Biosensors

Editorial

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4 pages, 210 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue in “Nanomaterials and Their Applications in Sensing and Biosensing”

by Shabi Abbas Zaidi, Faisal Shahzad and Asad Abbas

Biosensors 2023, 13(6), 625; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13060625 - 6 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1319

Abstract

The identification of the target molecule is required for rapid and reliable clinical diagnosis and disease monitoring [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Their Applications in Sensing and Biosensing)

Research

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13 pages, 3195 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Horseradish Peroxidase-Encapsulated Fluorescent Bio-Nanoparticle for Ultra-Sensitive and Easy Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide

by Myeong-Jun Lee, Ji-Ae Song, Jin-Ha Choi, Jeong-Hyeop Shin, Ji-Woon Myeong, Ki-Ppeum Lee, Taehwan Kim, Ki-Eob Park and Byung-Keun Oh

Biosensors 2023, 13(2), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13020289 - 17 Feb 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2754

Abstract

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) has been a fascinating target in various chemical, biological, clinical, and industrial fields. Several types of fluorescent protein-stabilized gold nanoclusters (protein-AuNCs) have been developed for sensitive and easy detection of H₂O₂. However, [...] Read more.

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) has been a fascinating target in various chemical, biological, clinical, and industrial fields. Several types of fluorescent protein-stabilized gold nanoclusters (protein-AuNCs) have been developed for sensitive and easy detection of H₂O₂. However, its low sensitivity makes is difficult to measure negligible concentrations of H₂O₂. Therefore, to overcome this limitation, we developed a horseradish peroxidase-encapsulated fluorescent bio-nanoparticle (HEFBNP), comprising bovine serum albumin-stabilized gold nanoclusters (BSA-AuNCs) and horseradish peroxidase-stabilized gold nanoclusters (HRP-AuNCs). The fabricated HEFBNP can sensitively detect H₂O₂ owing to its two properties. The first is that HEFBNPs have a continuous two-step fluorescence quenching mechanism, which comes from the heterogenous fluorescence quenching mechanism of HRP-AuNCs and BSA-AuNCs. Second, the proximity of two protein-AuNCs in a single HEFBNP allows a reaction intermediate (•OH) to rapidly reach the adjacent protein-AuNCs. As a result, HEFBNP can improve the overall reaction event and decrease the loss of intermediate in the solution. Due to the continuous quenching mechanism and effective reaction event, a HEFBNP-based sensing system can measure very low concentrations of H₂O₂ up to 0.5 nM and show good selectivity. Furthermore, we design a glass-based microfluidic device to make it easier use HEFBNP, which allowed us to detect H₂O₂ with the naked eye. Overall, the proposed H₂O₂ sensing system is expected to be an easy and highly sensitive on-site detection tool in chemistry, biology, clinics, and industry fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Their Applications in Sensing and Biosensing)

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12 pages, 3032 KiB

Open AccessArticle

From Biowaste to Lab-Bench: Low-Cost Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for RNA Extraction and SARS-CoV-2 Diagnostics

by Le Yu, Penelope Adamson, Pei Lay Yap, Tran Tung, Shaheer Makar, Mark Turra, Geoff Higgins and Dusan Losic

Biosensors 2023, 13(2), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13020196 - 28 Jan 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3093

Abstract

The gold standard for diagnostics of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus is based on real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using centralized PCR facilities and commercial viral RNA extraction kits. One of the key components of these kits are magnetic beads composed of silica coated magnetic [...] Read more.

The gold standard for diagnostics of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus is based on real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using centralized PCR facilities and commercial viral RNA extraction kits. One of the key components of these kits are magnetic beads composed of silica coated magnetic iron oxide (Fe₂O₃ or Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles, needed for the selective extraction of RNA. At the beginning of the pandemic in 2019, due to a high demand across the world there were severe shortages of many reagents and consumables, including these magnetic beads required for testing for SARS-CoV-2. Laboratories needed to source these products elsewhere, preferably at a comparable or lower cost. Here, we describe the development of a simple, low-cost and scalable preparation of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) from biowaste and demonstrate their successful application in viral RNA extraction and the detection of COVID-19. These MNPs have a unique nanoplatelet shape with a high surface area, which are beneficial features, expected to provide improved RNA adsorption, better dispersion and processing ability compared with commercial spherical magnetic beads. Their performance in COVID-19 RNA extraction was evaluated in comparison with commercial magnetic beads and the results presented here showed comparable results for high throughput PCR analysis. The presented magnetic nanoplatelets generated from biomass waste are safe, low-cost, simple to produce in large scale and could provide a significantly reduced cost of nucleic acid extraction for SARS-CoV-2 and other DNA and RNA viruses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Their Applications in Sensing and Biosensing)

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15 pages, 4612 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Sensitive Hydroquinone Amperometric Sensor Based on a Novel Palladium Nanoparticle/Porous Silicon/Polypyrrole-Carbon Black Nanocomposite

by Abdullah Alrashidi, Anas M. El-Sherif, Jahir Ahmed, M. Faisal, Mabkhoot Alsaiari, Jari S. Algethami, Mohamed I. Moustafa, Abdulaziz A. M. Abahussain and Farid A. Harraz

Biosensors 2023, 13(2), 178; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13020178 - 23 Jan 2023

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2674

Abstract

Exposure to hydroquinone (HQ) can cause various health hazards and negative impacts on the environment. Therefore, we developed an efficient electrochemical sensor to detect and quantify HQ based on palladium nanoparticles deposited in a porous silicon-polypyrrole-carbon black nanocomposite (Pd@PSi−PPy−C)-fabricated glassy carbon electrode. The [...] Read more.

Exposure to hydroquinone (HQ) can cause various health hazards and negative impacts on the environment. Therefore, we developed an efficient electrochemical sensor to detect and quantify HQ based on palladium nanoparticles deposited in a porous silicon-polypyrrole-carbon black nanocomposite (Pd@PSi−PPy−C)-fabricated glassy carbon electrode. The structural and morphological characteristics of the newly fabricated Pd@PSi−PPy−C nanocomposite were investigated utilizing FESEM, TEM, EDS, XPS, XRD, and FTIR spectroscopy. The exceptionally higher sensitivity of 3.0156 μAμM⁻¹ cm⁻² and a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.074 μM were achieved for this innovative electrochemical HQ sensor. Applying this novel modified electrode, we could detect wide-ranging HQ (1–450 μM) in neutral pH media. This newly fabricated HQ sensor showed satisfactory outcomes during the real sample investigations. During the analytical investigation, the Pd@PSi−PPy−C/GCE sensor demonstrated excellent reproducibility, repeatability, and stability. Hence, this work can be an effective method in developing a sensitive electrochemical sensor to detect harmful phenol derivatives for the green environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Their Applications in Sensing and Biosensing)

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14 pages, 3039 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Electrochemical Sensor for the Detection of Albendazole Using Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with Platinum-Palladium Nanocomposites

by Ghadeer A. R. Y. Suaifan, Mohammad F. Khanfar, Mayadah B. Shehadeh, Asmaa Alnajajrah, Raghad Abuhamdan and Sameer Ahmad Hasan

Biosensors 2022, 12(11), 1026; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12111026 - 16 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2297

Abstract

An electroanalytical electrode for the detection of albendazole (ABZ) active ingredient in pharmaceutical dosage form and in contaminated animal-derived products was developed using a glassy carbon electrode modified with platinum-palladium nanoparticles. The electro-catalytic performance of the bimetallic-modified glassy carbon electrode was compared with [...] Read more.

An electroanalytical electrode for the detection of albendazole (ABZ) active ingredient in pharmaceutical dosage form and in contaminated animal-derived products was developed using a glassy carbon electrode modified with platinum-palladium nanoparticles. The electro-catalytic performance of the bimetallic-modified glassy carbon electrode was compared with its bare counterpart. Under optimized conditions, the modified electrode revealed two well-resolved anodic peak currents at 1.10 and 1.23 V using differential pulse voltammetry. Pure ABZ, as well as ABZ in spiked foods (milk and chicken), were detected with little interference from the food matrix. This electrode demonstrated high sensitivity and applicability, with a lower limit of detection of 0.08 µmol L⁻¹ in aqueous solution and 10 µmol L⁻¹ in the contaminated ground chicken and 100 µmol L⁻¹ in the contaminated milk sample. The fabricated sensor is low in cost and appropriate for the estimation of albendazole in tablet dosage forms and biological samples, and so can act as a quality control tool in the pharmaceutical and food industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Their Applications in Sensing and Biosensing)

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18 pages, 10121 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of 4-Nitrophenol with PEDOT:PSS Modified Pt NPs-Embedded PPy-CB@ZnO Nanocomposites

by Mohd Faisal, Md. Mahmud Alam, Jahir Ahmed, Abdullah M. Asiri, Mohammed Jalalah, Raja Saad Alruwais, Mohammed M. Rahman and Farid A. Harraz

Biosensors 2022, 12(11), 990; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12110990 - 8 Nov 2022

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2878

Abstract

In this study, a selective 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) sensor was developed onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) as an electron-sensing substrate, which decorated with sol–gel, prepared Pt nanoparticles- (NPs) embedded polypyrole-carbon black (PPy-CB)/ZnO nanocomposites (NCs) using differential pulse voltammetry. Characterizations of the NCs were [...] Read more.

In this study, a selective 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) sensor was developed onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) as an electron-sensing substrate, which decorated with sol–gel, prepared Pt nanoparticles- (NPs) embedded polypyrole-carbon black (PPy-CB)/ZnO nanocomposites (NCs) using differential pulse voltammetry. Characterizations of the NCs were performed using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Ultraviolet–visible Spectroscopy (UV–vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), and X-ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD). The GCE modified by conducting coating binders [poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate; PEDOT:PSS] based on Pt NPs/PPy-CB/ZnO NCs functioned as the working electrode and showed selectivity toward 4-NP in a phosphate buffer medium at pH 7.0. Our analysis of 4-NP showed the linearity from 1.5 to 40.5 µM, which was identified as the linear detection range (LDR). A current versus concentration plot was formed and showed a regression co-efficient R² of 0.9917, which can be expressed by i_p(µA) = 0.2493C(µM) + 15.694. The 4-NP sensor sensitivity was calculated using the slope of the LDR, considering the surface area of the GCE (0.0316 cm²). The sensitivity was calculated as 7.8892 µA µM⁻¹ cm⁻². The LOD (limit of detection) of the 4-NP was calculated as 1.25 ± 0.06 µM, which was calculated from 3xSD/σ (SD: Standard deviation of blank response; σ: Slope of the calibration curve). Limit of quantification (LOQ) is also calculated as 3.79 µM from LOQ = 10xLOD/3.3. Sensor parameters such as reproducibility, response time, and analyzing stability were outstanding. Therefore, this novel approach can be broadly used to safely fabricate selective 4-NP sensors based on nanoparticle-decorated nanocomposite materials in environmental measurement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Their Applications in Sensing and Biosensing)

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15 pages, 3351 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Real-Time Detection of Circulating Tumor Cells in Bloodstream Using Plasmonic Fiber Sensors

by Shaodi Zhu, Zhenming Xie, Yuzhi Chen, Shiyue Liu, Yiu-Wa Kwan, Shuwen Zeng, Wu Yuan and Ho-Pui Ho

Biosensors 2022, 12(11), 968; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12110968 - 3 Nov 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3093

Abstract

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are single cancer cells or cancer cell clusters that are present in the circulatory system. Assessing CTC levels in patients can aid in the early detection of cancer metastasis and is essential for the purposes of accurate cancer prognosis. [...] Read more.

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are single cancer cells or cancer cell clusters that are present in the circulatory system. Assessing CTC levels in patients can aid in the early detection of cancer metastasis and is essential for the purposes of accurate cancer prognosis. However, current in vitro blood tests are limited by the insufficient blood samples and low concentration levels of CTCs, which presents a major challenge for practical biosensing devices. In this work, we propose the first surface plasmon resonance (SPR) fiber probe to work intravenously, which offers a real-time detection of CTCs in bloodstreams. By exposing the protein-functionalized fiber probe to circulating blood, a continuous capture of CTCs ensures a constant increase in enrichment and hence greatly enhances enumeration accuracy. The performance of our plasmonic fiber probe was demonstrated to specifically detect Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) breast cancer cells in flowing whole mouse blood. Further, a detection limit of ~1.4 cells per microliter was achieved by using an epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) antibody-based receptor layer and a 15 min enrichment period. This pilot study validates real-time CTC detection directly in the bloodstream by using plasmonic fiber probes, which exhibit promising clinical potential for in vivo diagnostic tests involving low concentration biomarkers in circulating blood. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Their Applications in Sensing and Biosensing)

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15 pages, 3706 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Alprazolam Detection Using an Electrochemical Nanobiosensor Based on AuNUs/Fe-Ni@rGO Nanocomposite

by Emadoddin Amin Sadrabadi, Fatemeh Khosravi, Ali Benvidi, Amin Shiralizadeh Dezfuli, Pouria Khashayar, Patricia Khashayar and Mostafa Azimzadeh

Biosensors 2022, 12(11), 945; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12110945 - 31 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3246

Abstract

Despite all the psychological advantages of alprazolam, its long list of toxic properties and interactions has caused concern and highlighted the need for a reliable sensing method. In this study, we developed a simple, highly sensitive electrochemical nanobiosensor to determine the desirable dose [...] Read more.

Despite all the psychological advantages of alprazolam, its long list of toxic properties and interactions has caused concern and highlighted the need for a reliable sensing method. In this study, we developed a simple, highly sensitive electrochemical nanobiosensor to determine the desirable dose of alprazolam, averting the undesirable consequences of overdose. Gold nanourchins (AuNUs) and iron-nickel reduced graphene oxide (Fe-Ni@rGO) were immobilized on a glassy carbon electrode, which was treated beforehand. The electrode surface was characterized using cyclic voltammetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and differential pulse voltammetry. The fabricated sensor showed two linear ranges (4 to 500 µg L⁻¹ and 1 to 50 mg L⁻¹), low limit of detection (1 µg L⁻¹), high sensitivity, good repeatability, and good recovery. Increased –OH and carboxyl (-COOH) groups on the electrode surface, resulting in improved the adsorption of alprazolam and thus lower limit of detection. This nanobiosensor could detect alprazolam powder dissolved in diluted blood serum; we also studied other benzodiazepine drugs (clonazepam, oxazepam, and diazepam) with this nanobiosensor, and results were sensible, with a significant difference. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Their Applications in Sensing and Biosensing)

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14 pages, 2670 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Highly Sensitive Plasmonic Biosensors with Precise Phase Singularity Coupling on the Metastructures

by Joelle Youssef, Shaodi Zhu, Aurelian Crunteanu, Jean-Christophe Orlianges, Ho-Pui Ho, Renaud Bachelot and Shuwen Zeng

Biosensors 2022, 12(10), 866; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12100866 - 12 Oct 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2609

Abstract

In this paper, we demonstrated the ability of a plasmonic metasensor to detect ultra-low refractive index changes (in the order of ∆n = 10⁻¹⁰ RIU), using an innovative phase-change material, vanadium dioxide (VO₂), as the sensing layer. Different from current [...] Read more.

In this paper, we demonstrated the ability of a plasmonic metasensor to detect ultra-low refractive index changes (in the order of ∆n = 10⁻¹⁰ RIU), using an innovative phase-change material, vanadium dioxide (VO₂), as the sensing layer. Different from current cumbersome plasmonic biosensing setups based on optical-phase-singularity measurement, our phase signal detection is based on the direct measurement of the phase-related lateral position shift (Goos–Hänchen) at the sensing interface. The high sensitivity (1.393 × 10⁸ μm/RIU for ∆n = 10⁻¹⁰ RIU), based on the Goos–Hänchen lateral shift of the reflected wave, becomes significant when the sensor is excited at resonance, due to the near-zero reflectivity dip, which corresponds to the absolute dark point (lower than 10⁻⁶). GH shifts in the order of 2.997 × 10³ μm were obtained using the optimal metasurface configuration. The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) curves (reflectivity, phase, GH) and electromagnetic simulations were derived using the MATLAB programming algorithm (by the transfer matrix method) and Comsol modeling (by finite element analysis), respectively. These results will provide a feasible way for the detection of cancer biomarkers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Their Applications in Sensing and Biosensing)

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15 pages, 2830 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sensitivity Enhancement of Hybrid Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials-Based Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor

by Nurzad Zakirov, Shaodi Zhu, Aurélien Bruyant, Gilles Lérondel, Renaud Bachelot and Shuwen Zeng

Biosensors 2022, 12(10), 810; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12100810 - 30 Sep 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2439

Abstract

In this work, we designed structures based on copper nanosubstrate with graphene and two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDC) in order to achieve an ultrasensitive surface plasmon resonance biosensor. This system contains seven components: SF11 triangular prism, BK-7 glass, Chromium (Cr) adhesion layer, thin [...] Read more.

In this work, we designed structures based on copper nanosubstrate with graphene and two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDC) in order to achieve an ultrasensitive surface plasmon resonance biosensor. This system contains seven components: SF11 triangular prism, BK-7 glass, Chromium (Cr) adhesion layer, thin copper film, layers of one of the types of transition metal dichalcogenides: MoS₂, MoSe₂, WS₂ or WSe₂ (defined as MX₂), graphene, sensing layer with biomolecular analyte. Copper was chosen as a plasmonic material because it has a higher conductivity than gold which is commonly used in plasmonic sensors. Moreover, copper is a cheap and widespread material that is easy to produce on a large scale. We have carried out both theoretical and numerical sensitivity calculations of these kinds of structures using the Goos–Hänchen (GH) shift method. GH shift is lateral position displacement of the p-polarized reflected beam from a boundary of two media having different indices of refraction under total internal reflection condition and its value can be retrieved from the phase change of the beam. The SPR signal based on the GH shift is much more sensitive compared to other methods, including angular and wavelength scanning, due to much more abrupt phase change of the SPR reflected light than its intensity ones. By optimizing the parameters of the SPR sensing substrate, such as thickness of copper, number of layers of 2D materials and excitation wavelength, we theoretically showed an enhanced sensitivity with a detection limit 10⁻⁹ refractive index unit (RIU). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Their Applications in Sensing and Biosensing)

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15 pages, 2855 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Direct and Sensitive Electrochemical Evaluation of Pramipexole Using Graphitic Carbon Nitride (gCN) Sensor

by Yogesh M. Shanbhag, Mahesh M. Shanbhag, Shweta J. Malode, S. Dhanalakshmi, Kunal Mondal and Nagaraj P. Shetti

Biosensors 2022, 12(8), 552; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12080552 - 22 Jul 2022

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 2502

Abstract

Pramipexole (PMXL) belongs to the benzothiazole class of aromatic compounds and is used in treating Parkinson’s disease; however, overdosage leads to some abnormal effects that could trigger severe side effects. Therefore, it demands a sensitive analytical tool for trace level detection. In this [...] Read more.

Pramipexole (PMXL) belongs to the benzothiazole class of aromatic compounds and is used in treating Parkinson’s disease; however, overdosage leads to some abnormal effects that could trigger severe side effects. Therefore, it demands a sensitive analytical tool for trace level detection. In this work, we successfully developed an electrochemical sensor for the trace level detection of PMXL, using the voltammetric method. For the analysis, graphitic carbon nitride (gCN) was opted and synthesized by using a high-temperature thermal condensation method. The synthesized nanoparticles were employed for surface characterization, using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. The electrochemical characterization of the material was evaluated by using the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique to evaluate the solution–electrode interface property. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) behavior of PMXL displayed an anodic peak in the forward scan, indicating that PMXL underwent electrooxidation, and an enhanced detection peak with lower detection potential was achieved for gCN-modified carbon paste electrode (gCN·CPE). The influence of different parameters on the electrochemical behavior was analyzed, revealing the diffusion governing the electrode process with an equal number of hydronium ions and electron involvement. For the fabricated gCN·CPE, good linearity range was noticed from 0.05 to 500 µM, and a lower detection limit (L_D) of 0.012 µM was achieved for the selected concentration range (0.5 to 30 µM). Selectivity of the electrode in PMXL detection was investigated by conducting an interference study, while the tablet sample analysis demonstrates the sensitive and real-time application of the electrode. The good recovery values for the analysis illustrate the efficiency of the electrode for PMXL analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Their Applications in Sensing and Biosensing)

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13 pages, 3902 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Highly Sensitive Plasmonic Waveguide Biosensor Based on Phase Singularity-Enhanced Goos–Hänchen Shift

by Manel Hedhly, Yuye Wang, Shuwen Zeng, Faouzi Ouerghi, Jun Zhou and Georges Humbert

Biosensors 2022, 12(7), 457; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12070457 - 26 Jun 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3113

Abstract

The detection for small molecules with low concentrations is known to be challenging for current chemical and biological sensors. In this work, we designed a highly sensitive plasmonic biosensor based on the symmetric metal cladding plasmonic waveguide (SMCW) structure for the detection of [...] Read more.

The detection for small molecules with low concentrations is known to be challenging for current chemical and biological sensors. In this work, we designed a highly sensitive plasmonic biosensor based on the symmetric metal cladding plasmonic waveguide (SMCW) structure for the detection of biomolecules. By precisely designing the configuration and tuning the thickness of the guiding layer, ultra-high order modes can be excited, which generates a steep phase change and a large position shift from the Goos–Hänchen effect (with respect to refractive index changes). This position shift is related to the sharpness of the optical phase change from the reflected signal of the SPR sensing substrate and can be directly measured by a position sensor. Based on our knowledge, this is the first experimental study done using this configuration. Experimental results showed a lateral position signal change > 90 µm for glycerol with a sensitivity figure-of-merit of 2.33 × 10⁴ µm/RIU and more than 15 µm for 10⁻⁴ M biotin, which is a low molecular weight biomolecule (less than 400 Da) and difficult to be detected with traditional SPR sensing techniques. Through integrating the waveguide with a guiding layer, a strong improvement in the electric field, as well as sensitivity have been achieved. The lateral position shift has been further improved from 14.17 µm to 284 µm compared with conventional SPR substrate with 50 nm gold on single side. The as-reported sensing technique allows for the detection of ultra-small biological molecules and will play an important role in biomedical and clinical diagnostics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Their Applications in Sensing and Biosensing)

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Review

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31 pages, 4004 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Recent Advances in Biomolecular Detection Based on Aptamers and Nanoparticles

by Ruiting Xu, Leixin Ouyang, Heyi Chen, Ge Zhang and Jiang Zhe

Biosensors 2023, 13(4), 474; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13040474 - 13 Apr 2023

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 4997

Abstract

The fast, accurate detection of biomolecules, ranging from nucleic acids and small molecules to proteins and cellular secretions, plays an essential role in various biomedical applications. These include disease diagnostics and prognostics, environmental monitoring, public health, and food safety. Aptamer recognition (DNA or [...] Read more.

The fast, accurate detection of biomolecules, ranging from nucleic acids and small molecules to proteins and cellular secretions, plays an essential role in various biomedical applications. These include disease diagnostics and prognostics, environmental monitoring, public health, and food safety. Aptamer recognition (DNA or RNA) has gained extensive attention for biomolecular detection due to its high selectivity, affinity, reproducibility, and robustness. Concurrently, biosensing with nanoparticles has been widely used for its high carrier capacity, stability and feasibility of incorporating optical and catalytic activity, and enhanced diffusivity. Biosensors based on aptamers and nanoparticles utilize the combination of their advantages and have become a promising technology for detecting of a wide variety of biomolecules with high sensitivity, reliability, specificity, and detection speed. Via various sensing mechanisms, target biomolecules have been quantified in terms of optical (e.g., colorimetric and fluorometric), magnetic, and electrical signals. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in and compare different aptamer–nanoparticle-based biosensors by nanoparticle types and detection mechanisms. We also share our views on the highlights and challenges of the different nanoparticle-aptamer-based biosensors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Their Applications in Sensing and Biosensing)

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20 pages, 65353 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in Self-Powered Wearable Sensors Based on Piezoelectric and Triboelectric Nanogenerators

by Arash Rayegani, Mohammadmohsen Saberian, Zahra Delshad, Junwei Liang, Muhammad Sadiq, Ali Matin Nazar, Syed Agha Hassnain Mohsan and Muhammad Asghar Khan

Biosensors 2023, 13(1), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13010037 - 27 Dec 2022

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5248

Abstract

Early clinical diagnosis and treatment of disease rely heavily on measuring the many various types of medical information that are scattered throughout the body. Continuous and accurate monitoring of the human body is required in order to identify abnormal medical signals and to [...] Read more.

Early clinical diagnosis and treatment of disease rely heavily on measuring the many various types of medical information that are scattered throughout the body. Continuous and accurate monitoring of the human body is required in order to identify abnormal medical signals and to locate the factors that contribute to their occurrence in a timely manner. In order to fulfill this requirement, a variety of battery-free and self-powered methods of information collecting have been developed. For the purpose of a health monitoring system, this paper presents smart wearable sensors that are based on triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) and piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENG), as well as hybrid nanogenerators that combine piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators (PTNG). Following the presentation of the PENG and TENG principles, a summary and discussion of the most current developments in self-powered medical information sensors with a variety of purposes, structural designs, and electric performances follows. Wearable sensors that generate their own electricity are crucial not only for the proper development of children and patients with unique conditions, but for the purpose of maintaining checks on the wellbeing of the elderly and those who have recently recovered from illness, and for administering any necessary medical care. This work sought to do two things at once: provide perspectives for health monitoring, and open up new avenues for the analysis of long-distance biological movement status. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Their Applications in Sensing and Biosensing)

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23 pages, 2064 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in Nanotechnology for the Management of Klebsiella pneumoniae–Related Infections

by Mahmood Barani, Hadis Fathizadeh, Hassan Arkaban, Davood Kalantar-Neyestanaki, Majid Reza Akbarizadeh, Abduladheem Turki Jalil and Reza Akhavan-Sigari

Biosensors 2022, 12(12), 1155; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12121155 - 10 Dec 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3346

Abstract

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important human pathogen that causes diseases such as urinary tract infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections, bacteremia, and sepsis. The rise of multidrug-resistant strains has severely limited the available treatments for K. pneumoniae infections. On the other hand, K. pneumoniae activity [...] Read more.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important human pathogen that causes diseases such as urinary tract infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections, bacteremia, and sepsis. The rise of multidrug-resistant strains has severely limited the available treatments for K. pneumoniae infections. On the other hand, K. pneumoniae activity (and related infections) urgently requires improved management strategies. A growing number of medical applications are using nanotechnology, which uses materials with atomic or molecular dimensions, to diagnose, eliminate, or reduce the activity of different infections. In this review, we start with the traditional treatment and detection method for K. pneumoniae and then concentrate on selected studies (2015–2022) that investigated the application of nanoparticles separately and in combination with other techniques against K. pneumoniae. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Their Applications in Sensing and Biosensing)

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23 pages, 3385 KiB

Open AccessReview

Picomolar or beyond Limit of Detection Using Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Based Electrochemical Sensors: A Review

by Naheed Sidiq Shah, Vandana Thotathil, Shabi Abbas Zaidi, Hanan Sheikh, Maimoona Mohamed, Ahmadyar Qureshi and Kishor Kumar Sadasivuni

Biosensors 2022, 12(12), 1107; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12121107 - 1 Dec 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3631

Abstract

Over the last decades, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have emerged as selective synthetic receptors that have a selective binding site for specific analytes/target molecules. MIPs are synthetic analogues to the natural biological antigen–antibody system. Owing to the advantages they exhibit, such as high [...] Read more.

Over the last decades, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have emerged as selective synthetic receptors that have a selective binding site for specific analytes/target molecules. MIPs are synthetic analogues to the natural biological antigen–antibody system. Owing to the advantages they exhibit, such as high stability, simple synthetic procedure, and cost-effectiveness, MIPs have been widely used as receptors/sensors for the detection and monitoring of a variety of analytes. Moreover, integrating electrochemical sensors with MIPs offers a promising approach and demonstrates greater potential over traditional MIPs. In this review, we have compiled the methods and techniques for the production of MIP-based electrochemical sensors along with the applications of reported MIP sensors for a variety of analytes. A comprehensive in-depth analysis of recent trends reported on picomolar (pM/10⁻¹² M)) and beyond picomolar concentration LOD (≥pM) achieved using MIPs sensors is reported. Finally, we discuss the challenges faced and put forward future perspectives along with our conclusion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Their Applications in Sensing and Biosensing)

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