Biosensor based on lectin and lipid membranes for detection of serum glycoproteins in infected patients with dengue

Innovations in dengue virus detection: An overview of conventional and electrochemical biosensor approaches

Globally, people are in great threat due to the highly spreading of viral infectious diseases. Every year like 100-300 million cases of infections are found, and among them, above 80% are not recognized and irrelevant. Dengue virus (DENV) is an arbovirus infection that currently infects people most frequently. DENV encompasses four viral serotypes, and they each express comparable sign. From a mild febrile sickness to a potentially fatal dengue hemorrhagic fever, dengue can induce a variety of symptoms. Presently, the globe is being challenged by the untimely identification of dengue infection. Therefore, this review summarizes advances in the detection of dengue from conventional methods (nucleic acid-based, polymerase chain reaction-based, and serological approaches) to novel biosensors. This work illustrates an extensive study of the current designs and fabrication approaches involved in the formation of electrochemical biosensors for untimely identifications of dengue. Additionally, in electrochemical sensing of DENV, we skimmed through significances of biorecognition molecules like lectins, nucleic acid, and antibodies. The introduction of emerging techniques such as the CRISPR/Cas' system and their integration with biosensing platforms has also been summarized. Furthermore, the review revealed the importance of electrochemical approach compared with traditional diagnostic methods.

Research advances and prospects of legume lectins

Lectins are widely distributed proteins having ability of binding selectively and reversibly with carbohydrates moieties and glycoconjugates. Although lectins have been reported from different biological sources, the legume lectins are the best-characterized family of plant lectins. Legume lectins are a large family of homologous proteins with considerable similarity in amino acid sequence and their tertiary structures. Despite having strong sequence conservation, these lectins show remarkable variability in carbohydrate specificity and quaternary structures. The ability of legume lectins in recognizing glycans and glycoconjugates on cells and other intracellular structures make them a valuable research tool in glycomic research. Due to variability in binding with glycans, glycoconjugates and multiple biological functions, legume lectins are the subject of intense research for their diverse application in different fields such as glycobiology, biomedical research and crop improvement. The present review specially focuses on structural and functional characteristics of legume lectins along with their potential areas of application.

Systematic review on lectin-based electrochemical biosensors for clinically relevant carbohydrates and glycoconjugates

Carbohydrates and glycoconjugates are involved in numerous natural and pathological metabolic processes, and the precise elucidation of their biochemical functions has been supported by smart technologies assembled with lectins, i.e., ubiquitous proteins of nonimmune origin with carbohydrate-specific domains. When lectins are anchored on suitable electrochemical transducers, sensitive and innovative bioanalytical tools (lectin-based biosensors) are produced, with the ability to screen target sugars at molecular levels. In addition to the remarkable electroanalytical sensitivity, these devices associate specificity, precision, stability, besides the possibility of miniaturization and portability, which are special features required for real-time and point-of-care measurements. The mentioned attributes can be improved by combining lectins with biocompatible 0-3D semiconductors derived from carbon, metal nanoparticles, polymers and their nanocomposites, or employing labeled biomolecules. This systematic review aims to substantiate and update information on the progress made with lectin-based biosensors designed for electroanalysis of clinically relevant carbohydrates and glycoconjugates (glycoproteins, pathogens and cancer biomarkers), highlighting their main detection principles and performance in highly complex biological milieus. Moreover, particular emphasis is given to the main advantages and limitations of the reported devices, as well as the new trends for the current demands. We believe that this review will support and encourage more cutting-edge research involving lectin-based electrochemical biosensors.

The Elucidation of the Molecular Mechanism of the Extrusion Process

Extrusion is a popular method for producing homogenous population of unilamellar liposomes. The technique relies on forcing a lipid suspension through cylindrical pores in a polycarbonate membrane. The quantification of the extrusion and/or recalibration processes make possible the acquisition of experimental data, which can be correlated with the mechanical properties of the lipid bilayer. In this work, the force needed for the extrusion process was correlated with the mechanical properties of a lipid bilayer derived from other experiments. Measurements were performed using a home-made dedicated device capable of maintaining a stable volumetric flux of a liposome suspension through well-defined pores and to continuously measure the extrusion force. Based on the obtained results, the correlation between the lipid bilayer bending rigidity and extrusion force was derived. Specifically, it was found that the bending rigidity of liposomes formed from well-defined lipid mixtures agrees with data obtained by others using flicker-noise spectroscopy or micromanipulation. The other issue addressed in the presented studies was the identification of molecular mechanisms leading to the formation of unilamellar vesicles in the extrusion process. Finally, it was demonstrated that during the extrusion, lipids are not exchanged between vesicles, i.e., vesicles can divide but no membrane fusion or lipid exchange between bilayers was detected.

Electrochemical biosensors for neglected tropical diseases: A review

A group of infectious and parasitic diseases with prevalence in tropical and subtropical regions of the planet, especially in places with difficult access, internal conflicts, poverty, and low visibility from the government and health agencies are classified as neglected tropical diseases. While some well-intentioned isolated groups are making the difference on a global scale, the number of new cases and deaths is still alarming. The development and employment of low-cost, miniaturized, and easy-to-use devices as biosensors could be the key to fast diagnosis in such areas leading to a better treatment to further eradication of such diseases. Therefore, this review contains useful information regarding the development of such devices in the past ten years (2010-2020). Guided by the updated list from the World Health Organization, the work evaluated the new trends in the biosensor field applied to the early detection of neglected tropical diseases, the efficiencies of the devices compared to the traditional techniques, and the applicability on-site for local distribution. So, we focus on Malaria, Chagas, Leishmaniasis, Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya, Schistosomiasis, Leprosy, Human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), Lymphatic filariasis, and Rabies. Few papers were found concerning such diseases and there is no available commercial device in the market. The works contain information regarding the development of point-of-care devices, but there are only at proof of concepts stage so far. Details of electrode modification and construction of electrochemical biosensors were summarized in Tables. The demand for the eradication of neglected tropical diseases is increasing. The use of biosensors is pivotal for the cause, but appliable devices are scarce. The information present in this review can be useful for further development of biosensors in the hope of helping the world combat these deadly diseases.

Exploring lectin-glycan interactions to combat COVID-19: Lessons acquired from other enveloped viruses

The emergence of a new human coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has imposed great pressure on the health system worldwide. The presence of glycoproteins on the viral envelope opens a wide range of possibilities for application of lectins to address some urgent problems involved in this pandemic. In this work, we discuss the potential contributions of lectins from non-mammalian sources in the development of several fields associated with viral infections, most notably COVID-19. We review the literature on the use of non-mammalian lectins as a therapeutic approach against members of the Coronaviridae family, including recent advances in strategies of protein engineering to improve their efficacy. The applications of lectins as adjuvants for antiviral vaccines are also discussed. Finally, we present some emerging strategies employing lectins for the development of biosensors, microarrays, immunoassays and tools for purification of viruses from whole blood. Altogether, the data compiled in this review highlights the importance of structural studies aiming to improve our knowledge about the basis of glycan recognition by lectins and its repercussions in several fields, providing potential solutions for complex aspects that are emerging from different health challenges.

Nanotechnology as a tool for detection and treatment of arbovirus infections

Arboviruses are medically important viruses that cause high rates of infection all over the world. In addition, the severity of the symptoms and the inadequate diagnostic methods represent a challenge far beyond eradicating the vector. The lack of specific treatments for arbovirus infections reflects the imminent need for new research for safe and efficient medicines to treat these infections. Nanotechnology is an innovative approach currently used as a platform for developing new treatments, thus improving the biopharmaceutical properties of drugs. It can also be applied to the development of diagnostic devices, improving their detection capacity. The purpose of this paper is to review recent research on the use of nanotechnology for developing new treatments and detection devices for arbovirus infections. Interestingly, it was found that only a few studies report on the use of nanotechnology to treat arbovirus infections and that most of these reports focus on the fabrication of diagnostic tools. Also, some papers report on the use of nanotechnology for the development of vaccines, which in association with mosquito eradication programs could effectively reduce the high rates of infections by these viruses.

130 years of Plant Lectin Research

Lectins are proteins with diverse molecular structures that share the ability to recognize and bind specifically and reversibly to carbohydrate structures without changing the carbohydrate moiety. The history of lectins started with the discovery of ricin about 130 years ago but since then our understanding of lectins has dramatically changed. Over the years the research focus was shifted from 'the characterization of carbohydrate-binding proteins' to 'understanding the biological function of lectins'. Nowadays plant lectins attract a lot of attention especially because of their potential for crop improvement and biomedical research, as well as their application as tools in glycobiology. The present review aims to give an overview of plant lectins and their applications, and how the field evolved in the last decades.

Different liposome patterns to detection of acute leukemia based on electrochemical cell sensor

Leukemia is the worst type of malignancy in children which its proper diagnosis can be used in the treatment. We design the turn-off sensor by using the different electrochemical patterns of liposomes to the detection of acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells. Our design is first sandwiched by lectin liposome which increases the electrochemical exchange on the electrode. With the addition of Molt-4 cells, the bonding connection between the n-glycan and lectin can also increase the electrochemical exchange with the high detection cells. Subsequently, the addition of boronic acid liposomes decreases the resistance due to covering glycosylation bond and the sensor is turn-off. But stable and specific binding with the sialic acid causes the higher detection of Molt-4 cells. The electrochemical measurements are performed between the potentials at -0.4 V and +0.4 V with 1 mM [Fe(CN)₆] ^-3/-4. So, for the first time, we designed a cells sensor based on the different patterns of liposomes to screening the N-glycan cells, which can be used in the point of care tests with higher sensitivity.

Sensitive Detection of Dengue Virus Type 2 E-Proteins Signals Using Self-Assembled Monolayers/Reduced Graphene Oxide-PAMAM Dendrimer Thin Film-SPR Optical Sensor

In this work, sensitive detection of dengue virus type 2 E-proteins (DENV-2 E-proteins) was performed in the range of 0.08 pM to 0.5 pM. The successful DENV detection at very low concentration is a matter of concern for targeting the early detection after the onset of dengue symptoms. Here, we developed a SPR sensor based on self-assembled monolayer/reduced graphene oxide-polyamidoamine dendrimer (SAM/NH₂rGO/PAMAM) thin film to detect DENV-2 E-proteins. Surface characterizations involving X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirms the incorporation of NH₂rGO-PAMAM nanoparticles in the prepared sensor films. The specificity, sensitivity, binding affinity, and selectivity of the SPR sensor were then evaluated. Results indicated that the variation of the sensing layer due to different spin speed, time incubation, and concentration provided a better interaction between the analyte and sensing layer. The linear dependence of the SPR sensor showed good linearity (R² = 0.92) with the lowest detection of 0.08 pM DENV-2 E-proteins. By using the Langmuir model, the equilibrium association constant was obtained at very high value of 6.6844 TM⁻¹ (R² = 0.99). High selectivity of the SPR sensor towards DENV-2 E-proteins was achieved in the presence of other competitors.

Electrochemical biosensing of mosquito-borne viral disease, dengue: A review

Dengue virus is a mosquito-borne, single positive-stranded RNA virus that spread human being through infected female Aedes mosquito bite and causes dengue fever. The demand for early detection of this virus has increased to control the widespread of infectious diseases and protect humankind from its harmful effects. Recently, biosensors are found to the potential tool to detect and quantify the virus with fast detection, relatively cost-effective, high sensitivity and selectivity than the conventional diagnostic methods such as immunological and molecular techniques. Mostly, the biosensors employ electrochemical detection technique with transducers, owing to its easy construction, low-cost, ease of use, and portability. Here, we review the current trends and advancement in the electrochemical diagnosis of dengue virus and discussed various types of electrochemical biosensing techniques such as; amperometric, potentiometric, impedometric, and voltammetric sensing. Apart from these, we discussed the role of biorecognition molecules such as nucleic acid, antibodies, and lectins in electrochemical sensing of dengue virus. In addition, the review highlighted the benefits of the electrochemical approach in comparison with traditional diagnostic methods. We expect that these dengue virus diagnostic techniques will continue to evolve and grow in future, with exciting new possibilities stemming from advancement in the rational design of electrochemical biosensors.

Dengue virus: a review on advances in detection and trends - from conventional methods to novel biosensors

Dengue virus is an important arbovirus infection which transmitted by the Aedes female mosquitoes. The attempt to control and early detection of this infection is a global public health issue at present. Because of the clinical importance of its detection, the main focus of this review is on all of the methods that can offer the new diagnosis strategies. The advantages and disadvantages of reported methods have been discussed comprehensively from different aspects like biomarkers type, sensitivity, accuracy, rate of detection, possibility of commercialization, availability, limit of detection, linear range, simplicity, mechanism of detection, and ability of usage for clinical applications. The optical, electrochemical, microfluidic, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and smartphone-based biosensors are the main approaches which developed for detection of different biomarkers and serotypes of Dengue virus. Future efforts in miniaturization of these methods open the horizons for development of commercial biosensors for early-diagnosis of Dengue virus infection. Graphical abstract Transmission of Dengue virus by the biting of an Aedes aegypti mosquito, the symptoms of Dengue hemorrhagic fever and the structure of Dengue virus and application of biosensors for its detection.

3D Molecular ToF-SIMS Imaging of Artificial Lipid Membranes Using a Discriminant Analysis-Based Algorithm

Artificial lipid membranes play a growing role in technical applications such as biosensors in pharmacological research and as model systems in the investigation of biological lipid films. In the standard procedure for displaying the distribution of membrane components, fluorescence microscopy, the fluorophores used can influence the distribution of the components and usually not all substances can be displayed at the same time. The discriminant analysis-based algorithm used in combination with scanning time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) enables marker-free, quantitative, simultaneous recording of all membrane components. These data are used for reconstruction of distribution patterns. In the model system used for this survey, a tear fluid lipid layer, the distribution patterns of all lipids correlate well in calculated ToF-SIMS images and epi-fluorescence microscopic images. All epi-fluorescence microscopically viewable structures are visible when using both positive and negative secondary ions and can be reproduced with high lateral resolution in the submicrometer range despite the very low signal intensity and a very low signal-to-noise ratio. In addition, three-dimensional images can be obtained with a subnanometer depth resolution. Furthermore, structures and the distribution of substances that cannot be made visible by epi-fluorescence microscopy can be displayed. This enables new insights that cannot be gained by epi-fluorescence microscopy alone.

Detection of contaminants in water supply: A review on state-of-the-art monitoring technologies and their applications

Water monitoring technologies are widely used for contaminants detection in wide variety of water ecology applications such as water treatment plant and water distribution system. A tremendous amount of research has been conducted over the past decades to develop robust and efficient techniques of contaminants detection with minimum operating cost and energy. Recent developments in spectroscopic techniques and biosensor approach have improved the detection sensitivities, quantitatively and qualitatively. The availability of in-situ measurements and multiple detection analyses has expanded the water monitoring applications in various advanced techniques including successful establishment in hand-held sensing devices which improves portability in real-time basis for the detection of contaminant, such as microorganisms, pesticides, heavy metal ions, inorganic and organic components. This paper intends to review the developments in water quality monitoring technologies for the detection of biological and chemical contaminants in accordance with instrumental limitations. Particularly, this review focuses on the most recently developed techniques for water contaminant detection applications. Several recommendations and prospective views on the developments in water quality assessments will also be included.

Vitronectin (Vn) glycosylation patterned by lectin affinity assays-A potent glycoproteomic tool to discriminate plasma Vn from cancer ascites Vn

Changes in glycosylation have been associated with human cancer, but their complexity poses an analytical challenge. Ovarian cancer is a major cause of death in women because of an often late diagnosis. At least one-third of patients presents ascites fluid at diagnosis, and almost all have ascites at recurrence. Vitronectin (Vn) is a multifunctional glycoprotein that is suggested to be implicated in ovarian cancer metastasis and is found within ascites. The present study evaluated the potential of using lectin affinity for characterizing the glycosylation pattern of Vn. Human Vn was purified from 1 sample of ovarian cancer ascites or a pool of plasma samples. Consistent findings were observed with both dot blot and lectin array assays. Based on a panel of 40 lectins, the lectin array revealed discriminant patterns of lectin binding to Vn glycans. Interestingly, almost all the highlighted interactions were found to be higher with Vn from ascites relative to the plasma counterpart. Also, the lectin array was able to discriminate profiles of lectin interactions (ConA, SNA-I, PHA-E, PHA-L) between Vn samples that were not evident using dot blot, indicating its high sensitivity. The model of ConA binding during thermal unfolding of Vn confirmed the higher accessibility of mannosylated glycans in Vn from ascites as monitored by turbidimetry. Thus, this study demonstrated the usefulness of lectins and the lectin array as a glycoproteomic tool for high throughput and sensitive analysis of glycosylation patterns. Our data provide novel insights concerning Vn glycosylation patterns in clinical specimens, paving the way for further investigations regarding their functional impact and clinical interest.

Peptide-based electrochemical biosensor for juvenile idiopathic arthritis detection

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a wide group of diseases, characterized by synovial inflammation and joint tissue damage. Due to the delay in the implementation of biomarkers into clinical practice and the association with severe sequels, there is an imperative need for new JIA diagnosis strategies. Electrochemical biosensors based on screen-printed electrodes and peptides are promising alternatives for molecular diagnosis. In this work, a novel biosensor for detecting juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) was developed based on the immobilization of the PRF+1 mimetic peptide, as recognition biological element, on the surface of screen-printed carbon electrode. This biosensor was able to discriminate the JIA positive and negative serum samples from different individuals using differential pulse voltammetry, presenting limits of detection and quantification in diluted samples of 1:784 (v/v) and 1:235 (v/v), respectively. Evaluation by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed R_CT 3 times higher for JIA positive sample than for a pool of human serum samples from healthy individuals. Surface analysis of the biosensor by atomic force microscopy, after contact with JIA positive serum, presented great globular clusters irregularly distributed. The long-term stability of the biosensor was evaluated, remaining functional for over 40 days of storage (after storage at 8°C). Therefore, a simple, miniaturized and selective biosensor was developed, being the first one based on mimetic peptide and screen-printed carbon electrode, aiming at the diagnosis of the juvenile idiopathic arthritis in real serum samples.

Separation and Enrichment of Lectin from Zihua Snap-Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) Seeds by PEG 600-Ammonium Sulfate Aqueous Two-Phase System

A fast and efficient method based on a polyethylene glycol (PEG) 600/(NH₄)₂SO₄ aqueous two-phase system for extracting lectin from Zihua snap-bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) seeds was established. According to a Box-Behnken design (BBD), involving four factors at three levels each subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and response surface analysis, the protein recovery and the purification factor of lectin in the top phase were used as the response values of the variance analysis to acquire the multivariate quadratic regression model. SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and the hemagglutination test were used to detect the distribution of lectin in the aqueous two-phase system (ATPS). The obtained data indicated that lectin was preferentially partitioned into the PEG-rich phase, and the ATPS, composed of 15% (NH₄)₂SO₄ (w/w), 18% PEG 600 (w/w), 0.4 g/5 g NaCl and 1 mL crude extract, showed good selectivity for lectin when the pH value was 7.5. Under the optimal conditions, most of the lectin was assigned to the top phase in the ATPS, and the hemagglutination activity of the purified lectin in the top phase was 3.08 times that of the crude extract. Consequently, the PEG 600/(NH₄)₂SO₄ aqueous two-phase system was an effective method for separating and enriching lectin directly from the crude extract of Zihua snap-bean seeds.

Artificial Lipid Membranes: Past, Present, and Future

The multifaceted role of biological membranes prompted early the development of artificial lipid-based models with a primary view of reconstituting the natural functions in vitro so as to study and exploit chemoreception for sensor engineering. Over the years, a fair amount of knowledge on the artificial lipid membranes, as both, suspended or supported lipid films and liposomes, has been disseminated and has helped to diversify and expand initial scopes. Artificial lipid membranes can be constructed by several methods, stabilized by various means, functionalized in a variety of ways, experimented upon intensively, and broadly utilized in sensor development, drug testing, drug discovery or as molecular tools and research probes for elucidating the mechanics and the mechanisms of biological membranes. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art, discusses the diversity of applications, and presents future perspectives. The newly-introduced field of artificial cells further broadens the applicability of artificial membranes in studying the evolution of life.

Lectins, Interconnecting Proteins with Biotechnological/Pharmacological and Therapeutic Applications

Lectins are proteins extensively used in biomedical applications with property to recognize carbohydrates through carbohydrate-binding sites, which identify glycans attached to cell surfaces, glycoconjugates, or free sugars, detecting abnormal cells and biomarkers related to diseases. These lectin abilities promoted interesting results in experimental treatments of immunological diseases, wounds, and cancer. Lectins obtained from virus, microorganisms, algae, animals, and plants were reported as modulators and tool markers in vivo and in vitro; these molecules also play a role in the induction of mitosis and immune responses, contributing for resolution of infections and inflammations. Lectins revealed healing effect through induction of reepithelialization and cicatrization of wounds. Some lectins have been efficient agents against virus, fungi, bacteria, and helminths at low concentrations. Lectin-mediated bioadhesion has been an interesting characteristic for development of drug delivery systems. Lectin histochemistry and lectin-based biosensors are useful to detect transformed tissues and biomarkers related to disease occurrence; antitumor lectins reported are promising for cancer therapy. Here, we address lectins from distinct sources with some biological effect and biotechnological potential in the diagnosis and therapeutic of diseases, highlighting many advances in this growing field.

Recent Progress in Lectin-Based Biosensors

This article reviews recent progress in the development of lectin-based biosensors used for the determination of glucose, pathogenic bacteria and toxins, cancer cells, and lectins. Lectin proteins have been widely used for the construction of optical and electrochemical biosensors by exploiting the specific binding affinity to carbohydrates. Among lectin proteins, concanavalin A (Con A) is most frequently used for this purpose as glucose- and mannose-selective lectin. Con A is useful for immobilizing enzymes including glucose oxidase (GOx) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) on the surface of a solid support to construct glucose and hydrogen peroxide sensors, because these enzymes are covered with intrinsic hydrocarbon chains. Con A-modified electrodes can be used as biosensors sensitive to glucose, cancer cells, and pathogenic bacteria covered with hydrocarbon chains. The target substrates are selectively adsorbed to the surface of Con A-modified electrodes through strong affinity of Con A to hydrocarbon chains. A recent topic in the development of lectin-based biosensors is a successful use of nanomaterials, such as metal nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes, for amplifying output signals of the sensors. In addition, lectin-based biosensors are useful for studying glycan expression on living cells.

Diagnosis of Dengue Infection Using Conventional and Biosensor Based Techniques

Dengue is an arthropod-borne viral disease caused by four antigenically different serotypes of dengue virus. This disease is considered as a major public health concern around the world. Currently, there is no licensed vaccine or antiviral drug available for the prevention and treatment of dengue disease. Moreover, clinical features of dengue are indistinguishable from other infectious diseases such as malaria, chikungunya, rickettsia and leptospira. Therefore, prompt and accurate laboratory diagnostic test is urgently required for disease confirmation and patient triage. The traditional diagnostic techniques for the dengue virus are viral detection in cell culture, serological testing, and RNA amplification using reverse transcriptase PCR. This paper discusses the conventional laboratory methods used for the diagnosis of dengue during the acute and convalescent phase and highlights the advantages and limitations of these routine laboratory tests. Subsequently, the biosensor based assays developed using various transducers for the detection of dengue are also reviewed.

A Review of Membrane-Based Biosensors for Pathogen Detection

Biosensors are of increasing interest for the detection of bacterial pathogens in many applications such as human, animal and plant health, as well as food and water safety. Membranes and membrane-like structures have been integral part of several pathogen detection platforms. Such structures may serve as simple mechanical support, function as a part of the transduction mechanism, may be used to filter out or concentrate pathogens, and may be engineered to specifically house active proteins. This review focuses on membrane materials, their associated biosensing applications, chemical linking procedures, and transduction mechanisms. The sensitivity of membrane biosensors is discussed, and the state of the field is evaluated and summarized.