A sensitive DNA biosensor fabricated from gold nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and zinc oxide nanowires on a glassy carbon electrode

Road Map of Semiconductor Metal-Oxide-Based Sensors: A Review

Identifying disease biomarkers and detecting hazardous, explosive, flammable, and polluting gases and chemicals with extremely sensitive and selective sensor devices remains a challenging and time-consuming research challenge. Due to their exceptional characteristics, semiconducting metal oxides (SMOxs) have received a lot of attention in terms of the development of various types of sensors in recent years. The key performance indicators of SMOx-based sensors are their sensitivity, selectivity, recovery time, and steady response over time. SMOx-based sensors are discussed in this review based on their different properties. Surface properties of the functional material, such as its (nano)structure, morphology, and crystallinity, greatly influence sensor performance. A few examples of the complicated and poorly understood processes involved in SMOx sensing systems are adsorption and chemisorption, charge transfers, and oxygen migration. The future prospects of SMOx-based gas sensors, chemical sensors, and biological sensors are also discussed.

Preparation of electrochemical sensor based on glassy carbon electrode and its specificity and sensitivity for directional detection of antibiotic resistance genes spreading in the water environment

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria/resistance genes (ARB/ARGs) have been paid much attention due to the environmental risks they might bring. They were demonstrated to be widespread in surface water and wastewater. Determining the concentrations of ARGs is the first step to evaluate the degree of pollution. In this study, electrochemical detection technology was studied due to its advantages of low cost, fast response, and satisfactory selectivity. Additionally, the electrochemical sensor technology was used to determine the concentration of a ubiquitous ARG (ampicillin gene bla_TEM) in the water environment. A kind of electrochemical sensor was prepared on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) curves indicated that the single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) probe can be successfully immobilized on the surface of the GCE. In addition, the performance of hybridization between the ssDNA probe and the target DNA at diverse temperatures was compared, of which 35 °C was the optimum. Moreover, the change of charge transfer resistance (ΔRct) for the GCE sensor hybridizing with complementary DNA was much higher than that of DNA with the mismatched base, which indicated that the electrochemical sensor prepared in this study was specific. The sensitivity of the sensor was also proved by the strong correlation between the concentrations of ARGs and ΔRct (with the correlation coefficient (R²) of 0.9905). All in all, this study is meaningful for the comprehend on the detection of ARGs through the electrochemical method.

A signal-on electrochemical DNA biosensor based on exonuclease III-assisted recycling amplification

DNA electrochemical detection technology has attracted tremendous interest in recent years. However, a facile and sensitive method for the detection of the disease indicators or genes is still waiting. Herein, we constructed a signal-on electrochemical platform for detecting the manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) gene by incorporating a redox electrochemical signal probe (methylene blue) and exonuclease III-assisted target recycling signal amplification strategy. The sensor was prepared by self-assembly of a capture DNA probe of thiol-modified on GCE with gold electrodeposition. In the presence of target DNA, the exonuclease III can cleave the duplexes formed by the target DNA and the redox-labeled hairpin probes, release the target DNA and produce a residual sequence. The target DNA can continue to hybridize with the hairpin probe for the next cycle of amplification. The residual sequence hybridized with the surface-immobilized capture probes on AuNPs-modified GCE to generate a significantly amplified redox current. In particular, the redox current value of the resultant sensor showed a linear relationship with MnSOD gene concentration in the range of 1-10⁴ pM with the detection limit as low as 0.3 pM. Furthermore, the sensor has excellent specificity and can distinguish single-base mismatch from perfectly matched target DNA. The sensor is fast in operation, and simple in design for detecting different DNA sequences or DNA identification by selecting the appropriate probe sequence, thus shedding light on a good promising application when encountering disease outbreaks or for the early clinical diagnosis of gene-related diseases.

Enhanced Electrochemical Conductivity of Surface-Coated Gold Nanoparticles/Copper Nanowires onto Screen-Printed Gold Electrode

Electrochemical application has been widely used in the study of biosensors. Small biomolecules need a sensitive sensor, as the transducer that can relay the signal produced by biomolecule interactions. Therefore, we are improvising a sensor electrode to enhance electrochemical conductivity for the detection of small DNA molecule interaction. This work describes the enhanced electrochemical conductivity studies of copper nanowires/gold nanoparticles (CuNWs/AuNPs), using the screen-printed gold electrode (SPGE). The AuNPs were synthesized using the Turkevich method as well as characterized by the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) analysis for the particle size and absorption nature, respectively. Further, the surface morphology and elemental analysis of a series of combinations of different ratios of CuNWs-AuNPs-modified SPGE were analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) combined with an energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The results indicate that the nanocomposites of CuNWs-AuNPs have been randomly distributed and compacted on the surface of SPGE, with AuNPs filling the pores of CuNWs, thereby enhancing its electrochemical conductivity. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) method was used for the evaluation of SPGE performance, while the characterization of the electrochemical conductivity of the electrode modified with various concentrations of AuNPs, CuNWs, and different volumes of dithiopropionic acid (DTPA) has been conducted. Of the various parameters tested, the SPGE modified with a mixture of 5 mg/mL CuNWs and 0.25 mM AuNPs exhibited an efficient electrochemical conductivity of 20.3 µA. The effective surface area for the CuNWs-AuNPs-modified SPGE was enhanced by 2.3-fold compared with the unmodified SPGE, thereby conforming the presence of a large active biomolecule interaction area and enhanced electrochemical activity on the electrode surface, thus make it promising for biosensor application.

Evolution of nucleic acids biosensors detection limit III

This review is an update of two previous ones focusing on the limit of detection of electrochemical nucleic acid biosensors allowing direct detection of nucleic acid target (miRNA, mRNA, DNA) after hybridization event. A classification founded on the nature of the electrochemical transduction pathway is established. It provides an overall picture of the detection limit evolution of the various sensor architectures developed during the last three decades and a critical report of recent strategies.

Scanning Techniques for Nanobioconjugates of Carbon Nanotubes

Nanobioconjugates using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are attractive and promising hybrid materials. Various biological applications using the CNT nanobioconjugates, for example, drug delivery systems and nanobiosensors, have been proposed by many authors. Scanning techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and scanning probe microscopy (SPM) have advantages to characterize the CNT nanobioconjugates under various conditions, for example, isolated conjugates, conjugates in thin films, and conjugates in living cells. In this review article, almost 300 papers are categorized based on types of CNT applications, and various scanning data are introduced to illuminate merits of scanning techniques.

ZnO Nanowire Application in Chemoresistive Sensing: A Review

This article provides an overview of the recent development of ZnO nanowires (NWs) for chemoresistive sensing. Working mechanisms of chemoresistive sensors are unified for gas, ultraviolet (UV) and bio sensor types: single nanowire and nanowire junction sensors are described, giving the overview for a simple sensor manufacture by multiple nanowire junctions. ZnO NW surface functionalization is discussed, and how this effects the sensing is explained. Further, novel approaches for sensing, using ZnO NW functionalization with other materials such as metal nanoparticles or heterojunctions, are explained, and limiting factors and possible improvements are discussed. The review concludes with the insights and recommendations for the future improvement of the ZnO NW chemoresistive sensing.

Carbon nanotubes: a novel material for multifaceted applications in human healthcare

Remarkable advances achieved in modern material technology, especially in device fabrication, have facilitated diverse materials to expand the list of their application fields.

Hierarchical core–shell structure of ZnO nanotube/MnO2 nanosheet arrays on a 3D graphene network as a high performance biosensing platform

A hierarchical core–shell structure composed of ZnO nanotubes/MnO₂ nanosheets was fabricated via a two-step electrochemical deposition procedure on the surface of a 3D graphene network (3DGN) as a free-standing monolithic electrode.

Recent trends in carbon nanomaterial-based electrochemical sensors for biomolecules: A review

Carbon nanomaterials are advantageous for electrochemical sensors because they increase the electroactive surface area, enhance electron transfer, and promote adsorption of molecules. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been incorporated into electrochemical sensors for biomolecules and strategies have included the traditional dip coating and drop casting methods, direct growth of CNTs on electrodes and the use of CNT fibers and yarns made exclusively of CNTs. Recent research has also focused on utilizing many new types of carbon nanomaterials beyond CNTs. Forms of graphene are now increasingly popular for sensors including reduced graphene oxide, carbon nanohorns, graphene nanofoams, graphene nanorods, and graphene nanoflowers. In this review, we compare different carbon nanomaterial strategies for creating electrochemical sensors for biomolecules. Analytes covered include neurotransmitters and neurochemicals, such as dopamine, ascorbic acid, and serotonin; hydrogen peroxide; proteins, such as biomarkers; and DNA. The review also addresses enzyme-based electrodes that are used to detect non-electroactive species such as glucose, alcohols, and proteins. Finally, we analyze some of the future directions for the field, pointing out gaps in fundamental understanding of electron transfer to carbon nanomaterials and the need for more practical implementation of sensors.

A novel ultrasensitive phosphate amperometric nanobiosensor based on the integration of pyruvate oxidase with highly ordered gold nanowires array

A novel phosphate amperometric nanobiosensor, based on an intimate integration of pyruvate oxidase (PyOx) and its cofactors, thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), with a highly ordered gold nanowires array (AuNWA) has been developed. The successful integration of PyOx and the co-factors, via crosslinking with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and glutaraldehyde (GLA), onto the AuNWA was confirmed by cyclic voltammetry and amperometry. The resulting nanobiosensor achieved a detection limit of 0.1 µM, a linear concentration range of 12.5-1000 µM, and a sensitivity of 140.3 µA mM(-1)cm(-2). Notably, the incorporation of the AuNWA reduced the required PyOx concentration by 70-120 fold and the presence of common interferants, such as chloride, sulfate, fluoride, nitrite and nitrate ions did not interfere with phosphate detection. Furthermore, the nanobiosensor demonstrated a very high stability with repeated use over two weeks and was successfully used for the determination of phosphate in water samples with an average recovery of 96.6 ± 4.9%.

Gr-Pt hybrid NP modified GCPE as label and indicator free electrochemical genosensor platform

Glassy carbon paste electrode (GCPE) was modified with graphene platinum hybrid nanoparticle (Gr-Pt hybrid NP) and used as a transducer for label and indicator free electrochemical genosensor. 22 mer oligonucleotides representing Escherichia coli bacteria were used as a model case. As far as it is known, this study is the first study where Gr-Pt hybrid NP was incorporated into GCPE and used for genosensor transducer. The extent of hybridization was determined by using differential pulse voltammetric signals of guanin oxidation. After the optimization of experimental parameters, analytical characteristics were investigated. The linear range was found between 1.5×10(-7) and 2.25×10(-6) M with the equation of y=1.6566x-2.6161 and R(2) of 0.9959. RSD and LOD were calculated as 4.2% (n=6) and 1.12×10(-9) M respectively.

Flower-like ZnO nanostructure based electrochemical DNA biosensor for bacterial meningitis detection

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures possessing flower-like morphology have been synthesised onto platinized silicon substrate by simple and economical hydrothermal method. The interaction of physically immobilized single stranded thiolated DNA (ss th-DNA) probe of N. meningitides onto the nanostructured ZnO (ZNF) matrix surface have been investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impeadance spectroscopy (EIS). The electrochemical sensing response behaviour of the DNA bioelectrode (ss th-DNA/ZNF/Pt/Si) has been studied by both differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) as well as impedimetric techniques. The fabricated DNA biosensor can quantify wide range of the complementary target ss th-DNA in the range 5-240 ng μl(-1) with good linearity (R=0.98), high sensitivity (168.64 μA ng(-1) μl cm(-2)) and low detection limit of about 5 ng μl(-1). Results emphasise that the fabricated flower-like ZnO nanostructures offer a useful platform for the immobilization of DNA molecules and could be exploited for efficient detection of complementary target single stranded DNA corresponding to N. meningitides.

Porous ZnO and ZnO–NiO composite nano/microspheres: synthesis, catalytic and biosensor properties

Porous ZnO and ZnO–NiO nanostructures were found to catalyze the decomposition of ammonium perchlorate and ZnO to biosense DNA hybridization.

A label-free electrochemistry biosensor based flower-like 3-dimensional ZnO superstructures for detection of DNA arrays

A highly sensitive electrochemical DNA sensor was constructed by homogenously distributing Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) on a flower-like 3D ZnO superstructure–chitosan (CS) matrix.

Inducing electrocatalytic functionality in ZnO thin film by N doping to realize a third generation uric acid biosensor

A third generation uric acid biosensor has been developed by exploiting the electrocatalytic functionality of nitrogen (N) doped zinc oxide (ZnO:N) thin film matrix deposited using pulsed laser deposition technique. The electrochemistry of ZnO:N thin film based electrode is investigated by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The obtained results demonstrate that nitrogen doping in ZnO matrix offers a striking electrocatalytic activity to the immobilized uricase towards the oxidation of analyte (uric acid) and promotes the direct transfer of electrons from active sites of enzyme onto the electrode without any mediator. In contrast to pure ZnO, ZnO:N (8% N) thin film based uric acid biosensor gives a high sensitivity of about 1.38 mA/mM in the absence of mediator. Moreover, ZnO:N derived bio-electrode exhibits excellent selectivity and outstanding analytical stability and reproducibility, which enables a reliable and sensitive determination of uric acid in the serum. The ZnO:N thin film based biosensor exhibits a linear sensing response in the range from 0 to 1.0mM of uric acid concentration and the apparent Michaelis-Menten kinetic parameter (Km) is estimated to be about 0.13 mM which indicates the high affinity of the prepared bio-electrode towards uric acid. The obtained results are encouraging and indicate that the ZnO:N thin film matrix offers a new and promising platform for the development of novel third generation biosensors without using any mediator.

Recent advances in ZnO nanostructures and thin films for biosensor applications: review

Biosensors have shown great potential for health care and environmental monitoring. The performance of biosensors depends on their components, among which the matrix material, i.e., the layer between the recognition layer of biomolecule and transducer, plays a crucial role in defining the stability, sensitivity and shelf-life of a biosensor. Recently, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures and thin films have attracted much interest as materials for biosensors due to their biocompatibility, chemical stability, high isoelectric point, electrochemical activity, high electron mobility, ease of synthesis by diverse methods and high surface-to-volume ratio. ZnO nanostructures have shown the binding of biomolecules in desired orientations with improved conformation and high biological activity, resulting in enhanced sensing characteristics. Furthermore, compatibility with complementary metal oxide semiconductor technology for constructing integrated circuits makes ZnO nanostructures suitable candidate for future small integrated biosensor devices. This review highlights recent advances in various approaches towards synthesis of ZnO nanostructures and thin films and their applications in biosensor technology.