World Congress on Biosensors 2014

World Congress on Biosensors 2014
Biosensors 2014

Tuesday, 11 September 2012

Just Published: Biosensors & Bioelectronics


A new issue of this journal has just been published. To see abstracts of the papers it contains (with links through to the full papers) click here:
Selected papers from the latest issue:

Dual on–off and off–on switchable oligoaziridine biosensor

11 September 2012, 08:48:14
Publication year: 2013
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 39, Issue 1
Vivek P. Raje, Patrícia I. Morgado, Maximiano P. Ribeiro, Ilídio J. Correia, Vasco D.B. Bonifácio, Paula S. Branco, Ana Aguiar-Ricardo
A water-soluble biocompatible aziridine-based biosensor with pendant anthracene units was synthesized by radicalar polymerization of N-substituted aziridines in supercritical carbon dioxide. The binding ability of the sensor towards a series of metal ions was examined by comparing the fluorescence intensities of the solutions before and after the addition of 100 equivalents of a solution of the metal ion chloride salt. A fast, simple and highly optical sensitive dual behavior, “off–on” and “on–off” response, was observed after the biosensor was  exposed to the metal cations in aqueous solution. Zinc presented the highest fluorescence enhancement (turn-on) and copper presented the highest fluorescence quenching (turn-off). The response time was found to be instantaneous and the detection limit was achieved even in the presence of excess metal cation competitors. By using immunofluorescence microscopy it was also shown that oligoaziridine acts as an “on–off” probe through highly sensitive (detection limit of 1.6nM), selective and reversible binding to copper anions under physiologic conditions using living Human Fibroblast cells. The stoichiometry for the reaction of the biosensor with Cu2+ was determined by a Job plot and indicates the formation of an oligoaziridine-Cu2+ 1:2 adduct.

Graphical abstract

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Graphical Abstract Highlights

► A water-soluble biocompatible aziridine-based biosensor was synthesized in scCO2. ► The biosensor presents a dual behavior when exposed to different metal cations. ► Zinc displays the highest fluorescence enhancement (turn-on). ► Cu2+ shows the highest fluorescence quenching (turn-off) with detection limit of 1.6nM. ► The biosensor is able to detect traces of Cu2+ within living Human Fibroblast cells.

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and the development of CYP biosensors

11 September 2012, 08:48:14
Publication year: 2013
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 39, Issue 1
Elizabeth Schneider, Douglas S. Clark
Cytochrome P450s (CYPs) are a large family of heme-containing monooxygenase enzymes involved in the first-pass metabolism of drugs and foreign chemicals in the body. CYP reactions, therefore, are of high interest to the pharmaceutical industry, where lead compounds in drug development are screened for CYP activity. CYP reactions in vivo require the cofactor NADPH as the source of electrons and an additional enzyme, cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR), as the electron transfer partner; consequently, any laboratory or industrial use of CYPs is limited by the need to supply NADPH and CPR. However, immobilizing CYPs on an electrode can eliminate the need for NADPH and CPR provided the enzyme can accept electrons directly from the electrode. The immobilized CYP can then act as a biosensor for the detection of CYP activity with potential substrates, albeit only if the immobilized enzyme is electroactive. The quest to create electroactive CYPs has led to many different immobilization strategies encompassing different electrode materials and surface modifications. This review focuses on different immobilization strategies that have been used to create CYP biosensors, with particular emphasis on mammalian drug-metabolizing CYPs and characterization of CYP electrodes. Traditional immobilization methods such as adsorption to thin films or encapsulation in polymers and gels remain robust strategies for creating CYP biosensors; however, the incorporation of novel materials such as gold nanoparticles or quantum dots and the use of microfabrication are proving advantageous for the creation of highly sensitive and portable CYP biosensors.

Highlights

► An overview of the significance of CYP enzymes and CYP biosensors. ► A brief history of the development of CYP biosensors. ► A review of electrode types and modifications used to create CYP biosensors. ► Highlights of recent and/or novel studies on CYP biosensors. ► Focus on chemical and physical characterization of CYP electrodes.

Development of a novel liquid crystal based cell traction force transducer system

11 September 2012, 08:48:14
Publication year: 2013
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 39, Issue 1
C.F. Soon, M. Youseffi, R.F. Berends, N. Blagden, M.C.T. Denyer
Keratinocyte traction forces play a crucial role in wound healing. The aim of this study was to develop a novel cell traction force (CTF) transducer system based on cholesteryl ester liquid crystals (LC). Keratinocytes cultured on LC induced linear and isolated deformation lines in the LC surface. As suggested by the fluorescence staining, the deformation lines appeared to correlate with the forces generated by the contraction of circumferential actin filaments which were transmitted to the LC surface via the focal adhesions. Due to the linear viscoelastic behavior of the LC, Hooke's equation was used to quantify the CTFs by associating Young's modulus of LC to the cell induced stresses and biaxial strain in forming the LC deformation. Young's modulus of the LC was profiled by using spherical indentation and determined at approximately 87.1±17.2kPa. A new technique involving cytochalasin-B treatment was used to disrupt the intracellular force generating actin fibers, and consequently the biaxial strain in the LC induced by the cells was determined. Due to the improved sensitivity and spatial resolution (∼1μm) of the LC based CTF transducer, a wide range of CTFs was determined (10–120nN). These were found to be linearly proportional to the length of the deformations. The linear relationship of CTF-deformations was then applied in a bespoke CTF mapping software to estimate CTFs and to map CTF fields. The generated CTF map highlighted distinct distributions and different magnitude of CTFs were revealed for polarized and non-polarized keratinocytes.

Highlights

► Novel LC based cell traction force transducer has been developed. ► Transducer is highly sensitive to localized cell traction forces (CTFs). ► CTFs for polarized and non-polarized cells are estimated via the sensing system. ► It has potential to be a cell-based pharmacological assay.

The label free picomolar detection of insulin in blood serum

11 September 2012, 08:48:14
Publication year: 2013
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 39, Issue 1
Mengyun Xu, Xiliang Luo, Jason J. Davis
Insulin, a polypeptide hormone secreted by pancreatic cells, is a key regulator in glucose homeostasis. Its deficiency leads to insulin-dependent (type I) diabetes whereas resistance to insulin is common in type II diabetes, obesity and a range of endocrine disorders. Its determination is of considerable value, particularly in the clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and the doping control of athletes. It has, additionally, been noted as a potential breast cancer marker (serum insulin levels being found to be raised in comparison to control patients). Electrochemical assays are potentially very cheap, highly sensitive, and very readily transposed to a point of care. Though there exist numerous examples of label free impedimetric or capacitative assaying of biomolecules, these are rarely demonstrated to be effective in complex biological mixtures or to be applicable to low molecular weight targets (since they operate through the interfacial displacement of water/ions and/or the steric blocking of a redox probe). We report herein an ultrasensitive electrochemical and label-free biosensor for insulin in blood serum with a clinically relevant linear range and detection limit of 1.2pM. The transducing surfaces, based on readily prepared, antibody modified, polyethylene glycol monolayer modified polycrystalline gold surfaces, respond in a highly specific and re-useable manner to the target in up to 50% blood serum.

Highlights

► The low molecular weight, clinically important polypeptide, insulin, can be reliably and selectively assayed in blood by a label free facile impedance immunoassay. ► Assays span entire clinically relevant range with low pM limits of detection. ► There is no precedent for the label free impedance assaying this protein and very little precedent for the label free detection of targets of this molecular weight in complex media. ► The receptive surfaces are readily generated and reuseable.

Ultrasensitive one-step rapid visual detection of bisphenol A in water samples by label-free aptasensor

11 September 2012, 08:48:14
Publication year: 2013
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 39, Issue 1
Zhanlong Mei, Huaqin Chu, Wei Chen, Feng Xue, Jian Liu, Huaneng Xu, Rui Zhang, Lei Zheng
A simple, one-step, rapid method to detect bisphenol A (BPA) using a label-free aptasensor is presented. A high selective anti-BPA aptamer was added to gold nanoparticles (GNPs) to prepare the label-free aptasensor for BPA, which maintains good tolerance of GNPs under aqueous conditions with high salt concentrations. With the presence of BPA in the aptasensor system, the GNPs would aggregate by competitive binding of BPA and aptamer. Detection results can be visualized by the aggregation-induced color change of GNPs without the use of any instrumentation. The limit of visual detection (LOD) was found to be 0.1ng/mL by naked-eye observation, which was competitive to some current rapid BPA detection methods, even some instrumental based methods. Besides the obvious advantages, including reduced detection time and operation procedures, the results of this method meet the various detection requirements for BPA and are comparable to the traditional ELISA and instrument-based methods. The proposed one-step, label-free method was successfully used to determine BPA in actual water samples.

Highlights

► On-site BPA detection using one step, label-free aptasensor. ► BPA detection with sensitivity of 0.1ng/mL by naked-eye, which is comparable to current methods. ► Successful application of the developed method in actual water samples. ► Providing a potential tool for water quality control and early diagnostic of BPA related disease.

Gold–deferrioxamine nanometric interface for selective recognition of Fe(III) using square wave voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy methods

11 September 2012, 08:48:14
Publication year: 2013
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 39, Issue 1
Reza Karimi Shervedani, Zakyeh Akrami
Deferrioxamine, a bacterial hydroxamic siderophore having high binding affinity for Fe(III), is used in its immobilized form, as self-assembled monolayer on Au, for accumulation and recognition of Fe(III) from the solution phase. The accumulated Fe(III) is detected via both active mode based on faradaic reduction current of Fe(III), and inactive mode based on impedimetric effect of accumulated Fe(III) against redox reaction of a suitable probe. Appropriate electrochemical techniques, square wave voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, are used for the transduction of analytical signals obtained by this sensor. Then, the parameters influencing the sensor response are optimized. In the best conditions, a linear response, from 1.0×10−10 to 1.0×10−7 M Fe(III) in logarithmic scale with a detection limit of 2.0×10−11 M, and mean relative standard deviation of 1.7% for n=4 is observed. The results show that the sensor can be used for determination of Fe(III) in the presence of various inorganic ions and biological species. Validity of the method and applicability of the sensor are successfully tested by determination of Fe(III) in various real samples including plant tissue (corn leaves), industrial alloy (Ferrotitanium), and pharmaceutical samples (Venofer® ampoule, Ironorm® capsule, and V.M. Protein® powder).

Highlights

► A new biosensor using Deferrioxamine, a bacterial siderophore, fixed on Au is explained for Fe(III). ► The sensor is characterized by voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. ► Merits of the method include easy fabrication, wide response range, high selectivity and stability. ► The sensor is successfully tested for Fe(III) in pharmaceutical, industrial, and plant samples.

Polymer adhesive surface as flexible generic platform for multiplexed assays biochip production

11 September 2012, 08:48:14
Publication year: 2013
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 39, Issue 1
Céline A. Mandon, Ophélie I. Berthuy, Benjamin P. Corgier, Gaelle C. Le Goff, Patrice Faure, Patrice N. Marche, Loïc J. Blum, Christophe A. Marquette
The present report describes the integration and application possibilities of a new microarray concept based on adhesive surface. The method was shown to enable the straightforward production of 384 and 1536-well plates modified with 100 and 25 spots per well, respectively. Such in-well densities were only possible thanks to the fabrication process which implies first the deposition of the microarray on a flat adhesive surface and then its assembly with bottomless 384 or 1536-well plates. The concept was also confronted to various applications such as oligonucleotide detection, localised cell culture onto spotted adhesion proteins and immobilisation of peptide or active antibodies for immunoassays. In the particular case of immunotesting, the study focused on liver diseases diagnosis and more particularly on the detection of either one liver cancer marker, the alpha-fetoprotein, or the detection of Hepatitis C Virus infection. In every cases, interesting performances were obtained directly in crude patient serum, proof of the robust and generic aspect of the platform.

Highlights

► Adhesive microarrays shall be the cost-efficient approach for high-throughput analysis tools. ► Tests were carried out in 96, 384 and 1536-well assemblies suitable for automated analysis. ► We present analytical results of DNA, antibodies and proteins detection, directly in sera. ► The adhesive microarray support is also suitable for localized cell culture.

Rational design of modular allosteric aptamer sensor for label-free protein detection

11 September 2012, 08:48:14
Publication year: 2013
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 39, Issue 1
Gyeong Sook Bang, Suhyung Cho, Nahum Lee, Bo-Rahm Lee, June-Hyung Kim, Byung-Gee Kim
An aptamer can be redesigned to new functional molecules by conjugating with other oligonucleotides. However, it requires experimental trials to optimize the conjugating module with the sensitivity and selectivity toward a target. To reduce these efforts, we report rationally-designed modular allosteric aptamer sensor (MAAS), which is composed of coupled two aptamers and the regulator. For label-free protein detection, the protein–aptamer was conjugated with the malachite green (MG) aptamer for signaling. The MAAS additionally has the regulator domain which is designed to hybridize to a protein binding domain. The regulator makes MAAS to be inactive by destructing the original structure of the two aptamers. However, its conformation becomes active by dissociating the hybridization from the protein recognition signal, thereby inducing the binding of MG emitting the enhanced fluorescence. The design of regulator is based on the thermodynamic energy difference by the RNA conformational change and protein–aptamer affinity. Here we first demonstrated the MAAS for hepatitis C helicase and replicase. The target proteins were detected up to 250nM with minimized blank signals and displayed high specificities 10-fold greater than in non-specific proteins. The MAAS provides valuable tools that can be adapted to a wide range of configurations in bioanalytical applications.

Highlights

► We established modular allosteric aptamer sensor (MAAS) for label-free detection. ► The MAAS was engineered by aptamers for protein–dye and the antisense regulator. ► Rational-designed MAASs sensitively detected HCV proteins up to 250nM. ► The MAAS showed the high specificity to target protein from other proteins over 10-fold. ► The MAAS was functional both in homogeneous and heterogeneous format.

Bio-current as an indicator for biogenic Fe(II) generation driven by dissimilatory iron reducing bacteria

11 September 2012, 08:48:14
Publication year: 2013
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 39, Issue 1
Chunhua Feng, Xianjun Yue, Fangbai Li, Chaohai Wei
Microbial reduction of insoluble iron minerals by dissimilatory iron reducing bacteria (DIRB) is an important environment process in the iron biogeochemical cycle. We reported that the bio-current generated from oxidation of organic matter by these bacteria in the presence of iron oxides can be used as an indicator for microbial dissolution of insoluble iron oxides. Bioelectrochemical experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of the specific bacteria and the phase identity of iron oxides on bio-current generation by recording the current response as a result of a poised constant potential. Experimental results indicated that the bio-current generation can be greatly enhanced by iron oxide addition under all the conditions varying in the type of pure culture or iron oxide. The increase in the bio-current was linearly correlated with the increased concentration of biogenic Fe(II) detected either by chemical analysis or cyclic voltammetry (CV) tests. This can be understood based on the proposed mechanism that the Fe(II)/Fe(III) couple functions as the electron mediator shuttling electrons from the microbes to the electrodes.

Highlights

► Iron oxide addition significantly enhanced bio-current generation by electrochemically active bacteria. ► The increase in the bio-current was linearly correlated with the increased concentration of biogenic Fe(II). ► The Fe(II)/Fe(III) couple-mediated electron transfer from the microbes to the electrodes was proposed.

Fabrication of titanium based MALDI bacterial chips for rapid, sensitive and direct analysis of pathogenic bacteria

11 September 2012, 08:48:14
Publication year: 2013
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 39, Issue 1
Judy Gopal, Nazim Hasan, Hui-Fen Wu
For the first time, we report the fabrication of a titanium bacterial chip for MALDI-MS produced from a simple, cost effective and rapid heat treatment process. This bacterial chip can be reused many times and is highly versatile. These bacterial chips serve dual roles: (1) They can be applied as MALDI-MS target plates for direct and highly sensitive bacterial analysis. (2) They can be used as bacterial sensors for direct analysis of the captured bacteria using MALDI-MS. The sensitivity of these chips when used as bacterial sensors is <103 cfu/mL. The lowest detectable concentration for direct MALDI-MS analysis was found to be 104 cfu/mL. The results were further justified by using standard plate counting method combined with Tukey–Kramer statistical analysis and fluorescence imaging followed by image processing for fluorescence quantification using ImageJ software to substantiate the MALDI-MS results.

Highlights

► For first time report fabrication of titanium biochip for MALDI-MS. ► Produced from simple, cost effective rapid heat treatment process. ► Biochips serve dual purposes. MALDI-MS target plates for direct bacteria analysis. ► Biosensors for direct analysis of the captured bacteria using MALDI-MS. ► Sensitivity of these chips as biosensors is <103 cfu/mL.




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