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Mehrzad A, Verdian A, Sarabi-Jamab M, Shaegh SAM, Hu Q, Khoshbin Z. An emerging assay for rapid diagnosis of live Salmonella Typhimurium by exploiting aqueous/liquid crystal interface. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135365. [PMID: 39088946 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
The rapid and accurate identification of live pathogens with high proliferative ability is in great demand to mitigate foodborne infection outbreaks. Herein, we have developed an ultrasensitive image-based aptasensing array to directly detect live Salmonella typhimurium (S.T) cells. This method relies on the long-range orientation of surfactant-decorated liquid crystals (LCs) and the superiority of aptamers (aptST). The self-assembling of hydrophobic surfactant tails leads to a perpendicular/vertical ordered film at the aqueous/LC interface and signal-off response. The addition of aptST perturbed LCs' ordering into a planar/tilted state at the aqueous phase due to electrostatic interactions between the surfactant with the aptST, and a signal-on response. Following the conformational switch of aptST in the presence of live S. typhimurium, a relative reversing signal-off response was observed upon the target concentration. This aptasensor could promptly confirm the presence of S. typhimurium without intricate DNA-extraction or pre-enrichment stats over a linear range of 1-1.1 × 106 CFU/mL and a detection limit of 1.2 CFU/mL within ∼30 min. These results were successfully validated using molecular and culture-based methods in spiked-milk samples, with a 92.61-104.61 % recovery value. Meanwhile, the flexibility of this portable sensing platform allows for its development and adoption for the precise detection of various pathogens in food and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atiyeh Mehrzad
- Department of Food Safety and Quality Control, Research Institute of Food Science and Technology (RIFST), Mashhad, Iran; Department of Food Microbiology, Research Institute of Food Science and Technology (RIFST), Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Asma Verdian
- Department of Food Safety and Quality Control, Research Institute of Food Science and Technology (RIFST), Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Mahboobe Sarabi-Jamab
- Department of Food Microbiology, Research Institute of Food Science and Technology (RIFST), Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Seyed Ali Mousavi Shaegh
- Laboratory of Microfluidics and Medical Microsystems, BuAli Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Orthopedic Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Clinical Research Unit of Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Qiongzheng Hu
- Shandong Analysis and Test Center, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250014, Shandong, China.
| | - Zahra Khoshbin
- Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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2
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Xie Y, Li Y, Lin H, Wang X, Liao W, Liu Z, Lin L. Real-Time pH Sensor in Bacterial Microenvironments Using Liquid Crystal Core-Shell Microspheres. Anal Chem 2024; 96:11472-11478. [PMID: 38957093 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c02040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
It is well-known that the bacterial microenvironment imposes restrictions on the growth and behavior of bacteria. The localized monitoring of microenvironmental factors is appreciated when consulting bacterial adaptation and behavior in the presence of chemical or mechanical stimuli. Herein, we developed a novel liquid crystal (LC) biosensor in a microsphere configuration for real-time 3D monitoring of the bacteria microenvironment, which was implemented by a microfluidic chip. As a proof of concept, a LC gel (LC-Gel) microsphere biosensor was prepared and employed in the localized pH changes of bacteria by observing the configuration change of LC under polarized optical microscopy. Briefly, the microsphere biosensor was constructed in core-shell configuration, wherein the core contained LCE7 (a nematic LC) doped with 4-pentylbiphenyl-4'-carboxylic acid (PBA), and the shell encapsulated the bacteria. The protonation of carboxyl functional groups of the PBA induced a change in charge density on the surface of LCE7 and the orientation of E7 molecules, resulting in the transitions of the LC nucleus from axial to bipolar. The developed LC-Gel microspheres pH sensor exhibited its dominant performance on localized pH real-time sensing with a resolution of 0.1. An intriguing observation from the prepared pH biosensor was that the diverse bacteria impelled distinct acidifying or alkalizing effects. Overall, the facile LC-Gel microsphere biosensor not only provides a versatile tool for label-free, localized pH monitoring but also opens avenues for investigating the effects of chemical and mechanical stimuli on cellular metabolism within bacterial microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoshuang Xie
- MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Department of Bioengineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Yuxuan Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Haifeng Lin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Department of Bioengineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Xiaorui Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Department of Bioengineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Wenjun Liao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Department of Bioengineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Zeyang Liu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Ling Lin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Department of Bioengineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
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Ouyang L, Chen H, Xu R, Shaik R, Zhang G, Zhe J. Rapid Surface Charge Mapping Based on a Liquid Crystal Microchip. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:199. [PMID: 38667192 PMCID: PMC11047892 DOI: 10.3390/bios14040199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Rapid surface charge mapping of a solid surface remains a challenge. In this study, we present a novel microchip based on liquid crystals for assessing the surface charge distribution of a planar or soft surface. This chip enables rapid measurements of the local surface charge distribution of a charged surface. The chip consists of a micropillar array fabricated on a transparent indium tin oxide substrate, while the liquid crystal is used to fill in the gaps between the micropillar structures. When an object is placed on top of the chip, the local surface charge (or zeta potential) influences the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules, resulting in changes in the magnitude of transmitted light. By measuring the intensity of the transmitted light, the distribution of the surface charge can be accurately quantified. We calibrated the chip in a three-electrode configuration and demonstrated the validity of the chip for rapid surface charge mapping using a borosilicate glass slide. This chip offers noninvasive, rapid mapping of surface charges on charged surfaces, with no need for physical or chemical modifications, and has broad potential applications in biomedical research and advanced material design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leixin Ouyang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA; (L.O.); (H.C.); (R.X.)
| | - Heyi Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA; (L.O.); (H.C.); (R.X.)
| | - Ruiting Xu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA; (L.O.); (H.C.); (R.X.)
| | - Rubia Shaik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA; (R.S.); (G.Z.)
| | - Ge Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA; (R.S.); (G.Z.)
| | - Jiang Zhe
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA; (L.O.); (H.C.); (R.X.)
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Duong DST, Jang CH. Optical sensing of tetracycline concentration using a liquid crystal-based platform targeting the chelating properties of tetracycline. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1270:341459. [PMID: 37311612 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.341459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In this study, a liquid crystal (LC)-based assay for the real-time detection of tetracycline (Tc) was developed. The sensor was constructed by implementing an LC-based platform that utilized the chelating properties of Tc to target Tc metal ions. This design enabled Tc-dependent induction of changes in the optical image of the LC; these modifications could then be observed in real-time with the naked eye. The performance of the sensor in detecting Tc was investigated with various metal ions to identify the most effective metal ion for Tc detection. In addition, the selectivity of the sensor was evaluated using different antibiotics. A correlation between Tc concentration and the optical intensity of the LC optical images was established, which enabled the quantification of Tc concentrations. The proposed method can detect Tc concentrations with a detection limit as low as 2.67 pM. Tests were conducted on milk, honey, and serum samples, which demonstrated that the proposed assay is highly accurate and reliable. The high sensitivity and selectivity of the proposed method make it a promising tool for real-time Tc detection, with potential applications in fields ranging from biomedical research to agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duong Song Thai Duong
- Department of Chemistry, Gachon University, San 65, Bokjeong-Dong, Sujeong-Gu, Seongnam-City, Gyeonggi-Do, 461-701, South Korea.
| | - Chang-Hyun Jang
- Department of Chemistry, Gachon University, San 65, Bokjeong-Dong, Sujeong-Gu, Seongnam-City, Gyeonggi-Do, 461-701, South Korea.
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Magazzù A, Marcuello C. Investigation of Soft Matter Nanomechanics by Atomic Force Microscopy and Optical Tweezers: A Comprehensive Review. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:nano13060963. [PMID: 36985857 PMCID: PMC10053849 DOI: 10.3390/nano13060963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Soft matter exhibits a multitude of intrinsic physico-chemical attributes. Their mechanical properties are crucial characteristics to define their performance. In this context, the rigidity of these systems under exerted load forces is covered by the field of biomechanics. Moreover, cellular transduction processes which are involved in health and disease conditions are significantly affected by exogenous biomechanical actions. In this framework, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and optical tweezers (OT) can play an important role to determine the biomechanical parameters of the investigated systems at the single-molecule level. This review aims to fully comprehend the interplay between mechanical forces and soft matter systems. In particular, we outline the capabilities of AFM and OT compared to other classical bulk techniques to determine nanomechanical parameters such as Young's modulus. We also provide some recent examples of nanomechanical measurements performed using AFM and OT in hydrogels, biopolymers and cellular systems, among others. We expect the present manuscript will aid potential readers and stakeholders to fully understand the potential applications of AFM and OT to soft matter systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Magazzù
- CNR-IPCF, Istituto per i Processi Chimico-Fisici, 98158 Mesina, Italy
- NLHT-Lab, Department of Physics, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Carlos Marcuello
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Laboratorio de Microscopias Avanzadas (LMA), Universidad de Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-876555357
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Das P, Jose TJ, Ghosh A, Praveen PL. UV light sensing and switching applications of dimeric smectic liquid crystals: comparative calculations. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. E, SOFT MATTER 2022; 45:98. [PMID: 36520319 PMCID: PMC9751502 DOI: 10.1140/epje/s10189-022-00254-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Two dimeric smectic molecules, namely α-ω-bis (4-n-pentylanilinebenzylidene-4'-oxy) butane (PABO4) and α-ω-bis (4-n-pentylanilinebenzylidene-4'-oxy) pentane (PABO5), have been considered for sensing UV light. The compounds' optimization process has been performed through B3LYP hybrid functional together with basis set 6-31+G (d) using the input parameters from the crystallographer. The absorption of UV analysis of these compounds has been estimated, and the configuration interaction single-level method has been used to analyse the electronic transition features coupled with the calculation of excited states using semi-empirical Hamiltonian ZINDO. The CNDO/S, INDO/S together with CI approaches, has been utilized for comparative evaluation. The spectral-associated parameters have been summarized. The molecules discussed in this manuscript present several features, viz. the absorption range of the molecules that is sensitive to different wavelengths, the usage in flexible devices, offering the prospect for UV sensors. Further, the switching applications have been explored based on the oscillator strength data in various regions of wavelengths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Punyatoya Das
- Department of Physics, Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, Burla, Sambalpur, Odisha, 768018, India
| | - T Jaison Jose
- P.G. Department of Chemistry, Andhra Loyola College, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Aritra Ghosh
- College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, Renewable Energy, University of Exeter, Penryn, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - P Lakshmi Praveen
- Department of Physics, Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, Burla, Sambalpur, Odisha, 768018, India.
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Zapp E, Brondani D, Silva TR, Girotto E, Gallardo H, Vieira IC. Label-Free Immunosensor Based on Liquid Crystal and Gold Nanoparticles for Cardiac Troponin I Detection. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:1113. [PMID: 36551080 PMCID: PMC9775587 DOI: 10.3390/bios12121113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The development of electrochemical biosensors for CVD markers detection, such as cardiac troponin I (cTnI), becomes an important diagnostic strategy. Thus, a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modified with columnar liquid crystal (LCcol) and gold nanoparticles stabilized in polyallylamine hydrochloride (AuNPs-PAH), and the surface was employed to evaluate the interaction of the cTnI antibody (anti-cTnI) and cTnI for detection in blood plasma. Morphological and electrochemical investigations were used in the characterization and optimization of the materials used in the construction of the immunosensor. The specific interaction of cTnI with the surface of the immunosensor containing anti-cTnI was monitored indirectly using a redox probe. The formation of the immunocomplex caused the suppression of the analytical signal, which was observed due to the insulating characteristics of the protein. The cTnI-immunosensor interaction showed linear responses from 0.01 to 0.3 ng mL-1 and a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.005 ng mL-1 for linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and 0.01 ng mL-1 for electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), showing good diagnostic capacity for point-of-care applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Zapp
- Department of Exact Science and Education, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus Blumenau, Blumenau 89036-256, Brazil
| | - Daniela Brondani
- Department of Exact Science and Education, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus Blumenau, Blumenau 89036-256, Brazil
| | - Tânia Regina Silva
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Edivandro Girotto
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Hugo Gallardo
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Iolanda Cruz Vieira
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
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Wang H, Xu T, Fu Y, Wang Z, Leeson MS, Jiang J, Liu T. Liquid Crystal Biosensors: Principles, Structure and Applications. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:639. [PMID: 36005035 PMCID: PMC9406233 DOI: 10.3390/bios12080639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Liquid crystals (LCs) have been widely used as sensitive elements to construct LC biosensors based on the principle that specific bonding events between biomolecules can affect the orientation of LC molecules. On the basis of the sensing interface of LC molecules, LC biosensors can be classified into three types: LC-solid interface sensing platforms, LC-aqueous interface sensing platforms, and LC-droplet interface sensing platforms. In addition, as a signal amplification method, the combination of LCs and whispering gallery mode (WGM) optical microcavities can provide higher detection sensitivity due to the extremely high quality factor and the small mode volume of the WGM optical microcavity, which enhances the interaction between the light field and biotargets. In this review, we present an overview of the basic principles, the structure, and the applications of LC biosensors. We discuss the important properties of LC and the principle of LC biosensors. The different geometries of LCs in the biosensing systems as well as their applications in the biological detection are then described. The fabrication and the application of the LC-based WGM microcavity optofluidic sensor in the biological detection are also introduced. Finally, challenges and potential research opportunities in the development of LC-based biosensors are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haonan Wang
- School of Precision Instruments and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Tianhua Xu
- School of Precision Instruments and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Yaoxin Fu
- School of Precision Instruments and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Ziyihui Wang
- School of Precision Instruments and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Mark S. Leeson
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Junfeng Jiang
- School of Precision Instruments and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Tiegen Liu
- School of Precision Instruments and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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Zhan X, Liu Y, Yang KL, Luo D. State-of-the-Art Development in Liquid Crystal Biochemical Sensors. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:577. [PMID: 36004973 PMCID: PMC9406035 DOI: 10.3390/bios12080577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
As an emerging stimuli-responsive material, liquid crystal (LC) has attracted great attentions beyond display applications, especially in the area of biochemical sensors. Its high sensitivity and fast response to various biological or chemical analytes make it possible to fabricate a simple, real-time, label-free, and cost-effective LC-based detection platform. Advancements have been achieved in the development of LC-based sensors, both in fundamental research and practical applications. This paper briefly reviews the state-of-the-art research on LC sensors in the biochemical field, from basic properties of LC material to the detection mechanisms of LC sensors that are categorized into LC-solid, LC-aqueous, and LC droplet platforms. In addition, various analytes detected by LCs are presented as a proof of the application value, including metal ions, nucleic acids, proteins, glucose, and some toxic chemical substances. Furthermore, a machine-learning-assisted LC sensing platform is realized to provide a foundation for device intelligence and automatization. It is believed that a portable, convenient, and user-friendly LC-based biochemical sensing device will be achieved in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyun Zhan
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Xueyuan Road 1088, Shenzhen 518055, China; (X.Z.); (Y.L.)
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore 117576, Singapore
| | - Yanjun Liu
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Xueyuan Road 1088, Shenzhen 518055, China; (X.Z.); (Y.L.)
| | - Kun-Lin Yang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore 117576, Singapore
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Xueyuan Road 1088, Shenzhen 518055, China; (X.Z.); (Y.L.)
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