Development of new methods for determination of bilirubin

Yellow Emissive Carbon Dots - A Robust Nanoprobe for Highly Sensitive Quantification of Jaundice Biomarker and Mitochondria Targeting in Cancer Cells

The abnormally high level of bilirubin (BR) in biofluids (human serum and urine) indicates a high probability of jaundice and liver dysfunction. However, quantification of BR as the Jaundice biomarker is difficult due to the interference of various biomolecules in serum and urine. To address this issue, we developed a fluorescence-based detection strategy, for which yellow emissive carbon dots (YCDs) were produced from a one-step solvothermal process using phloroglucinol and thionin acetate as chemical precursors. The as-fabricated YCDs exhibited a strong fluorescence peak at the wavelength of 542 nm upon excitation at 390 nm. We used YCDs for detecting BR through the fluorescence turn-off mechanism, unveiling the excellent sensitivity in the linear range of 0.5-12.5 μM with a limit of detection (LOD) of 9.62 nM, which was far below the clinically relevant range. The analytical nanoprobe also offered excellent detection specificity for quantifying BR in real samples. Moreover, the biocompatible fluorescent nanoprobe was successfully employed to target mitochondria in live cancer cells. A colocalization study confirmed that YCDs possessed the ability to target mitochondria and overlapped completely with MitoTracker Red. The developed nanoprobe of YCDs turned out to be straightforward in their synthesis, noninvasive, and can be utilized for biomedical sensors to diagnose the onset of jaundice as well as for mitochondria targeting.

Utilizing stimuli-responsive nanoparticles to deliver and enhance the anti-tumor effects of bilirubin

Bilirubin (BR) is among the most potent endogenous antioxidants that originates from the heme catabolic pathway. Despite being considered as a dangerous and cytotoxic waste product at high concentrations, BR has potent antioxidant effects leading to the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation, which play an important role in the development and progression of cancer. The purpose of this study is to introduce PEGylated BR nanoparticles (NPs), themselves or in combination with other anti-cancer agents. BR is effective when loaded into various nanoparticles and used in cancer therapy. Interestingly, BRNPs can be manipulated to create stimuli-responsive carriers providing a sustained and controlled, as well as on-demand, release of drug in response to internal or external factors such as reactive oxygen species, glutathione, light, enzymes, and acidic pH. This review suggests that BRNPs have the potential as tumor microenvironment-responsive delivery systems for effective targeting of various types of cancers.

Bilirubin measurements in neonates: uniform neonatal treatment can only be achieved by improved standardization

Measurement of total bilirubin (TBil) concentration in serum is the gold standard approach for diagnosing neonatal unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. It is of utmost importance that the measured TBil concentration is sufficiently accurate to prevent under treatment, unnecessary escalation of care, or overtreatment. However, it is widely recognized that TBil measurements urgently require improvement in neonatal clinical chemistry. External quality assessment (EQA) programs for TBil assess for differences between laboratories and provide supporting evidence of significant differences between various methods, manufacturers and measurement platforms. At the same time, many countries have adopted or only slightly adapted the neonatal hyperbilirubinemia management guidelines from the USA or UK, often without addressing differences in the methodology of TBil measurements. In this report, we provide an overview of the components of bilirubin that are measured by laboratory platforms, the availability of current reference measurement procedures and reference materials, and the role of EQA surveys in this context. Furthermore, the current status of agreement in neonatal bilirubin against clinical decision thresholds is reviewed. We advocate for enhancements in accuracy and comparability of neonatal TBil measurements, propose a path forward to accomplish this, and reflect on the position of the International Federation for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) Working Group Neonatal Bilirubin (WG-NB) in this matter.

Evaluation of a Diazo-Based Point-Of-Care Bilirubin Assay careSTART S1 Total Bilirubin Strip

BACKGROUND

Neonatal jaundice (NNJ) affects a significant proportion of newborns globally, with an increased burden in low-resource settings. Effective health risk management of NNJ is hindered, particularly in resource-constrained environments, where early detection and treatment are challenging. The careSTART S1 Total Bilirubin Strip, a point-of-care testing (POCT) device based on a diazo-method, offers a potential solution by enabling onsite bilirubin measurement, thus, addressing the gap in early NNJ detection and management.

METHODS

The current study evaluated the analytical performance of the careSTART S1 Total Bilirubin Strip for precision, linearity, method comparison, and lot-to-lot consistency following CLSI guidelines. For method comparison, 105 residual EDTA whole blood samples were analyzed with the careSTART S1 Total Bilirubin Strip and compared with reference measurements from the Roche Cobas c702 analyzer. Additionally, statistical analyses, including Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman plots, were performed.

RESULTS

The careSTART S1 Total Bilirubin Strip showed allowable (<10%) within-laboratory imprecision of 2.5%-3.6% across all levels and demonstrated linearity over the range of 4.16-439.3 μmol/L. Method comparison revealed a constant negative bias with a mean bias -4.19 μmol/L. However, the 95% confidence interval (-7.10 to -1.28 μmol/L) of the bias is covered by the prespecified allowable bias of 8.3%, at medical decision point. Lot-to-lot variation ranged from 0.14%-6.49%, and was within the acceptable critical difference of 8.3%.

CONCLUSION

The careSTART S1 Total Bilirubin Strip provided accurate and reliable bilirubin measurements that could contribute to neonatal care in settings lacking central laboratory facilities.

Biosynthesis of copper nanoclusters for fluorescence detection of bilirubin in biofluids

Copper nanoclusters (Cu NCs) have shown significant attention in sensing of molecular and ionic species. In this work, a single-step biosynthetic approach was introduced for the preparation of fluorescent Cu NCs using Holarrhena pubescens (H. pubescens) leaves extract as a template. The synthesized H. pubescens-Cu NCs act as a nanomolecular probe for the detection of bilirubin in biofluids. The synthesized H. pubescens-Cu NCs displayed highest fluorescence intensity at 454 nm, when excited at 330 nm. Importantly, selective detection of bilirubin was obtained by introducing H. pubescens-Cu NCs as a simple molecular probe. The interaction of bilirubin and H. pubescens-Cu NCs resulted in a remarkable decrease in the emission peak intensity. The developed H. pubescens-Cu NCs-based bilirubin molecular probe has a wide linear range of 0.5-20.00 μM with the limit of detection of 30.54 nM for bilirubin. The promising application of H. pubescens-Cu NCs-based molecular probe was assessed by assaying bilirubin in spiked biofluids.

Fluorescent Nitrogen-doped Carbon Dots-based Turn-off Sensor for Bilirubin

Bilirubin (BR), a heme protein produced from breakdown of haemoglobin is present in aged red blood cells; whose abnormal concentration is associated with diseases like hyperbilirubinemia, coronary disease, iron deficiency, and so on. Herein, we have synthesized a selective, sensitive, and low-cost sensing platform using fluorescent nitrogen doped carbon dots (NCDs), prepared from precursors; citric acid and urea via a simple microwave-assisted method. The emission at 444 nm on excitation with 360 nm was well quenched in presence of BR suggesting a direct turn-off detection for BR. Characterization of developed probe was done by UV-Visible absorption studies, photoluminescence studies, SEM, TEM, ATR-FTIR, XPS, and DLS analysis. BR was detected with a Limit of Detection (LoD) and Limit of Quantification (LoQ) of 0.32 µM and 1.08 µM respectively. NCDs exhibited excellent selectivity and sensitivity towards BR in the presence of co-existing biomolecules and ions. Practical feasibility was checked by paper-strip-based sensing of BR and spiked real human samples were used for conducting real sample analysis.

Development of Non-Invasive Biosensors for Neonatal Jaundice Detection: A Review

One of the most common problems many babies encounter is neonatal jaundice. The symptoms are yellowing of the skin or eyes because of bilirubin (from above 2.0 to 2.5 mg/dL in the blood). If left untreated, it can lead to serious neurological complications. Traditionally, jaundice detection has relied on invasive blood tests, but developing non-invasive biosensors has provided an alternative approach. This systematic review aims to assess the advancement of these biosensors. This review discusses the many known invasive and non-invasive diagnostic modalities for detecting neonatal jaundice and their limitations. It also notes that the recent research and development on non-invasive biosensors for neonatal jaundice diagnosis is still in its early stages, with the majority of investigations being in vitro or at the pre-clinical level. Non-invasive biosensors could revolutionize neonatal jaundice detection; however, a number of issues still need to be solved before this can happen. These consist of in-depth validation studies, affordable and user-friendly gadgets, and regulatory authority approval. To create biosensors that meet regulatory requirements, additional research is required to make them more precise and affordable.

A Significant Increase in the Incidence of Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia and Phototherapy Treatment Due to a Routine Change in Laboratory Equipment

CONTEXT.—

Total serum bilirubin (TSB) analysis is pivotal for diagnosing neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Because of a routine change in laboratory equipment, our TSB assay changed from a diazo to a vanadate oxidase method. Upon implementation, TSB results were substantially higher in newborns than expected based on the validation.

OBJECTIVE.—

To investigate the application of TSB and intermethod differences in neonates and their impact on phototherapy treatment.

DESIGN.—

The diazo and vanadate methods were compared directly using neonatal and adult samples. Anonymized external quality control data were analyzed to explore interlaboratory differences among 8 commercial TSB assays. Clinical patient data were extracted from the medical records to investigate the number of newborns receiving phototherapy.

RESULTS.—

The mean bias of the vanadate versus the diazo TSB method was +17.4% and +3.7% in neonatal and adult samples, respectively. External quality control data showed that the bias of commercial TSB methods compared with the reference method varied from -3.6% to +20.2%. Within-method variation ranged from 5.2% to 16.0%. After implementation of the vanadate TSB method, the number of neonates treated with phototherapy increased approximately threefold.

CONCLUSIONS.—

Currently available TSB assays lack harmonization for the diagnosis of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Between-methods differences are substantially higher in neonatal compared with adult samples, highlighting the importance of including neonatal samples during assay validation. Close collaboration between laboratory specialists and clinicians is essential to prevent overtreatment or undertreatment upon the implementation of novel analyzers or assays. Also, harmonization of TSB assays, with an emphasis on neonatal application, is warranted.

Review on bile dynamics and microfluidic-based component detection: Advancing the understanding of bilestone pathogenesis in the biliary tract

Bilestones are solid masses found in the gallbladder or biliary tract, which block the normal bile flow and eventually result in severe life-threatening complications. Studies have shown that bilestone formation may be related to bile flow dynamics and the concentration level of bile components. The bile flow dynamics in the biliary tract play a critical role in disclosing the mechanism of bile stasis and transportation. The concentration of bile composition is closely associated with processes such as nucleation and crystallization. Recently, microfluidic-based biosensors have been favored for multiple advantages over traditional benchtop detection assays for their less sample consumption, portability, low cost, and high sensitivity for real-time detection. Here, we reviewed the developments in bile dynamics study and microfluidics-based bile component detection methods. These studies may provide valuable insights into the bilestone formation mechanisms and better treatment, alongside our opinions on the future development of in vitro lithotriptic drug screening of bilestones and bile characterization tests.

Multifunctional Micromachines Constructed by Combining Multiple Protein-Based Components with Different Functions

Untethered mobile micromachines have considerable potential to realize more effective and minimally invasive medicine. Although diverse medical micromachines have been reported over the past few decades, these machines were developed for performing only specific tasks and the functions imparted to them were limited to a few. Hence, the methodologies for imparting a wide variety of functions to machines have not been fully explored. In this study, a novel construction strategy for the multifunctional micromachines is presented, where a specific function can be added to the machine in one step by directly combining the protein-based component, possessing the biological function of constituent proteins, to an arbitrary position of the machine by using an inkjet printing technique. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, various types of machines were constructed by combining multiple components with different functions. These constructed machines successfully performed functions as diverse as enzyme-powered self-propulsion, collection of target objects, including the bilirubin and living cells, enzyme-mediated conversion of substrate molecules to different ones, magnetic guidance, and release of anti-inflammatory drug diapocynin. The study's progressive approach as well as multifunctional and biocompatible machines composed of proteins will profoundly impact the development of intelligent machines equipped with multiplex sophisticated functionalities.

Nanoscale Bilirubin Analysis in Translational Research and Precision Medicine by the Recombinant Protein HUG

Bilirubin is a toxicological biomarker for hemolysis and liver diseases. The current automated diazo method used in clinical chemistry has limited applicability in rodent models and cannot be used in small animals relevant to toxicology, microphysiological systems, cell cultures, and kinetic studies. Here, we present a versatile fluorometric method for nanoscale analysis of bilirubin based on its highly specific binding to the recombinant bifunctional protein HELP-UnaG (HUG). The assay is sensitive (LoQ = 1.1 nM), accurate (4.5% relative standard error), and remarkably robust, allowing analysis at pH 7.4-9.5, T = 25-37 °C, in various buffers, and in the presence of 0.4-4 mg × L-1 serum albumin or 30% DMSO. It allows repeated measurements of bilirubinemia in murine models and small animals, fostering the 3Rs principle. The assay determines bilirubin in human plasma with a relative standard error of 6.7% at values that correlate and agree with the standard diazo method. Furthermore, it detects differences in human bilirubinemia related to sex and UGT1A1 polymorphisms, thus demonstrating its suitability for the uniform assessment of bilirubin at the nanoscale in translational and precision medicine.

175 Years of Bilirubin Testing: Ready for Point-of-Care?

Bilirubin was first detected in blood in 1847 and since then has become one of the most widely used biomarkers for liver disease. Clinical routine bilirubin testing is performed at the hospital laboratory, and the gold standard colorimetric test is prone to interferences. The absence of a bedside test for bilirubin delays critical clinical decisions for patients with liver disease. This clinical care gap has motivated the development of a new generation of bioengineered point-of-care bilirubin assays. In this Perspective, recently developed bilirubin assays are critically discussed, and their translational potential evaluated.

Polymeric copper(ii) and dimeric oxovanadium(v) complexes of amide-imine conjugate: bilirubin recognition and green catalysis

An exceptionally simple amide-imine conjugate, (E)-N'-(4-(diethylamino)-2-hydroxybenzylidene)-4-methylbenzohydrazide (L), derived by the condensation of 4-methyl-benzoic acid hydrazide (PTA) with 4-(diethylamino)-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde was utilized to prepare a dimeric oxo-vanadium (V1) and a one-dimensional (1D) copper(ii) coordination polymer (C1). The structures of L, V1 and C1 were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The experimental results indicate that V1 is a promising green catalyst for the oxidation of sulfide, whereas C1 has potential for a C-S cross-coupling reaction in a greener way. Most importantly, C1 is an efficient 'turn-on' fluorescence sensor for bilirubin that functions via a ligand displacement approach. The displacement equilibrium constant is 7.78 × 105 M-1. The detection limit for bilirubin is 1.15 nM in aqueous chloroform (chloroform/water, 1/4, v/v, PBS buffer, and pH 8.0).

Nanomaterials for fluorescent assay of bilirubin

The accumulation of bilirubin in blood is associated with many diseases. Sensitive and accurate detection of bilirubin is of great significance for personal health care. The rapid development of fluorescent nanomaterials promotes rapid development in the bilirubin assay. In this review, traditional methods for detection of bilirubin are briefly presented to compare with fluorescent nanosensors. Subsequently, the recent progress of different types of fluorescent nanomaterials for determination of bilirubin is summarized. Further, the performance of fluorescent nanosensors and conventional techniques for sensing bilirubin are compared. To this end, the challenges and prospects concerning the topics are discussed. This review will provide some introductory knowledge for researchers to understand the status and importance of fluorescent nanosensors for sensing bilirubin.

Efficient Charge-Transfer Studies for Selective Detection of Bilirubin Biomolecules Using CsPbBr3 as the Fluorescent Probe

Bright luminescence hybrid halide perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) as a novel fluorophore class have not been broadly explored in biological sensing. Herein, we synthesized highly fluorescent CsPbBr₃ PNCs through the LARP method using oleic acid and oleyl amine as capping ligands. Morphological and optical properties of as-synthesized PNCs were studied using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV-vis, and emission spectroscopic analysis. Oleic acid- and oleyl amine-capped PNCs are employed for sensitive and selective detection of bilirubin (BR). A panel of characterizations (time-correlated single-photon count spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL)) was carried out to investigate the detailed sensing study of PNCs-BR composite for quenching the PL emission of CsPbBr₃ with BR. It has been noticed that the synthesized nanoparticles are highly capable of detecting BR and thus act as a biological material sensor.

Non-Enzymatically Colorimetric Bilirubin Sensing Based on the Catalytic Structure Disruption of Gold Nanocages

As an essential indicator of liver function, bilirubin is of great significance for clinical diagnosis. A non-enzymatic sensor has been established for sensitive bilirubin detection based on the bilirubin oxidation catalyzed by unlabeled gold nanocages (GNCs). GNCs with dual-localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peaks were prepared by a one-pot method. One peak around 500 nm was ascribed to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and the other located in the near-infrared region was the typical peak of GNCs. The catalytic oxidation of bilirubin by GNCs was accompanied by the disruption of cage structure, releasing free AuNPs from the nanocage. This transformation changed the dual peak intensities in opposite trend, and made it possible to realize the colorimetric sensing of bilirubin in a ratiometric mode. The absorbance ratios showed good linearity to bilirubin concentrations in the range of 0.20~3.60 μmol/L with a detection limit of 39.35 nM (3σ, n = 3). The sensor exhibited excellent selectivity for bilirubin over other coexisting substances. Bilirubin in real human serum samples was detected with recoveries ranging from 94.5 to 102.6%. The method for bilirubin assay is simple, sensitive and without complex biolabeling.

A paper-based point-of-care testing device for the colourimetric estimation of bilirubin in blood sample

A paper-based colourimetric assay for the Point-of-Care Testing (PoCT) of bilirubin has been developed based on the formation of a green-coloured copper-bilirubin complex from a blue-coloured tetraamminecopper(II) sulphate complex. The reaction was studied and optimized by UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy and translated onto a paper strip. Hydrophobic circular well patterns on Whatman chromatography paper were created by wax printing. The tetraamminecopper(II) sulphate complex was drop cast and dried on the reagent zones in the wax-patterned paper. The images of reagent zones captured using a scanner were analyzed using ImageJ software. Bilirubin spiked blood serum was tested in the concentration range of 1.2 to 950 µM. The PAD exhibited sensitivities of 0.4197 a.u/μM and 0.1040 a.u/μM for concentration ranges of bilirubin 1.2 to 96 μM and 105 to 950 μM respectively and a low detection limit of 0.799 µM. The method is highly selective to bilirubin, even in the presence of other biomarkers in serum. A plasma separation membrane incorporated PAD was fabricated for the final testing and quantification of bilirubin from whole blood.

Investigation of Ultrafast Configurational Photoisomerization of Bilirubin Using Femtosecond Stimulated Raman Spectroscopy

Phototherapy is an efficient and safe way to reduce high levels of free 4Z,15Z-bilirubin (ZZ-BR) in the serum of newborns. The success of BR phototherapy lies in photoinduced configurational and structural isomerization processes that form excretable isomers. However, the physical picture of photoinduced photoisomerization of ZZ-BR is still unclear. Here, we strategically implement tunable femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy and several time-resolved electronic spectroscopies, assisted by quantum chemical calculations, to dissect the detailed primary configurational isomerization dynamics of free ZZ-BR in organic solvents. The results of this study demonstrate that upon photoexcitation, ultrafast configurational isomerization proceeds by a volume-conserving "hula twist", followed by intramolecular hydrogen-bond distortion and large-scale rotation of the two dipyrrinone halves of the ZZ-BR isomer in a few picoseconds. After that, most of the population recovers back to ZZ-BR, and a very small amount is converted into stable BR isomers via structural isomerization.

Expeditious fluorimetric detection of bilirubin by simple imidazole derived luminophore and it's pragmatic applicability in spiked biological fluids

Bilirubin is an indispensable biomarker for liver diseases. Utilizing organic molecules as sensor platform for effective detection of bilirubin are little. In addition, the reported fluorophores required longer incubation time for detection. Hence, herein we have attempted to design an imidazole derivative 4-(3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-N,N-diphenylaniline (IMI) from triphenylamine and pyridine units which could detect bilirubin swiftly without any incubation period. IMI manifested an instant quenching of emission in presence of bilirubin with limit of detection (LOD) 11.74 × 10^-6 mol L^-1. The mechanistic aspect of detection involves coexistence of both static and dynamic quenching which was suitably justified. Finally, the pragmatic application of IMI was performed in bio-fluids.

Pharmaco-Toxicological Effects of Atypical Synthetic Cathinone Mephtetramine (MTTA) in Mice: Possible Reasons for Its Brief Appearance over NPSs Scene

Over the last year, NPSs have been steadily on the rise in the illicit drug market. Among these, synthetic cathinones seem to become increasingly popular among young adults, mainly because of their ability to replicate the effects of traditional psychostimulant drugs, such as cocaine, MDMA and amphetamines. However, scarce data are available about the in vivo pharmaco-toxicology of these new substances. To this end, this study focused on evaluation of effects induced by repeated administration of mephtetramine (MTTA 0.1-30 mg/kg i.p.) in mice. This atypical cathinone highlighted a sensorial (inhibition of visual and acoustic reflexes) and transient physiological parameter (decrease in breath rate and temperature) change in mice. Regarding motor activity, both a dose-dependent increase (accelerod test) and biphasic effect (drag and mobility time test) have been shown. In addition, blood and urine samples have been analysed to enrich the experimental featuring of the present study with reference to evaluation of potential toxicity related to consumption of MTTA. The latter analysis has particularly revealed important changes in blood cells count and blood and urine physicochemical profile after repeated treatment with this atypical cathinone. Moreover, MTTA induced histological changes in heart, kidney and liver samples, emphasizing its potential toxicity.

Electrochemical Sensor for Bilirubin Detection Using Paper-Based Screen-Printed Electrodes Functionalized with Silver Nanoparticles

A notable diagnostic for the detection of hemolytic diseases is bilirubin, a by-product of haemoglobin breakdown. The concentration of bilirubin ranges from 0.3 to 1.9 mg in 100 mL of blood. Low blood bilirubin levels are associated with a greater risk of coronary heart disease and anaemia. Hyperbilirubinemia results from a serum bilirubin level of more than 2.5 mg/100 mL. Therefore, it is very crucial to check the serum bilirubin level. Analytical equipment for point-of-care testing must be portable, small, and affordable. A unique method is used to detect bilirubin selectively using paper-based screen-printed carbon electrodes that were covalently linked with nanoparticles, that serves as a key biomarker for jaundice. In order to create an electrochemical biosensor, bilirubin oxidase was immobilised on electrodes modified with AgNPs. The morphology of Ag nanoparticles in terms of size and shape was determined using both UV- Vis Spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The biosensor's analytical response was assessed using potentiostat (Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV)). The developed paper-based sensor provided optimum feedback and a broad linear range of 1 to 9 µg/mL for bilirubin, with a lower LOD of 1 µg/mL. Through tests of bilirubin in artificial blood serum, the viability is confirmed. The method that is being used makes it possible to create and use an inexpensive, miniature electrochemical sensor.

Activation of Alternative Bilirubin Clearance Pathways Partially Reduces Hyperbilirubinemia in a Mouse Model Lacking Functional Ugt1a1 Activity

Bilirubin is a heme catabolite and Ugt1a1 is the only enzyme involved in the biological elimination of bilirubin. Partially functional or non-functional Ugt1a1 may result in neuronal damage and death due to the accumulation of unconjugated bilirubin in the brain. The understanding of the role of alternative bilirubin detoxification mechanisms that can reduce bilirubin toxicity risk is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies. To provide a proof-of-principle showing whether activation of alternative detoxification pathways could lead to life-compatible bilirubin levels in the absence of Ugt1a1 activity, we used Ugt1^−/− hyperbilirubinemic mice devoid of bilirubin glucuronidation activity. We treated adult Ugt1^−/− mice with TCPOBOP, a strong agonist of the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR). TCPOBOP treatment decreased plasma and liver tissue bilirubin levels by about 38%, and resulted in the transcriptional activation of a vast array of genes involved in bilirubin transport and metabolism. However, brain bilirubin level was unaltered. We observed ~40% degradation of bilirubin in the liver microsomes from TCPOBOP treated Ugt1^−/− mice. Our findings suggest that, in the absence of Ugt1a1, the activation of alternative bilirubin clearance pathways can partially improve hyperbilirubinemic conditions. This therapeutic approach may only be considered in a combinatorial manner along with other treatments.

Capillary Blood Recovery Variables in Young Swimmers: An Observational Case Study

Sport diagnostics is still in pursuit of the optimal combination of biochemical and hematological markers to assess training loads and the effectiveness of recovery. The biochemical and hematological markers selected for a panel should be specific to the sport and training program. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of selected biochemical and hematological variables in professional long-distance and sprint swimming. Twenty-seven participants aged 15–18 years took part in the study. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities and creatinine (Cr), C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, total bilirubin (TB), direct bilirubin (DB) and iron concentrations were measured for 10 weeks and compared with the traditional sport diagnostic markers of creatine kinase (CK) activity and urea (U) concentration. Additionally, capillary blood morphology was analyzed. An effective panel should consist of measurements of CK and AST activities and urea, TB, DB and ferritin concentrations. These markers provide a good overview of athletes’ post-training effort changes, can help assess the effectiveness of their recovery regardless of sex or competitive distance and are affordable. Moreover, changes in ferritin concentration can indicate inflammation status and, when combined with iron concentration and blood morphology, can help to avoid iron deficiencies, anemia and adverse inflammatory states in swimmers.

A Low-Cost Paper-Based Device for the Colorimetric Quantification of Bilirubin in Serum Using Smartphone Technology

Total bilirubin values have been used as a potential marker to pre-screen and diagnose various liver-based diseases such as jaundice, bile obstruction, liver cancer, etc. A device known as KromaHealth Kit, composed of paper and an acrylic backbone, is developed to quantify total bilirubin in human serum using image processing and machine learning technology. The biochemical assays are deposited on absorbent paper pads that act as reaction zones when serum is added. A dedicated smartphone app captures images of the colorimetric changes on the pad and converts them into quantitative values of bilirubin. The range of bilirubin concentration that can be quantified using the device ranges from 0.5 mg/dl to 7.0 mg/dl. The precision, limit of detection, interference analysis, linearity, stability, and comparison with a predicate are studied in this paper in accordance with clinical and laboratory standards institute. The results indicate that the KromaHealth Kit can be used as an inexpensive alternative to conventional bilirubin testing in clinical settings. With its level of precision, ease-of-use, long shelf-life, and short turnaround time, it will prove to be invaluable in limited-resource settings.

Current and emerging technologies for the timely screening and diagnosis of neonatal jaundice

Neonatal jaundice is one of the most common clinical conditions affecting newborns. For most newborns, jaundice is harmless, however, a proportion of newborns develops severe neonatal jaundice requiring therapeutic interventions, accentuating the need to have reliable and accurate screening tools for timely recognition across different health settings. The gold standard method in diagnosing jaundice involves a blood test and requires specialized hospital-based laboratory instruments. Despite technological advancements in point-of-care laboratory medicine, there is limited accessibility of the specialized devices and sample stability in geographically remote areas. Lack of suitable testing options leads to delays in timely diagnosis and treatment of clinically significant jaundice in developed and developing countries alike. There has been an ever-increasing need for a low-cost, simple to use screening technology to improve timely diagnosis and management of neonatal jaundice. Consequently, several point-of-care (POC) devices have been developed to address this concern. This paper aims to review the literature, focusing on emerging technologies in the screening and diagnosing of neonatal jaundice. We report on the challenges associated with the existing screening tools, followed by an overview of emerging sensors currently in pre-clinical development and the emerging POC devices in clinical trials to advance the screening of neonatal jaundice. The benefits offered by emerging POC devices include their ease of use, low cost, and the accessibility of rapid response test results. However, further clinical trials are required to overcome the current limitations of the emerging POC's before their implementation in clinical settings. Hence, the need for a simple to use, low-cost POC jaundice detection technology for newborns remains an unsolved challenge globally.

A Nomogram for Predicting BK Virus Activation in Kidney Transplantation Recipients Using Clinical Risk Factors

BK virus is a common opportunistic viral infection that could cause BK virus-associated nephropathy in renal transplant recipients. Thus, we retrospectively analyzed clinical and laboratory data associated with a higher risk of BK virus activation from 195 renal transplant recipients by the multivariate logistic regression analysis and performed the external validation. Results showed that patients with BK virus active infection were associated with a deceased donor, had lower direct bilirubin levels, a higher proportion of albumin in serum protein electrophoresis, and lower red blood cells and neutrophil counts. The multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the living donor, direct bilirubin, and neutrophil counts were significantly associated with BK virus activation. The logistic regression model displayed a modest discriminability with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.689 (95% CI: 0.607–0.771; P < 0.01) and also demonstrated a good performance in the external validation dataset (the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.699, 95% CI: 0.5899–0.8081). The novel predictive nomogram achieved a good prediction of BK virus activation in kidney transplant recipients.

Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering-Active Gold-Decorated Silicon Nanowire Substrates for Label-Free Detection of Bilirubin

Bilirubin (BR) is a product of hemoglobin breakdown, and its increasing levels in the blood may indicate liver disorders and lead to jaundice. Kernicterus is most dangerous in newborns when the unconjugated BR concentration can quickly rise to toxic levels, causing neurological damage and even death. The development of an accurate, fast, and sensitive sensor for BR detection will help reduce diagnostic time and ensure successful treatment. In this study, we propose a new method for creating a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-active substrate based on gold-decorated silicon nanowires (Au@SiNWs) for sensitive label-free BR detection. Gold-assisted chemical etching of crystalline silicon wafers was used to synthesize SiNWs, the tops of which were then additionally decorated with gold nanoparticles. The low detection limit of model analyte 4-mercaptopyridine down to the concentration of 10^-8 M demonstrated the excellent sensitivity of the obtained substrates for SERS application. The theoretical full-wave electromagnetic simulations of Raman scattering in the Au@SiNW substrates showed that the major contribution to the total SERS signal comes from the analyte molecules located on the SiNW surface near the gold nanoparticles. Therefore, for efficient BR adsorption and SERS detection, the surface of the SiNWs was modified with amino groups. Label-free detection of BR using amino modified Au@SiNWs with high point-to-point, scan-to-scan, and batch-to-batch reproducibility with a detection limit of 10^-6 M has been demonstrated. Artificial urine, mimicking human urine samples, was used as the matrix to get insights into the influence of different parameters such as matrix complexity on the overall BR SERS signal. The signal stability was demonstrated for 7 days after adsorption of BR with a concentration of 5 × 10^-5 M, which is the required sensitivity for clinical applications.

Measurement and clinical usefulness of bilirubin in liver disease

Elevated plasma bilirubin levels are a frequent clinical finding. It can be secondary to alterations in any stage of its metabolism: (a) excess bilirubin production (i.e., pathologic hemolysis); (b) impaired liver uptake, with elevation of indirect bilirubin; (c) impaired conjugation, prompted by a defect in the UDP-glucuronosyltransferase; and (d) bile clearance defect, with elevation of direct bilirubin secondary to defects in clearance proteins, or inability of the bile to reach the small bowel through bile ducts. A liver lesion of any cause reduces hepatocyte cell number and may impair the uptake of indirect bilirubin from plasma and diminish direct bilirubin transport and clearance through the bile ducts. Various analytical methods are currently available for measuring bilirubin and its metabolites in serum, urine and feces. Serum bilirubin is determined by (1) diazo transfer reaction, currently, the gold-standard; (2) high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); (3) oxidative, enzymatic, and chemical methods; (4) direct spectrophotometry; and (5) transcutaneous methods. Although bilirubin is a well-established marker of liver function, it does not always identify a lesion in this organ. Therefore, for accurate diagnosis, alterations in bilirubin concentrations should be assessed in relation to patient anamnesis, the degree of the alteration, and the pattern of concurrent biochemical alterations.

Bilirrubina: Medición y utilidad clínica en la enfermedad hepática

Un aumento en los niveles plasmáticos de bilirrubina es una alteración frecuente. Puede deberse a cualquier causa que altere alguna de las fases de su metabolismo: a) producción excesiva de bilirrubina (ej. hemólisis patológica); b) defecto en la captación hepática, con aumento de bilirrubina indirecta); c) defecto de conjugación, por alteración del enzima encargada (UDP-glucuronosiltransferasa); y d) defecto de excreción biliar, con aumento de bilirrubina directa, por defectos en las proteínas encargadas de la excreción, o bien por la imposibilidad del paso de la bilis a través de los conductos biliares hasta el intestino. Una lesión hepática de cualquier causa, al disminuir el número de hepatocitos, puede producir una disminución de la captación de bilirrubina indirecta desde el plasma y una disminución del transporte y excreción de la bilirrubina directa hacia los conductillos biliares. Se pueden usar diferentes técnicas analíticas para medir la bilirrubina y sus metabolitos en el suero, la orina y las heces. La bilirrubina sérica se mide mediante (1) la "reacción diazo", actualmente el método de referencia; (2) cromatografía líquida de alta resolución (HPLC); (3) métodos oxidativos, enzimáticos y químicos; (4) espectrofotometría directa; y (5) métodos transcutáneos. Aunque la bilirrubina es un marcador clásico de disfunción hepática, no siempre indica una lesión de este órgano. Por tanto, para obtener un diagnóstico preciso, el significado de las alteraciones de este parámetro biológico ha de valorarse en conjunción con la anamnesis del paciente, la magnitud de la alteración, y el patrón de las alteraciones bioquímicas. acompañantes.

Diagnostic methods for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia: benefits, limitations, requirements, and novel developments

Invasive bilirubin measurements remain the gold standard for the diagnosis and treatment of infants with severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. The present paper describes different methods currently available to assess hyperbilirubinemia in newborn infants. Novel point-of-care bilirubin measurement methods, such as the BiliSpec and the Bilistick, would benefit many newborn infants, especially in low-income and middle-income countries where the access to costly multi-analyzer in vitro diagnostic instruments is limited. Total serum bilirubin test results should be accurate within permissible limits of measurement uncertainty to be fit for clinical purposes. This implies correct implementation of internationally endorsed reference measurement systems as well as participation in external quality assessment programs. Novel analytic methods may, apart from bilirubin, include the determination of bilirubin photoisomers and bilirubin oxidation products in blood and even in other biological matrices. IMPACT: Key message: Bilirubin measurements in blood remain the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment of severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (SNH). External quality assessment (EQA) plays an important role in revealing inaccuracies in diagnostic bilirubin measurements. What does this article add to the existing literature? We provide analytic performance data on total serum bilirubin (TSB) as measured during recent EQA surveys. We review novel diagnostic point-of-care (POC) bilirubin measurement methods and analytic methods for determining bilirubin levels in biological matrices other than blood. Impact: Manufacturers should make TSB test results traceable to the internationally endorsed total bilirubin reference measurement system and should ensure permissible limits of measurement uncertainty.

Screening methods for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia: benefits, limitations, requirements, and novel developments

Severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (SNH) is a serious condition that occurs worldwide. Timely recognition with bilirubin determination is key in the management of SNH. Visual assessment of jaundice is unreliable. Fortunately, transcutaneous bilirubin measurement for screening newborn infants is routinely available in many hospitals and outpatient settings. Despite a few limitations, the use of transcutaneous devices facilitates early recognition and appropriate management of neonatal jaundice. Unfortunately, however, advanced and often costly screening modalities are not accessible to everyone, while there is an urgent need for inexpensive yet accurate instruments to assess total serum bilirubin (TSB). In the near future, novel icterometers, and in particular optical bilirubin estimates obtained with a smartphone camera and processed with a smartphone application (app), seem promising methods for screening for SNH. If proven reliable, these methods may empower outpatient health workers as well as parents at home to detect jaundice using a simple portable device. Successful implementation of ubiquitous bilirubin screening may contribute substantially to the reduction of the worldwide burden of SNH. The benefits of non-invasive bilirubin screening notwithstanding, any bilirubin determination obtained through non-invasive screening must be confirmed by a diagnostic method before treatment. IMPACT: Key message: Screening methods for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia facilitate early recognition and timely treatment of severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (SNH). Any bilirubin screening result obtained must be confirmed by a diagnostic method. What does this article add to the existing literature? Data on optical bilirubin estimation are summarized. Niche research strategies for prevention of SNH are presented. Impact: Transcutaneous screening for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia contributes to the prevention of SNH. A smartphone application with optical bilirubin estimation seems a promising low-cost screening method, especially in low-resource settings or at home.

Investigation of mutations (L41F, F17M, N57E, Y99F_Y134W) effects on the TolAIII-UnaG fluorescence protein's unconjugated bilirubin (UC-BR) binding ability and thermal stability properties

The UnaG protein is a ligand (unconjugated bilirubin) dependent fluorescence protein isolated from Unagi freshwater eel larvae and expressed as fusion in heterologous expression systems. Bilirubin is a tetrapyrrole molecule mainly produced from heme catabolism by the destruction of erythrocytes in the body. Bilirubin can cause kernicterus, a serious condition associated with permanent neurological damage in neonates with the passage of brain tissue. Different methods have been developed for plasma bilirubin analysis and quantification. The use of UnaG fluorescence protein triggered by bilirubin has become a new approach in bilirubin studies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the biophysical characterization of ligand interactions with the proteins obtained as a result of mutations (UnaG^Y99F_Y134W, UnaG^N57E, UnaG^L41F, and UnaG^F17M) on the amino acid sequence of TolAIII-UnaG protein. After the purity levels of the expressed proteins have been analyzed by SDS-PAGE, secondary structures and thermal melting temperatures of the proteins have been examined by circular dichroism spectroscopy. Then determination of excitation and emission points by fluorescence spectroscopy, titration studies have been performed with bilirubin, and dissociation constant was calculated. According to the biophysical characterization studies, UnaG^L41F has the highest affinity and stability among the mutants.

Biosensors and biomarkers for determining gestational diabetes mellitus and jaundice in children

Gestational diabetes and jaundice are the correlated diseases predominantly found in mother and newborn child. Jaundice is a neonatal complication with an increased risk when mother has gestational diabetes. Mothers with diabetes at an early stage of gestational age are at higher risk for hyperbilirubinemia (jaundice) and hypoglycemia. So, it is mandatory to monitor the condition of diabetes and jaundice during the pregnancy period for a healthy child and safest delivery. On the other hand, nanotechnology has displayed a rapid advancement that can be implemented to overcome these issues. The development of high-performance diagnosis using appropriate biomarkers provides their efficacy in the detection gestational diabetes and jaundice. This review covers the aspects from a fast-developing field to generate nanosensors in the nanosized dimensions for the applications to overcome these complications by coupling diagnostics with biomarkers. Further, the serum-based biomarkers have been discussed for these inborn complications and also the diagnosis with the current trend.

Investigation on the luminescence behavior of terbium acetylsalicylate/bilirubin system via 2D-COS approaches

Terbium acetylsalicylate has been prepared, and the ethanol solution of the complex exhibits strong luminescence under the excitation of ultraviolet radiation. When a small amount of bilirubin solution is introduced into the solution containing a high concentration of terbium acetylsalicylate, a remarkable diminution of the luminescence of the terbium complex was observed. Investigations on the behavior and life-time of luminescence indicate that the quenching is not caused by forming a stable non-luminescent product via a reaction between terbium acetylsalicylate and bilirubin. A π-π interaction between the chromophore of bilirubin and the aromatic moiety of ligand was revealed via the pattern of cross peaks in the 2D asynchronous spectrum generated using the DAOSD (double asynchronous orthogonal sample design) approach. Such an interaction paves a route for energy transfer in the quenching process. The combination of a high concentration of the terbium complex and a long life-time of luminescence in the lanthanide complex/bilirubin system forms a special scenario: a bilirubin molecule by diffusion may visit and deactivate dozens of excited terbium complexes within the half-life period of the lanthanide complex. This is why a small amount of bilirubin can bring about the significant reduction of luminescence on the solution containing a high concentration of the terbium complex.

A ratiometric bilirubin sensor based on a fluorescent gold nanocluster film with dual emissions

Bilirubin originates from hemoglobin metabolism and is an important biomarker for liver function. A ratiometric film sensor based on gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) was fabricated for highly sensitive determination of free bilirubin (fBR). Using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a template, AuNCs that can emit blue and red fluorescence were prepared by the hydrothermal method at different pH values. Two kinds of AuNCs were incorporated into a single film by the layer-by-layer assembly (LBL) technique. The obtained thin-film showed dual fluorescence peaks excited at 372 nm, corresponding to the blue (443 nm) and red (622 nm) emissions of AuNCs respectively. When fBR interacted with the film, both fluorescence peaks were quenched at different degrees. A ratiometric method for fBR detection was established based on the fluorescence intensity ratio of the two emissions. The linear calibration curve for fBR lay in the concentration range of 0.01-2.00 μmol L^-1 with a detection limit of 8.90 ± 0.34 nmol L^-1 (S/N = 3). The film sensor showed a quick and sensitive response to fBR and could detect fBR in real samples with satisfactory results.

Coulometry-assisted quantitation in spray ionization mass spectrometry

The concentration of target analyte in a mixture can be quantified by combining coulometric measurements with spray ionization mass spectrometry. A three-electrode system screen printed on the polymer support acts both as the coulometry platform for electrochemical oxidation and the sample loading tip for spray ionization. After loading a droplet of the analyte solution onto the tip, two steps were taken to implement quantitation. First, the electrochemical oxidation potential was optimized with cyclic voltammetry followed by coulometric measurements to calculate the amount of oxidized analyte under a constant low voltage within a fixed period of time (5 s). Then, a high voltage (+4.5 kV) was applied to the tip to trigger spray ionization for measuring the oxidation yield from the native analyte ion and its oxidized product ion intensities by mass spectrometry. The analyte's native concentration is quantified by dividing the oxidized product's concentration (based on Coulomb's law) and the oxidation yield (estimated from mass spectrometry [MS] assuming that the parent and oxidation product have nearly the same ionization efficiencies). The workflow has an advantage in being free of any standard for constructing the quantitation curve. Several model compounds (tyrosine, dopamine, and angiotensin II) were selected for method validation. It was demonstrated that this strategy was feasible with an accuracy of ~15% for a wide coverage of different species including endogenous metabolites and peptides. As an example of its possible practical use, it was initially employed to make a bilirubin assay in urine.

Human elastin-like polypeptides as a versatile platform for exploitation of ultrasensitive bilirubin detection by UnaG

A new, bifunctional recombinant protein was expressed as the fusion product of human elastin-like polypeptide (HELP) and the bilirubin-binding protein UnaG. The engineered product displays both the HELP-specific property of forming a functional hydrogel matrix and the UnaG-specific capacity of emitting green fluorescence upon ligand binding. The new fusion protein has been proven to be effective at detecting bilirubin in complex environments with high background noise. A cell culture model of the stress response, consisting of bilirubin released in the cell culture medium, was set up to assess the bilirubin-sensing properties of the functional matrix obtained by cross-linking the HELP moiety. Our engineered protein allowed us to monitor cell induction by the release of bilirubin in the culture medium on a nanomolar scale. This study shows that elastin-like protein fusion represents a versatile platform for the development of novel and commercially viable analytical and biosensing devices.

Dye Coupled Aptamer-Captured Enzyme Catalyzed Reaction for Detection of Pan Malaria and P. falciparum Species in Laboratory Settings and Instrument-Free Paper-Based Platform

Malaria diagnosis methods offering species-specific information on the causative parasites, along with their flexibility to use in different resource settings, have great demand for precise treatment and management of the disease. Herein, we report the detection of pan malaria and P. falciparum species using a dye-based reaction catalyzed by the biomarker enzymes Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase ( PLDH) and Plasmodium falciparum glutamate dehydrogenase ( PfGDH), respectively, through instrument-based and instrument-free approaches. For the detection, two ssDNA aptamers specific to the corresponding PLDH and PfGDH were used. The aptamer-captured enzymes were detected through a substrate-dependent reaction coupled with the conversion of resazurin (blue, ∼λ_605nm) to resorufin (pink, ∼λ_570nm) dye. The reaction was monitored by measuring the fluorescence intensity at λ_660nm for resorufin, absorbance ratio (λ_570nm/λ_605nm), and change in color (blue to pink). The detection approach could be customized to a spectrophotometer-based method and an instrument-free device. For both the approaches, the biomarkers were captured from the serum samples with the help of aptamer-coated magnetic beads prior to the analysis to exclude potential interferences from the serum. In the instrument-free device, a medical syringe (5 mL) prefabricated with a magnet was used for in situ separation of the enzyme-captured beads from the reaction supernatant. The converted dye in the supernatant was then efficiently adsorbed over a DEAE cellulose-treated paper wick assembled in the syringe hose. The biomarkers could be detected by both qualitative and quantitative format following the color and pixel intensity, respectively, developed on the paper surface. The developed method and technique offered detection of the biomarkers within a clinically relevant dynamic range, with the limit of detection values in the picomolar level. Flexible detection capability, low cost, interference-free detections, and portable nature (for instrument-free devices) are the major advantages offered by the developed approaches.

Clinicopathological Spectrum of Bilirubin Encephalopathy/Kernicterus

Bilirubin encephalopathy/kernicterus is relatively rare, but continues to occur despite universal newborn screening. What is more interesting is the spectrum of clinical and even neuropathological findings that have been reported in the literature to be associated with bilirubin encephalopathy and kernicterus. In this review, the authors discuss the array of clinicopathological findings reported in the context of bilirubin encephalopathy and kernicterus, as well as the types of diagnostic testing used in patients suspected of having bilirubin encephalopathy or kernicterus. The authors aim to raise the awareness of these features among both pediatric neurologists and neuropathologists.