid plaques were included in this study. Based on the mRS score at discharge, patients with AIS were classified into the good prognosis group (mRS ≤ 2) and poor prognosis group (mRS ≥ 3). SPSS 25.0 was used to analyse the data. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed on the two groups with good and poor prognosis. Comparison between good and poor prognosis in patients with AIS in different circulatory systems was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Differences were considered statistically significant at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

Comparison of baseline data revealed differences in carotid plaque diameter, carotid intima-media thickness, maximum carotid plaque area, history of previous stroke and plaque echogenicity between the good and poor prognosis groups (P < 0.05). Results of multifactorial analyses of logistic binary regression indicated that history of previous stroke and maximum carotid plaque area were predictors of poor prognosis, with odds ratio of 2.515 (95%CI [1.327-4.764]) and 1.019 (95%CI [1.006-1.032]), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The maximum carotid plaque area and history of previous stroke are important predictors for assessing prognosis in patients with AIS.

An intelligent fluorescence sensing platform based on entropy-driven toehold-mediated strand displacement cycle reaction for point-of-care testing of miRNA

BACKGROUND

MicroRNA (miRNA) has gradually become an emerging biomarker for early diagnosis and prognosis of various diseases due to its specific gene expression and high stability. With the development of molecular diagnosis and point-of-care testing (POCT) technology, developing simple, fast, sensitive, efficient, and low-cost miRNA sensors is of great significance for clinical applications and emergency rapid diagnosis. At present, entropy-driven toehold mediated chain displacement reaction, as a promising enzyme free isothermal amplification technique, is an important tool for ultra-sensitive biosensing applications.

RESULTS

In this study, we used gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as carriers and quenchers, modified them using self-assembled triple chain composite substrates AuNPs@A@B1/B2, and used dual reporter molecules for cascade cyclic amplification to amplify fluorescence signals, which proposed a fluorescent biosensor based on this reaction and build an intelligent fluorescence sensing platform for rapid detection of miRNA. We designed a highly specific self-programmable sensor using the acute ischemic stroke (AIS) biomarker miRNA-125a-5p as a sample, and achieved sensitive detection of miRNA in the range of 0.01 μM∼10 μ M under optimal conditions. It broke through the traditional detection limitations of weak signals and liberated the fluorescence detection environment.

SIGNIFICANCE

In summary, this creative miRNA biosensor combined with POCT has demonstrated extraordinary detection potential, broad application prospects in the early diagnosis and prognosis monitoring of AIS, provides a novel miRNA universal detection strategy for the fields of biological and life sciences.

Breast cancer detection based on cancer antigen 15-3; emphasis on optical and electrochemical methods: A review

Cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) is a crucial marker used in the diagnosis and monitoring of breast cancer (BC). The demand for early and precise cancer detection has grown, making the creation of biosensors that are highly sensitive and specific essential. This review paper provides a thorough examination of the progress made in optical and electrochemical biosensors for detecting the cancer biomarker CA 15-3. We focus on explaining their fundamental principles, sensitivity, specificity, and potential for point-of-care applications. The performance attributes of these biosensors are assessed by considering their limits of detection, reaction times, and operational stability, while also making comparisons to conventional methods of CA 15-3 detection. In addition, we explore the incorporation of nanomaterials and innovative transducer components to improve the performance of biosensors. This paper conducts a thorough examination of recent studies to identify the existing obstacles. It also suggests potential areas for future research in this fast progressing field.The paper provides insights into their advancement and utilization to enhance patient outcomes. Both categories of biosensors provide significant promise for the detection of CA 15-3 and offer distinct advantages compared to conventional analytical approaches.

Advancements in electrochemical biosensing of cardiovascular disease biomarkers

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) stand as a predominant global health concern, introducing vast socioeconomic challenges. In addressing this pressing dilemma, enhanced diagnostic modalities have become paramount, positioning electrochemical biosensing as an instrumental innovation. This comprehensive review navigates the multifaceted terrain of CVDs, elucidating their defining characteristics, clinical manifestations, therapeutic avenues, and intrinsic risk factors. Notable emphasis is placed on pivotal diagnostic tools, spotlighting cardiac biomarkers distinguished by their unmatched clinical precision in terms of relevance, sensitivity, and specificity. Highlighting the broader repercussions of CVDs, there emerges an accentuated need for refined diagnostic strategies. Such an exploration segues into a profound analysis of electrochemical biosensing, encapsulating its foundational principles, diverse classifications, and integral components, notably recognition molecules and transducers. Contemporary advancements in biosensing technologies are brought to the fore, emphasizing pioneering electrode architectures, cutting-edge signal amplification processes, and the synergistic integration of biosensors with microfluidic platforms. At the core of this discourse is the demonstrated proficiency of biosensors in detecting cardiovascular anomalies, underpinned by empirical case studies, systematic evaluations, and clinical insights. As the narrative unfolds, it addresses an array of inherent challenges, spanning intricate technicalities, real-world applicability constraints, and regulatory considerations, finally, by casting an anticipatory gaze upon the future of electrochemical biosensing, heralding a new era of diagnostic tools primed to revolutionize cardiovascular healthcare.

An electrochemical immunosensor based on MXene-GQD/AuNPs for the detection of trace amounts of CA-125 as specific tracer of ovarian cancer

An electrochemical immunoassay system was developed to detect CA-125 using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with MXene, graphene quantum dots (GQDs), and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The combined MXene-GQD/AuNPs modification displayed advantageous electrochemical properties due to the synergistic effects of MXene, GQDs, and AuNPs. The MXene-GQD composite in the modified layer provided strong mechanical properties and a large specific surface area. Furthermore, the presence of AuNPs significantly improved conductivity and facilitated the binding of anti-CA-125 on the modified GCE, thereby enhancing sensitivity. Various analytical techniques such as FE-SEM and EDS were utilized to investigate the structural and morphological characteristics as well as the elemental composition. The performance of the developed immunosensor was assessed using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave voltammetry (SWV), and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Under optimized conditions in a working potential range of -0.2 to 0.6 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), the sensitivity, linear range (LR), limit of detection (LOD), and correlation coefficient (R2) were determined to be 315.250 µA pU.mL-1/cm2, 0.1 to 1 nU/mL, 0.075 nU/mL, and 0.9855, respectively. The detection of CA-125 in real samples was investigated using the developed immunoassay platform, demonstrating satisfactory results including excellent selectivity and reproducibility.

Exploring T7 RNA polymerase-assisted CRISPR/Cas13a amplification for the detection of BNP via electrochemiluminescence sensing platform

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is considered to be an important biomarker of heart failure (HF) attracting attention. However, its low concentration and short half-life in blood lead to a low-sensitivity detection of BNP, which is a challenge that has to be overcome. In this work, we propose a highly specific, highly sensitive T7 RNA polymerase-assisted clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas13a system to detect BNP via an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensing platform and incorporate exonuclease III (Exo III)-hairpin and dumbbell-shaped hybridization chain reaction (HCR) technologies. In this detection scheme, the ECL sensing platform possesses low background signal and high sensitivity. Firstly, the T7 promoter-initiated T7 RNA polymerase acts as a signal amplification technique to generate large amounts of RNAs that can activate CRISPR/Cas13a activity. Secondly, CRISPR/Cas13a is able to trans-cleave the surrounding trigger strand to produce DNA1. Thirdly, DNA1 is involved in the co-amplification reaction of Exo III and hairpin DNA, which subsequently triggers a dumbbell-shaped HCR technology. Eventually, a large number of Ru (II) molecules are inserted into the interstitial space of the dumbbell-shaped HCR to generate a strong ECL signal. The CRISPR/Cas13a possesses outstanding specificity for a single base and increased sensitivity. The tightly conformed dumbbell-shaped HCR provides higher sensitivity than the traditional linear HCR amplification technique. Ultimately, the clever combination of several amplification reactions enables the limit of detection (LOD) as low as 3.2 fg/mL. It showed promise for clinical sample testing, with recovery rates ranging from 98.4% to 103% in 5% human serum samples. This detection method offered a valuable tool for early HF detection, emphasizing the synergy of amplification strategies and specificity conferred by CRISPR/Cas13a technology.

Neuroinflammation in the Evolution of Motor Function in Stroke and Trauma Patients: Treatment and Potential Biomarkers

Neuroinflammation has a significant impact on different pathologies, such as stroke or spinal cord injury, intervening in their pathophysiology: expansion, progression, and resolution. Neuroinflammation involves oxidative stress, damage, and cell death, playing an important role in neuroplasticity and motor dysfunction by affecting the neuronal connection responsible for motor control. The diagnosis of this pathology is performed using neuroimaging techniques and molecular diagnostics based on identifying and measuring signaling molecules or specific markers. In parallel, new therapeutic targets are being investigated via the use of bionanomaterials and electrostimulation to modulate the neuroinflammatory response. These novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies have the potential to facilitate the development of anticipatory patterns and deliver the most beneficial treatment to improve patients' quality of life and directly impact their motor skills. However, important challenges remain to be solved. Hence, the goal of this study was to review the implication of neuroinflammation in the evolution of motor function in stroke and trauma patients, with a particular focus on novel methods and potential biomarkers to aid clinicians in diagnosis, treatment, and therapy. A specific analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities was conducted, highlighting the key challenges to be faced in the coming years.

A novel portable immuno-device for the recognition of lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 biomarker using GQD-AgNPrs conductive ink stabilized on the surface of cellulose

Lymphatic vessel endothelium expresses various lymphatic marker molecules. LYVE-1, the lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan (HA) receptor, a 322-residue protein belonging to the integral membrane glycoproteins which is found on lymph vessel wall and is completely absent from blood vessels. LYVE-1 is very effective in the passage of lymphocytes and tumor cells into the lymphatics. As regards cancer metastasis, in vitro studies indicate LYVE-1 to be involved in tumor cell adhesion. Researches show that, in neoplastic tissue, LYVE-1 is limited to the lymphovascular and could well be proper for studies of tumor lymphangiogenesis. So, the monitoring of LYVE-1 level in human biofluids has provided a valuable approach for research into tumor lymphangiogenesis. For the first time, an innovative paper-based electrochemical immune-platform was developed for recognition of LYVE-1. For this purpose, graphene quantum dots decorated silver nanoparticles nano-ink was synthesized and designed directly by writing pen-on paper technology on the surface of photographic paper. This nano-ink has a great surface area for biomarker immobilization. The prepared paper-based biosensor was so small and cheap and also has high stability and sensitivity. For the first time, biotinylated antibody of biomarker (LYVE-1) was immobilized on the surface of working electrode and utilized for the monitoring of specific antigen by simple immune-assay strategy. The designed biosensor showed two separated linear ranges in the range of 20-320 pg ml-1 and 0.625-10 pg ml-1, with the acceptable limit of detection (LOD) of 0.312 pg ml-1. Additionally, engineered immunosensor revealed excellent selectivity that promises its use in complex biological samples and assistance for biomarker-related disease screening in clinical studies.

Nanosensors in the detection of antihypertension drugs, a golden step for medication adherence monitoring

Hypertension is associated with structural and functional changes in blood vessels with increased arteriosclerosis, vascular inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. Decreased adherence (compliance) to antihypertensive medications contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality in hypertensive patients. Antihypertensive drugs (AHTDs) and lifestyle changes are the main cornerstones for treating hypertension. Several approaches have been described in the literature for determining AHTDs based on different analytical techniques. Amongst biosensors are one of the most attractive tools due to their inherent advantages. Biosensors are used for the detection of wide range of biomarkers as well as different drugs in past two decades. The main focus of the present study is to review the latest biosensors developed for the detection of AHTDs. Readers of the present study will be able to familiarize themselves with biosensors as advanced and modern diagnostic tools while reviewing the most widely used AHTDs. In the present study, the routine methods are first reviewed and while examining their advantages and disadvantages, biosensors have been introduced as ideal alternative tools.

Biomarkers: Role and Scope in Neurological Disorders

Neurological disorders pose a great threat to social health and are a major cause for mortality and morbidity. Effective drug development complemented with the improved drug therapy has made considerable progress towards easing symptoms associated with neurological illnesses, yet poor diagnosis and imprecise understanding of these disorders has led to imperfect treatment options. The scenario is complicated by the inability to extrapolate results of cell culture studies and transgenic models to clinical applications which has stagnated the process of improving drug therapy. In this context, the development of biomarkers has been viewed as beneficial to easing various pathological complications. A biomarker is measured and evaluated in order to gauge the physiological process or a pathological progression of a disease and such a marker can also indicate the clinical or pharmacological response to a therapeutic intervention. The development and identification of biomarkers for neurological disorders involves several issues including the complexity of the brain, unresolved discrepant data from experimental and clinical studies, poor clinical diagnostics, lack of functional endpoints, and high cost and complexity of techniques yet research in the area of biomarkers is highly desired. The present work describes existing biomarkers for various neurological disorders, provides support for the idea that biomarker development may ease our understanding underlying pathophysiology of these disorders and help to design and explore therapeutic targets for effective intervention.

Application of Various Optical and Electrochemical Nanobiosensors for Detecting Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125): A Review

Nowadays, diagnosing early-stage cancers can be vital for saving patients and dramatically decreases mortality rates. Therefore, specificity and sensitivity in the detection of cancer antigens should be elaborately ensured. Some early-stage cancers can be diagnosed via detecting the cancer antigen CA-125, such as ovarian cancer, and required treatments can be applied more efficiently. Thus, detection of CA-125 by employing various optical or electrochemical biosensors is a preliminary and crucial step to treating cancers. In this review, a diverse range of optical and electrochemical means of detecting CA-125 are reviewed. Furthermore, an applicable comparison of their performance and sensitivity is provided, several commercial detection kits are investigated, and their applications are compared and discussed to determine whether they are applicable and accurate enough.

Application of nanoparticles in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic kidney disease

With the development of nanotechnology, nanoparticles have been used in various industries. In medicine, nanoparticles have been used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The kidney is an important organ for waste excretion and maintaining the balance of the internal environment; it filters various metabolic wastes. Kidney dysfunction may result in the accumulation of excess water and various toxins in the body without being discharged, leading to complications and life-threatening conditions. Based on their physical and chemical properties, nanoparticles can enter cells and cross biological barriers to reach the kidneys and therefore, can be used in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In the first search, we used the English terms "Renal Insufficiency, Chronic" [Mesh] as the subject word and terms such as "Chronic Renal Insufficiencies," "Chronic Renal Insufficiency," "Chronic Kidney Diseases," "Kidney Disease, Chronic," "Renal Disease, Chronic" as free words. In the second search, we used "Nanoparticles" [Mesh] as the subject word and "Nanocrystalline Materials," "Materials, Nanocrystalline," "Nanocrystals," and others as free words. The relevant literature was searched and read. Moreover, we analyzed and summarized the application and mechanism of nanoparticles in the diagnosis of CKD, application of nanoparticles in the diagnosis and treatment of renal fibrosis and vascular calcification (VC), and their clinical application in patients undergoing dialysis. Specifically, we found that nanoparticles can detect CKD in the early stages in a variety of ways, such as via breath sensors that detect gases and biosensors that detect urine and can be used as a contrast agent to avoid kidney damage. In addition, nanoparticles can be used to treat and reverse renal fibrosis, as well as detect and treat VC in patients with early CKD. Simultaneously, nanoparticles can improve safety and convenience for patients undergoing dialysis. Finally, we summarize the current advantages and limitations of nanoparticles applied to CKD as well as their future prospects.

Nanoparticles in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular aging and related diseases

Aging-induced alternations of vasculature structures, phenotypes, and functions are key in the occurrence and development of vascular aging-related diseases. Multiple molecular and cellular events, such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, vascular inflammation, cellular senescence, and epigenetic alterations are highly associated with vascular aging physiopathology. Advances in nanoparticles and nanotechnology, which can realize sensitive diagnostic modalities, efficient medical treatment, and better prognosis as well as less adverse effects on non-target tissues, provide an amazing window in the field of vascular aging and related diseases. Throughout this review, we presented current knowledge on classification of nanoparticles and the relationship between vascular aging and related diseases. Importantly, we comprehensively summarized the potential of nanoparticles-based diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in vascular aging and related diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, as well as chronic kidney diseases, and discussed the advantages and limitations of their clinical applications.

Highly Sensitive Plasmonic Waveguide Biosensor Based on Phase Singularity-Enhanced Goos-Hänchen Shift

The detection for small molecules with low concentrations is known to be challenging for current chemical and biological sensors. In this work, we designed a highly sensitive plasmonic biosensor based on the symmetric metal cladding plasmonic waveguide (SMCW) structure for the detection of biomolecules. By precisely designing the configuration and tuning the thickness of the guiding layer, ultra-high order modes can be excited, which generates a steep phase change and a large position shift from the Goos−Hänchen effect (with respect to refractive index changes). This position shift is related to the sharpness of the optical phase change from the reflected signal of the SPR sensing substrate and can be directly measured by a position sensor. Based on our knowledge, this is the first experimental study done using this configuration. Experimental results showed a lateral position signal change > 90 µm for glycerol with a sensitivity figure-of-merit of 2.33 × 104 µm/RIU and more than 15 µm for 10−4 M biotin, which is a low molecular weight biomolecule (less than 400 Da) and difficult to be detected with traditional SPR sensing techniques. Through integrating the waveguide with a guiding layer, a strong improvement in the electric field, as well as sensitivity have been achieved. The lateral position shift has been further improved from 14.17 µm to 284 µm compared with conventional SPR substrate with 50 nm gold on single side. The as-reported sensing technique allows for the detection of ultra-small biological molecules and will play an important role in biomedical and clinical diagnostics.

Application of collagen triple helix repeat containing-1 and mitotic spindle apparatus antibody in small cell lung cancer diagnosis

BACKGROUND

The clinical significance of serum collagen triple helix repeat protein-1 (CTHRC1) and mitotic spindle apparatus antibody (MSA) in the diagnosis of small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

METHODS

Of the 229 lung tumor patients selected, 62 patients were divided into SCLC, 94 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and 73 patients with benign lung disease (BLD). The health controls (HC) had a span of 66 cases with normal physical condition. The serum extracted from each participator and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was adopted for measuring the serum CTHRC1 and MSA; in the meantime, automatic electrochemiluminescence immunoassay was used for the quantitative determination of serum NSA and CEA. And then, the differences in serum CTHRC1, MSA, NSE, and CEA were compared among involved groups.

RESULTS

① Compared with other groups, the concentrations of CTHRC1, MSA, and NSE showed a marked increase in the group of SCLC (all p < 0.01). Especially for SCLC patients with lymph node metastasis, CTHRC1 provided a notably higher level than those without metastasis. ② CTHRC1 and MSA established a diagnostic criterion with the specificity of 90.99% and 86.27% for SCLC, respectively. ③ In series, the specificity of CTHRC1 and NSE was the highest (99.30%), while MSA and NSE had the highest sensitivity (96.72%) in parallel. ④ Both CTHRC1 and MSA were hazardous factors interconnected with SCLC.

CONCLUSION

Serum CTHRC1 and MSA had a more exciting prospect of application. When used in conjunction with NSE and CEA, they could optimize the clinical diagnosis value of SCLC.

Tumor Necrosis Factor-α: The Next Marker of Stroke

Although there is no shortage of research on the markers for stroke, to our knowledge, there are no clear markers that can meet the needs of clinical prediction and treatment. The inflammatory cascade is a critical process that persists and functions throughout the stroke process, ultimately worsening stroke outcomes and increasing mortality. Numerous inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF), are involved in this process. These inflammatory factors play a dual role during stroke, and their mechanisms are complex. As one of the representatives, TNF is the primary regulator of the immune system and plays an essential role in the spread of inflammation. In researches done over the last few years, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) has emerged as a potential marker for stroke because of its essential role in stroke. This review summarizes the latest research on TNF-α in stroke and explores its potential as a therapeutic target.

Cardiac Troponin I and Risk of Stroke: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Electrochemical immunosensor based on hollow porous Pt skin AgPt alloy/NGR as a dual signal amplification strategy for sensitive detection of Neuron-specific enolase

Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is a specific marker for small cell carcinoma (SCLC). Sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensors are powerful for biomarker analysis, and the electrocatalytic activity of the signal amplification platform and the performance of the substrate are critical to their sensitivity. In this work, N atom-doped graphene functionalized with hollow porous Pt-skin Ag-Pt alloy (HP-Ag/Pt/NGR) was designed as a dual signal amplifier. The hollow porous Pt skin structure improves the atomic utilization and the larger internal cavity spacing significantly increases the number of electroactive centers, thus exhibiting more extraordinary electrocatalytic activity and durability for H₂O₂ reduction. Using NGR with good catalytic activity as the support material of HP-Ag/Pt, the double amplification of the current signal is realized. For the substrate, polypyrrole-poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PPy-PEDOT) nanotubes were synthesized by a novel chemical polymerization route, which effectively increased the interfacial electron transfer rate. By coupling Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) with PPy-PEDOT, the immune activity of biomolecules is maintained and the conductivity is further enhanced. Under optimal conditions, the linear range was 50 fg mL^-1 - 100 ng mL^-1, and the limit of detection (LOD) was 18.5 fg mL^-1. The results confirm that the developed immunosensor has great promise for the early clinical diagnosis of SCLC.