Biosensors

Research

9 pages, 4868 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Detection of Mercury Ion with High Sensitivity and Selectivity Using a DNA/Graphene Oxide Hybrid Immobilized on Glass Slides

by Li Gao, Qiuxiang Lv, Ni Xia, Yuanwei Lin, Feng Lin and Bangxing Han

Biosensors 2021, 11(9), 300; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios11090300 - 27 Aug 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2364

Abstract

Excessive mercury ions (Hg²⁺) cause great pollution to soil/water and pose a major threat to human health. The high sensitivity and high selectivity in the Hg²⁺ detection demonstrated herein are significant for the research areas of analytical chemistry, chemical biology, [...] Read more.

Excessive mercury ions (Hg²⁺) cause great pollution to soil/water and pose a major threat to human health. The high sensitivity and high selectivity in the Hg²⁺ detection demonstrated herein are significant for the research areas of analytical chemistry, chemical biology, physical chemistry, drug discovery, and clinical diagnosis. In this study, a series of simple, low-cost, and highly sensitive biochips based on a graphene oxide (GO)/DNA hybrid was developed. Hg²⁺ is detected with high sensitivity and selectivity by GO/DNA hybrid biochips immobilized on glass slides. The performance of the biosensors can be improved by introducing more phosphorothioate sites and complementary bases. The best limit of detection of the biochips is 0.38 nM with selectivity of over 10:1. This sensor was also used for Hg²⁺ detection in Dendrobium. The results show this biochip is promising for Hg²⁺ detection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Last Advances in Optical Biosensors)

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10 pages, 7177 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Colorimetric Point-of-Care Detection of Clostridium tyrobutyricum Spores in Milk Samples

by Paola Cecere, Francesca Gatto, Claudia Cortimiglia, Daniela Bassi, Franco Lucchini, Pier Sandro Cocconcelli and Pier Paolo Pompa

Biosensors 2021, 11(9), 293; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios11090293 - 24 Aug 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3930

Abstract

Clostridium tyrobutyricum represents the main spoiling agent responsible for late blowing defects (LBD) in hard and semi-hard cheeses. Its spores are resistant to manufacturing procedures and can germinate during the long ripening process, causing the burst of the cheese paste with a consequent [...] Read more.

Clostridium tyrobutyricum represents the main spoiling agent responsible for late blowing defects (LBD) in hard and semi-hard cheeses. Its spores are resistant to manufacturing procedures and can germinate during the long ripening process, causing the burst of the cheese paste with a consequent undesirable taste. The lower quality of blown cheeses leads to considerable financial losses for the producers. The early identification of spore contaminations in raw milk samples thus assumes a pivotal role in industrial quality control. Herein, we developed a point of care (POC) testing method for the sensitive detection of C. tyrobutyricum in milk samples, combining fast DNA extraction (with no purification steps) with a robust colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique. Our approach allows for the sensitive and specific detection of C. tyrobutyricum spores (limit of detection, LoD: ~2 spores/mL), with the advantage of a clear naked-eye visualization of the results and a potential semi-quantitative discrimination of the contamination level. In addition, we demonstrated the feasibility of this strategy using a portable battery-operated device that allowed both DNA extraction and amplification steps, proving its potential for on-site quality control applications without the requirement of sophisticated instrumentation and trained personnel. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Last Advances in Optical Biosensors)

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8 pages, 2236 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

High Performance of a Metal Layer-Assisted Guided-Mode Resonance Biosensor Modulated by Double-Grating

by Chengrui Zhang, Yi Zhou, Lan Mi, Jiong Ma, Xiang Wu and Yiyan Fei

Biosensors 2021, 11(7), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios11070221 - 3 Jul 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3061

Abstract

Guided-mode resonance (GMR) sensors are widely used as biosensors with the advantages of simple structure, easy detection schemes, high efficiency, and narrow linewidth. However, their applications are limited by their relatively low sensitivity (<200 nm/RIU) and in turn low figure of merit (FOM, [...] Read more.

Guided-mode resonance (GMR) sensors are widely used as biosensors with the advantages of simple structure, easy detection schemes, high efficiency, and narrow linewidth. However, their applications are limited by their relatively low sensitivity (<200 nm/RIU) and in turn low figure of merit (FOM, <100 1/RIU). Many efforts have been made to enhance the sensitivity or FOM, separately. To enhance the sensitivity and FOM simultaneously for more sensitive sensing, we proposed a metal layer-assisted double-grating (MADG) structure with the evanescent field extending to the sensing region enabled by the metal reflector layer underneath the double-grating. The influence of structural parameters was systematically investigated. Bulk sensitivity of 550.0 nm/RIU and FOM of 1571.4 1/RIU were obtained after numerical optimization. Compared with a single-grating structure, the surface sensitivity of the double-grating structure for protein adsorption increases by a factor of 2.4 times. The as-proposed MADG has a great potential to be a biosensor with high sensitivity and high accuracy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Last Advances in Optical Biosensors)

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12 pages, 3293 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Organotrialkoxysilane-Functionalized Noble Metal Monometallic, Bimetallic, and Trimetallic Nanoparticle Mediated Non-Enzymatic Sensing of Glucose by Resonance Rayleigh Scattering

by Prem C. Pandey, Murli Dhar Mitra, Shubhangi Shukla and Roger J Narayan

Biosensors 2021, 11(4), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios11040122 - 15 Apr 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2428

Abstract

Organotrialkoxysilanes like 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (3-APTMS)-treated noble metal cations were rapidly converted into their respective nanoparticles in the presence of 3-glycidoxypropylytrimethoxysilane (3-GPTMS). The micellar activity of 3-APTMS also allowed us to replace 3-GPTMS with other suitable organic reagents (e.g., formaldehyde); this approach has significant advantages [...] Read more.

Organotrialkoxysilanes like 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (3-APTMS)-treated noble metal cations were rapidly converted into their respective nanoparticles in the presence of 3-glycidoxypropylytrimethoxysilane (3-GPTMS). The micellar activity of 3-APTMS also allowed us to replace 3-GPTMS with other suitable organic reagents (e.g., formaldehyde); this approach has significant advantages for preparing bimetallic and trimetallic analogs of noble metal nanoparticles that display efficient activity in many practical applications. The formation of monometallic gold, silver, and palladium nanoparticles, bimetallic Ag-Pd, and Au-Pd nanoparticles at various ratios of noble metal cations, and trimetallic Ag-Au-Pd nanoparticles were studied; their biocatalytic activity in non-enzymatic sensing of glucose based on monitoring synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (SFS) was assessed. Of these nanoparticles, Au-Pd made with an 80:20 Au:Pd ratio displayed excellent catalytic activity for glucose sensing. These nanoparticles could also be homogenized with Nafion to enhance the resonance Rayleigh scattering (RRS) signal. In this study, the structural characterization of noble metal nanoparticles as well as bi- and tri-metallic nanoparticles in addition to their use in non-enzymatic sensing of glucose are reported. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Last Advances in Optical Biosensors)

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17 pages, 2220 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Simple Distance Paper-Based Analytical Device for the Screening of Lead in Food Matrices

by Kasinee Katelakha, Vanida Nopponpunth, Watcharee Boonlue and Wanida Laiwattanapaisal

Biosensors 2021, 11(3), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios11030090 - 22 Mar 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4313

Abstract

A simple and rapid distance paper-based analytical device (dPAD) for the detection of lead (Pb) in foods is proposed herein. The assay principle is based on competitive binding between carminic acid (CA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) to Pb in a food sample. The paper [...] Read more.

A simple and rapid distance paper-based analytical device (dPAD) for the detection of lead (Pb) in foods is proposed herein. The assay principle is based on competitive binding between carminic acid (CA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) to Pb in a food sample. The paper channels were pre-immobilized with PEI, before reacting with a mixture of the sample and CA. Pb can strongly bind to the CA; hence, the length of the red color deposition on the flow channel decreased as a lower amount of free CA bound to PEI. The dPAD exhibited good linear correlation, with ranges of 5–100 µg·mL⁻¹ (R² = 0.974) of Pb. Although, the limit of detection (LOD) of this platform was rather high, at 12.3 µg·mL⁻¹, a series of standard additions (8.0, 9.0, and 10.0 µg·mL⁻¹) can be used to interpret the cutoff of Pb concentrations at higher or lower than 2 µg·mL⁻¹. The presence of common metal ions such as calcium, magnesium, nickel, and zinc did not interfere with the color distance readout. The validity of the developed dPAD was demonstrated by its applicability to screen the contamination of Pb in century egg samples. The results obtained from the dPAD are in accordance with the concentration measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) (n = 9). In conclusion, this proposed dPAD, combined with the standard addition method, could be applied for screening Pb contamination in food matrices. This platform is, therefore, potentially applicable for field measurements of Pb in developing countries, because it is cheap and rapid, and it requires no significant laborious instruments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Last Advances in Optical Biosensors)

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13 pages, 3234 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fluorescent Probe for Ag⁺ Detection Using SYBR GREEN I and C-C Mismatch

by Xiaohong Zhou, Abdul Ghaffar Memon, Weiming Sun, Fang Fang and Jinsong Guo

Biosensors 2021, 11(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios11010006 - 24 Dec 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3090

Abstract

Among heavy metals silver ions (Ag⁺) severely impact water, the environment and have serious side effects on human health. This article proposes a facile and ultrasensitive fluorescent probe for the detection of Ag⁺ ions using SYBR Green I (SGI) and [...] Read more.

Among heavy metals silver ions (Ag⁺) severely impact water, the environment and have serious side effects on human health. This article proposes a facile and ultrasensitive fluorescent probe for the detection of Ag⁺ ions using SYBR Green I (SGI) and cytosine-rich (C-rich) silver-specific oligonucleotide (SSO). Maximum fluorescent intensities with the highest sensitivity were obtained using a 0.61 dye/SSO base ratio (DBR). The established sensing principle using the optimized parameters for bath temperature, SSO concentration, DBR, ionic strength, pH, reaction time, incubation duration and temperature effect achieved a sensitive limit of detection of 59.9 nM for silver ions (calculated through 3σ, n = 11) with a linear working range of 100–1000 nM and 0.997 R². The total time for one assay is below 10 min; The relative standard derivation for ten repeated measurements is 8.6%. No blatant interferences were observed in the selectivity test when fluorescent probe is evaluated by investigating the effects of 11 common interference factors in the aqueous matrix. In extreme cases, three false-negative factors were observed, including calcium hardness, magnesium hardness, and hypochlorite. The recovery ratios were within the range of 79~110% for three types of diluted water. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Last Advances in Optical Biosensors)

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

25 pages, 2610 KiB

Open AccessReview

Olfactory Optogenetics: Light Illuminates the Chemical Sensing Mechanisms of Biological Olfactory Systems

by Ping Zhu, Yulan Tian, Yating Chen, Wei Chen, Ping Wang, Liping Du and Chunsheng Wu

Biosensors 2021, 11(9), 309; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios11090309 - 31 Aug 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3972

Abstract

The mammalian olfactory system has an amazing ability to distinguish thousands of odorant molecules at the trace level. Scientists have made great achievements on revealing the olfactory sensing mechanisms in decades; even though many issues need addressing. Optogenetics provides a novel technical approach [...] Read more.

The mammalian olfactory system has an amazing ability to distinguish thousands of odorant molecules at the trace level. Scientists have made great achievements on revealing the olfactory sensing mechanisms in decades; even though many issues need addressing. Optogenetics provides a novel technical approach to solve this dilemma by utilizing light to illuminate specific part of the olfactory system; which can be used in all corners of the olfactory system for revealing the olfactory mechanism. This article reviews the most recent advances in olfactory optogenetics devoted to elucidate the mechanisms of chemical sensing. It thus attempts to introduce olfactory optogenetics according to the structure of the olfactory system. It mainly includes the following aspects: the sensory input from the olfactory epithelium to the olfactory bulb; the influences of the olfactory bulb (OB) neuron activity patterns on olfactory perception; the regulation between the olfactory cortex and the olfactory bulb; and the neuromodulation participating in odor coding by dominating the olfactory bulb. Finally; current challenges and future development trends of olfactory optogenetics are proposed and discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Last Advances in Optical Biosensors)

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23 pages, 5061 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Two-Dimensional Material-Based Colorimetric Biosensors: A Review

by Danzhu Zhu, Bin Liu and Gang Wei

Biosensors 2021, 11(8), 259; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios11080259 - 31 Jul 2021

Cited by 93 | Viewed by 9504

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) materials such as graphene, graphene oxide, transition metal oxide, MXene and others have shown high potential for the design and fabrication of various sensors and biosensors due to their 2D layered structure and unique properties. Compared to traditional fluorescent, electrochemical, and [...] Read more.

Two-dimensional (2D) materials such as graphene, graphene oxide, transition metal oxide, MXene and others have shown high potential for the design and fabrication of various sensors and biosensors due to their 2D layered structure and unique properties. Compared to traditional fluorescent, electrochemical, and electrical biosensors, colorimetric biosensors exhibit several advantages including naked-eye determination, low cost, quick response, and easy fabrication. In this review, we present recent advances in the design, fabrication, and applications of 2D material-based high-performance colorimetric biosensors. Potential colorimetric sensing mechanisms and optimal material selection as well as sensor fabrication are introduced in brief. In addition, colorimetric biosensors based on different 2D materials such as graphene, transition metal dichalcogenide/oxide, MXenes, metal–organic frameworks, and metal nanoplates for the sensitive detection of DNA, proteins, viruses, small molecules, metallic ions, and others are presented and discussed in detail. This work will be helpful for readers to understand the knowledge of 2D material modification, nanozymes, and the synthesis of hybrid materials; meanwhile, it could be valuable to promote the design, fabrication, and applications of 2D material-based sensors and biosensors in quick bioanalysis and disease diagnostics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Last Advances in Optical Biosensors)

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22 pages, 68913 KiB

Open AccessReview

Review of Integrated Optical Biosensors for Point-of-Care Applications

by Yung-Tsan Chen, Ya-Chu Lee, Yao-Hsuan Lai, Jin-Chun Lim, Nien-Tsu Huang, Chih-Ting Lin and Jian-Jang Huang

Biosensors 2020, 10(12), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios10120209 - 18 Dec 2020

Cited by 111 | Viewed by 9755

Abstract

This article reviews optical biosensors and their integration with microfluidic channels. The integrated biosensors have the advantages of higher accuracy and sensitivity because they can simultaneously monitor two or more parameters. They can further incorporate many functionalities such as electrical control and signal [...] Read more.

This article reviews optical biosensors and their integration with microfluidic channels. The integrated biosensors have the advantages of higher accuracy and sensitivity because they can simultaneously monitor two or more parameters. They can further incorporate many functionalities such as electrical control and signal readout monolithically in a single semiconductor chip, making them ideal candidates for point-of-care testing. In this article, we discuss the applications by specifically looking into point-of-care testing (POCT) using integrated optical sensors. The requirement and future perspective of integrated optical biosensors for POC is addressed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Last Advances in Optical Biosensors)

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19 pages, 5162 KiB

Open AccessReview

BODIPY Dyes as Probes and Sensors to Study Amyloid-β-Related Processes

by Sergei V. Dzyuba

Biosensors 2020, 10(12), 192; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios10120192 - 27 Nov 2020

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5902

Abstract

Amyloid formation plays a major role in a number of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. Amyloid-β peptides (Aβ) are one of the primary markers associated with this pathology. Aβ aggregates exhibit a diverse range of morphologies with distinct pathological activities. Recognition of the [...] Read more.

Amyloid formation plays a major role in a number of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. Amyloid-β peptides (Aβ) are one of the primary markers associated with this pathology. Aβ aggregates exhibit a diverse range of morphologies with distinct pathological activities. Recognition of the Aβ aggregates by using small molecule-based probes and sensors should not only enhance understanding of the underlying mechanisms of amyloid formation, but also facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies to interfere with amyloid neurotoxicity. BODIPY (boron dipyrrin) dyes are among the most versatile small molecule fluorophores. BODIPY scaffolds could be functionalized to tune their photophysical properties to the desired ranges as well as to adapt these dyes to various types of conditions and environments. Thus, BODIPY dyes could be viewed as unique platforms for the design of probes and sensors that are capable of detecting and tracking structural changes of various Aβ aggregates. This review summarizes currently available examples of BODIPY dyes that have been used to investigate conformational changes of Aβ peptides, self-assembly processes of Aβ, as well as Aβ interactions with various molecules. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Last Advances in Optical Biosensors)

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20 pages, 3578 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in MXene Nanocomposite-Based Biosensors

by Jinho Yoon, Minkyu Shin, Joungpyo Lim, Ji-Young Lee and Jeong-Woo Choi

Biosensors 2020, 10(11), 185; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios10110185 - 20 Nov 2020

Cited by 67 | Viewed by 8092

Abstract

The development of advanced biosensors with high sensitivity and selectivity is one of the most demanded concerns in the field of biosensors. To meet this requirement, up until now, numerous nanomaterials have been introduced to develop biosensors for achieving high sensitivity and selectivity. [...] Read more.

The development of advanced biosensors with high sensitivity and selectivity is one of the most demanded concerns in the field of biosensors. To meet this requirement, up until now, numerous nanomaterials have been introduced to develop biosensors for achieving high sensitivity and selectivity. Among the latest nanomaterials attracting attention, MXene is one of the best materials for the development of biosensors because of its various superior properties. MXenes are two-dimensional inorganic compounds with few atomic layers that possess excellent characteristics including high conductivity and superior fluorescent, optical, and plasmonic properties. In this review, advanced biosensors developed on the basis of the MXene nanocomposite are discussed with the selective overview of recently reported studies. For this, introduction of the MXene including the definition, synthesis methods, and its properties are discussed. Next, MXene-based electrochemical biosensors and MXene-based fluorescent/optical biosensors are provided, which are developed on the basis of the exceptional properties of the MXene nanocomposite. This review will suggest the direction for use of the Mxene nanocomposite to develop advanced biosensors with high sensitivity and selectivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Last Advances in Optical Biosensors)

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22 pages, 5591 KiB

Open AccessReview

Overview of Recent Advances in the Design of Plasmonic Fiber-Optic Biosensors

by Yashar Esfahani Monfared

Biosensors 2020, 10(7), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios10070077 - 9 Jul 2020

Cited by 99 | Viewed by 8441

Abstract

Plasmonic fiber-optic biosensors combine the flexibility and compactness of optical fibers and high sensitivity of nanomaterials to their surrounding medium, to detect biological species such as cells, proteins, and DNA. Due to their small size, accuracy, low cost, and possibility of remote and [...] Read more.

Plasmonic fiber-optic biosensors combine the flexibility and compactness of optical fibers and high sensitivity of nanomaterials to their surrounding medium, to detect biological species such as cells, proteins, and DNA. Due to their small size, accuracy, low cost, and possibility of remote and distributed sensing, plasmonic fiber-optic biosensors are promising alternatives to traditional methods for biomolecule detection, and can result in significant advances in clinical diagnostics, drug discovery, food process control, disease, and environmental monitoring. In this review article, we overview the key plasmonic fiber-optic biosensing design concepts, including geometries based on conventional optical fibers like unclad, side-polished, tapered, and U-shaped fiber designs, and geometries based on specialty optical fibers, such as photonic crystal fibers and tilted fiber Bragg gratings. The review will be of benefit to both engineers in the field of optical fiber technology and scientists in the fields of biosensing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Last Advances in Optical Biosensors)

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Other

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11 pages, 1664 KiB

Open AccessLetter

Waveguide-Based Fluorescent Immunosensor for the Simultaneous Detection of Carbofuran and 3-Hydroxy-Carbofuran

by Weiming Sun, Lanhua Liu, Abdul Ghaffar Memon, Xiaohong Zhou and Hongwei Zhao

Biosensors 2020, 10(12), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios10120191 - 27 Nov 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2715

Abstract

Carbofuran (CBF) is an efficient and broad-spectrum insecticide. As testing indicators for water quality and agricultural products, CBF and its metabolite 3-hydroxy-carbofuran (3-OH-CBF) are regulated by many countries. The detection of CBF and 3-OH-CBF is of great importance for the environment and human [...] Read more.

Carbofuran (CBF) is an efficient and broad-spectrum insecticide. As testing indicators for water quality and agricultural products, CBF and its metabolite 3-hydroxy-carbofuran (3-OH-CBF) are regulated by many countries. The detection of CBF and 3-OH-CBF is of great importance for the environment and human health. However, an immunosensor detection method for the simultaneous analysis of CBF and 3-OH-CBF remains unavailable. Herein, we report a waveguide-based fluorescent immunosensor for detecting CBF and 3-OH-CBF, synchronously. The immunosensor is based on a broad-spectrum monoclonal antibody with high binding affinity against CBF and 3-OH-CBF. The linear detection ranges for CBF and 3-OH-CBF are 0.29–2.69 and 0.12–4.59 μg/L, with limits of detection of 0.13 μg/L for CBF and 0.06 μg/L for 3-OH-CBF, respectively. The whole detection process for each cycle is approximately 30 min. The results show a good application prospect for the rapid detection of CBF and 3-OH-CBF in water or agricultural products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Last Advances in Optical Biosensors)

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