Enzyme-Based Biosensors: Tackling Electron Transfer Issues

Exploiting CO2 laser to boost graphite inks electron transfer for fructose biosensing in biological fluids

The possibility to print electronics by means of office tools has remarkedly increased the possibility to design affordable and robust point-of-care/need devices. However, conductive inks suffer from low electrochemical and rheological performances limiting their applicability in biosensors. Herein, a fast CO2 laser approach to activate printed carbon inks towards direct enzymatic bioelectrocatalysis (3rd generation) is proposed and exploited to build biosensors for D-fructose analysis in biological fluids. The CO2 laser treatment was compared with two lab-grade printed transducers fabricated with solvent (SB) and water (WB) based carbon inks. The use of the laser revealed significant morpho-chemical variations on the printed inks and was investigated towards enzymatic direct catalysis, using Fructose dehydrogenase (FDH) integrated into entirely lab-produced biosensors. The laser-driven activation of the inks unveils the inks' direct electron transfer (DET) ability between FDH and the electrode surface. Sub-micromolar limits of detection (SB-ink LOD = 0.47 μM; WB-ink LOD = 0.24 μM) and good linear ranges (SB-ink: 5-100 μM; WB-ink: 1-50 μM) were obtained, together with high selectivity due to use of the enzyme and the low applied overpotential (0.15 V vs. pseudo-Ag/AgCl). The laser-activated biosensors were successfully used for D-fructose determination in complex synthetic and real biological fluids (recoveries: 93-112%; RSD ≤8.0%, n = 3); in addition, the biosensor ability for continuous measurement (1.5h) was also demonstrated simulating physiological D-fructose fluctuations in cerebrospinal fluid.

An overview of signal amplification strategies and construction methods on phage-based biosensors

Phages are a class of viruses that specifically infect host bacteria. Compared to other recognition elements, phages offer several advantages such as high specificity, easy to obtain and good environmental tolerance, etc. These advantages underscore the potential of phages as recognition elements in the construction of biosensors. Therefore, the phage-based biosensors are currently garnering widespread attention for detecting pathogens in recent years. However, the test performance such as detection limit, sensitivity and stability of exicting phage-based biosensors require enhancement. In the design of sensors, the selection of various materials and construction methods significantly influences the test performance of the sensor, and employing appropriate signal amplification strategies and construction methods to devise biosensors based on different principles is an effective strategy to enhance sensor performance. The manuscript primarily focuses on the signal amplification strategies and construction methods employed in phage-based biosensors recent ten years, and summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of different signal amplification strategies and construction methods. Meanwhile, the manuscript discusses the relationship between sensor performance and various materials and construction methods, and reviews the application progress of phage-based electrochemical biosensors in the detection of foodborne bacteria. Furthermore, the manuscript points out the present limitations and the future research direction for the field of phage-based biosensors, so as to provide the reference for developing high-performance phage-based biosensors.

Levodopa: From Biological Significance to Continuous Monitoring

A continuous levodopa sensor can improve the quality of life for patients suffering with Parkinson's disease by enhancing levodopa titration and treatment effectiveness; however, its development is currently hindered by the absence of a specific levodopa molecular recognition element and limited insights into how real-time monitoring might affect clinical outcomes. This gap in research contributes to clinician uncertainty regarding the practical value of continuous levodopa monitoring data. This paper examines the current state of levodopa sensing and the inherent limitations in today's methods. Further, these challenges are described, including aspects such as interference from the metabolic pathway and adjunct medications, temporal resolution, and clinical questions, with a specific focus on a comprehensive selection of molecules, such as adjunct medications and structural isomers, as an interferent panel designed to assess and validate future levodopa sensors. We review insights and lessons from previously reported levodopa sensors and present a comparative analysis of potential molecular recognition elements, discussing their advantages and drawbacks.

Development of cross-linked glucose oxidase integrated Cu-nanoflower electrode for reusable and stable glucose sensing

The demand for glucose-sensing devices has increased along with the increasing diabetic population. Here, we aimed to construct a system with a glucose oxidase (GOx)-integrated Cu-nanoflower (Cu-NF) as the underlying electrode. This novel system was successfully developed by creating a cross-linked GOx within a Cu-NF matrix, forming a c-GOx@Cu-NF-coated film on a carbon screen-printed electrode (CSPE). A comparison of the stabilities of the cross-linking methods demonstrated enhanced durability, with an activity level of >88 % maintained after approximately 35 days of storage in room temperature buffer. Regarding the ability of the c-GOx@Cu-NF modified CSPE to detect glucose via electrochemical methods, the redox potential gap (ΔE) and peak current increased in the presence of GOx. In comparison to that of glucose, the sensitivity of c-GOx@Cu-NF was approximately 8 times greater than that of GOx@Cu-NF, with a detection limit of 0.649 μM and a linear range of 5-500 μM. It sustained an average relative activity of 80 % over 20 days. After 10 cycles of repeated use, the activity remained above 75 %. In terms of evaluating the electrode's specificity for glucose, the detection rate for individual similar substances was approximately 1 %. The introduction of a crosslinking strategy to Cu-NF, leading to enhanced mechanical stability and conductivity, improved the detection capability. Furthermore, this approach led to increased long-term storage stability and reusability, allowing for specific glucose detection. To our knowledge, this report represents the first demonstration of a c-GOx@Cu-NF system for integrating electrochemical biosensing devices into digital healthcare pathways, offering enhanced sensing accuracy and mechanical stability.

Ferric citrate enhanced bioreduction of Cr(VI) by Bacillus cereus RCr in aqueous solutions: reduction performance and mechanisms

The bioreduction characteristics and mechanisms of Cr(VI) onto Bacillus cereus RCr enhanced by ferric citrate were investigated. The optimum conditions were initial pH 9, temperature 40 °C, inoculation amount 4%, and glucose 3 g/L, respectively. The addition of 1.5 g/L ferric citrate increased the average reduction rate from 120.43 to 220.61 mg/(L∙h) compared with the control (without ferric citrate). The binding capacity of Cr(III) on the cell surface increased to 21%, in which the precipitates were mainly CrO(OH), Cr2O3, and FeCr2O4. Cell membrane was the main site of reduction, related important functional groups: - COOH, C-H, - NH2, C = C, and P-O. Fe(III) increased the yield of NADH and cytochrome c by approximately 48.51% and 68.63%, which significantly facilitated the electron generation and electron transfer, thus increasing the amount of electrons in the bioreduction of heavy metals by an average of 110%. Among the electrons obtained by Cr(VI), the proportion of indirect reduction mediated by Fe(III)/Fe(II) shuttle was 62% on average, whereas direct reduction mediated by reductase was 38%. These results may provide insights into the bioreduction process by bacteria enhanced by Fe(III) for detoxification of heavy metals with multiple valences, as an important step towards improving microbial remediation.

Fueling the Future: The Emergence of Self-Powered Enzymatic Biofuel Cell Biosensors

Self-powered biosensors are innovative devices that can detect and analyze biological or chemical substances without the need for an external power source. These biosensors can convert energy from the surrounding environment or the analyte itself into electrical signals for sensing and data transmission. The self-powered nature of these biosensors offers several advantages, such as portability, autonomy, and reduced waste generation from disposable batteries. They find applications in various fields, including healthcare, environmental monitoring, food safety, and wearable devices. While self-powered biosensors are a promising technology, there are still challenges to address, such as improving energy efficiency, sensitivity, and stability to make them more practical and widely adopted. This review article focuses on exploring the evolving trends in self-powered biosensor design, outlining potential advantages and limitations. With a focal point on enzymatic biofuel cell power generation, this article describes various sensing mechanisms that employ the analyte as substrate or fuel for the biocatalyst's ability to generate current. Technical aspects of biofuel cells are also examined. Research and development in the field of self-powered biosensors is ongoing, and this review describes promising areas for further exploration within the field, identifying underexplored areas that could benefit from further investigation.

Enhancing Glucose Biosensing with Graphene Oxide and Ferrocene-Modified Linear Poly(ethylenimine)

We designed and optimized a glucose biosensor system based on a screen-printed electrode modified with the NAD-GDH enzyme. To enhance the electroactive surface area and improve the electron transfer efficiency, we introduced graphene oxide (GO) and ferrocene-modified linear poly(ethylenimine) (LPEI-Fc) onto the biosensor surface. This strategic modification exploits the electrostatic interaction between graphene oxide, which possesses a negative charge, and LPEI-Fc, which is positively charged. This interaction results in increased catalytic current during glucose oxidation and helps improve the overall glucose detection sensitivity by amperometry. We integrated the developed glucose sensor into a flow injection (FI) system. This integration facilitates a swift and reproducible detection of glucose, and it also mitigates the risk of contamination during the analyses. The incorporation of an FI system improves the efficiency of the biosensor, ensuring precise and reliable results in a short time. The proposed sensor was operated at a constant applied potential of 0.35 V. After optimizing the system, a linear calibration curve was obtained for the concentration range of 1.0-40 mM (R2 = 0.986). The FI system was successfully applied to determine the glucose content of a commercial sports drink.

Extremozyme-Based Biosensors for Environmental Pollution Monitoring: Recent Developments

Extremozymes combine high specificity and sensitivity with the ability to withstand extreme operational conditions. This work presents an overview of extremozymes that show potential for environmental monitoring devices and outlines the latest advances in biosensors utilizing these unique molecules. The characteristics of various extremozymes described so far are presented, underlining their stability and operational conditions that make them attractive for biosensing. The biosensor design is discussed based on the detection of photosynthesis-inhibiting herbicides as a case study. Several biosensors for the detection of pesticides, heavy metals, and phenols are presented in more detail to highlight interesting substrate specificity, applications or immobilization methods. Compared to mesophilic enzymes, the integration of extremozymes in biosensors faces additional challenges related to lower availability and high production costs. The use of extremozymes in biosensing does not parallel their success in industrial applications. In recent years, the "collection" of recognition elements was enriched by extremozymes with interesting selectivity and by thermostable chimeras. The perspectives for biosensor development are exciting, considering also the progress in genetic editing for the oriented immobilization of enzymes, efficient folding, and better electron transport. Stability, production costs and immobilization at sensing interfaces must be improved to encourage wider applications of extremozymes in biosensors.

Development of Direct Electron Transfer-Type Extended Gate Field Effect Transistor Enzymatic Sensors for Metabolite Detection

In this work, direct electron transfer (DET)-type extended gate field effect transistor (EGFET) enzymatic sensors were developed by employing DET-type or quasi-DET-type enzymes to detect glucose or lactate in both 100 mM potassium phosphate buffer and artificial sweat. The system employed either a DET-type glucose dehydrogenase or a quasi-DET-type lactate oxidase, the latter of which was a mutant enzyme with suppressed oxidase activity and modified with amine-reactive phenazine ethosulfate. These enzymes were immobilized on the extended gate electrodes. Changes in the measured transistor drain current (ID) resulting from changes to the working electrode junction potential (φ) were observed as glucose and lactate concentrations were varied. Calibration curves were generated for both absolute measured ID and ΔID (normalized to a blank solution containing no substrate) to account for variations in enzyme immobilization and conjugation to the mediator and variations in reference electrode potential. This work resulted in a limit of detection of 53.9 μM (based on ID) for glucose and 2.12 mM (based on ID) for lactate, respectively. The DET-type and Quasi-DET-type EGFET enzymatic sensor was then modeled using the case of the lactate sensor as an equivalent circuit to validate the principle of sensor operation being driven through OCP changes caused by the substrate-enzyme interaction. The model showed slight deviation from collected empirical data with 7.3% error for the slope and 8.6% error for the y-intercept.

Hybrid Impedimetric Biosensors for Express Protein Markers Detection

Impedimetric biosensors represent a powerful and promising tool for studying and monitoring biological processes associated with proteins and can contribute to the development of new approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The basic principles, analytical methods, and applications of hybrid impedimetric biosensors for express protein detection in biological fluids are described. The advantages of this type of biosensors, such as simplicity and speed of operation, sensitivity and selectivity of analysis, cost-effectiveness, and an ability to be integrated into hybrid microfluidic systems, are demonstrated. Current challenges and development prospects in this area are analyzed. They include (a) the selection of materials for electrodes and formation of nanostructures on their surface; (b) the development of efficient methods for biorecognition elements' deposition on the electrodes' surface, providing the specificity and sensitivity of biosensing; (c) the reducing of nonspecific binding and interference, which could affect specificity; (d) adapting biosensors to real samples and conditions of operation; (e) expanding the range of detected proteins; and, finally, (f) the development of biosensor integration into large microanalytical system technologies. This review could be useful for researchers working in the field of impedimetric biosensors for protein detection, as well as for those interested in the application of this type of biosensor in biomedical diagnostics.

Development of Redox-Active Lyotropic Lipid Cubic Phases for Biosensing Platforms

Enzyme-based electrochemical biosensors play an important role in point-of-care diagnostics for personalized medicine. For such devices, lipid cubic phases (LCP) represent an attractive method to immobilize enzymes onto conductive surfaces with no need for chemical linking. However, research has been held back by the lack of effective strategies to stably co-immobilize enzymes with a redox shuttle that enhances the electrical connection between the enzyme redox center and the electrode. In this study, we show that a monoolein (MO) LCP system doped with an amphiphilic redox mediator (ferrocenylmethyl)dodecyldimethylammonium bromide (Fc12) can be used for enzyme immobilization to generate an effective biosensing platform. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) showed that MO LCP can incorporate Fc12 while maintaining the Pn3m symmetry morphology. Cyclic voltammograms of Fc12/MO showed quasi-reversible behavior, which implied that Fc12 was able to freely diffuse in the lipid membrane of LCP with a diffusion coefficient of 1.9 ± 0.2 × 10-8 cm2 s-1 at room temperature. Glucose oxidase (GOx) was then chosen as a model enzyme and incorporated into 0.2%Fc12/MO to evaluate the activity of the platform. GOx hosted in 0.2%Fc12/MO followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics toward glucose with a KM and Imax of 8.9 ± 0.5 mM and 1.4 ± 0.2 μA, respectively, and a linearity range of 2-17 mM glucose. Our results therefore demonstrate that GOx immobilized onto 0.2% Fc12/MO is a suitable platform for the electrochemical detection of glucose.

Advances in ligand-specific biosensing for structurally similar molecules

The specificity of biological systems makes it possible to develop biosensors targeting specific metabolites, toxins, and pollutants in complex medical or environmental samples without interference from structurally similar compounds. For the last two decades, great efforts have been devoted to creating proteins or nucleic acids with novel properties through synthetic biology strategies. Beyond augmenting biocatalytic activity, expanding target substrate scopes, and enhancing enzymes' enantioselectivity and stability, an increasing research area is the enhancement of molecular specificity for genetically encoded biosensors. Here, we summarize recent advances in the development of highly specific biosensor systems and their essential applications. First, we describe the rational design principles required to create libraries containing potential mutants with less promiscuity or better specificity. Next, we review the emerging high-throughput screening techniques to engineer biosensing specificity for the desired target. Finally, we examine the computer-aided evaluation and prediction methods to facilitate the construction of ligand-specific biosensors.

Advances in Bioelectrode Design for Developing Electrochemical Biosensors

The critical performance factors such as selectivity, sensitivity, operational and storage stability, and response time of electrochemical biosensors are governed mainly by the function of their key component, the bioelectrode. Suitable design and fabrication strategies of the bioelectrode interface are essential for realizing the requisite performance of the biosensors for their practical utility. A multifaceted attempt to achieve this goal is visible from the vast literature exploring effective strategies for preparing, immobilizing, and stabilizing biorecognition elements on the electrode surface and efficient transduction of biochemical signals into electrical ones (i.e., current, voltage, and impedance) through the bioelectrode interface with the aid of advanced materials and techniques. The commercial success of biosensors in modern society is also increasingly influenced by their size (and hence portability), multiplexing capability, and coupling in the interface of the wireless communication technology, which facilitates quick data transfer and linked decision-making processes in real-time in different areas such as healthcare, agriculture, food, and environmental applications. Therefore, fabrication of the bioelectrode involves careful selection and control of several parameters, including biorecognition elements, electrode materials, shape and size of the electrode, detection principles, and various fabrication strategies, including microscale and printing technologies. This review discusses recent trends in bioelectrode designs and fabrications for developing electrochemical biosensors. The discussions have been delineated into the types of biorecognition elements and their immobilization strategies, signal transduction approaches, commonly used advanced materials for electrode fabrication and techniques for fabricating the bioelectrodes, and device integration with modern electronic communication technology for developing electrochemical biosensors of commercial interest.

Enzyme Cascade Electrode Reactions with Nanomaterials and Their Applicability towards Biosensor and Biofuel Cells

Nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide, metal-organic frameworks, metal nanoparticles, and porous carbon, play a crucial role as efficient carriers to enhance enzyme activity through substrate channeling while improving enzyme stability and reusability. However, there are significant debates surrounding aspects such as enzyme orientation, enzyme loading, retention of enzyme activity, and immobilization techniques. Consequently, these subjects have become the focus of intensive research in the realm of multi-enzyme cascade reactions. Researchers have undertaken the challenge of creating functional in vitro multi-enzyme systems, drawing inspiration from natural multi-enzyme processes within living organisms. Substantial progress has been achieved in designing multi-step reactions that harness the synthetic capabilities of various enzymes, particularly in applications such as biomarker detection (e.g., biosensors) and the development of biofuel cells. This review provides an overview of recent developments in concurrent and sequential approaches involving two or more enzymes in sequence. It delves into the intricacies of multi-enzyme cascade reactions conducted on nanostructured electrodes, addressing both the challenges encountered and the innovative solutions devised in this field.

Molecular Electrocatalytic Processes in Carbon Nanopipettes

Conductive nanopipettes have been recognized as powerful multifunctional platforms for electrochemical sensing applications in confined spaces. However, the electron-transfer processes of many biological analytes (i.e., enzymes or proteins) are slow and coupled with chemical reactions, which have not been well elucidated in conductive nanopipettes. In this Letter, both experimental and simulation methods are used to study electron-transfer processes coupled to chemical reactions (EC mechanism) in carbon nanopipettes (CNPs). It is demonstrated that the electroactive species can serve as redox mediator to help oxidize and reduce the nonelectroactive analytes of interest in the solution and produce noticeable catalytic current signals. Besides, glutathione was directly measured by using ferrocenemethanol as the redox mediator in the CNPs. The elucidated EC processes in CNPs would offer a new opportunity to measure nonelectroactive analytes in biological fields.

Lab-made flexible third-generation fructose biosensors based on 0D-nanostructured transducers

Herein, we report a scalable benchtop electrode fabrication method to produce highly sensitive and flexible third-generation fructose dehydrogenase amperometric biosensors based on water-dispersed 0D-nanomaterials. The electrochemical platform was fabricated via Stencil-Printing (StPE) and insulated via xurography. Carbon black (CB) and mesoporous carbon (MS) were employed as 0D-nanomaterials promoting an efficient direct electron transfer (DET) between fructose dehydrogenase (FDH) and the transducer. Both nanomaterials were prepared in water-phase via a sonochemical approach. The nano-StPE exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic currents compared to conventional commercial electrodes. The enzymatic sensors were exploited for the determination of D-fructose in model solutions and various food and biological samples. StPE-CB and StPE-MS integrated biosensors showed appreciable sensitivity (∼150 μA cm-2 mM-1) with μmolar limit of detection (0.35 and 0.16 μM, respectively) and extended linear range (2-500 and 1-250 μM, respectively); the selectivity of the biosensors, ensured by the low working overpotential (+0.15 V), has been also demonstrated. Good accuracy (recoveries between 95 and 116%) and reproducibility (RSD ≤8.6%) were achieved for food and urine samples. The proposed approach because of manufacturing versatility and the electro-catalytic features of the water-nanostructured 0D-NMs opens new paths for affordable and customizable FDH-based bioelectronics.

Mechanistic Elucidation of Nanomaterial-Enhanced First-Generation Biosensors Using Probe Voltammetry of an Enzymatic Reaction

The incorporation of nanomaterials (NMs) into biosensing schemes is a well-established strategy for gaining signal enhancement. With electrochemical biosensors, the enhanced performance achieved from using NMs is often attributed to the specific physical properties of the chosen nanocomponents, such as their high electronic conductivity, size-dependent functionality, and/or higher effective surface-to-volume ratios. First generation amperometric biosensing schemes, typically utilizing NMs in conjunction with immobilized enzyme and semi-permeable membranes, can possess complex sensing mechanisms that are difficult to study and challenging to understand beyond the observable signal enhancement. This study shows the use of an enzymatic reaction between xanthine (XAN) and xanthine oxidase (XOx), involving multiple electroactive species, as an electrochemical redox probe tool for ascertaining mechanistic information at and within the modified electrodes used as biosensors. Redox probing using components of this enzymatic reaction are demonstrated on two oft-employed biosensing approaches and commonly used NMs for modified electrodes: gold nanoparticle doped films and carbon nanotube interfaces. In both situations, the XAN metabolism voltammetry allows for a greater understanding of the functionality of the semipermeable membranes, the role of the NMs, and how the interplay between the two components creates signal enhancement.

Multivariate Optimization of Electrochemical Biosensors for the Determination of Compounds Related to Food Safety-A Review

We summarize the application of multivariate optimization for the construction of electrochemical biosensors. The introduction provides an overview of electrochemical biosensing, which is classified into catalytic-based and affinity-based biosensors, and discusses the most recent published works in each category. We then explore the relevance of electrochemical biosensors for food safety analysis, taking into account analytes of different natures. Then, we describe the chemometrics tools used in the construction of electrochemical sensors/biosensors and provide examples from the literature. Finally, we carefully discuss the construction of electrochemical biosensors based on design of experiments, including the advantages, disadvantages, and future perspectives of using multivariate optimization in this field. The discussion section offers a comprehensive analysis of these topics.

Development of a Redox-Polymer-Based Electrochemical Glucose Biosensor Suitable for Integration in Microfluidic 3D Cell Culture Systems

The inclusion of online, in situ biosensors in microfluidic cell cultures is important to monitor and characterize a physiologically mimicking environment. This work presents the performance of second-generation electrochemical enzymatic biosensors to detect glucose in cell culture media. Glutaraldehyde and ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE) were tested as cross-linkers to immobilize glucose oxidase and an osmium-modified redox polymer on the surface of carbon electrodes. Tests employing screen printed electrodes showed adequate performance in a Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI-1640) media spiked with fetal bovine serum (FBS). Comparable first-generation sensors were shown to be heavily affected by complex biological media. This difference is explained in terms of the respective charge transfer mechanisms. Under the tested conditions, electron hopping between Os redox centers was less vulnerable than H₂O₂ diffusion to biofouling by the substances present in the cell culture matrix. By employing pencil leads as electrodes, the incorporation of these electrodes in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic channel was achieved simply and at a low cost. Under flow conditions, electrodes fabricated using EGDGE presented the best performance with a limit of detection of 0.5 mM, a linear range up to 10 mM, and a sensitivity of 4.69 μA mM^-1 cm^-2.

Nanomaterial-Doped Xerogels for Biosensing Measurements of Xanthine in Clinical and Industrial Applications

First-generation amperometric xanthine (XAN) biosensors, assembled via layer-by-layer methodology and featuring xerogels doped with gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs), were the focus of this study and involved both fundamental exploration of the materials as well as demonstrated usage of the biosensor in both clinical (disease diagnosis) and industrial (meat freshness) applications. Voltammetry and amperometry were used to characterize and optimize the functional layers of the biosensor design including a xerogel with and without embedded xanthine oxidase enzyme (XOx) and an outer, semi-permeable blended polyurethane (PU) layer. Specifically, the porosity/hydrophobicity of xerogels formed from silane precursors and different compositions of PU were examined for their impact on the XAN biosensing mechanism. Doping the xerogel layer with different alkanethiol protected Au-NPs was demonstrated as an effective means for enhancing biosensor performance including improved sensitivity, linear range, and response time, as well as stabilizing XAN sensitivity and discrimination against common interferent species (selectivity) over time-all attributes matching or exceeding most other reported XAN sensors. Part of the study focuses on deconvoluting the amperometric signal generated by the biosensor and determining the contribution from all of the possible electroactive species involved in natural purine metabolism (e.g., uric acid, hypoxanthine) as an important part of designing XAN sensors (schemes amenable to miniaturization, portability, or low production cost). Effective XAN sensors remain relevant as potential tools for both early diagnosis of diseases as well as for industrial food monitoring.

Structure of Rhizobium sp. 4-9 histamine dehydrogenase and analysis of the electron transfer pathway to an abiological electron acceptor

Histamine dehydrogenase from the gram-negative bacterium Rhizobium sp. 4-9 (HaDHR) is a member of a small family of dehydrogenases containing a covalently attached FMN, and the only member so far identified to date that does not exhibit substrate inhibition. In this study, we present the 2.1 Å resolution crystal structure of HaDHR. This new structure allowed for the identification of the internal electron transfer pathway to abiological ferrocene-based mediators. Alanine 437 was identified as the exit point of electrons from the Fe₄S₄ cluster. The enzyme was modified with a Ser436Cys mutation to facilitate covalent attachment of a ferrocene moiety. When modified with Fc-maleimide, this new construct demonstrated direct electron transfer from the enzyme to a gold electrode in a histamine concentration-dependent manner without the need for any additional electron mediators.

Self-powered logically operated fluorescent detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV)

In this study, a novel sensing strategy based on double sensing/actuating pathway is demonstrated, being capable to trigger the DNA-based AND gate for the sensitive and selective detection of hepatitis B virus DNA (HBV-DNA). Such an approach encompasses an enzymatic machinery logically operated using the variation of physiologically relevant biomarkers for liver dysfunctions. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) are used as inputs of an AND gate generating an output signal, namely lactate. In particular, lactate is oxidized back to pyruvate at the anodic electrode by lactate oxidase connected in mediated electron transfer through ferrocene moieties (creating an amplifying recycling mechanism). The anodic electrode is further connected with a Myrothecium verrucaria bilirubin oxidase (MvBOx) based biocathode modified with SiO₂ nanoparticles (SiO₂NPs) functionalized with phenyl boronic acid and trigonelline, triggering the release of quenching DNA (qDNA) upon local pH change at the electrode surface (notably, modified SiONPs gets negatively recharged upon local pH gradient releasing negatively charged DNA). Next, the released qDNA labeled with BHQ2 and detecting DNA (dDNA, labeled with FAM) are detecting HBV-DNA. The proposed biosensor can discriminate between the absence and presence of HBV-DNA setting the threshold at 0.05 fM in model buffer solutions and 1 fM in human serum. This enzymatic/DNA logic network can be of particular interest for future biomedical applications (e.g., early detection of liver cancer disease etc.). In the future development this technology could be easily integrated with a smartphone camera, allowing more user-friendly applications.

Biotic-abiotic hybrids for bioanalytics and biocatalysis

The advances in biotic-abiotic interfaced systems open new directions toward bioanalytics and biocatalysis applications. Conjugating the unique electronic and optic properties of nanoelements with the high selectivity and extraordinary catalytic abilities of biotic materials holds great promise to gain superior new features. Herein, we present a wide scope of biotic-abiotic research, with key examples for its utilization in bioanalytics applications as well as in biocatalysis. The described configurations feature methodologies that enable extending the known scientific toolbox to gain synergy. These new nanobiohybrids may contribute to major global challenges, for example, developing alternative energy utilization or new affordable biodiagnostics and therapeutics tools.

Structural design of anthraquinone bridges in direct electron transfer of fructose dehydrogenase

Multi-functional small molecules attached to an electrode surface can bind non-covalently to the redox enzyme fructose dehydrogenase (FDH) to ensure efficient electrochemical electron transfer (ET) and electrocatalysis of the enzyme in both mediated (MET) and direct (DET) ET modes. The present work investigates the potential of exploiting secondary, electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions between substituents on a small molecular bridge and the local FDH surfaces. Such interactions ensure alignment of the enzyme in an orientation favourable for both MET and DET. We have used a group of novel synthesized anthraquinones as the small molecule bridge, functionalised with electrostatically neutral, anionic, or cationic substituents. Particularly, we investigated the immobilisation of FDH on a nanoporous gold (NPG) electrode decorated with the novel synthesised anthraquinones using electrochemical methods. The best DET-capable fraction out of four anthraquinone derivatives tested is achieved for an anthraquinone functionalised with an anionic sulphonate group. Our study demonstrates, how the combination of chemical design and bioelectrochemistry can be brought to control alignment of enzymes in productive orientations on electrodes, a paradigm for thiol modified surfaces in biosensors and bioelectronics.

Soft integration of a neural cells network and bionic interfaces

Both glial cells and neurons can be considered basic computational units in neural networks, and the brain–computer interface (BCI) can play a role in awakening the latency portion and being sensitive to positive feedback through learning. However, high-quality information gained from BCI requires invasive approaches such as microelectrodes implanted under the endocranium. As a hard foreign object in the aqueous microenvironment, the soft cerebral cortex’s chronic inflammation state and scar tissue appear subsequently. To avoid the obvious defects caused by hard electrodes, this review focuses on the bioinspired neural interface, guiding and optimizing the implant system for better biocompatibility and accuracy. At the same time, the bionic techniques of signal reception and transmission interfaces are summarized and the structural units with functions similar to nerve cells are introduced. Multiple electrical and electromagnetic transmissions, regulating the secretion of neuromodulators or neurotransmitters via nanofluidic channels, have been flexibly applied. The accurate regulation of neural networks from the nanoscale to the cellular reconstruction of protein pathways will make BCI the extension of the brain.

A novel membraneless β-glucan/O2 enzymatic fuel cell based on β-glucosidase (RmBgl3B)/pyranose dehydrogenase (AmPDH) co-immobilized onto buckypaper electrode

A novel membraneless β-glucan/O₂ enzymatic fuel cell was developed by combining a bioanode based on buckypaper modified with co-immobilized Agaricus meleagris pyranose dehydrogenase (AmPDH) and Rhodothermus marinus β-glucosidase (RmBgl3B) (RmBgl3B-AmPDH/buckypaper) with a biocathode based on solid graphite modified with Myrothecium verrucaria bilirubin oxidase (MvBOx/graphite). AmPDH was connected electrochemically with the buckypaper using an osmium redox polymer in a mediated reaction, whereas MvBOx was connected with graphite in a direct electron transfer reaction. The fuel for the bioanode was produced by enzymatic hydrolysis of β-glucan by the exoglucanase RmBgl3B into d-glucose, which in turn was enzymatically oxidised by AmPDH to generate a current response. This design allows to obtain an efficient enzymatic fuel cell, where the chemical energy converted into electrical energy is higher than the chemical energy stored in complex carbohydrate based fuel. The maximum power density of the assembled β-glucan/O₂ biofuel cell reached 26.3 ± 4.6 μWcm^-2 at 0.36 V in phosphate buffer containing 0.5 % (w/v) β-glucan at 40 °C with excellent stability retaining 68.6 % of its initial performance after 5 days. The result confirms that β-glucan can be employed as fuel in an enzymatic biofuel cell.

Nanomaterials in bioelectrochemical devices: on applications enhancing their positive effect

Electrochemical biosensors and biofuel cells are finding an ever-increasing practical application due to several advantages. Biosensors are miniature measuring devices, which can be used for on-the-spot analyses, with small assay times and sample volumes. Biofuel cells have dual benefits of environmental cleanup and electric energy generation. Application of nanomaterials in biosensor and biofuel-cell devices increases their functioning efficiency and expands spheres of use. This review discusses the potential of nanomaterials in improving the basic parameters of bioelectrochemical systems, including the sensitivity increase, detection lower-limit decrease, detection-range change, lifetime increase, substrate-specificity control. In most cases, the consideration of the role of nanomaterials links a certain type of nanomaterial with its effect on the bioelectrochemical device upon the whole. The review aims at assessing the effects of nanomaterials on particular analytical parameters of a biosensor/biofuel-cell bioelectrochemical device.

Protein engineering for electrochemical biosensors

The development of electrochemical biosensors has gained tremendous attention. Protein engineering has been applied for enhancing properties of native redox enzymes, such as selectivity, sensitivity, and stability required for applicable biosensors. This review highlights recent advances of protein engineering to improve enzymatic catalysis of biosensors, facilitate electron transfer and enzyme immobilization, and construct allosteric protein biosensors. The pros and cons of different protein engineering strategies are briefly discussed, and perspectives are further provided.

Technique Evolutions for Microorganism Detection in Complex Samples: A Review

Rapid detection of microorganisms is a major challenge in the medical and industrial sectors. In a pharmaceutical laboratory, contamination of medical products may lead to severe health risks for patients, such as sepsis. In the specific case of advanced therapy medicinal products, contamination must be detected as early as possible to avoid late production stop and unnecessary costs. Unfortunately, the conventional methods used to detect microorganisms are based on time-consuming and labor-intensive approaches. Therefore, it is important to find new tools to detect microorganisms in a shorter time frame. This review sums up the current methods and represents the evolution in techniques for microorganism detection. First, there is a focus on promising ligands, such as aptamers and antimicrobial peptides, cheaper to produce and with a broader spectrum of detection. Then, we describe methods achieving low limits of detection, thanks to Raman spectroscopy or precise handling of samples through microfluids devices. The last part is dedicated to techniques in real-time, such as surface plasmon resonance, preventing the risk of contamination. Detection of pathogens in complex biological fluids remains a scientific challenge, and this review points toward important areas for future research.

Energy Harvesting by Mesoporous Reduced Graphene Oxide Enhanced the Mediator-Free Glucose-Powered Enzymatic Biofuel Cell for Biomedical Applications

Harnessing electrochemical energy in an engineered electrical circuit from biochemical substrates in the human body using biofuel cells is gaining increasing research attention in the current decade due to the wide range of biomedical possibilities it creates for electronic devices. In this report, we describe and characterize the construction of just such an enzymatic biofuel cell (EBFC). It is simple, mediator-free, and glucose-powered, employing only biocompatible materials. A novel feature is the two-dimensional mesoporous thermally reduced graphene oxide (rGO) host electrode. An additionally novelty is that we explored the potential of using biocompatible, low-cost filter paper (FP) instead of carbon paper, a conductive polymer, or gold as support for the host electrode. Using glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and molecular oxygen (O₂) as the power-generating fuel, the cell consists of a pair of bioelectrodes incorporating immobilized enzymes, the bioanode modified by rGO-glucose oxidase (GOx/rGO), and the biocathode modified by rGO-laccase (Lac/rGO). Scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy techniques have been employed to investigate the surface morphology, defects, and chemical structure of rGO, GOx/rGO, and Lac/rGO. N₂ sorption, SEM/EDX, and powder X-ray diffraction revealed a high Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area (179 m² g^-1) mesoporous rGO structure with the high C/O ratio of 80:1 as well. Results from the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies indicated that GOx remained in its native biochemical functional form upon being embedded onto the rGO matrix. Cyclic voltammetry studies showed that the presence of mesoporous rGO greatly enhanced the direct electrochemistry and electrocatalytic properties of the GOx/rGO and Lac/rGO nanocomposites. The electron transfer rate constant between GOx and rGO was estimated to be 2.14 s^-1. The fabricated EBFC (GOx/rGO/FP-Lac/rGO/FP) using a single GOx/rGO/FP bioanode and a single Lac/rGO/FP biocathode provides a maximum power density (P_max) of 4.0 nW cm^-2 with an open-circuit voltage (V_OC) of 0.04 V and remains stable for more than 15 days with a power output of ∼9.0 nW cm^-2 at a pH of 7.4 under ambient conditions.

Electrochemical Aptasensors for Antibiotics Detection: Recent Achievements and Applications for Monitoring Food Safety

Antibiotics are often used in human and veterinary medicine for the treatment of bacterial diseases. However, extensive use of antibiotics in agriculture can result in the contamination of common food staples such as milk. Consumption of contaminated products can cause serious illness and a rise in antibiotic resistance. Conventional methods of antibiotics detection such are microbiological assays chromatographic and mass spectroscopy methods are sensitive; however, they require qualified personnel, expensive instruments, and sample pretreatment. Biosensor technology can overcome these drawbacks. This review is focused on the recent achievements in the electrochemical biosensors based on nucleic acid aptamers for antibiotic detection. A brief explanation of conventional methods of antibiotic detection is also provided. The methods of the aptamer selection are explained, together with the approach used for the improvement of aptamer affinity by post-SELEX modification and computer modeling. The substantial focus of this review is on the explanation of the principles of the electrochemical detection of antibiotics by aptasensors and on recent achievements in the development of electrochemical aptasensors. The current trends and problems in practical applications of aptasensors are also discussed.

An Ultrasensitive and Selective Determination of Cadmium Ions at ppt Level Using an Enzymic Membrane with Colorimetric and Electrochemical Detection

Cadmium ions (Cd²⁺) are extremely toxic heavy metal pollutants found in the environment, and which endanger human health. Therefore, it is critical to develop a sensitive and simple method for rapidly detecting Cd²⁺ in water samples. Herein, an enzymic membrane was developed based on an easy and rapid immobilization method of horseradish peroxidase (HRP), for determination of Cd²⁺ in drinking water. Hence, for the first time, an enzymic membrane was applied for the detection of Cd²⁺ without being pretreated. In the first format, the inhibition of horseradish peroxidase was performed using a colorimetric microplate reader. Under optimal conditions, the achieved limit of detection was 20 ppt. In addition, an electrochemical biosensor was developed, by combining the enzymic membrane with screen printed electrodes, which showed a linear calibration range between 0.02–100 ppb (R² = 0.990) and a detection limit of 50 ppt. The use of this enzymic membrane proved to be advantageous when reversible inhibitors such as the copper ion (Cu²⁺) were present in water samples, as Cu²⁺ can interfere with Cd²⁺ and cause erroneous results. In order to alleviate this problem, a medium exchange procedure was used to eliminate Cu²⁺, by washing and leaving only cadmium ions as an irreversible inhibitor for identification. The use of this membrane proved to be a simple and rapid method of immobilizing HRP with a covalent bond.

Recent Progress on Highly Selective and Sensitive Electrochemical Aptamer-based Sensors

Highly selective, sensitive, and stable biosensors are essential for the molecular level understanding of many physiological activities and diseases. Electrochemical aptamer-based (E-AB) sensor is an appealing platform for measurement in biological system, attributing to the combined advantages of high selectivity of the aptamer and high sensitivity of electrochemical analysis. This review summarizes the latest development of E-AB sensors, focuses on the modification strategies used in the fabrication of sensors and the sensing strategies for analytes of different sizes in biological system, and then looks forward to the challenges and prospects of the future development of electrochemical aptamer-based sensors.

Use of Protein Engineering to Elucidate Electron Transfer Pathways between Proteins and Electrodes

Herein, we review protein engineering tools for electron transfer enhancement and investigation in bioelectrochemical systems. We present recent studies in the field while focusing on how electron transfer investigation and measurements were performed and discuss the use of protein engineering to interpret electron transfer mechanisms.

Electrochemical sensing of macromolecules based on molecularly imprinted polymers: challenges, successful strategies, and opportunities

Looking at the literature focused on molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for protein, it soon becomes apparent that a remarkable increase in scientific interest and exploration of new applications has been recorded in the last several years, from 42 documents in 2011 to 128 just 10 years later, in 2021 (Scopus, December 2021). Such a rapid threefold increase in the number of works in this field is evidence that the imprinting of macromolecules no longer represents a distant dream of optimistic imprinters, as it was perceived until only a few years ago, but is rapidly becoming an ever more promising and reliable technology, due to the significant achievements in the field. The present critical review aims to summarize some of them, evidencing the aspects that have contributed to the success of the most widely used strategies in the field. At the same time, limitations and drawbacks of less frequently used approaches are critically discussed. Particular focus is given to the use of a MIP for protein in the assembly of electrochemical sensors. Sensor design indeed represents one of the most active application fields of imprinting technology, with electrochemical MIP sensors providing the broadest spectrum of protein analytes among the different sensor configurations.

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Electrochemical Zero-Mode Waveguide Potential-Dependent Fluorescence of Glutathione Reductase at Single-Molecule Occupancy

Understanding functional states of individual redox enzymes is important because electron-transfer reactions are fundamental to life, and single-enzyme molecules exhibit molecule-to-molecule heterogeneity in their properties, such as catalytic activity. Zero-mode waveguides (ZMW) constitute a powerful tool for single-molecule studies, enabling investigations of binding reactions up to the micromolar range due to the ability to trap electromagnetic radiation in zeptoliter-scale observation volumes. Here, we report the potential-dependent fluorescence dynamics of single glutathione reductase (GR) molecules using a bimodal electrochemical ZMW (E-ZMW), where a single-ring electrode embedded in each of the nanopores of an E-ZMW array simultaneously serves to control electrochemical potential and to confine optical radiation within the nanopores. Here, the redox state of GR is manipulated using an external potential control of the Au electrode in the presence of a redox mediator, methyl viologen (MV). Redox-state transitions in GR are monitored by correlating electrochemical and spectroscopic signals from freely diffusing MV/GR in 60 zL effective observation volumes at single GR molecule average pore occupancy, ⟨n⟩ ∼ 0.8. Fluorescence intensities decrease (increase) at reducing (oxidizing) potentials for MV due to the MV-mediated control of the GR redox state. The spectroelectrochemical response of GR to the enzyme substrate, i.e., glutathione disulfide (GSSG), shows that GSSG promotes GR oxidation via enzymatic reduction. The capabilities of E-ZMWs to probe spectroelectrochemical phenomena in zL-scale-confined environments show great promise for the study of single-enzyme reactions and can be extended to important technological applications, such as those in molecular diagnostics.

Multidimensional redox potential/pKa coupling in multicopper oxidases from molecular dynamics: implications for the proton transfer mechanism

Bilirubin oxidases (BOD) are metalloenzymes that catalyze the conversion of O₂ and bilirubin to biliverdin and water in the metabolism of chlorophyll and porphyrin. In this work we have used the CpHMD method to analyze the effects of the different oxidation states on the BOD trinuclear cluster (TNC). Our results demonstrate that there is a link between the different oxidation states of copper ions and the protonation capacity of nearby titratable residues. Each configuration affects pK_a differently, creating proton gradients within the enzyme that act in an extremely orderly manner. This order is closely linked to the catalytic mechanism and leads us to the conclusion of the entry of the O₂ molecule and its reduction in water molecules is associated with the probability of the release of protons from nearby acid groups. With this information, we deduce that under the initial reaction conditions the acidic side chains of nearby residues can be protonated; this allows the enzyme to reduce the activation energy of the reaction by coupling the proton transfer to oxidation state changes in the metallic center.

Design of a methotrexate-controlled chemical dimerization system and its use in bio-electronic devices

Natural evolution produced polypeptides that selectively recognize chemical entities and their polymers, ranging from ions to proteins and nucleic acids. Such selective interactions serve as entry points to biological signaling and metabolic pathways. The ability to engineer artificial versions of such entry points is a key goal of synthetic biology, bioengineering and bioelectronics. We set out to map the optimal strategy for developing artificial small molecule:protein complexes that function as chemically induced dimerization (CID) systems. Using several starting points, we evolved CID systems controlled by a therapeutic drug methotrexate. Biophysical and structural analysis of methotrexate-controlled CID system reveals the critical role played by drug-induced conformational change in ligand-controlled protein complex assembly. We demonstrate utility of the developed CID by constructing electrochemical biosensors of methotrexate that enable quantification of methotrexate in human serum. Furthermore, using the methotrexate and functionally related biosensor of rapamycin we developed a multiplexed bioelectronic system that can perform repeated measurements of multiple analytes. The presented results open the door for construction of genetically encoded signaling systems for use in bioelectronics and diagnostics, as well as metabolic and signaling network engineering.

Some fundamental insights into biological redox catalysis from the electrochemical characteristics of enzymes attached directly to electrodes

This article outlines examples of where electrochemical investigations of electrocatalysis by proteins immobilised on an electrode reveal fundamental information about electron-proton coupling in catalysis and provide a new way to energise, control and observe multi-enzyme cascades.