Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Bisphenol A Based on Self-Assembly

Emerging ctDNA detection strategies in clinical cancer theranostics

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is naked DNA molecules shed from the tumor cells into the peripheral blood circulation. They contain tumor-specific gene mutations and other valuable information. ctDNA is considered to be one of the most significant analytes in liquid biopsies. Over the past decades, numerous researchers have developed various detection strategies to perform quantitative or qualitative ctDNA analysis, including PCR-based detection and sequencing-based detection. More and more studies have illustrated the great value of ctDNA as a biomarker in the diagnosis, prognosis and heterogeneity of tumor. In this review, we first outlined the development of digital PCR (dPCR)-based and next generation sequencing (NGS)-based ctDNA detection systems. Besides, we presented the introduction of the emerging ctDNA analysis strategies based on various biosensors, such as electrochemical biosensors, fluorescent biosensors, surface plasmon resonance and Raman spectroscopy, as well as their applications in the field of biomedicine. Finally, we summarized the essentials of the preceding discussions, and the existing challenges and prospects for the future are also involved.

Toxicological evaluation of bisphenol analogues: preventive measures and therapeutic interventions

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a prominent endocrine-disrupting compound that shares structural similarities with estrogen. It is widely used, particularly in the production of food packaging, canned goods, and dental sealants. Of the eight bisphenol analogues, BPA is the most frequently utilized chemical in packaging food items, canned foods and dental sealants. However, chronic exposure to BPA can pose severe health risks, particularly in children. To ensure public safety, it is crucial to adopt proper precautionary measures to minimize BPA exposure. This article explores the toxic effects of bisphenols on various body systems and mechanisms, shedding light on their impact on the reproductive and endocrine system, obesity, albuminuria, and the generation of reactive oxygen species. Understanding the detrimental effects of bisphenols on these systems and mechanisms is vital for developing strategies to mitigate their harmful consequences. Furthermore, the article delves into the biotransformation processes of bisphenols, focusing on their occurrence in vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, and microorganisms. Investigating the biotransformation pathways provides valuable insights into the fate of bisphenols in various organisms and ecosystems. Lastly, the article emphasizes preventive measures to avoid bisphenol exposure and highlights the potential use of plant-based bioactive compounds for treatment strategies. By implementing effective preventive measures, such as utilizing BPA-free products and adopting safer alternatives, individuals can reduce their exposure to bisphenols. Additionally, exploring the potential of plant-based bioactive compounds as therapeutic agents offers promising avenues for addressing the adverse effects of bisphenols. The findings presented herein contribute to a better understanding of the novelty, significance, and potential implications of bisphenol research in the field, aiding in the development of safer practices and interventions to safeguard public health.

Electrochemical Biosensors for Circulating Tumor DNA Detection

Early diagnosis and treatment have always been highly desired in the fight against cancer, and detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has recently been touted as highly promising for early cancer-screening. Consequently, the detection of ctDNA in liquid biopsy is gaining much attention in the field of tumor diagnosis and treatment, which has also attracted research interest from industry. However, it is difficult to achieve low-cost, real-time, and portable measurement of ctDNA in traditional gene-detection technology. Electrochemical biosensors have become a highly promising solution to ctDNA detection due to their unique advantages such as high sensitivity, high specificity, low cost, and good portability. Therefore, this review aims to discuss the latest developments in biosensors for minimally invasive, rapid, and real-time ctDNA detection. Various ctDNA sensors are reviewed with respect to their choices of receptor probes, designs of electrodes, detection strategies, preparation of samples, and figures of merit, sorted by type of electrode surface recognition elements. The development of biosensors for the Internet of Things, point-of-care testing, big data, and big health is analyzed, with a focus on their portable, real-time, and non-destructive characteristics.

Paper-microfluidic signal-enhanced immunoassays

Over the past decade, paper-based microfluidic devices have become popular for their simplicity and ability to conduct diagnostic tests at a low cost. An important class of diagnostic assays that paper-based analytical devices have been used for is immunoassays. The lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA), of which the home pregnancy test is the most prominent example, has been one of the most commercially successful membrane-based diagnostic tests. Yet, the analytical sensitivity of LFIAs is lower than the corresponding laboratory technique called ELISA (enzyme-linked immunoassay). As a consequence, traditional LFIAs fail to deliver on the promise of bedside diagnostic testing for many applications. Recognizing this shortcoming, several new developments have been made by researchers to enhance the sensitivity of membrane-based immunoassays. In this chapter, we present the various strategies that have been employed to this end. In the end, we present a brief SWOT analysis to guide future work in this area.

Enhancing affinity-based electroanalytical biosensors by integrated AC electrokinetic enrichment-A mini review

Biosensors play a central role in moving diagnostics to being on-site or decentralized. Affinity biosensor, an important category of biosensors, has important applications in clinical diagnosis, pharmaceuticals, immunology, and other fields. Affinity biosensors rely on specific binding between target analytes and biological ligands such as antibodies, nucleic acids, or other receptors to generate measurable signals. Oftentimes the target analytes in practical samples are of low abundance in a complex matrix. Traditional affinity biosensors mainly rely on random diffusion of analytes in solution to conjugate with biorecognition elements on the sensor surface of electrodes. The process may take hours or even days, which is not conducive to rapid and sensitive detection of biosensors. Therefore, it is strongly desired to incorporate an enrichment mechanism for target analytes into biosensor-based detection. AC electrokinetic (ACEK) effect can realize rapid enrichment of analytes by application of AC electric fields, which holds great promise for achieving high sensitivity, low detection limit, and rapid turnaround. This article reviews the studies of affinity biosensors integrated with ACEK enrichment in the past decade, and summarizes the latest detection methods, detection devices and applications, hoping to provide some insights and references for researchers in related fields.