Photoelectrochemical lab-on-paper device based on an integrated paper supercapacitor and internal light source

Development of a Soft Sensor Using Machine Learning Algorithms for Predicting the Water Quality of an Onsite Wastewater Treatment System

Developing advanced onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) requires accurate and consistent water quality monitoring to evaluate treatment efficiency and ensure regulatory compliance. However, off-line parameters such as chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), and Escherichia coli (E. coli) require sample collection and time-consuming laboratory analyses that do not provide real-time information of system performance or component failure. While real-time COD analyzers have emerged in recent years, they are not economically viable for onsite systems due to cost and chemical consumables. This study aimed to design and implement a real-time remote monitoring system for OWTS by developing several multi-input and single-output soft sensors. The soft sensor integrates data that can be obtained from well-established in-line sensors to accurately predict key water quality parameters, including COD, TSS, and E. coli concentrations. The temporal and spatial water quality data of an existing field-tested OWTS operated for almost two years (n = 56 data points) were used to evaluate the prediction performance of four machine learning algorithms. These algorithms, namely, partial least square regression (PLS), support vector regression (SVR), cubist regression (CUB), and quantile regression neural network (QRNN), were chosen as candidate algorithms for their prior application and effectiveness in wastewater treatment predictions. Water quality parameters that can be measured in-line, including turbidity, color, pH, NH4+, NO3-, and electrical conductivity, were selected as model inputs for predicting COD, TSS, and E. coli. The results revealed that the trained SVR model provided a statistically significant prediction for COD with a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 14.5% and R2 of 0.96. The CUB model provided the optimal predictive performance for TSS, with a MAPE of 24.8% and R2 of 0.99. None of the models were able to achieve optimal prediction results for E. coli; however, the CUB model performed the best with a MAPE of 71.4% and R2 of 0.22. Given the large fluctuation in the concentrations of COD, TSS, and E. coli within the OWTS wastewater dataset, the proposed soft sensor models adequately predicted COD and TSS, while E. coli prediction was comparatively less accurate and requires further improvement. These results indicate that although water quality datasets for the OWTS are relatively small, machine learning-based soft sensors can provide useful predictive estimates of off-line parameters and provide real-time monitoring capabilities that can be used to make adjustments to OWTS operations.

Photoelectrochemical sensors based on paper and their emerging applications in point-of-care testing

Point-of-care testing (POCT) technology is urgently required owing to the prevalence of the Internet of Things and portable electronics. In light of the attractive properties of low background and high sensitivity caused by the complete separation of excitation source and detection signal, the paper-based photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensors, featured with fast in analysis, disposable and environmental-friendly have become one of the most promising strategies in POCT. Therefore, in this review, the latest advances and principal issues in the design and fabrication of portable paper-based PEC sensors for POCT are systematically discussed. Primarily, the flexible electronic devices that can be constructed by paper and the reasons why they can be used in PEC sensors are expounded. Afterwards, the photosensitive materials involved in paper-based PEC sensor and the signal amplification strategies are emphatically introduced. Subsequently, the application of paper-based PEC sensors in medical diagnosis, environmental monitoring and food safety are further discussed. Finally, the main opportunities and challenges of paper-based PEC sensing platforms for POCT are briefly summarized. It provides a distinct perspective for researchers to construct paper-based PEC sensors with portable and cost-effective, hoping to enlighten the fast development of POCT soon after, as well as benefit human society.

Hollow-Channel Paper Analytical Devices Supported Biofuel Cell-Based Self-Powered Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Sensor for Pesticide Detection

Herein, a paper-based glucose/air biofuel cell (BFC) was constructed and implemented for self-powered pesticide detection. Our developed paper-based chip relies on a hollow-channel to transport fluids rather than capillarity, which reduces analysis times as well as physical absorption. The gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were adapted to modify the paper fibers to fabricate the flexible conductive paper anode/cathode electrode (Au-PAE/CNT-PCE). Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) using 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) as a template were synthesized on Au-PAE for signal control. In the cathode, bilirubin oxidase (BOD) was used for the oxygen reduction reaction. Based on a competitive reaction between 2,4-D and glucose-oxidase-labeled 2,4-D (GOx-2,4-D), the amount of GOx immobilized on the bioanode can be simply tailored, thus a signal-off self-powered sensing platform was achieved for 2,4-D determination. Meanwhile, the coupling of the paper supercapacitor (PS) with the paper-based chip provides a simple route for signal amplification. Combined with a portable digital multi-meter detector, the amplified signal can be sensitively readout. Through rational design of the paper analytical device, the combination of BFC and PS provides a new prototype for constructing a low-cost, simple, portable, and sensitive self-powered biosensor lab-on-paper, which could be easily expanded in the field of clinical analysis and drug delivery.

Electrochemical Immunosensor Modified with Nitrogen-Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide@Carboxylated Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes/Chitosan@Gold Nanoparticles for CA125 Detection

Lung cancer is one of the malignant tumors with the highest mortality rate, and the detection of its tumor marker carcinoma antigen 125 (CA125) is significant. Here, an electrochemical immunoassay for CA125 was described. Nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO), carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CMWCNTs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were applied to co-modify glassy carbon electrode (GCE), after incubation with Anti-CA125, the modified electrode was employed for the specific detection of CA125. The N-rGO@CMWCNTs (Nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide@carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes) were used as a matrix, while CS@AuNPs (Chitosan@gold nanoparticles) with high conductivity and biocompatibility was immobilized on it through the reaction between carboxyl groups from CMWCNTs and amino groups, hydroxyl groups from chitosan (CS), resulting in the effect of double signal amplification. The immunosensor demonstrated excellent electrochemical performance with a linear detection range of 0.1 pg mL−1–100 ng mL−1, and the detection limit was as low as 0.04 pg mL−1 (S/N = 3). It had been verified that this method had good precision and high accuracy, and the immunosensor could remain stable for 10 days. This research provided a new method for the detection of CA125 in serum.

Cellulose Structures as a Support or Template for Inorganic Nanostructures and Their Assemblies

Cellulose is the most abundant natural polymer and deserves the special attention of the scientific community because it represents a sustainable source of carbon and plays an important role as a sustainable energent for replacing crude oil, coal, and natural gas in the future. Intense research and studies over the past few decades on cellulose structures have mainly focused on cellulose as a biomass for exploitation as an alternative energent or as a reinforcing material in polymer matrices. However, studies on cellulose structures have revealed more diverse potential applications by exploiting the functionalities of cellulose such as biomedical materials, biomimetic optical materials, bio-inspired mechanically adaptive materials, selective nanostructured membranes, and as a growth template for inorganic nanostructures. This article comprehensively reviews the potential of cellulose structures as a support, biotemplate, and growing vector in the formation of various complex hybrid hierarchical inorganic nanostructures with a wide scope of applications. We focus on the preparation of inorganic nanostructures by exploiting the unique properties and performances of cellulose structures. The advantages, physicochemical properties, and chemical modifications of the cellulose structures are comparatively discussed from the aspect of materials development and processing. Finally, the perspective and potential applications of cellulose-based bioinspired hierarchical functional nanomaterials in the future are outlined.

Electrochemiluminescence with semiconductor (nano)materials

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) is the light production triggered by reactions at the electrode surface. Its intrinsic features based on a dual electrochemical/photophysical nature have made it an attractive and powerful method across diverse fields in applied and fundamental research. Herein, we review the combination of ECL with semiconductor (SC) materials presenting various typical dimensions and structures, which has opened new uses of ECL and offered exciting opportunities for (bio)sensing and imaging. In particular, we highlight this particularly rich domain at the interface between photoelectrochemistry, SC material chemistry and analytical chemistry. After an introduction to the ECL and SC fundamentals, we gather the recent advances with representative examples of new strategies to generate ECL in original configurations. Indeed, bulk SC can be used as electrode materials with unusual ECL properties or light-addressable systems. At the nanoscale, the SC nanocrystals or quantum dots (QDs) constitute excellent bright ECL nano-emitters with tuneable emission wavelengths and remarkable stability. Finally, the challenges and future prospects are discussed for the design of new detection strategies in (bio)analytical chemistry, light-addressable systems, imaging or infrared devices.

Exploiting Photoelectric Activities and Piezoelectric Properties of NaNbO3 Semiconductors for Point-of-Care Immunoassay

Point-of-care testing (POCT) technology has made major breakthroughs in community medicine and physician office situations, in tandem with the more ubiquitous and intensive usage of highly integrated quick detection equipment for illness diagnosis, personal care, and mobile healthcare. Although the photoelectrochemical (PEC)-based POCT platform offers the benefits of cheap cost and good user engagement, its commercialization is still limited by the photodetection components' downsizing and mobility, among other factors. In this work, a novel highly integrated PEC biosensor aided by piezophototronics to enhance the efficiency of PEC testing was reported for flexible detection of cancer-associated antigens in biological fluids (prostate-specific antigen, PSA, used as an example). Multiple signal enhancement strategies, including a magnetic bead-linked enzyme-linked immune system catalyzing the production of ascorbic acid from the substrate and a piezoelectric-assisted enhancement strategy, were used for sensitive detection of the analyte to be tested in human body fluids. Unlike the electron transfer mechanism in heterojunctions, piezoelectric semiconductors promote the transfer of electrons and holes by generating piezoelectric potentials in the ultrasonic field, thus contributing to the performance of the PEC testbed. Under optimized conditions, the test platform achieves good correspondence for PSA at 0.02-40 ng mL^-1. Impressively, the test devices are comparable to or even superior to gold standard ELISA kits in terms of cost approval and batch testing. This research demonstrates the potential of piezoelectric semiconductors for POC applications in revolutionary PECs and offers innovative thoughts for the development of new PEC bioanalytical components.

Dual biomineralized metal-organic frameworks-mediated conversion of chemical energy to electricity enabling portable PEC sensing of telomerase activity in bladder cancer tissues

In this work, we report on a portable photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing system for telomerase activity detection based on dual biomineralized ZIF-8 nanoparticles (NPs)-medicated conversion of chemical energy to electricity and terminal deoxynucleoside transferase (TdTase)-catalyzed elongation of Y-junction DNA structure. Two kinds of biomineralized ZIF-8 NPs including glucose oxidase (GOx)-encapsulated ZIF-8 (GZIF) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-encapsulated ZIF-8 (HZIF) are involved in this assay system. The recognition of telomerase is started with telomerase-catalyzed elongation of a telomerase substrate (TS) primer, which generates a longer elongation chain to trigger the formation of a Y-junction DNA structure. The Y-junction DNA with abundant 3'-OH terminal and small steric hindrance facilitates the implement of TdTase-catalyzed elongation reaction, in which the branches of Y-junction DNA are elongated and endowed with biotin moiety to capture streptavidin-modified GZIF (SA-GZIF). The signal transduction is then achieved on a luminol/HZIF/CdS-based photoelectrode. Once the H₂O₂ produced from GZIF-catalyzed hydrolysis of glucose is introduced to the photoelectrode, chemiluminescence of HRP-luminol-H₂O₂-p-iodo-phenol (PIP) system confined in HZIF is activated to excite photocurrent of CdS NPs, which is then recorded by a portable digital multimeter (DMM). The developed PEC sensing system possesses a wide calibration range from 50 to 5000 HeLa cells and a low detection limit of 46 cells. Significantly, the sensing platform is successfully applied to evaluate the telomerase activity in resected bladder tumor tissues. This work not only provides a diagnostic tool for telomerase-related diseases but also open a new avenue for establishing PEC assay methods using metal-organic framework (MOF) NPs.

Origami Paper-Based Electrochemical (Bio)Sensors: State of the Art and Perspective

In the last 10 years, paper-based electrochemical biosensors have gathered attention from the scientific community for their unique advantages and sustainability vision. The use of papers in the design the electrochemical biosensors confers to these analytical tools several interesting features such as the management of the solution flow without external equipment, the fabrication of reagent-free devices exploiting the porosity of the paper to store the reagents, and the unprecedented capability to detect the target analyte in gas phase without any sampling system. Furthermore, cost-effective fabrication using printing technologies, including wax and screen-printing, combined with the use of this eco-friendly substrate and the possibility of reducing waste management after measuring by the incineration of the sensor, designate these type of sensors as eco-designed analytical tools. Additionally, the foldability feature of the paper has been recently exploited to design and fabricate 3D multifarious biosensors, which are able to detect different target analytes by using enzymes, antibodies, DNA, molecularly imprinted polymers, and cells as biocomponents. Interestingly, the 3D structure has recently boosted the self-powered paper-based biosensors, opening new frontiers in origami devices. This review aims to give an overview of the current state origami paper-based biosensors, pointing out how the foldability of the paper allows for the development of sensitive, selective, and easy-to-use smart and sustainable analytical devices.

Nanostructure-based photoelectrochemical sensing platforms for biomedical applications

As a newly developed and powerful analytical method, the use of photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensors opens up new opportunities to provide wide applications in the early diagnosis of diseases, environmental monitoring and food safety detection. The properties of diverse photoactive materials are one of the essential factors, which can greatly impact the PEC performance. The continuous development of nanotechnology has injected new vitality into the field of PEC biosensors. In many studies, much effort on PEC sensing with semiconductor materials is highlighted. Thus, we propose a systematic introduction to the recent progress in nanostructure-based PEC biosensors to exploit more promising materials and advanced PEC technologies. This review briefly evaluates the several advanced photoactive nanomaterials in the PEC field with an emphasis on the charge separation and transfer mechanism over the past few years. In addition, we introduce the application and research progress of PEC sensors from the perspective of basic principles, and give a brief overview of the main advances in the versatile sensing pattern of nanostructure-based PEC platforms. This last section covers the aspects of future prospects and challenges in the nanostructure-based PEC analysis field.

Origami-based “Book” shaped three-dimensional electrochemical paper microdevice for sample-to-answer detection of pathogens

Herein, an ease-of-use and highly sensitive origami-based “book” shaped three-dimensional electrochemical paper microdevice based on nucleic acid testing (NAT) methodology was developed for sample-to-answer detection of pathogens from whole blood and food samples. The whole steps of NAT, including sample preparation, amplification and detection, were performed by alternately folding the panels of the microdevice, just like flipping a book. The screen-printing electrodes were combined with wax-printing technology to construct a paper-based electrochemical unit to monitor Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) reaction with an electrochemical strategy. After nucleic acid extraction and purification with the glass fiber, the LAMP reaction was performed for 45 min to amplify the extracted nucleic acid sequence, followed by the execution of the electrochemical interrogation reaction based on methylene blue (MB) and double-stranded LAMP amplicons. Starting with whole blood and food samples spiked with Salmonella typhimurium, this microdevice was successfully applied to identify pathogens from biological samples with satisfactory sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, the proposed origami-based “book” shaped three-dimensional paper microdevice has great potential for disease diagnosis, food safety analysis applications in the future.

Herein, an ease-of-use and highly sensitive origami-based “book” shaped three-dimensional electrochemical paper microdevice based on nucleic acid testing (NAT) methodology was developed for sample-to-answer detection of pathogens from whole blood and food samples.

Advances in functional nucleic acid based paper sensors

This article provides an extensive review of paper-based sensors that utilize functional nucleic acids, particularly DNA aptamers and DNAzymes, as recognition elements.

Nanomaterial-Modified Conducting Paper: Fabrication, Properties, and Emerging Biomedical Applications

The emerging demand for wearable, lightweight portable devices has led to the development of new materials for flexible electronics using non-rigid substrates. In this context, nanomaterial-modified conducting paper (CP) represents a new concept that utilizes paper as a functional part in various devices. Paper has drawn significant interest among the research community because it is ubiquitous, cheap, and environmentally friendly. This review provides information on the basic characteristics of paper and its functionalization with nanomaterials, methodology for device fabrication, and their various applications. It also highlights some of the exciting applications of CP in point-of-care diagnostics for biomedical applications. Furthermore, recent challenges and opportunities in paper-based devices are summarized.

Nano-lantern on paper for smartphone-based ATP detection

ATP-driven bioluminescence relying on the D-luciferin-luciferase reaction is widely employed for several biosensing applications where bacterial ATP detection allows to verify microbial contamination for hygiene monitoring in hospitals, food processing and in general for cell viability studies. Several ATP kit assays are already commercially available but an user-friendly ATP biosensor characterized by low-cost, portability, and adequate sensitivity would be highly valuable for rapid and facile on site screening. Thanks to an innovative freeze-drying procedure, we developed a user-friendly, ready-to-use and stable ATP sensing paper biosensor that can be combined with smartphone detection. The ATP sensing paper includes a lyophilized "nano-lantern" with reaction components being rapidly reconstituted by 10 μL sample addition, enabling detection of 10^-14 mol of ATP within 10 min. We analysed urinary microbial ATP as a biomarker of urinary tract infection (UTI), confirming the capability of the ATP sensing paper to detect the threshold for positivity corresponding to 10⁵ colony-forming units of bacteria per mL of urine.

Wide-Spectrum-Responsive Paper-Supported Photoelectrochemical Sensing Platform Based on Black Phosphorus-Sensitized TiO2

A wide-spectrum-responsive paper-based photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor based on black phosphorus (BP) quantum dots (QDs)-sensitized titanium dioxide (TiO₂-BP QDs) for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) detection was presented herein. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were first coated on paper to form a flexible conductive paper electrode. TiO₂ nanoparticles were then in situ synthesized on the CNTs-modified paper working electrode with direct liquid-phase hydrolysis with normal temperature, shirtsleeve operation, and gentle solution. Meanwhile, BP QDs, derived from two-dimensional BP nanosheets, can harvest light from the ultraviolet to near-infrared region, broaden efficient utilization of light, add a new dimension to BP research, and impel the high expectation on the potentials of QDs. To implement an assay protocol, exciton-plasmon interactions between TiO₂-BP QDs and gold nanoparticles were introduced into the PEC sensing platform for high sensitivity detection of the PSA antigen. Under the optimal conditions, this proposed method exhibited a linear response ranging from 0.005 to 50 ng/mL with a detection limit of 1 pg/mL. This sensing protocol offered a promising analytical method with favorable properties of high selectivity, stability, and reproducibility.

Visual distance readout to display the level of energy generation in paper-based biofuel cells: application to enzymatic sensing of glucose

Biofuel cells (BFCs) based on anodic oxidation and cathodic oxygen reduction represent an attractive alternative to self-powered devices. A glucose/oxygen BFC is described for monitoring glucose. It is making use of a piece of paper carrying a glucose oxidase (GOx) based bioanode, and a bilirubin oxidase (BilOx) based biocathode. The performance of the BFC is affected by the generation of H₂O₂, a byproduct of enzymatic glucose oxidation. Therefore, the removal of H₂O₂ is a crucial step in terms of BFC performance and stability. In addition, direct, unambiguous visual read-out is an ideal way to provide quantitative information. The colorimetric readout system described here is based on the consumption of undesired H₂O₂ and to convert the extent of energy generation into recognizable variations in color. As the H₂O₂ travels along the hydrophilic channel by capillary action, the formation of red gold nanoparticles from AuCl₄^- leads to the appearance of a red bar that provides distance-based information that can be read visually. The multiply readable information (maximum power density of BFC or visible distance) provides further choices for quantification. It also enhances reliability. The self-powered system based on the BFC exhibits excellent performance. Glucose can be determined by this method in the 1 to 50 mM concentration range. Graphical abstract Schematic presentation of a paper-supported biofuel cell equipped with a visual distance readout to display the level of energy generation in biofuel cells, and its application in sensing of glucose.

Microfluidic Technology for Nucleic Acid Aptamer Evolution and Application

The intersection of microfluidics and aptamer technologies holds particular promise for rapid progress in a plethora of applications across biomedical science and other areas. Here, the influence of microfluidics on the field of aptamers, from traditional capillary electrophoresis approaches through innovative modern-day approaches using micromagnetic beads and emulsion droplets, is reviewed. Miniaturizing aptamer-based bioassays through microfluidics has the potential to transform diagnostics and embedded biosensing in the coming years.

Simple "signal-on" photoelectrochemical aptasensor for ultrasensitive detecting AFB1 based on electrochemically reduced graphene oxide/poly(5-formylindole)/Au nanocomposites

A simple "signal-on" photoelectrochemical (PEC) aptasensor is constructed for Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) detection based on electrochemically reduced graphene oxide/poly(5-formylindole)/Au (erGO/P5FIn/Au) nanocomposites. The nanocomposites are synthesized by simple electrochemical deposition method and show good photoelectrochemical performance. Poly(5-formylindole) (P5FIn) can generate electron-hole pairs under light irradiation, leading to the formation of robust cathode photocurrent. Au can be acted as signal amplifier due to the high conductivity. The erGO is used to immobilize AFB1 aptamer chain by π-π stacking interaction between the carbon six-membered ring in graphene and the C-N heterocyclic ring in nucleobases of ssDNA. After the insulating AFB1 aptamer chain is fixed to the electrode, the signal of PEC sensor is "OFF". In the process of AFB1 detection, the aptamer chain detaches from the surface of erGO, which results in "ON" of the sensor signal. Based on this design, this constructed PEC aptasensor shows a high sensitivity for AFB1 with a wide linear detection range (LDR) from 0.01 ng mL^-1 to 100 ng mL^-1. The limit of detection (LOD) is 0.002 ng mL^-1. This PEC sensor also exhibits good stability, selectivity, specificity, and satisfactory practical sample analysis ability. This work may provide a new promising PEC platform for AFB1 detection as well as some other small molecules analysis.

Paper-Based Origami Photoelectrochemical Sensing Platform with TiO2/Bi4NbO8Cl/Co-Pi Cascade Structure Enabling of Bidirectional Modulation of Charge Carrier Separation

A bidirectional modulation of photoinduced charge carrier separation strategy based on TiO₂/Bi₄NbO₈Cl/Co-Pi was proposed in microfluidic paper based photoelectrochemical analytical device (μ-POAD). Perovskite Bi₄NbO₈Cl with high charge carrier mobility was employed as visible light absorber, sandwiching between electron transporting material (ETM) and hole transporting material (HTM). Paper based TiO₂ nanosheet arrays (PTNAs) serve as the ETM to provide a direct pathway for electron transport and Co-Pi works as the HTM to extract holes. Driven by a built-in electric field, the generated electrons of Bi₄NbO₈Cl are extracted by PTNAs, while holes are drawn toward Co-Pi, achieving efficient carrier separation. Remarkably, it is the first time that the HTM was introduced into μ-POAD to efficiently output holes and enhance the sensitivity. With the aid of ETM and HTM, 2.59 and 14.6 times higher photocurrent density was obtained compared with PTNAs/Bi₄NbO₈Cl and Bi₄NbO₈Cl photoelectrode, respectively. Benefiting from this dramatic photocurrent signal, ultrasensitive detection of β human chorionic gonadotrophin is realized with the linear range of 0.01-3000 IU L^-1 and detection limitation of 0.005 IU L^-1. This work demonstrates the importance of efficient carrier separation to the sensitivity of μ-POAD and paves the way for developing a high-performance analytical device.

The potential of paper-based diagnostics to meet the ASSURED criteria

Paper-based diagnostics have already revolutionized point-of-care approaches for health and environmental applications, by providing low-cost, disposable tools that can be utilized in remote settings. These devices typically consist of microfluidic, chemical, and biological diagnostic components implemented on paper substrates, towards addressing the ASSURED (Affordable, Sensitive, Specific, User friendly, Rapid and Robust, Equipment free and Deliverable to end users) principles set out by the World Health Organization. Paper-based diagnostics primarily contribute to the affordable, equipment-free, and deliverable-to-end-user aspects. However, additional functionality must be integrated with paper-based diagnostic devices to achieve truly ASSURED solutions. Advances in printed electronics provide a fitting foundation for implementing augmented functionality, while maintaining the affordability and disposability of paper-based diagnostics. This paper reviews the printed functional building blocks that contribute towards achieving this goal, from individual printed electronic components to fully integrated solutions. Important modules for sensing, read-out of results, data processing and communication, and on-board power are explored, and solutions printed on flexible or paper-based substrates for integration with paper-based diagnostics are considered. Although many of the unit operations required to achieve the ASSURED criteria can be implemented using paper, basic system functionality is still lacking, and this requires a concerted effort in integration of the various components for truly ASSURED solutions to be realized. Beyond ASSURED, modern clinical practises and crisis readiness also require additional informational functionality, which a systems approach using paper-based solutions could ensure.

Nitrogen-Doped Porous Carbon-ZnO Nanopolyhedra Derived from ZIF-8: New Materials for Photoelectrochemical Biosensors

Herein, novel photoactive materials, nitrogen-doped porous carbon-ZnO (NPC-ZnO) nanopolyhedra, were prepared by direct carbonization of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)-8 nanopolyhedra in a nitrogen atmosphere. The morphology, structure, and photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption method, and PEC methods. The results showed that the obtained NPC-ZnO nanopolyhedra had a rhombic dodecahedron morphology with uniform particle size of about 100 nm and a high surface area of 609.2 m² g^-1. Under visible-light irradiation, the NPC-ZnO nanopolyhedra showed better PEC performance than ZnO nanorod and the ZIF-8 nanopolyhedra in aqueous media with dissolved oxygen and ascorbic acid. Taking alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as a model, a NPC-ZnO nanopolyhedra-based PEC sensor was developed and showed good performance for ALP assay with a wide linear response range from 2 to 1500 U L^-1 and a low detection limit of 1.7 U L^-1. Moreover, the PEC sensor possessed acceptable selectivity, reproducibility, and stability. The prepared NPC-ZnO nanopolyhedra provide a new photoactive material for the construction of PEC sensors and may have promising applications in PEC assay of heavy metal ions, organic pollutants, and biomolecules.

Tailored Approaches in Drug Development and Diagnostics: From Molecular Design to Biological Model Systems

Approaches to increase the efficiency in developing drugs and diagnostics tools, including new drug delivery and diagnostic technologies, are needed for improved diagnosis and treatment of major diseases and health problems such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, chronic wounds, and antibiotic resistance. Development within several areas of research ranging from computational sciences, material sciences, bioengineering to biomedical sciences and bioimaging is needed to realize innovative drug development and diagnostic (DDD) approaches. Here, an overview of recent progresses within key areas that can provide customizable solutions to improve processes and the approaches taken within DDD is provided. Due to the broadness of the area, unfortunately all relevant aspects such as pharmacokinetics of bioactive molecules and delivery systems cannot be covered. Tailored approaches within (i) bioinformatics and computer-aided drug design, (ii) nanotechnology, (iii) novel materials and technologies for drug delivery and diagnostic systems, and (iv) disease models to predict safety and efficacy of medicines under development are focused on. Current developments and challenges ahead are discussed. The broad scope reflects the multidisciplinary nature of the field of DDD and aims to highlight the convergence of biological, pharmaceutical, and medical disciplines needed to meet the societal challenges of the 21st century.

Carbon nanotubes in microfluidic lab-on-a-chip technology: current trends and future perspectives

Advanced nanomaterials such as carbon nano-tubes (CNTs) display unprecedented properties such as strength, electrical conductance, thermal stability, and intriguing optical properties. These properties of CNT allow construction of small microfluidic devices leading to miniaturization of analyses previously conducted on a laboratory bench. With dimensions of only millimeters to a few square centimeters, these devices are called lab-on-a-chip (LOC). A LOC device requires a multidisciplinary contribution from different fields and offers automation, portability, and high-throughput screening along with a significant reduction in reagent consumption. Today, CNT can play a vital role in many parts of a LOC such as membrane channels, sensors and channel walls. This review paper provides an overview of recent trends in the use of CNT in LOC devices and covers challenges and recent advances in the field. CNTs are also reviewed in terms of synthesis, integration techniques, functionalization and superhydrophobicity. In addition, the toxicity of these nanomaterials is reviewed as a major challenge and recent approaches addressing this issue are discussed.

Nanomaterials-modified cellulose paper as a platform for biosensing applications

Recently, paper substrates have attracted tremendous interest from both academia and industry. Not only is paper highly abundant and portable, it is lightweight, disposable, easy-to-use, and can be rolled or folded into 3D configurations. More importantly, with a unique porous bulk structure and rough and absorptive surface properties, the construction of nanomaterials-functionalized cellulose has enabled cellulose paper to be applied for point-of-care (POC) paper devices with reasonably good performance at low cost. In this review, the latest advances in the modification of nanomaterials on paper cellulose are summed up. To begin with, the attractive properties of paper-based analytical devices are described. Then, fabricating methods for the functionalization of cellulose with diverse materials, including noble metals, bimetals, metal oxides, carbon nanomaterials, and molecular imprinting polymer nanoparticles, as well as their applications, are introduced in detail. Finally, the current critical issues, challenges, and future prospectives for exploring a paper-based analytical system based on nanomaterials-modified cellulose are discussed. It is believed that more strategies will be developed in the future to construct nanomaterials-functionalized cellulose, paving the way for the mass production of POC paper devices with a satisfactory performance.

Toward practical application of paper-based microfluidics for medical diagnostics: state-of-the-art and challenges

Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) have emerged as a promising diagnostic platform a decade ago. In contrast to highly active academic developments, their entry into real-life applications is still very limited. This discrepancy is attributed to the gap between research developments and their practical utility, particularly in the aspects of operational simplicity, long-term stability of devices, and associated equipment. On the basis of these backgrounds, this review attempts to: 1) identify the reasons for success of paper-based devices already in the market, 2) describe the current status and remaining issues of μPADs in terms of operational complexity, signal interpretation approaches, and storage stability, and 3) discuss the possibility of mass production based on established manufacturing technologies. Finally, the state-of-the-art in commercialisation of μPADs is discussed, and the "upgrades" required from a laboratory-based prototype to an end user device are demonstrated on a specific example.

Fabrication of Lab-on-Paper Using Porous Au-Paper Electrode: Application to Tumor Marker Electrochemical Immunoassays

A simple, low-cost, and sensitive electrochemical lab-on-paper assay is developed based on a novel gold nanoparticle modified porous paper working electrode for use in point-of-care testing (POCT). Electrochemical methods are introduced for lab-on-paper based on screen-printed paper electrodes. To further improve specificity, performance, and sensitivity for point-of-care testing, a novel porous Au-paper working electrode (Au-PWE) is designed for lab-on-paper using growth of an interconnected Au nanoparticle (NP) layer on the surface of cellulose fibers in order to enhance the conductivity of the paper sample zone and immobilize the primary antibodies (Ab1). With a sandwich-type immunoassay format, Pd-Au bimetallic nanoparticles possessing peroxidase-like activity are used as a matrix to immobilize secondary antibodies (Ab2) for rapid detection of targets. This lab-on-paper based immunodevice is applied to the diagnosis of a cancer biomarker in clinical serum samples.

Quantum-dots-based photoelectrochemical bioanalysis highlighted with recent examples

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) bioanalysis is a newly developed methodology that provides an exquisite route for innovative biomolecular detection. Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanocrystals with unique photophysical properties that have attracted tremendous attentions among the analytical community. QDs-based PEC bioanalysis comprises an important research hotspot in the field of PEC bioanalysis due to its combined advantages and potentials. Currently, it has ignited increasing interests as demonstrated by increased research papers. This review aims to cover the most recent advances in this field. With the discussion of recent examples of QDs-PEC bioanalysis from the literatures, special emphasis will be placed on work reporting on fundamental advances in the signaling strategies of QDs-based PEC bioanalysis from 2013 to now. Future prospects in this field are also discussed.

Flexible Micro-Supercapacitor Based on Graphene with 3D Structure

Flexible micro-supercapacitors (MSCs) are constructed by 3D graphene from chemical vapor deposition. Without using any binder or metal current collector, the as-prepared 3D graphene MSC exhibits good flexibility, excellent cyclic life, and high areal capacitance of 1.5 mF cm^-2 at a scan rate of 10 V s^-1 . The electrochemical performance is further improved by oxygen plasma functionalization.

Quantitative electrochemical metalloimmunoassay for TFF3 in urine using a paper analytical device

We report a paper-based assay platform for the detection of the kidney disease marker Trefoil Factor 3 (TFF3) in human urine. The sensor is based on a quantitative metalloimmunoassay that can determine TFF3 concentrations via electrochemical detection of environmentally stable silver nanoparticle (AgNP) labels attached to magnetic microbeads via a TFF3 immunosandwich. The paper electroanalytical device incorporates two preconcentration steps that make it possible to detect concentrations of TFF3 in human urine at the low end of the target TFF3 concentration range (0.03-7.0 μg mL(-1)). Importantly, the paper device provides a level of accuracy for TFF3 determination in human urine equivalent to that of a commercial kit. The paper sensor has a dynamic range of ∼2.5 orders of magnitude, only requires a simple, one-step incubation protocol, and is fast, requiring only 10 min to complete. The cost of the materials at the prototypic laboratory scale, excluding reagents, is just US$0.42.

Multiple signal amplification strategies for ultrasensitive label-free electrochemical immunoassay for carbohydrate antigen 24-2 based on redox hydrogel

In this work, multiple signal amplification strategies for ultrasensitive label-free electrochemical immunoassay for carbohydrate antigen 24-2 (CA242) were developed using redox sodium alginate-Pb²⁺-graphene oxide (SA-Pb²⁺-GO) hydrogel. The SA-Pb²⁺-GO hydrogel was synthesised by simply mixing SA, GO, and Pb²⁺ and then implemented as a novel redox species with a strong current signal at -0.46V (vs. Ag/AgCl). After the three-dimensional and porous SA-Pb²⁺-GO hydrogel was in situ generated on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), chitosan was adsorbed on the obtained electrode to further enrich Pb²⁺. When chitosan-Pb²⁺/SA-Pb²⁺-GO/GCE was incubated with anti-CA242 using glutaraldehyde and blocked by bovine serum albumin, the immunoassay platform for CA242 was obtained. Owing to the addition of GO, the obtained conductive SA-GO/GCE was beneficial for signal amplification. After incubating SA-GO/GCE with excessive amounts of Pb²⁺, the resistance of SA-Pb²⁺-GO/GCE further decreased and a strong redox signal was obtained. The chitosan fixed by electrostatic adsorption resulted in further adsorption of Pb²⁺, behaving as further amplifying the signal and improving conductivity. In this case, multiple signal amplification strategies were involved in the proposed immunosensor for the ultrasensitive detection of CA242. Under the optimal conditions, the proposed immunosensor exhibited a wide linear range from 0.005UmL^-1 to 500UmL^-1 with an ultralow detection limit of 0.067mUmL^-1. In comparison to previous works, the sensitivity of this method was 32.98μA (log₁₀C_CA242)^-1, which was a five-fold increase from the previous works.

Recent advances in the use of quantum dots for photoelectrochemical bioanalysis

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) bioanalysis is a newly developed technique for innovative biomolecular detection. Quantum dots (QDs) with unique photophysical properties are key components in realization of various exquisite PEC bioanalyses. Particularly, significant progress has been made in the QD-based PEC bioanalysis. In this work, we briefly summarize the most recent and important developments in the use of traditional and newly emerging QDs for novel PEC bioanalytical applications. The future prospects in this dynamic field are also highlighted.

Naked-eye quantitative aptamer-based assay on paper device

This work initially describes the design of low-cost, naked-eye quantitative aptamer-based assays by using microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD). Two new detection motifs are proposed for quantitative μPAD measurement without using external electronic readers, which depend on the length of colored region in a strip-like μPAD and the number of colorless detection microzones in a multi-zone μPAD. The length measuring method is based on selective color change of paper from colorless to blue-black via formation of iodine-starch complex. The counting method is conducted on the basis of oxidation-reduction reaction between hydrogen peroxide and potassium permanganate. Their utility is well demonstrated with sensitive, specific detection of adenosine as a model analyte with the naked eye in buffer samples and undiluted human serum. These equipment-free quantitative methods proposed thus hold great potential for the development of more aptamer-based assays that are simple, cost-efficient, portable, and user-friendly for various point-of-care applications particularly in resource-constrained environments.

Paper-based sensors and assays: a success of the engineering design and the convergence of knowledge areas

This review shows the recent advances and state of the art in paper-based analytical devices (PADs) through the analysis of their integration with microfluidics and LOC micro- and nanotechnologies, electrochemical/optical detection and electronic devices as the convergence of various knowledge areas. The important role of the paper design/architecture in the improvement of the performance of sensor devices is discussed. The discussion is fundamentally based on μPADs as the new generation of paper-based (bio)sensors. Data about the scientific publication ranking of PADs, illustrating their increase as an experimental research topic in the past years, are supplied. In addition, an analysis of the simultaneous evolution of PADs in academic lab research and industrial commercialization highlighting the parallelism of the technological transfer from academia to industry is displayed. A general overview of the market behaviour, the leading industries in the sector and their commercialized devices is given. Finally, personal opinions of the authors about future perspectives and tendencies in the design and fabrication technology of PADs are disclosed.

New Functionalities for Paper-Based Sensors Lead to Simplified User Operation, Lower Limits of Detection, and New Applications

In the last decade, paper analytical devices (PADs) have evolved into sophisticated yet simple sensors with biological and environmental applications in the developed and developing world. The focus of this review is the technological improvements that have over the past five years increased the applicability of PADs to real-world problems. Specifically, this review reports on advances in sample processing, fluid flow control, signal amplification, and component integration. Throughout, we have sought to emphasize advances that retain the main virtues of PADs: low cost, portability, and simplicity.