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A Novel DNA Synthesis Platform Design with High-Throughput Paralleled Addressability and High-Density Static Droplet Confinement
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Ti3C2 Nanosheets Functionalized with Ferritin–Biomimetic Platinum Nanoparticles for Electrochemical Biosensors of Nitrite
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Duplex Vertical-Flow Rapid Tests for Point-of-Care Detection of Anti-dsDNA and Anti-Nuclear Autoantibodies
Journal Description
Biosensors
Biosensors
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on the technology and science of biosensors published monthly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubMed, MEDLINE, PMC, Embase, CAPlus / SciFinder, Inspec, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Chemistry, Analytical) / CiteScore - Q1 (Engineering (miscellaneous))
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 17.1 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2024).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
4.9 (2023);
5-Year Impact Factor:
5.2 (2023)
Latest Articles
Biosensor with Microchannel for Broadband Dielectric Characterization of Nanoliter Cell Suspensions up to 110 GHz
Biosensors 2024, 14(7), 327; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14070327 (registering DOI) - 30 Jun 2024
Abstract
Cell dielectric property measurement holds significant potential for application in cell detection and diagnosis due to its label-free and noninvasive nature. In this study, we developed a biosensor designed to measure the permittivity of liquid samples, particularly cell suspensions at the nanoliter scale,
[...] Read more.
Cell dielectric property measurement holds significant potential for application in cell detection and diagnosis due to its label-free and noninvasive nature. In this study, we developed a biosensor designed to measure the permittivity of liquid samples, particularly cell suspensions at the nanoliter scale, utilizing microwave and millimeter wave coplanar waveguides in conjunction with a microchannel. This biosensor facilitates the measurement of scattering parameters within a frequency domain ranging from 1 GHz to 110 GHz. The obtained scattering parameters are then converted into dielectric constants using specific algorithms. A cell capture structure within the microchannel ensures that cell suspensions remain stable within the measurement zone. The feasibility of this biosensor was confirmed by comparison with a commercial Keysight probe. We measured the dielectric constants of three different cell suspensions (HepG2, A549, MCF-7) using our biosensor. We also counted the number of cells captured in multiple measurements for each cell type and compared the corresponding changes in permittivity. The results indicated that the real part of the permittivity of HepG2 cells is 0.2–0.8 lower than that of the other two cell types. The difference between A549 and MCF-7 was relatively minor, only 0.2–0.4. The fluctuations in the dielectric spectrum caused by changes in cell numbers during measurements were smaller than the differences observed between different cell types. Thus, the sensor is suitable for measuring cell suspensions and can be utilized for label-free, noninvasive studies in identifying biological cell suspensions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biosensor and Bioelectronic Devices)
Open AccessReview
Biosensors for Cancer Biomarkers Based on Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles
by
Minja Mladenović, Stefan Jarić, Mirjana Mundžić, Aleksandra Pavlović, Ivan Bobrinetskiy and Nikola Ž. Knežević
Biosensors 2024, 14(7), 326; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14070326 (registering DOI) - 30 Jun 2024
Abstract
Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) exhibit highly beneficial characteristics for devising efficient biosensors for different analytes. Their unique properties, such as capabilities for stable covalent binding to recognition groups (e.g., antibodies or aptamers) and sensing surfaces, open a plethora of opportunities for biosensor construction.
[...] Read more.
Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) exhibit highly beneficial characteristics for devising efficient biosensors for different analytes. Their unique properties, such as capabilities for stable covalent binding to recognition groups (e.g., antibodies or aptamers) and sensing surfaces, open a plethora of opportunities for biosensor construction. In addition, their structured porosity offers capabilities for entrap** signaling molecules (dyes or electroactive species), which could be released efficiently in response to a desired analyte for effective optical or electrochemical detection. This work offers an overview of recent research studies (in the last five years) that contain MSNs in their optical and electrochemical sensing platforms for the detection of cancer biomarkers, classified by cancer type. In addition, this study provides an overview of cancer biomarkers, as well as electrochemical and optical detection methods in general.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology: From Fabrication Methods and Improvement Strategies to Applications in Biosensing and Biomedicine)
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Open AccessArticle
Directed Evolution of Protein-Based Sensors for Anaerobic Biological Activation of Methane
by
Ehsan Bahrami Moghadam, Nam Nguyen, Yixi Wang and Patrick C. Cirino
Biosensors 2024, 14(7), 325; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14070325 (registering DOI) - 30 Jun 2024
Abstract
Microbial alkane degradation pathways provide biological routes for converting these hydrocarbons into higher-value products. We recently reported the functional expression of a methyl-alkylsuccinate synthase (Mas) system in Escherichia coli, allowing for the heterologous anaerobic activation of short-chain alkanes. However, the enzymatic activation
[...] Read more.
Microbial alkane degradation pathways provide biological routes for converting these hydrocarbons into higher-value products. We recently reported the functional expression of a methyl-alkylsuccinate synthase (Mas) system in Escherichia coli, allowing for the heterologous anaerobic activation of short-chain alkanes. However, the enzymatic activation of methane via natural or engineered alkylsuccinate synthases has yet to be reported. To address this, we employed high-throughput screening to engineer the itaconate (IA)-responsive regulatory protein ItcR (WT-ItcR) from Yersinia pseudotuberculosis to instead respond to methylsuccinate (MS, the product of methane addition to fumarate), resulting in genetically encoded biosensors for MS. Here, we describe ItcR variants that, when regulating fluorescent protein expression in E. coli, show increased sensitivity, improved overall response, and enhanced specificity toward exogenously added MS relative to the wild-type repressor. Structural modeling and analysis of the ItcR ligand binding pocket provide insights into the altered molecular recognition. In addition to serving as biosensors for screening alkylsuccinate synthases capable of methane activation, MS-responsive ItcR variants also establish a framework for the directed evolution of other molecular reporters, targeting longer-chain alkylsuccinate products or other succinate derivatives.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biosensors and Healthcare)
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Open AccessReview
Correlative Raman Imaging: Development and Cancer Applications
by
Hossein Khadem, Maria Mangini, Somayeh Farazpour and Anna Chiara De Luca
Biosensors 2024, 14(7), 324; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14070324 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024
Abstract
Despite extensive research efforts, cancer continues to stand as one of the leading causes of death on a global scale. To gain profound insights into the intricate mechanisms underlying cancer onset and progression, it is imperative to possess methodologies that allow the study
[...] Read more.
Despite extensive research efforts, cancer continues to stand as one of the leading causes of death on a global scale. To gain profound insights into the intricate mechanisms underlying cancer onset and progression, it is imperative to possess methodologies that allow the study of cancer cells at the single-cell level, focusing on critical parameters such as cell morphology, metabolism, and molecular characteristics. These insights are essential for effectively discerning between healthy and cancerous cells and comprehending tumoral progression. Recent advancements in microscopy techniques have significantly advanced the study of cancer cells, with Raman microspectroscopy (RM) emerging as a particularly powerful tool. Indeed, RM can provide both biochemical and spatial details at the single-cell level without the need for labels or causing disruptions to cell integrity. Moreover, RM can be correlated with other microscopy techniques, creating a synergy that offers a spectrum of complementary insights into cancer cell morphology and biology. This review aims to explore the correlation between RM and other microscopy techniques such as confocal fluoresce microscopy (CFM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), digital holography microscopy (DHM), and mass spectrometry imaging (MSI). Each of these techniques has their own strengths, providing different perspectives and parameters about cancer cell features. The correlation between information from these various analysis methods is a valuable tool for physicians and researchers, aiding in the comprehension of cancer cell morphology and biology, unraveling mechanisms underlying cancer progression, and facilitating the development of early diagnosis and/or monitoring cancer progression.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Optical Molecular Sensing and Imaging: Development and Applications)
Open AccessArticle
A Scalable, Programmable Neural Stimulator for Enhancing Generalizability in Neural Interface Applications
by
Meng Yin, **ao Wang, Liuxindai Zhang, Guijun Shu, Zhen Wang, Shoushuang Huang and Ming Yin
Biosensors 2024, 14(7), 323; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14070323 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024
Abstract
Each application of neurostimulators requires unique stimulation parameter specifications to achieve effective stimulation. Balancing the current magnitude with stimulation resolution, waveform, size, and channel count is challenging, leading to a loss of generalizability across broad neural interfaces. To address this, this paper proposes
[...] Read more.
Each application of neurostimulators requires unique stimulation parameter specifications to achieve effective stimulation. Balancing the current magnitude with stimulation resolution, waveform, size, and channel count is challenging, leading to a loss of generalizability across broad neural interfaces. To address this, this paper proposes a highly scalable, programmable neurostimulator with a System-on-Chip (SOC) capable of 32 channels of independent stimulation. The compliance voltage reaches up to ±22.5 V. A pair of 8-bit current-mode DACs support independent waveforms for source and sink operations and feature a user-selectable dual range for low-current intraparenchymal microstimulation with a resolution of 4.31 A/bit, as well as high current stimulation for spinal cord and DBS applications with a resolution of 48.00 A/bit, achieving a wide stimulation range of 12.24 mA while maintaining high-resolution biological stimulation. A dedicated communication protocol enables full programmable control of stimulation waveforms, effectively improving the range of stimulation parameters. In vivo electrophysiological experiments successfully validate the functionality of the proposed stimulator. This flexible stimulator architecture aims to enhance its generality across a wide range of neural interfaces and will provide more diverse and refined stimulation strategies.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Implantable, Wireless Biosensors and Biodevices for Neuroscience Research)
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Open AccessArticle
Evaluation of the Immune Response of Patulin by Proteomics
by
Feng Wang, Lukai Ma, Qin Wang, Bruce D. Hammock, Gengsheng **ao and Rui**g Liu
Biosensors 2024, 14(7), 322; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14070322 - 27 Jun 2024
Abstract
Patulin, an emerging mycotoxin with high toxicity, poses great risks to public health. Considering the poor antibody production in patulin immunization, this study focuses on the four-dimensional data-independent acquisition (4D-DIA) quantitative proteomics to reveal the immune response of patulin in rabbits. The rabbit
[...] Read more.
Patulin, an emerging mycotoxin with high toxicity, poses great risks to public health. Considering the poor antibody production in patulin immunization, this study focuses on the four-dimensional data-independent acquisition (4D-DIA) quantitative proteomics to reveal the immune response of patulin in rabbits. The rabbit immunization was performed with the complete developed antigens of patulin, followed by the identification of the immune serum. A total of 554 differential proteins, including 292 up-regulated proteins and 262 down-regulated proteins, were screened; the differential proteins were annotated; and functional enrichment analysis was performed. The differential proteins were associated with the pathways of metabolism, gene information processing, environmental information processing, cellular processes, and organismal systems. The functional enrichment analysis indicated that the immunization procedures mostly resulted in the regulation of biochemical metabolic and signal transduction pathways, including the biosynthesis of amino acid (glycine, serine, and threonine), ascorbate, and aldarate metabolism; fatty acid degradation; and antigen processing and presentation. The 14 key proteins with high connectivity included G1U9T1, B6V9S9, G1SCN8, G1TMS5, G1U9U0, A0A0G2JH20, G1SR03, A0A5F9DAT4, G1SSA2, G1SZ14, G1T670, P30947, P29694, and A0A5F9C804, which were obtained by the analysis of protein–protein interaction networks. This study could provide potential directions for protein interaction and antibody production for food hazards in animal immunization.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immunoassays and Biosensing)
Open AccessArticle
Non-Faradaic Impedimetric Detection of Heavy Metal Ions via a Hybrid Nanoparticle-DNAzyme Biosensor
by
Chrysi Panagopoulou, Evangelos Skotadis, Evangelos Aslanidis, Georgia Tzourmana, Annita Rapesi, Charalampos Tsioustas, Maria Kainourgiaki, Georgios Kleitsiotis, George Tsekenis and Dimitrios Tsoukalas
Biosensors 2024, 14(7), 321; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14070321 - 27 Jun 2024
Abstract
Due to rapid industrialization, novel water-quality monitoring techniques for the detection of highly toxic and hazardous heavy metal ions are essential. Herein, a hybrid noble nanoparticle/DNAzyme electrochemical biosensor is proposed for the simultaneous and label-free detection of Pb2+ and Cr3+ in
[...] Read more.
Due to rapid industrialization, novel water-quality monitoring techniques for the detection of highly toxic and hazardous heavy metal ions are essential. Herein, a hybrid noble nanoparticle/DNAzyme electrochemical biosensor is proposed for the simultaneous and label-free detection of Pb2+ and Cr3+ in aqueous solutions. The sensor is based on the combination of a two-dimensional naked-platinum nanoparticle film and DNAzymes, whose double-helix configuration disassembles into smaller fragments in the presence of target-specific heavy metal ions. The electrochemical behavior of the fabricated sensor was investigated with non-faradaic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), resulting in the successful detection of Pb2+ and Cr3+ well below their maximum permitted levels in tap water. So far, there has been no report on the successful detection of heavy metal ions utilizing the non-faradaic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique based on advanced nanomaterials paired with DNAzymes. This is also one of the few reports on the successful detection of chromium (III) via a sensor incorporating DNAzymes.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Nano-Biomaterial-Based Biosensors)
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Open AccessArticle
MeNPs-PEDOT Composite-Based Detection Platforms for Epinephrine and Quercetin
by
Sorina Alexandra Leau, Mariana Marin, Ana Maria Toader, Mihai Anastasescu, Cristian Matei, Cecilia Lete and Stelian Lupu
Biosensors 2024, 14(7), 320; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14070320 - 25 Jun 2024
Abstract
The development of low-cost, sensitive, and simple analytical tools for biomolecule detection in health status monitoring is nowadays a growing research topic. Sensing platforms integrating nanocomposite materials as recognition elements in the monitoring of various biomolecules and biomarkers are addressing this challenging objective.
[...] Read more.
The development of low-cost, sensitive, and simple analytical tools for biomolecule detection in health status monitoring is nowadays a growing research topic. Sensing platforms integrating nanocomposite materials as recognition elements in the monitoring of various biomolecules and biomarkers are addressing this challenging objective. Herein, we have developed electrochemical sensing platforms by means of a novel fabrication procedure for biomolecule detection. The platforms are based on commercially available low-cost conductive substrates like glassy carbon and/or screen-printed carbon electrodes selectively functionalized with nanocomposite materials composed of Ag and Au metallic nanoparticles and an organic polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene). The novel fabrication method made use of alternating currents with controlled amplitude and frequency. The frequency of the applied alternating current was 100 mHz for the polymer deposition, while a frequency value of 50 mHz was used for the in situ electrodeposition of Ag and Au nanoparticles. The selected frequency values ensured the successful preparation of the composite materials. The use of readily available composite materials is intended to produce cost-effective analytical tools. The judicious modification of the organic conductive matrix by various metallic nanoparticles, such as Ag and Au, extends the potential applications of the sensing platform toward a range of biomolecules like quercetin and epinephrine, chosen as benchmark analytes for proof-of-concept antioxidant and neurotransmitter detection. The sensing platforms were tested successfully for quercetin and epinephrine determination on synthetic and real samples. Wide linear response ranges and low limit-of-detection values were obtained for epinephrine and quercetin detection.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemical Sensors and Biosensors for Environmental, Health, and Food Safety Applications (Volume II))
Open AccessArticle
Copolymer-Coated Gold Nanoparticles: Enhanced Stability and Customizable Functionalization for Biological Assays
by
Dario Brambilla, Federica Panico, Lorenzo Zarini, Alessandro Mussida, Anna M. Ferretti, Mete Aslan, M. Selim Ünlü and Marcella Chiari
Biosensors 2024, 14(7), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14070319 - 24 Jun 2024
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) play a vital role in biotechnology, medicine, and diagnostics due to their unique optical properties. Their conjugation with antibodies, antigens, proteins, or nucleic acids enables precise targeting and enhances biosensing capabilities. Functionalized AuNPs, however, may experience reduced stability, leading to
[...] Read more.
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) play a vital role in biotechnology, medicine, and diagnostics due to their unique optical properties. Their conjugation with antibodies, antigens, proteins, or nucleic acids enables precise targeting and enhances biosensing capabilities. Functionalized AuNPs, however, may experience reduced stability, leading to aggregation or loss of functionality, especially in complex biological environments. Additionally, they can show non-specific binding to unintended targets, impairing assay specificity. Within this work, citrate-stabilized and silica-coated AuNPs (GNPs and SiGNPs, respectively) have been coated using N,N-dimethylacrylamide-based copolymers to increase their stability and enable their functionalization with biomolecules. AuNP stability after modification has been assessed by a combination of techniques including spectrophotometric characterization, nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy and functional microarray tests. Two different copolymers were identified to provide a stable coating of AuNPs while enabling further modification through click chemistry reactions, due to the presence of azide groups in the polymers. Following this experimental design, AuNPs decorated with ssDNA and streptavidin were synthesized and successfully used in a biological assay. In conclusion, a functionalization scheme for AuNPs has been developed that offers ease of modification, often requiring single steps and short incubation time. The obtained functionalized AuNPs offer considerable flexibility, as the functionalization protocol can be personalized to match requirements of multiple assays.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology-Enabled Biosensors)
Open AccessArticle
Terahertz Fingerprint Metasurface Sensor Based on Temperature Variation for Trace Molecules
by
Wei** Wang, Mingjun Sun, Jie Lin, Ying Xue and Yanpeng Shi
Biosensors 2024, 14(7), 318; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14070318 - 24 Jun 2024
Abstract
Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy has demonstrated significant potential for substance detection due to its low destructiveness and due to the abundance of molecular fingerprint absorption signatures that it contains. However, there is limited research on the fingerprint detection of substances at different temperatures. Here,
[...] Read more.
Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy has demonstrated significant potential for substance detection due to its low destructiveness and due to the abundance of molecular fingerprint absorption signatures that it contains. However, there is limited research on the fingerprint detection of substances at different temperatures. Here, we propose a THz metamaterial slit array sensor that exploits localized surface plasmons to enhance the electric field within the slit. The transmission peak frequency can be modulated via temperature adjustments. This method enables the detection of molecular absorption characteristics at multiple spectral frequency points, thereby achieving a specific and highly sensitive detection of characteristic analyte fingerprint spectra. Additionally, the sensor supports the detection of substances at multiple temperatures and sensitively identifies changes in their absorption properties as a function of temperature. Our research has employed temperature variation to achieve a highly sensitive and specific detection of trace analytes, offering a new solution for THz molecular detection.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photonics for Bioapplications: Sensors and Technology)
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Open AccessArticle
Bowtie Nanoantenna LSPR Biosensor for Early Prediction of Preeclampsia
by
Ke Yi, Mengyin Ao, Ting Ding, Danxi Zheng and Lin Li
Biosensors 2024, 14(7), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14070317 - 24 Jun 2024
Abstract
Objective: The concentration of the placental circulating factor in early pregnancy is often extremely low, and the traditional prediction method cannot meet the clinical demand for early detection preeclampsia in high-risk gravida. It is of prime importance to seek an ultra-sensitive early prediction
[...] Read more.
Objective: The concentration of the placental circulating factor in early pregnancy is often extremely low, and the traditional prediction method cannot meet the clinical demand for early detection preeclampsia in high-risk gravida. It is of prime importance to seek an ultra-sensitive early prediction method. Methods: In this study, finite-different time-domain (FDTD) and Discrete Dipole Approximation (DDA) simulation, and electron beam lithography (EBL) methods were used to develop a bowtie nanoantenna (BNA) with the best field enhancement and maximum coupling efficiency. Bio-modification of the placental circulating factor (sFlt-1, PLGF) to the noble nanoparticles based on the amino coupling method were explored. A BNA LSPR biosensor which can specifically identify the placental circulating factor in preeclampsia was constructed. Results: The BNA LSPR biosensor can detect serum placental circulating factors without toxic labeling. Serum sFlt-1 extinction signal (Δλmax) in the preeclampsia group was higher than that in the normal pregnancy group (14.37 ± 2.56 nm vs. 4.21 ± 1.36 nm), p = 0.008, while the serum PLGF extinction signal in the preeclampsia group was lower than that in the normal pregnancy group (5.36 ± 3.15 nm vs. 11.47 ± 4.92 nm), p = 0.013. The LSPR biosensor detection results were linearly consistent with the ELISA kit. Conclusions: LSPR biosensor based on BNA can identify the serum placental circulating factor of preeclampsia with high sensitivity, without toxic labeling and with simple operation, and it is expected to be an early detection method for preeclampsia.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biosensors and Healthcare)
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Open AccessReview
Fueling the Future: The Emergence of Self-Powered Enzymatic Biofuel Cell Biosensors
by
Akhilesh Kumar Gupta and Alexey Viktorovich Krasnoslobodtsev
Biosensors 2024, 14(7), 316; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14070316 - 24 Jun 2024
Abstract
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.
[...] Read more.
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.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends in Development of Biosensors for Disease Diagnosis, Treatment and Management—2nd Edition)
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Open AccessArticle
Characterization of Receptor Binding Affinity for Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor with Interferometric Imaging Sensor
by
Nese Lortlar Ünlü, Monireh Bakhshpour-Yucel, Elisa Chiodi, Sinem Diken-Gür, Sinan Emre and M. Selim Ünlü
Biosensors 2024, 14(7), 315; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14070315 - 24 Jun 2024
Abstract
Wet Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in industrialized nations, often resulting in blindness. Biologics, therapeutic agents derived from biological sources, have been effective in AMD, albeit at a high cost. Due to the high cost of AMD
[...] Read more.
Wet Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in industrialized nations, often resulting in blindness. Biologics, therapeutic agents derived from biological sources, have been effective in AMD, albeit at a high cost. Due to the high cost of AMD treatment, it is critical to determine the binding affinity of biologics to ensure their efficacy and make quantitative comparisons between different drugs. This study evaluates the in vitro VEGF binding affinity of two drugs used for treating wet AMD, monoclonal antibody-based bevacizumab and fusion protein-based aflibercept, performing quantitative binding measurements on an Interferometric Reflectance Imaging Sensor (IRIS) system. Both biologics can inhibit Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). For comparison, the therapeutic molecules were immobilized on to the same support in a microarray format, and their real-time binding interactions with recombinant human VEGF (rhVEGF) were measured using an IRIS. The results indicated that aflibercept exhibited a higher binding affinity to VEGF than bevacizumab, consistent with previous studies using ELISA and SPR. The IRIS system’s innovative and cost-effective features, such as silicon-based semiconductor chips for enhanced signal detection and multiplexed analysis capability, offer new prospects in sensor technologies. These attributes make IRISs a promising tool for future applications in the development of therapeutic agents, specifically biologics.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensing Technologies in Medical Diagnosis)
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Open AccessReview
Recent Advances in Fluorescent Nanoparticles for Stimulated Emission Depletion Imaging
by
Liqing Qi, Songlin Liu, Jiantao **, **ngxing Yao, Long Chen, Dawei Yang, Yijun Liu, Chen**g Wang, Yating **ao, Lubin Qi, Yifei Jiang and **aohong Fang
Biosensors 2024, 14(7), 314; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14070314 - 21 Jun 2024
Abstract
Stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy, as a popular super-resolution imaging technique, has been widely used in bio-structure analysis and resolving the dynamics of biological processes beyond the diffraction limit. The performance of STED critically depends on the optical properties of the fluorescent probes.
[...] Read more.
Stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy, as a popular super-resolution imaging technique, has been widely used in bio-structure analysis and resolving the dynamics of biological processes beyond the diffraction limit. The performance of STED critically depends on the optical properties of the fluorescent probes. Ideally, the probe should process high brightness and good photostability, and exhibit a sensitive response to the depletion beam. Organic dyes and fluorescent proteins, as the most widely used STED probes, suffer from low brightness and exhibit rapid photobleaching under a high excitation power. Recently, luminescent nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as promising fluorescent probes in biological imaging due to their high brightness and good photostability. STED imaging using various kinds of NPs, including quantum dots, polymer dots, carbon dots, aggregation-induced emission dots, etc., has been demonstrated. This review will comprehensively review recent advances in fluorescent NP-based STED probes, discuss their advantages and pitfalls, and outline the directions for future development.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Activatable Probes for Biosensing, Imaging, and Photomedicine)
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Open AccessArticle
Integrated High-Throughput Centrifugal Microfluidic Chip Device for Pathogen Detection On-Site
by
Shuyu Lu, Yuanzhan Yang, Siqi Cui, Anyi Li, Cheng Qian and **aoqiong Li
Biosensors 2024, 14(6), 313; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14060313 - 19 Jun 2024
Abstract
An integrated and high-throughput device for pathogen detection is crucial in point-of-care testing (POCT), especially for early diagnosis of infectious diseases and preventing the spread of infection. We developed an on-site testing platform that utilizes a centrifugal microfluidic chip and automated device to
[...] Read more.
An integrated and high-throughput device for pathogen detection is crucial in point-of-care testing (POCT), especially for early diagnosis of infectious diseases and preventing the spread of infection. We developed an on-site testing platform that utilizes a centrifugal microfluidic chip and automated device to achieve high-throughput detection. The low-power (<32 W), portable (220 mm × 220 mm × 170 mm, 4 kg) device can complete bacterial lysis, nucleic acid extraction and purification, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) reaction, and real-time fluorescence detection. Magnetic beads for nucleic acid adsorption can be mixed by applying electromagnetic fields and centrifugal forces, and the efficiency of nucleic acid extraction is improved by 60% compared to the no-mixing group. The automated nucleic acid extraction process achieves equivalent nucleic acid extraction efficiency in only 40% of the time consumed using the kit protocol. By designing the valve system and disc layout, the maximum speed required for the centrifugal microfluidic chip is reduced to 1500 rpm, greatly reducing the equipment power consumption and size. In detecting E. coli, our platform achieves a limit of detection (LOD) of 102 CFU/mL in 60 min. In summary, our active centrifugal microfluidic platform provides a solution for the integration of complex biological assays on turntables, with great potential in the application of point-of-care diagnosis.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensing Technologies in Medical Diagnosis)
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Open AccessArticle
Photoelectric Multi-Signal Output Sensor Based on Two-Dimensional Covalent Organic Polymer Film Modified by Novel Aggregation-Induced Emission Probes
by
Yaru Song, Guoling Wu, Enbing Zhang, Guangyuan Feng, Shengbin Lei and Lingli Wu
Biosensors 2024, 14(6), 312; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14060312 - 18 Jun 2024
Abstract
Optical sensors, especially fluorescence sensors, have been widely used because of their advantages in sensing, such as the high sensitivity, good selectivity, no radiation source, and easy operation. Here, we report an example of fluorescence sensing based on two-dimensional (2D) covalent organic polymers
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Optical sensors, especially fluorescence sensors, have been widely used because of their advantages in sensing, such as the high sensitivity, good selectivity, no radiation source, and easy operation. Here, we report an example of fluorescence sensing based on two-dimensional (2D) covalent organic polymers and highlight that the material can achieve a fast response and multi-signal output. This 2DPTPAK+TAPB-based sensor can quickly detect aromatic hydrocarbons and Fe3+ by the fluorescence signal or electrical resistance signal.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organic Two-Dimensional Material: Synthesis and Biosensing Applications)
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Open AccessArticle
Development of a Portable Cell-Based Biosensor for the Ultra-Rapid Screening for Boscalid Residues in Lettuce
by
Georgia Moschopoulou, Vasileios Tsekouras, Josep V. Mercader, Antonio Abad-Fuentes and Spyridon Kintzios
Biosensors 2024, 14(6), 311; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14060311 - 18 Jun 2024
Abstract
Fungal plant pathogens have posed a significant threat to crop production. However, the large-scale application of pesticides is associated with possible risks for human health and the environment. Boscalid is a widely used fungicide, consistently implemented for the management of significant plant pathogens.
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Fungal plant pathogens have posed a significant threat to crop production. However, the large-scale application of pesticides is associated with possible risks for human health and the environment. Boscalid is a widely used fungicide, consistently implemented for the management of significant plant pathogens. Conventionally, the detection and determination of boscalid residues is based on chromatographic separations. In the present study, a Bioelectric Recognition Assay (BERA)-based experimental approach combined with MIME technology was used, where changes in the electric properties of the membrane-engineering cells with anti-boscalid antibodies were recorded in response to the presence of boscalid at different concentrations based on the maximum residue level (MRL) for lettuce. The membrane-engineering Vero cells with 0.5 μg/mL of antibody in their surface were selected as the best cell line in combination with the lowest antibody concentration. Furthermore, the biosensor was tested against another fungicide in order to prove its selectivity. Finally, the BERA cell-based biosensor was able to detect the boscalid residue, below and above the MRL, in spiked lettuce leaf extracts in an entirely distinct and reproducible manner. This study indicates that the BERA-based biosensor, after further development and optimization, could be used for the routine, high-throughput detection of boscalid residue in lettuce, and not only that.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cell-Based Biosensors for Rapid Detection and Monitoring)
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Open AccessArticle
Bismuth Film along with dsDNA-Modified Electrode Surfaces as Promising (bio)Sensors in the Analysis of Heavy Metals in Soils
by
Vasiliki Keramari, Sotiria G. Papadimou, Evangelia E. Golia and Stella Girousi
Biosensors 2024, 14(6), 310; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14060310 - 18 Jun 2024
Abstract
Heavy metals constitute pollutants that are particularly common in air, water, and soil. They are present in both urban and rural environments, on land, and in marine ecosystems, where they cause serious environmental problems since they do not degrade easily, remain almost unchanged
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Heavy metals constitute pollutants that are particularly common in air, water, and soil. They are present in both urban and rural environments, on land, and in marine ecosystems, where they cause serious environmental problems since they do not degrade easily, remain almost unchanged for long periods, and bioaccumulate. The detection and especially the quantification of metals require a systematic process. Regular monitoring is necessary because of seasonal variations in metal levels. Consequently, there is a significant need for rapid and low-cost metal determination methods. In this study, we compare and analytically validate absorption spectrometry with a sensitive voltammetric method, which uses a bismuth film-plated electrode surface and applies strip** voltammetry. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) represents a well-established analytical technique, while the applicability of anodic strip** voltammetry (ASV) in complicated sample matrices such as soil samples is currently unknown. This sample-handling challenge is investigated in the present study. The results show that the AAS and ASV methods were satisfactorily correlated and showed that the metal concentration in soils was lower than the limit values but with an increasing trend. Therefore, continuous monitoring of metal levels in the urban complex of a city is necessary and a matter of great importance. The limits of detection of cadmium (Cd) were lower when using the strip** voltammetry (SWASV) graphite furnace technique compared with those obtained with AAS when using the graphite furnace. However, when using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (flame-AAS), the measurements tended to overestimate the concentration of Cd compared with the values found using SWASV. This highlights the differences in sensitivity and accuracy between these analytical methods for detecting Cd. The SWASV method has the advantage of being cheaper and faster, enabling the simultaneous determination of heavy elements across the range of concentrations that these elements can occur in Mediterranean soils. Additionally, a dsDNA biosensor is suggested for the discrimination of Cu(I) along with Cu(II) based on the oxidation peak of guanine, and adenine residues can be applied in the redox speciation analysis of copper in soil, which represents an issue of great importance.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemical Biosensing and Voltammetry Based on Modified Electrodes)
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Open AccessReview
Challenges and Advances in Biomarker Detection for Rapid and Accurate Sepsis Diagnosis: An Electrochemical Approach
by
Deivasigamani Ranjith Kumar, Angelika Banaś and Katarzyna Krukiewicz
Biosensors 2024, 14(6), 309; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14060309 - 17 Jun 2024
Abstract
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition with high mortality rates due to delayed treatment of patients. The conventional methodology for blood diagnosis takes several hours, which suspends treatment, limits early drug administration, and affects the patient’s recovery. Thus, rapid, accurate, bedside (onsite), economical, and
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Sepsis is a life-threatening condition with high mortality rates due to delayed treatment of patients. The conventional methodology for blood diagnosis takes several hours, which suspends treatment, limits early drug administration, and affects the patient’s recovery. Thus, rapid, accurate, bedside (onsite), economical, and reliable sepsis biomarker reading of the clinical sample is an emergent need for patient lifesaving. Electrochemical label-free biosensors are specific and rapid devices that are able to perform analysis at the patient’s bedside; thus, they are considered an attractive methodology in a clinical setting. To reveal their full diagnostic potential, electrode architecture strategies of fabrication are highly desirable, particularly those able to preserve specific antibody–antigen attraction, restrict non-specific adsorption, and exhibit high sensitivity with a low detection limit for a target biomarker. The aim of this review is to provide state-of-the-art methodologies allowing the fabrication of ultrasensitive and highly selective electrochemical sensors for sepsis biomarkers. This review focuses on different methods of label-free biomarker sensors and discusses their advantages and disadvantages. Then, it highlights effective ways of avoiding false results and the role of molecular labels and functionalization. Recent literature on electrode materials and antibody grafting strategies is discussed, and the most efficient methodology for overcoming the non-specific attraction issues is listed. Finally, we discuss the existing electrode architecture for specific biomarker readers and promising tactics for achieving quick and low detection limits for sepsis biomarkers.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensors for the Analysis and Detection of Drug, Food or Disease)
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Open AccessArticle
Design and Application of Microfluidic Capture Device for Physical–Magnetic Isolation of MCF-7 Circulating Tumor Cells
by
Akhilesh Bendre, Derangula Somasekhara, Varalakshmi K. Nadumane, Ganesan Sriram, Ramesh S. Bilimagga and Mahaveer D. Kurkuri
Biosensors 2024, 14(6), 308; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14060308 - 15 Jun 2024
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are a type of cancer cell that spreads from the main tumor to the bloodstream, and they are often the most important among the various entities that can be isolated from the blood. For the diagnosis of cancer, conventional
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Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are a type of cancer cell that spreads from the main tumor to the bloodstream, and they are often the most important among the various entities that can be isolated from the blood. For the diagnosis of cancer, conventional biopsies are often invasive and unreliable, whereas a liquid biopsy, which isolates the affected item from blood or lymph fluid, is a less invasive and effective diagnostic technique. Microfluidic technologies offer a suitable channel for conducting liquid biopsies, and this technology is utilized to extract CTCs in a microfluidic chip by physical and bio-affinity-based techniques. This effort uses functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in a unique microfluidic chip to collect CTCs using a hybrid (physical and bio-affinity-based/guided magnetic) capturing approach with a high capture rate. Accordingly, folic acid-functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles have been used to capture MCF-7 (breast cancer) CTCs with capture efficiencies reaching up to 95% at a 10 µL/min flow rate. Moreover, studies have been conducted to support this claim, including simulation and biomimetic investigations.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Microfluidics: Transforming Detection and Quantification of Disease Biomarkers and Target Organisms)
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