Electrochemical Sensors and Biosensors for Environmental, Health, and Food Safety Applications

A special issue of Biosensors (ISSN 2079-6374). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Biosensors and Biosensing".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2023) | Viewed by 33243

Special Issue Editors


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Department of Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: electrochemical sensors and biosensors; instrumental analysis; electroanalysis; analytical chemistry; environmental analysis; modified electrodes; microelectrodes; conducting polymers; metal nanoparticles; nanocomposite materials
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Guest Editor
Electrochemistry-Corrosion Department, Institute of Physical Chemistry “Ilie Murgulescu” of the Romanian Academy, 202 Splaiul Independentei, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: electrochemical sensors and biosensors; modified electrodes; conducting polymers; electroanalysis of organic and inorganic pollutants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The use of electrochemical (bio)sensors for the monitoring of target analytes in environmental, health, and food safety applications has attracted great interest in recent years. Electrochemical sensors based on tailored composite sensing materials as well as electrochemical biosensors containing biologic recognition elements, such as enzyme, nucleic acids, and engineered biomolecules, have been established as powerful analytical devices enabling fast, reliable, low cost, and sensitive analytical measurements. Direct measurements can be conducted onsite or in vivo, requiring no or only minor sample treatment, have ensured the rapid growth of electrochemical (bio)sensors for monitoring target emergent pollutants, inorganic and organic pollutants, endocrine disruptors, antioxidants, pharmaceutical contaminants, toxins, biohazard compounds, and biomarkers that have a profound impact on the life quality via issues related to the environment, food, and health.

This Special Issue aims to provide an updated overview of the recent developments and applications of electrochemical (bio)sensors in environmental quality, health, and food safety monitoring, including but not limited to various topics related to new detection analytical strategies, miniaturization and microfabrication of portable sensors, tailored (bio)recognition elements, in vivo detection, onsite monitoring, and remote sensing. Contributions in the form of reviews and research papers dealing with the latest developments of electrochemical (bio)sensors and their analytical applications in sensing of target analytes in environmental, biomedical, and agri-food samples are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Stelian Lupu
Dr. Cecilia Lete
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • electrochemical sensors and biosensors
  • miniaturization and fabrication
  • environmental monitoring
  • organic and inorganic pollutants
  • antioxidants
  • toxins
  • pharmaceutical contaminants
  • food safety
  • in vivo detection
  • biomarkers

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Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 4439 KiB  
Article
An Electrochemical Aptasensor for the Detection of Freshwater Cyanobacteria
by Mai-Lan Pham, Somayeh Maghsoomi and Martin Brandl
Biosensors 2024, 14(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14010028 - 4 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2030
Abstract
Aphanizomenon is a genus of cyanobacteria that is filamentous and nitrogen-fixing and inhabits aquatic environments. This genus is known as one of the major producers of cyanotoxins that can affect water quality after the bloom period. In this study, an electrochemical aptasensor is [...] Read more.
Aphanizomenon is a genus of cyanobacteria that is filamentous and nitrogen-fixing and inhabits aquatic environments. This genus is known as one of the major producers of cyanotoxins that can affect water quality after the bloom period. In this study, an electrochemical aptasensor is demonstrated using a specific aptamer to detect Aphanizomenon sp. ULC602 for the rapid and sensitive detection of this bacterium. The principal operation of the generated aptasensor is based on the conformational change in the aptamer attached to the electrode surface in the presence of the target bacterium, resulting in a decrease in the current peak, which is measured by square-wave voltammetry (SWV). This aptasensor has a limit of detection (LOD) of OD750~0.3, with an extension to OD750~1.2 and a sensitivity of 456.8 μA·OD750−1·cm−2 without interference from other cyanobacteria. This is the first aptasensor studied that provides rapid detection to monitor the spread of this bacterium quickly in a targeted manner. Full article
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15 pages, 3973 KiB  
Article
Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Using Peach Extract Incorporated in Graphene for the Electrochemical Determination of Antioxidant Butylated Hydroxyanisole in Food Matrices
by Emanuela Grechi Döll, Edson Roberto Santana, João Paulo Winiarski, Luan Gabriel Baumgarten and Iolanda Cruz Vieira
Biosensors 2023, 13(12), 1037; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13121037 - 18 Dec 2023
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2513
Abstract
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a synthetic phenolic antioxidant widely used in various food matrices to prevent oxidative rancidity. However, its presence has been associated with liver damage and carcinogenesis in animals. Thus, an electrochemical sensor was built using a composite of gold nanoparticles [...] Read more.
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a synthetic phenolic antioxidant widely used in various food matrices to prevent oxidative rancidity. However, its presence has been associated with liver damage and carcinogenesis in animals. Thus, an electrochemical sensor was built using a composite of gold nanoparticles synthesized in peach extract (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) and graphene. Peach extract served as a reducing and stabilizing agent for gold nanoparticles, as a dispersing agent for graphene, and as a film former to immobilize the composite on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode. The gold nanoparticles were characterized using spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, and the electrodes were electrochemically characterized using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The sensor provided higher current responses and lower charge transfer resistances compared to the unmodified glassy carbon electrode. Under the established optimized working conditions (0.1 mol L−1 Britton–Robinson buffer, pH 4.0, and differential pulse voltammetry), the calibration curve exhibited a linear range from 0.2 to 9.8 µmol L–1, with a detection limit of 70 nmol L−1. The proposed sensor represented a sensitive and practical analytical tool for the accurate determination of BHA in mayonnaise samples. Full article
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14 pages, 2040 KiB  
Article
C-undecylcalix[4]resorcinarene Langmuir–Blodgett/Porous Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite Film as a Electrochemical Sensor for the Determination of Tryptophan
by Yanju Wu, Keyu Chen and Fei Wang
Biosensors 2023, 13(12), 1024; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13121024 - 10 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1593
Abstract
In this study, a composite film was developed for the electrochemical sensing of tryptophan (Trp). Porous reduced graphene oxide (PrGO) was utilized as the electron transfer layer, and a C-undecylcalix[4]resorcinarene Langmuir–Blodgett (CUCR-LB) film served as the molecular recognition layer. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), [...] Read more.
In this study, a composite film was developed for the electrochemical sensing of tryptophan (Trp). Porous reduced graphene oxide (PrGO) was utilized as the electron transfer layer, and a C-undecylcalix[4]resorcinarene Langmuir–Blodgett (CUCR-LB) film served as the molecular recognition layer. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrochemical experiments were employed to analyze the characteristics of the CUCR-LB/PrGO composite film. The electrochemical behavior of Trp on the CUCR-LB/PrGO composite film was investigated, revealing a Trp linear response range of 1.0 × 10−7 to 3.0 × 10−5 mol L−1 and a detection limit of 3.0 × 10−8 mol L−1. Furthermore, the developed electroanalytical method successfully determined Trp content in an amino acid injection sample. This study not only introduces a rapid and reliable electrochemical method for the determination of Trp but also presents a new strategy for constructing high-performance electrochemical sensing platforms. Full article
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16 pages, 7900 KiB  
Article
Electrochemical Biosensors for Express Analysis of the Integral Toxicity of Polymer Materials
by Natalia Yu. Yudina, Tatyana N. Kozlova, Daniil A. Bogachikhin, Maria M. Kosarenina, Vyacheslav A. Arlyapov and Sergey V. Alferov
Biosensors 2023, 13(12), 1011; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13121011 - 4 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1742
Abstract
Biosensors based on an oxygen electrode, a mediator electrode, and a mediator microbial biofuel cell (MFC) using the bacteria Gluconobacter oxydans B-1280 were formed and tested to determine the integral toxicity. G. oxydans bacteria exhibited high sensitivity to the toxic effects of phenol, [...] Read more.
Biosensors based on an oxygen electrode, a mediator electrode, and a mediator microbial biofuel cell (MFC) using the bacteria Gluconobacter oxydans B-1280 were formed and tested to determine the integral toxicity. G. oxydans bacteria exhibited high sensitivity to the toxic effects of phenol, 2,4-dinitrophenol, salicylic and trichloroacetic acid, and a number of heavy metal ions. The system “G. oxydans bacteria–ferrocene–graphite-paste electrode” was superior in sensitivity to biosensors formed using an oxygen electrode and MFC, in particular regarding heavy metal ions (EC50 of Cr3+, Mn2+, and Cd2+ was 0.8 mg/dm3, 0.3 mg/dm3 and 1.6 mg/dm3, respectively). It was determined that the period of stable functioning of electrochemical systems during measurements was reduced by half (from 30 to 15 days) due to changes in the enzyme system of microbial cells when exposed to toxicants. Samples of the products made from polymeric materials were analyzed using developed biosensor systems and standard biotesting methods based on inhibiting the growth of duckweed Lemna minor, reducing the motility of bull sperm, and quenching the luminescence of the commercial test system “Ecolum”. The developed bioelectrocatalytic systems were comparable in sensitivity to commercial biosensors, which made it possible to correlate the results and identify, by all methods, a highly toxic sample containing diphenylmethane-4,4′-diisocyanate according to GC-MS data. Full article
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11 pages, 12866 KiB  
Article
Functionalized-Graphene Field Effect Transistor-Based Biosensor for Ultrasensitive and Label-Free Detection of β-Galactosidase Produced by Escherichia coli
by Shanhong Wei, Yanzhi Dou, Shiping Song and Tie Li
Biosensors 2023, 13(10), 925; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13100925 - 12 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1967
Abstract
The detection of β-galactosidase (β-gal) activity produced by Escherichia coli (E. coli) can quickly analyze the pollution degree of seawater bodies in bathing and fishing grounds to avoid large-scale outbreaks of water pollution. Here, a functionalized biosensor based on graphene-based field [...] Read more.
The detection of β-galactosidase (β-gal) activity produced by Escherichia coli (E. coli) can quickly analyze the pollution degree of seawater bodies in bathing and fishing grounds to avoid large-scale outbreaks of water pollution. Here, a functionalized biosensor based on graphene-based field effect transistor (GFET) modified with heat-denatured casein was developed for the ultrasensitive and label-free detection of the β-gal produced by E. coli in real water samples. The heat-denatured casein coated on the graphene surface, as a probe linker and blocker, plays an important role in fabricating GEFT biosensor. The GFET biosensor response to the β-gal produced by E. coli has a wide concentration dynamic range spanning nine orders of magnitude, in a concentration range of 1 fg·mL−1–100 ng·mL−1, with a limit of detection (LOD) 0.187 fg·mL−1 (1.61 aM). In addition to its attomole sensitivity, the GFET biosensor selectively recognized the β-gal in the water sample and showed good selectivity. Importantly, the detection process of the β-gal produced by E. coli can be completed by a straightforward one-step specific immune recognition reaction. These results demonstrated the usefulness of the approach, meeting environmental monitoring requirements for future use. Full article
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17 pages, 8598 KiB  
Article
Electrochemical Sensing Platform Based on Metal Nanoparticles for Epinephrine and Serotonin
by Sorina Alexandra Leau, Cecilia Lete, Cristian Matei and Stelian Lupu
Biosensors 2023, 13(8), 781; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13080781 - 1 Aug 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1587
Abstract
A sensing platform based on nanocomposite materials composed of gold metal nanoparticles (AuNPs) and conducting polymer (CP) matrix has been developed for serotonin and epinephrine detection. The CP-AuNPs nanocomposite materials have been synthesized onto glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) by using novel electrochemical procedures [...] Read more.
A sensing platform based on nanocomposite materials composed of gold metal nanoparticles (AuNPs) and conducting polymer (CP) matrix has been developed for serotonin and epinephrine detection. The CP-AuNPs nanocomposite materials have been synthesized onto glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) by using novel electrochemical procedures based on sinusoidal currents (SC). The SC procedures ensured good control of the metal nanoparticles distribution, increased electrochemical surface area, and enhanced analytical performance. The proposed sensing platform displayed good analytical performance toward serotonin and epinephrine detection. A wide linear analytical response toward epinephrine in the range from 10 to 640 μM and a low detection limit of 1.4 μM epinephrine has been obtained. The sensing platform has also displayed a linear response toward serotonin in the range from 10 to 320 μM, with a detection limit of 5.7 μM serotonin. The sensing platform has been successfully applied in the analysis of epinephrine and serotonin in real samples of tap water and urine with good accuracy. Full article
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22 pages, 5535 KiB  
Article
Sensing High 17β-Estradiol Concentrations Using a Planar Microwave Sensor Integrated with a Microfluidic Channel
by Supakorn Harnsoongnoen, Panida Loutchanwoot and Prayook Srivilai
Biosensors 2023, 13(5), 541; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13050541 - 12 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2051
Abstract
The global issue of pollution caused by endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has been gaining increasing attention. Among the EDCs of environmental concern, 17β-estradiol (E2) can produce the strongest estrogenic effects when it enters the organism exogenously through various routes and has the potential to [...] Read more.
The global issue of pollution caused by endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has been gaining increasing attention. Among the EDCs of environmental concern, 17β-estradiol (E2) can produce the strongest estrogenic effects when it enters the organism exogenously through various routes and has the potential to cause harm, including malfunctions of the endocrine system and development of growth and reproductive disorders in humans and animals. Additionally, in humans, supraphysiological levels of E2 have been associated with a range of E2-dependent disorders and cancers. To ensure environmental safety and prevent potential risks of E2 to human and animal health, it is crucial to develop rapid, sensitive, low cost and simple approaches for detecting E2 contamination in the environment. A planar microwave sensor for E2 sensing is presented based on the integration of a microstrip transmission line (TL) loaded with a Peano fractal geometry with a narrow slot complementary split-ring resonator (PF-NSCSRR) and a microfluidic channel. The proposed technique offers a wide linear range for detecting E2, ranging from 0.001 to 10 mM, and can achieve high sensitivity with small sample volumes and simple operation methods. The proposed microwave sensor was validated through simulations and empirical measurements within a frequency range of 0.5–3.5 GHz. The E2 solution was delivered to the sensitive area of the sensor device via a microfluidic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) channel with an area of 2.7 mm2 and sample value of 1.37 µL and measured by a proposed sensor. The injection of E2 into the channel resulted in changes in the transmission coefficient (S21) and resonance frequency (Fr), which can be used as an indicator of E2 levels in solution. The maximum quality factor of 114.89 and the maximum sensitivity based on S21 and Fr at a concentration of 0.01 mM were 1746.98 dB/mM and 40 GHz/mM, respectively. Upon comparing the proposed sensor with the original Peano fractal geometry with complementary split-ring (PF-CSRR) sensors without a narrow slot, several parameters were evaluated, including sensitivity, quality factor, operating frequency, active area, and sample volume. The results showed that the proposed sensor exhibited an increased sensitivity of 6.08% and had a 40.72% higher quality factor, while the operating frequency, active area, and sample volume showed decreases of 1.71%, 25%, and 28.27%, respectively. The materials under tests (MUTs) were analyzed and categorized into groups using principal component analysis (PCA) with a K-mean clustering algorithm. The proposed E2 sensor has a compact size and simple structure that can be easily fabricated with low-cost materials. With the small sample volume requirement, fast measurement with a wide dynamic range, and a simple protocol, this proposed sensor can also be applied to measure high E2 levels in environmental, human, and animal samples. Full article
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15 pages, 4125 KiB  
Article
Label-Free Immunosensor Based on Polyaniline-Loaded MXene and Gold-Decorated β-Cyclodextrin for Efficient Detection of Carcinoembryonic Antigen
by Qi Wang, Huaqian Xin and Zhou Wang
Biosensors 2022, 12(8), 657; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12080657 - 19 Aug 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2709
Abstract
Multiple strategies have been employed to improve the performance of label-free immunosensors, among which building highly conductive interfaces and introducing suitable biocompatible carriers for immobilizing antibodies or antigens are believed to be efficient in most cases. Inspired by this, a label-free immunosensor for [...] Read more.
Multiple strategies have been employed to improve the performance of label-free immunosensors, among which building highly conductive interfaces and introducing suitable biocompatible carriers for immobilizing antibodies or antigens are believed to be efficient in most cases. Inspired by this, a label-free immunosensor for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) detection was constructed by assembling AuNPs and β-CD (Au-β-CD) on the surface of FTO modified with PANI-decorated f-MXene (MXene@PANI). Driven by the high electron conductivity of MXene@PANI and the excellent capability of Au-β-CD for antibody immobilization, the BSA/anti-CEA/Au-β-CD/MXene@PANI/FTO immunosensor exhibits balanced performance towards CEA detection, with a practical linear range of 0.5–350 ng/mL and a low detection limit of 0.0429 ng/mL. Meanwhile, the proposed sensor presents satisfying selectivity, repeatability, and stability, as well as feasibility in clinic serum samples. This work would enlighten the prospective research on the alternative strategies in constructing advanced immunosensors. Full article
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18 pages, 3078 KiB  
Article
Oxygen Vacancy Injection on (111) CeO2 Nanocrystal Facets for Efficient H2O2 Detection
by Tong Li, Qi Wang and Zhou Wang
Biosensors 2022, 12(8), 592; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12080592 - 3 Aug 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2423
Abstract
Facet and defect engineering have achieved great success in improving the catalytic performance of CeO2, but the inconsistent reports on the synergistic effect of facet and oxygen vacancy and the lack of investigation on the heavily doped oxygen vacancy keeps it [...] Read more.
Facet and defect engineering have achieved great success in improving the catalytic performance of CeO2, but the inconsistent reports on the synergistic effect of facet and oxygen vacancy and the lack of investigation on the heavily doped oxygen vacancy keeps it an attractive subject. Inspired by this, CeO2 nanocrystals with selectively exposed crystalline facets (octahedron, cube, sphere, rod) and abundant oxygen vacancies have been synthesized to investigate the synergistic effect of facet and heavily doped oxygen vacancy. The contrasting electrochemical behavior displayed by diverse reduced CeO2 nanocrystals verifies that oxygen vacancy acts distinctly on different facets. The thermodynamically most stable CeO2 octahedron enclosed by heavily doped (111) facets surprisingly exhibited the optimum non-enzymatic H2O2 sensing performance, with a high sensitivity (128.83 µA mM−1 cm−2), a broad linear range (20 µM~13.61 mM), and a low detection limit (1.63 µM). Meanwhile, the sensor presented satisfying selectivity, repeatability, stability, as well as its feasibility in medical disinfectants. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of facet and oxygen vacancy was clarified by the inclined distribution states of oxygen vacancy and the electronic transmission property. This work enlightens prospective research on the synergistic effect of alternative crystal surface engineering strategies. Full article
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12 pages, 4064 KiB  
Article
A Rotatable Paper Device Integrating Reverse Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification and a Food Dye for Colorimetric Detection of Infectious Pathogens
by Hanh An Nguyen, Heewon Choi and Nae Yoon Lee
Biosensors 2022, 12(7), 488; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12070488 - 4 Jul 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2377
Abstract
In this study, we developed a rotatable paper device integrating loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) and a novel naked-eye readout of the RT-LAMP results using a food additive, carmoisine, for infectious pathogen detection. Hydroxyl radicals created from the reaction between CuSO4 and H [...] Read more.
In this study, we developed a rotatable paper device integrating loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) and a novel naked-eye readout of the RT-LAMP results using a food additive, carmoisine, for infectious pathogen detection. Hydroxyl radicals created from the reaction between CuSO4 and H2O2 were used to decolor carmoisine, which is originally red. The decolorization of carmoisine can be interrupted in the presence of DNA amplicons produced by the RT-LAMP reaction due to how DNA competitively reacts with the hydroxyl radicals to maintain the red color of the solution. In the absence of the target DNA, carmoisine is decolored, owing to its reaction with hydroxyl radicals; thus, positive and negative samples can be easily differentiated based on the color change of the solution. A rotatable paper device was fabricated to integrate the RT-LAMP reaction with carmoisine-based colorimetric detection. The rotatable paper device was successfully used to detect SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV within 70 min using the naked eye. Enterococcus faecium spiked in milk was detected using the rotatable paper device. The detection limits for the SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV targets were both 103 copies/µL. The rotatable paper device provides a portable and low-cost tool for detecting infectious pathogens in a resource-limited environment. Full article
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14 pages, 3307 KiB  
Article
Acetylcholinesterase Biosensor Based on Functionalized Renewable Carbon Platform for Detection of Carbaryl in Food
by Erik W. Nunes, Martin K. L. Silva, Jesús Rascón, Damaris Leiva-Tafur, Rainer M. L. Lapa and Ivana Cesarino
Biosensors 2022, 12(7), 486; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12070486 - 3 Jul 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3789
Abstract
Enzymatic electrochemical biosensors play an important role in the agri-food sector due to the need to develop sustainable, low-cost, and easy-to-use analytical devices. Such biosensors can be used to monitor pathogens, endocrine disruptors, and pesticides, such as carbaryl, widely used in many crops. [...] Read more.
Enzymatic electrochemical biosensors play an important role in the agri-food sector due to the need to develop sustainable, low-cost, and easy-to-use analytical devices. Such biosensors can be used to monitor pathogens, endocrine disruptors, and pesticides, such as carbaryl, widely used in many crops. The use of renewable carbon (RC) sources, provided from biomass pyrolysis has been often applied in the fabrication of such sensors. This material is a great candidate for biosensor fabrication due to the presence of surface functional groups, porosity, and moderate surface area. This work describes the functionalization of RC material through an acid treatment with a sulfonitric solution HNO3/H2SO4 (1:3) and the resulting material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The obtained RC functionalized (RCF) and the acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) were applied in the construction of the electrochemical biosensor on glassy carbon (GC) electrode and used to detect carbaryl in apple samples. The GC/RCF/AChE biosensor was able to detect the carbaryl pesticide from 5.0 to 30.0 nmol L−1, displaying a LOD of 4.5 nmol L−1. The detection of carbaryl in apple samples presented recoveries between 102.5 to 118.6% through the standard addition method. The proposed biosensor is a promising renewable tool for food safety. Full article
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Review

Jump to: Research

24 pages, 4606 KiB  
Review
Using Nanomaterials as Excellent Immobilisation Layer for Biosensor Design
by Azeez Olayiwola Idris, Seyi Philemon Akanji, Benjamin O. Orimolade, Foluke Omobola Grace Olorundare, Shohreh Azizi, Bhekie Mamba and Malik Maaza
Biosensors 2023, 13(2), 192; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13020192 - 27 Jan 2023
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2946
Abstract
The endless development in nanotechnology has introduced new vitality in device fabrication including biosensor design for biomedical applications. With outstanding features like suitable biocompatibility, good electrical and thermal conductivity, wide surface area and catalytic activity, nanomaterials have been considered excellent and promising immobilisation [...] Read more.
The endless development in nanotechnology has introduced new vitality in device fabrication including biosensor design for biomedical applications. With outstanding features like suitable biocompatibility, good electrical and thermal conductivity, wide surface area and catalytic activity, nanomaterials have been considered excellent and promising immobilisation candidates for the development of high-impact biosensors after they emerged. Owing to these reasons, the present review deals with the efficient use of nanomaterials as immobilisation candidates for biosensor fabrication. These include the implementation of carbon nanomaterials—graphene and its derivatives, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanoparticles, carbon nanodots—and MXenes, likewise their synergistic impact when merged with metal oxide nanomaterials. Furthermore, we also discuss the origin of the synthesis of some nanomaterials, the challenges associated with the use of those nanomaterials and the chemistry behind their incorporation with other materials for biosensor design. The last section covers the prospects for the development and application of the highlighted nanomaterials. Full article
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29 pages, 2403 KiB  
Review
What Is Left for Real-Life Lactate Monitoring? Current Advances in Electrochemical Lactate (Bio)Sensors for Agrifood and Biomedical Applications
by Juan José García-Guzmán, Alfonso Sierra-Padilla, José María Palacios-Santander, Juan Jesús Fernández-Alba, Carmen González Macías and Laura Cubillana-Aguilera
Biosensors 2022, 12(11), 919; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12110919 - 25 Oct 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3761
Abstract
Monitoring of lactate is spreading from the evident clinical environment, where its role as a biomarker is notorious, to the agrifood ambit as well. In the former, lactate concentration can serve as a useful indicator of several diseases (e.g., tumour development and lactic [...] Read more.
Monitoring of lactate is spreading from the evident clinical environment, where its role as a biomarker is notorious, to the agrifood ambit as well. In the former, lactate concentration can serve as a useful indicator of several diseases (e.g., tumour development and lactic acidosis) and a relevant value in sports performance for athletes, among others. In the latter, the spotlight is placed on the food control, bringing to the table meaningful information such as decaying product detection and stress monitoring of species. No matter what purpose is involved, electrochemical (bio)sensors stand as a solid and suitable choice. However, for the time being, this statement seems to be true only for discrete measurements. The reality exposes that real and continuous lactate monitoring is still a troublesome goal. In this review, a critical overview of electrochemical lactate (bio)sensors for clinical and agrifood situations is performed. Additionally, the transduction possibilities and different sensor designs approaches are also discussed. The main aim is to reflect the current state of the art and to indicate relevant advances (and bottlenecks) to keep in mind for further development and the final achievement of this highly worthy objective. Full article
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