Protein biosensors based on polymer nanowires, carbon nanotubes and zinc oxide nanorods

Recent progress on field-effect transistor-based biosensors: device perspective

Over the last few decades, field-effect transistor (FET)-based biosensors have demonstrated great potential across various industries, including medical, food, agriculture, environmental, and military sectors. These biosensors leverage the electrical properties of transistors to detect a wide range of biomolecules, such as proteins, DNA, and antibodies. This article presents a comprehensive review of advancements in the architectures of FET-based biosensors aiming to enhance device performance in terms of sensitivity, detection time, and selectivity. The review encompasses an overview of emerging FET-based biosensors and useful guidelines to reach the best device dimensions, favorable design, and realization of FET-based biosensors. Consequently, it furnishes researchers with a detailed perspective on design considerations and applications for future generations of FET-based biosensors. Finally, this article proposes intriguing avenues for further research on the topology of FET-based biosensors.

ZnO Transducers for Photoluminescence-Based Biosensors: A Review

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a wide bandgap semiconductor material that has been widely explored for countless applications, including in biosensing. Among its interesting properties, its remarkable photoluminescence (PL), which typically exhibits an intense signal at room temperature (RT), arises as an extremely appealing alternative transduction approach due to the high sensitivity of its surface properties, providing high sensitivity and selectivity to the sensors relying on luminescence output. Therefore, even though not widely explored, in recent years some studies have been devoted to the use of the PL features of ZnO as an optical transducer for detection and quantification of specific analytes. Hence, in the present paper, we revised the works that have been published in the last few years concerning the use of ZnO nanostructures as the transducer element in different types of PL-based biosensors, namely enzymatic and immunosensors, towards the detection of analytes relevant for health and environment, like antibiotics, glucose, bacteria, virus or even tumor biomarkers. A comprehensive discussion on the possible physical mechanisms that rule the optical sensing response is also provided, as well as a warning regarding the effect that the buffer solution may play on the sensing experiments, as it was seen that the use of phosphate-containing solutions significantly affects the stability of the ZnO nanostructures, which may conduct to misleading interpretations of the sensing results and unreliable conclusions.

Amino acid derived biopolymers: Recent advances and biomedical applications

Over the past few years, amino acids (AA) have emerged as promising biomaterials for the synthesis of functional polymers. Owing to the diversity of functional groups in amino acids, various polymerization methods may be used to make a wide range of well-defined functional amino-acid/peptide-based optically active polymers with varying polymer lengths, compositions, and designs. When incorporated with chirality and self-assembly, they offer a wide range of applications and are particularly appealing in the field of drug delivery, tissue engineering, and biosensing. There are several classes of these polymers that include polyamides (PA), polyesters (PE), poly(ester-amide)s (PEA)s, polyurethanes (PU)s, poly(depsipeptide)s (PDP)s, etc. They offer the ability to control functionality, conjugation, crosslinking, stimuli responsiveness, and tuneable mechanical/thermal properties. In this review, we present the recent advancements in the synthesis strategies for obtaining these amino acid-derived bio-macromolecules, their self-assembly properties, and the wealth of prevalent applications.

Multifunctional one-dimensional polymeric nanostructures for drug delivery and biosensor applications

Advances in nanotechnology in the last decades have paved the way for significant achievements in diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. Different types of functional nanostructures have been explored and utilized as tools for addressing the challenges in detection or treatment of diseases. In particular, one-dimensional nanostructures hold great promise in theranostic applications due to their increased surface area-to-volume ratios, which allow better targeting, increased loading capacity and improved sensitivity to biomolecules. Stable polymeric nanostructures that are stimuli-responsive, biocompatible and biodegradable are especially preferred for bioapplications. In this review, different synthesis techniques of polymeric one-dimensional nanostructures are explored and functionalization methods of these nanostructures for specific applications are explained. Biosensing and drug delibiovery applications of these nanostructures are presented in detail.

Direct label-free protein detection in high ionic strength solution and human plasma using dual-gate nanoribbon-based ion-sensitive field-effect transistor biosensor

We report on direct label-free protein detection in high ionic strength solution and human plasma by a dual-gate nanoribbon-based ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (NR-ISFET) biosensor system with excellent sensitivity and specificity in both solution-gate (SG) and dual-gate (DG) modes. Compared with previously reported results, the NR-ISFET biosensor enables selective prostate specific antigen (PSA) detection based on antibody-antigen binding in broader detection range with lower LOD. For the first time, real-time specific detection of PSA of 10 pM to 1 μM in 100 mM phosphate buffer (PB) was demonstrated by conductance measurements using the polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified NR-ISFET biosensors in DG mode with the back-gate bias (V_BG) of 20 V. Due to larger maximum transconductance value resulting from the modulation of NR-ISFET channel by the back gate in DG mode, the detection range can be broadened with larger linear detection region (100 pM to 100 nM) and lower limit of detection (LOD, 10 pM) as compared to those in SG mode. Moreover, the influence of different back-gate bias from V_BG = 5 V to V_BG = 25 V on the biosensor performance has been investigated. Furthermore, direct PSA detection of 100 pM to 1 μM in human plasma was demonstrated by using the PEG-modified NR-ISFET in DG mode, enabling direct detection of protein in human blood for clinical applications since the LOD of 100 pM PSA can meet the clinical requirements.

Selectively arranged single-wire based nanosensor array systems for gas monitoring

Gas nanosensors, comprised of arrays of nanoelectrodes with finger-widths of ∼100 nm developed by electron beam lithography and aerosol assisted chemical vapor deposited non-functionalized and Pt-functionalized tungsten oxide nanowires (<100 nm) subsequently integrated across the pairs of electrodes via the dielectrophoresis method, are developed in this work. The functionality of these devices is validated towards various concentrations of NO2 and C2H5OH. The results demonstrate reproducible and consistent responses with better sensitivity and partial selectivity for the non-functionalized systems to NO2, as opposed to the Pt-functionalized systems, which display better sensing properties towards C2H5OH with a loss of response to NO2. These results are explained on the basis of the additional chemical and electronic interactions at the Pt/tungsten oxide interface, which increase the pre-adsorption of oxygen species and make the functionalized surface rather more sensitive to C2H5OH than to NO2, in contrast to the non-functionalized surface.

Comprehensive spectroscopic studies on the interaction of biomolecules with surfactant detached multi-walled carbon nanotubes

This paper investigates the interaction of ten diverse biomolecules with surfactant detached Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) using multiple spectroscopic methods. Declining fluorescence intensity of biomolecules in combination with the hyperchromic effect in UV-Visible spectra confirmed the existence of the ground state complex formation. Quenching mechanism remains static and non-fluorescent. 3D spectral data of biomolecules suggested the possibilities of disturbances to the aromatic microenvironment of tryptophan and tyrosine residues arising out of CNTs interaction. Amide band Shifts corresponding to the secondary structure of biomolecules were observed in the of FTIR and FT-Raman spectra. In addition, there exists an increased Raman intensity of tryptophan residues of biomolecules upon interaction with CNTs. Hence, the binding of the aromatic structures of CNTs with the aromatic amino acid residues, in a particular, tryptophan was evidenced. Far UV Circular spectra have showed the loss of alpha-helical contents in biomolecules upon interaction with CNTs. Near UV CD spectra confirmed the alterations in the tryptophan positions of the peptide backbone. Hence, our results have demonstrated that the interaction of biomolecules with OH-MWCNTs would involve binding cum structural changes and alteration to their aromatic micro-environment.

Solvothermal synthesis of 1D nanostructured Mn2O3: effect of Ni2+ and Co2+ substitution on the catalytic activity of nanowires

In this paper, cation modified one dimensional Mn₂O₃ nanowires were synthesized via a solvothermal synthesis and calcination free from the template-assisted method.

Evaluation of optical detection platforms for multiplexed detection of proteins and the need for point-of-care biosensors for clinical use

This review investigates optical sensor platforms for protein multiplexing, the ability to analyze multiple analytes simultaneously. Multiplexing is becoming increasingly important for clinical needs because disease and therapeutic response often involve the interplay between a variety of complex biological networks encompassing multiple, rather than single, proteins. Multiplexing is generally achieved through one of two routes, either through spatial separation on a surface (different wells or spots) or with the use of unique identifiers/labels (such as spectral separation-different colored dyes, or unique beads-size or color). The strengths and weaknesses of conventional platforms such as immunoassays and new platforms involving protein arrays and lab-on-a-chip technology, including commercially-available devices, are discussed. Three major public health concerns are identified whereby detecting medically-relevant markers using Point-of-Care (POC) multiplex assays could potentially allow for a more efficient diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Novel membrane-based electrochemical sensor for real-time bio-applications

This article presents a novel membrane-based sensor for real-time electrochemical investigations of cellular- or tissue cultures. The membrane sensor enables recording of electrical signals from a cell culture without any signal dilution, thus avoiding loss of sensitivity. Moreover, the porosity of the membrane provides optimal culturing conditions similar to existing culturing techniques allowing more efficient nutrient uptake and molecule release. The patterned sensor electrodes were fabricated on a porous membrane by electron-beam evaporation. The electrochemical performance of the membrane electrodes was characterized by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry, and the detection of synthetic dopamine was demonstrated down to a concentration of 3.1 pM. Furthermore, to present the membrane-sensor functionality the dopamine release from cultured PC12 cells was successfully measured. The PC12 cells culturing experiments showed that the membrane-sensor was suitable as a cell culturing substrate for bio-applications. Real-time measurements of dopamine exocytosis in cell cultures were performed, where the transmitter release was recorded at the point of release. The developed membrane-sensor provides a new functionality to the standard culturing methods, enabling sensitive continuous in vitro monitoring and closely mimicking the in vivo conditions.

One-dimensional silicone nanofilaments

A decade ago one-dimensional silicone nanofilaments (1D-SNF) such as fibres and wires were described for the first time. Since then, the exploration of 1D-SNF has led to remarkable advancements with respect to material science and surface science: one-, two- and three-dimensional nanostructures of silicone were unknown before. The discovery of silicone nanostructures marks a turning point in the research on the silicone material at the nanoscale. Coatings made of 1D-SNF are among the most superhydrophobic surfaces known today. They are free of fluorine, can be applied to a large range of technologically important materials and their properties can be modified chemically. This opens the way to many interesting applications such as water harvesting, superoleophobicity, separation of oil and water, patterned wettability and storage and manipulation of data on a surface. Because of their high surface area, coatings consisting of 1D-SNF are used for protein adsorption experiments and as carrier systems for catalytically active nanoparticles. This paper reviews the current knowledge relating to the broad development of 1D-SNF technologies. Common preparation and coating techniques are presented along with a comparison and discussion of the published coating parameters to provide an insight on how these affect the topography of the 1D-SNF or coating. The proposed mechanisms of growth are presented, and their potentials and shortcomings are discussed. We introduce all explored applications and finally identify future prospects and potentials of 1D-SNF with respect to applications in material science and surface science.

Non-resonant Mie scattering: emergent optical properties of core-shell polymer nanowires

We provide the in-depth characterization of light-polymer nanowire interactions in the context of an effective Mie scattering regime associated with low refractive index materials. Properties of this regime sharply contrast with these of resonant Mie scattering, and involve the formation of strictly forward-scattered and coupling-free optical fields in the vicinity of core-shell polymer nanowires. Scattering from these optical fields is shown to be non-resonant in nature and independent from incident polarization. In order to demonstrate the potential utility of this scattering regime in one-dimensional (1D) polymeric nanostructures, we fabricate polycarbonate (PC) - polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) core-shell nanowires using a novel iterative thermal drawing process that yields uniform and indefinitely long core-shell nanostructures. These nanowires are successfully engineered for novel nanophotonics applications, including size-dependent structural coloration, efficient light capture on thin-film solar cells, optical nano-sensors with ultrahigh sensitivity and a mask-free photolithography method suitable for the straightforward production of 1D nanopatterns.

Bioactive surface design based on functional composite electrospun nanofibers for biomolecule immobilization and biosensor applications

The combination of nanomaterials and conducting polymers attracted remarkable attention for development of new immobilization matrices for enzymes. Hereby, an efficient surface design was investigated by modifying the graphite rod electrode surfaces with one-step electrospun nylon 6,6 nanofibers or 4% (w/w) multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) incorporating nylon 6,6 nanofibers (nylon 6,6/4MWCNT). High-resolution transmission electron microscopy study confirmed the successful incorporation of the MWCNTs into the nanofiber matrix for nylon 6,6/4MWCNT sample. Then, these nanofibrous surfaces were coated with a conducting polymer, (poly-4-(4,7-di(thiophen-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)benzaldehyde) (PBIBA) to obtain a high electroactive surface area as new functional immobilization matrices. Due to the free aldehyde groups of the polymeric structures, a model enzyme, glucose oxidase was efficiently immobilized to the modified surfaces via covalent binding. Scanning electron microscope images confirmed that the nanofibrous structures were protected after the electrodeposition step of PBIBA and a high amount of protein attachment was successfully achieved by the help of high surface to volume ratio of electroactive nanofiber matrices. The biosensors were characterized in terms of their operational and storage stabilities and kinetic parameters (K(m)(app) and Imax). The resulting novel glucose biosensors revealed good stability and promising Imax values (10.03 and 16.67 μA for nylon 6,6/PBIBA and nylon 6,6/4MWCNT/PBIBA modified biosensors, respectively) and long shelf life (32 and 44 days for nylon 6,6/PBIBA and nylon 6,6/4MWCNT/PBIBA modified biosensors, respectively). Finally, the biosensor was tested on beverages for glucose detection.

Polyamine ligand-mediated self-assembly of gold and silver nanoparticles into chainlike structures in aqueous solution: towards new nanostructured chemosensors

Polyamine ligands are very versatile compounds due to their water solubility and flexibility. In the present work, we have exploited the binding ability of a polyamine molecular linker (L (2-)) bearing different functional groups, which favors the self-assembling of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) into 1D nanochains in aqueous solution. The chainlike assemblies of AuNPs and AgNPs were structurally stable for a long period of time, during which their characteristic optical properties remained unchanged. The mechanism of AuNPs and AgNPs chain assembly associated with the induction of electric dipole-dipole interactions arising from the partial ligand exchange of surface-adsorbed citrate ions by (L (2-)) was investigated. UV/Vis spectrophotometry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to determine timedependent structural changes associated with formation of the 1D nanoparticle structures. Finally, the sensing of Hg(2+) in aqueous solution using AgNPs@(L)(2-) and AuNPs@(L)(2-) assemblies was also carried out in aqueous solution.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles induce necrosis and apoptosis in macrophages in a p47phox- and Nrf2-independent manner

In view of the steadily increasing use of zinc oxide nanoparticles in various industrial and consumer applications, toxicological investigations to evaluate their safety are highly justified. We have investigated mechanisms of ZnO nanoparticle-induced apoptosis and necrosis in macrophages in relation to their important role in the clearance of inhaled particulates and the regulation of immune responses during inflammation. In the murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line, ZnO treatment caused a rapid induction of nuclear condensation, DNA fragmentation, and the formation of hypodiploid DNA nuclei and apoptotic bodies. The involvement of the essential effector caspase-3 in ZnO-mediated apoptosis could be demonstrated by immunocytochemical detection of activated caspase-3 in RAW 264.7 cells. ZnO specifically triggered the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, because Jurkat T lymphocytes deficient in the key mediator caspase-9 were protected against ZnO-mediated toxicity whereas reconstituted cells were not. ZnO also caused DNA strand breakage and oxidative DNA damage in the RAW 264.7 cells as well as p47(phox) NADPH oxidase-dependent superoxide generation in bone marrow-derived macrophages. However, ZnO-induced cell death was not affected in bone marrow-derived macrophages of mice deficient in p47(phox) or the oxidant responsive transcription factor Nrf2. Taken together, our data demonstrate that ZnO nanoparticles trigger p47(phox) NADPH oxidase-mediated ROS formation in macrophages, but that this is dispensable for caspase-9/3-mediated apoptosis. Execution of apoptotic cell death by ZnO nanoparticles appears to be NADPH oxidase and Nrf2-independent but rather triggered by alternative routes.

Interaction of carboxylated single-walled carbon nanotubes with bovine serum albumin

Carboxylated single-walled carbon nanotubes (c-SWNTs) were synthesized prosperously in order to improve dispersion of raw carbon nanotubes. Then, bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used as the template protein to study the biocompatibility of c-SWNTs by UV-Vis, fluorescence and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopic methods at the molecular level. Results from fluorescence spectrum showed obvious decreases in fluorescence intensity of BSA induced by c-SWNTs, indicating the occurrence of interaction between BSA and c-SWNTs. Static quenching effect of c-SWNTs was verified by linear Stern-Volmer plots and K(SV) values. Thermodynamic parameters at different temperatures demonstrated that the interaction between c-SWNTs and BSA was mainly favored by hydrophobic force. In addition, Na(+) interfered with the quenching effect of c-SWNTs, which revealed that electrostatic force played a role in binding roles of BSA to c-SWNTs simultaneously. The results of UV and synchronous fluorescence spectrum validated that hydrophobicity of amino acid residues expressly increased with the addition of c-SWNTs. The content of α-helix structure in BSA decreased by 14.06% with c-SWNTs viewed from CD spectrum. Effect of SWNTs on the conformation of BSA could be controlled by the surface chemistry of SWNTs.

Hybrid one-dimensional nanostructures: one-pot preparation of nanoparticle chains via directed self-assembly of in situ synthesized discrete Au nanoparticles

The fabrication of well-defined one-dimensional (1D) arrays is becoming a challenge for the development of the next generation of advanced nanodevices. Herein, a simple concept is proposed for the in situ synthesis and self-assembly of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) into 1D arrays via a one-step process. The results demonstrated the formation of nanoparticle chains (NPC) with high aspect ratio based on discrete Au nanoparticles stabilized by short thiol ligands. A model was proposed to explain the self-assembly based on the investigation of several parameters such as pH, solvent, temperature, and nature of the ligand on the 1D assembly formation. Hydrogen bonding was identified as a key factor to direct the self-assembly of the hybrid organic-inorganic nanomaterials into the well-defined 1D nanostructures. This simple and cost-effective concept could potentially be extended to the fabrication of a variety of hybrid 1D nanostructures possessing unique physical properties leading to a wide range of applications including catalysis, bionanotechnology, nanoelectronics, and photonics.

Nanomolecular Diagnostics

Clinical application of molecular technologies to elucidate, diagnose, and monitor human diseases is referred to as molecular diagnosis. It is a broader term than DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) diagnostics and refers to the use of technologies that use DNA, RNA (ribonucleic acid), genes, or proteins as bases for diagnostic tests. The scope of the subject is much wider and includes in vivo imaging and diagnosis at the single-molecule level. A more detailed description of molecular diagnostics is presented elsewhere (Jain 2012a).