Biosensor Devices Research Articles

Strategies for Embedding Electrochemical Sensors and Enzymatic Biofuel Cells into Miniaturized Platforms

Miniaturized bioelectronics have great potential in smart devices and on-body biomedical applications, but their development is hindered by the limited availability of a sustainable energy supply. Enzymatic biofuel cells show promise as a power source, but integrating them into practical platforms presents challenges. To address this, we explore a range of materials and strategies for embedding energy-harvesting devices into flexible platforms. For instance, we present a self-powered bioelectronics mask that includes a biofuel cell, a supercapacitor, and a biosensor for detecting glucose levels, all powered by carbon nanotube-based printed biofuel cells. We have also engineered functional materials and customized inks for flexible, single-enzyme-based energy harvesting and self-powered biosensing devices. Additionally, we introduce a battery-free biosensing system that monitors metabolites through in vivo analysis. A self-powered glucose biofuel cell/biosensor integrated into a small circuit performs energy harvesting, biosensing, and wireless human-body communication, allowing for direct biochemical analysis of metabolic profiles. Furthermore, we developed a lab-in-a-mouth sensing device that analyzes thiocyanate levels directly and noninvasively. Carbon electrodes were screen-printed and integrated with mouthguards, and the resulting sensor demonstrates high sensitivity and selectivity for detecting salivary thiocyanate ions. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities in the fields of biosensors and on-demand sensors to further advance these technologies. It is envisioned that developments in biosensors and bioelectronics have significant potential in modern healthcare, including presymptomatic, preventive, and administrational medicine.

Immuno-SPR biosensor for the detection of Brucella abortus

A proof of principle biosensor for the Brucella abortus recognition onsite is presented. The system is based on a plasmonic optical fiber probe functionalized with an oriented antibody layer immobilized on a short polyethyleneglycol (PEG) interface through carbodiimide chemistry and protein G as an intermediate layer. The biosensor is inserted in a holder built in 3D printing technology, obtaining a custom holder useful for housing the sample to be measured and the equipment. The removable sensor chip is a low-cost Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) platform based on D-shaped plastic optical fibers (POFs), built-in in 3D printed connectors, used here for the first time to detect bacteria via a bio-receptor layer specific for its membrane protein. The performances of the biosensor in Brucella abortus recognition are tested by using two different SPR-POF probes combined with the same bio-receptor layer. The best sensor configuration has presented a sensitivity at low concentrations of one order of magnitude greater than the other. A limit of detection (LoD) of 2.8 bacteria/mL is achieved well competitive with other systems but without the need for amplification or special sample treatments. Specificity has been tested using Salmonella bacteria, and reproducibility, regenerability and stability are moreover evaluated. These experimental results pave the way for building an efficient and specific biosensor system for Brucella abortus detection onsite and in a few minutes. Moreover, the proposed POF-based SPR biosensor device, with respect to the already available technologies, could be a Point-of-care-test (POCT), simple to use, small-size and portable, low-cost, don’t necessary of a microfluidic system, and can be connected to the Internet (IoT).

Ultrasensitive Biochemical Sensing Platform Enabled by Directly Grown Graphene on Insulator.

To fabricate label-free and rapid-resulting semiconducting biosensor devices incorporating graphene, it is pertinent to directly grow uniform graphene films on technologically important dielectric and semiconducting substrates. However, it has long been intuitively believed that the nonideal disordered structures formed during direct growth, and the resulted inferior electrical properties will inevitably lead to deteriorated sensing performance. Here, graphene biosensor chips are constructed based on direct plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) grown graphene on a 4-inch silicon wafer with excellent film uniformity and high yield. To surprise, optimal operations of graphene biosensors permit ultrasensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus nucleocapsid protein with dilutions down to sub-femtomolar concentrations. Such impressive limit of detection (LOD) is comparable to or even outperforms that of the state-of-the-art biosensor devices based on high-quality graphene. Further noise spectral characterizations and analysis confirms that the LOD is limited by molecular diffusion and/or known interference signals such as drift and instability of the sensors, rather than the electrical merits of the graphene devices along. Hence, result sheds light on processing directly grown PECVD graphene into high-performance sensor devices with important economic benefits and social significance.

A Review of Dual-Emission Carbon Dots and Their Applications.

Carbon dots (CDs), as a rising star among fluorescent nanomaterials with excellent optical properties and fascinating dual-emission characteristics, have attracted increasing attention in sensing, bio-imaging, drug delivery, and so on. The synthesis of dual-emission CDs (DE-CDs) and the establishment of ratiometric fluorescence sensors can effectively diminish background interference and provide more accurate results than single-emission CDs. Although DE-CDs have generated increased attention in many fields, the review articles about DE-CDs are still insufficient. Therefore, we summarized the latest results and prepared this review. This review first provides an overview of the primary synthesis route and commonly used precursors in DE-CDs synthesis. Then, the photoluminescence mechanism behind the dual-emission phenomenon was discussed. Thirdly, the application of DE-CDs in metal cation detection, food safety analysis, biosensing, cell imaging, and optoelectronic devices has been extensively discussed. Finally, the main challenges and prospects for further development are presented. This review presents the latest research progress of DE-CDs synthesis and its application in ratiometric sensing; hopefully, it can help and encourage researchers to overcome existing challenges and broaden the area of DE-CDs research.

Improvement of new electronic materials using computer modeling

Porous materials occupy an important place among the materials of electronic equipment. Nanopores, which are obtained by ion irradiation of materials, have a complex internal structure that depends on the interaction of fast ions with the substance. Obtaining such structures is important, in particular, in the manufacture of biosensor devices based on them. The most effective methods of studying their properties are computer simulations. However, effective computer models of track structures, necessary for the development and improvement of modern biosensors, are not being created actively enough. The approach proposed here involves a detailed study of the interaction of ion flows with the inner surface of the nanotrack. This approach takes into account the structural features of the inner surface of the track as well as the role of adsorption and scattering centers and other local centers. In the existing approaches, the processes mentioned above are mainly described phenomenologically, which does not indicate the ways of modifying the characteristics of the material that is necessary for the device improvement.

Interface-Engineered Field-Effect Transistor Electronic Devices for Biosensing.

Promising advances in molecular medicine have promoted the urgent requirement for reliable and sensitive diagnostic tools. Electronic biosensing devices based on field-effect transistors (FETs) exhibit a wide range of benefits, including rapid and label-free detection, high sensitivity, easy operation, and capability of integration, possessing significant potential for application in disease screening and health monitoring. In this perspective, the tremendous efforts and achievements in the development of high-performance FET biosensors in the past decade are summarized, with emphasis on the interface engineering of FET-based electrical platforms for biomolecule identification. First, an overview of engineering strategies for interface modulation and recognition element design is discussed in detail. For a further step, the applications of FET-based electrical devices for in vitro detection and real-time monitoring in biological systems are comprehensively reviewed. Finally, the key opportunities and challenges of FET-based electronic devices in biosensing are discussed. It is anticipated that a comprehensive understanding of interface engineering strategies in FET biosensors will inspire additional techniques for developing highly sensitive, specific, and stable FET biosensors as well as emerging designs for next-generation biosensing electronics.

Sweat Collection Method with the Principle and Application of Wearable Sweat Biosensors

The accessibility of sweat as a bodily fluid and its rich composition of physiological information have garnered significant interest among researchers. In recent times, the utilization of flexible wearable biosensor devices for the detection of sweat has emerged as a prominent area of investigation, driven by the growing emphasis on personal health monitoring. The recent years have seen a remarkable increase in the development of wearable sweat sensors. In addition, there have been several improvements in the technology used to collect sweat, such as the whole-body washdown system, the Microarc conductivity system, and tiny microfluidic. The purpose of this study is to discuss the recent advancements in sweat collection technology and examine both the positive and negative aspects of these advancements. In this work, the classification of wearable sweat biosensors as well as the principles underlying their application are presented. The report also discusses the potential applications of the technology in a variety of different industries.

Trends and challenges in electroanalytical biosensing methodologies for infectious viral diseases

Viral pandemic diseases have disruptive global consequences leading to millions of deaths and a severe impact on the global economy. Inadequate preventative protocols have led to an overwhelming demand for intensive care leading to uncontrollable burdens and even breakdown of healthcare sectors across many countries. The rapid detection of viral disease helps in the understanding of the relevant intricacies, helping to tackle infection with improved guidelines. Portable biosensor devices offer promising solutions by facilitating on-site detection of viral pathogens. This review summarizes the latest innovative strategies reported using electroanalytical methods for the screening of viral antigens. The structural components of viruses and their categories are presented followed by the various recognition elements and transduction techniques involved in biosensors. Core sections focus on biosensors reported for viral genomic detection(DNA and RNA) and antigenic capsid protein. Strategies for addressing the challenges of electroanalytical biosensing of viral components are also presented. The advantages, and disadvantages of biorecognition elements and nanozymes for the detection of viral disease are highlighted. Such technical insights will help researchers working in chemistry, and biochemistry as well as clinicians working in medical diagnostics.

Stress and Emotion Detection System Using IoT and Machine Learning with a Fuzzy Inference-Based Mental Health Risk Assessment Module

This research paper describes the conceptualization, deployment, and application of a stress and emotion detection system (SEDS) that utilizes emerging technologies including machine learning, the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), and fuzzy logic. Particle Photon microcontrollers were used to collect and analyze data from non-invasive biosensing devices, input switches for behavioral, emotional, and cognitive stress indicators, and input signals generated by the machine learning-based facial identification sub-module, which detects an individual's emotional states (happy, sad/upset, angry/irritable, or nervous/scared). The acquired parameters were stored and made readily accessible using IoT cloud services and dedicated mobile phone applications. The emotional condition of an individual was assessed by the utilization of the Personal Image Classifier tool within the MIT App Inventor, which involved the analysis of facial expressions. Furthermore, the SEDS was integrated with a module for mental health risk assessment which employs fuzzy logic to categorize the user's stress-related psychological health threat level as very low, low, moderate, high, or extremely high based on the data collected. The customized smartphone application provided users specific recommendations for effectively managing their mental health, based on stress level assessments. When the SEDS determined that the level of mental health risk posed by stress was high, it automatically generated a referral notification and transmitted it via text message to the mental health care professional, facilitating the provision of appropriate psychological counseling. Based on the collected data, the stress and emotion detection system produced results that were comparable to those from the DASS21 stress scale. The system demonstrated an improved accuracy of 90% in a test involving thirty individuals who volunteered to participate. The machine learning-based emotion detection system achieved a classification accuracy of 86.67% in correctly detecting happy, neutral, sad, angry, or nervous feelings through the analysis of facial expressions. This research is designed to provide mental health care professionals such as guidance counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists with the resources essential to facilitate the evaluation and treatment of mental health issues. It also aims to raise people's understanding and detection of psychological conditions through enhanced awareness initiatives.

Analytical modeling and performance assessment of a Si(1-x) Ge(x) pocketed double-gate dopingless tunnel FET biosensor

An analytical model of a dielectric-modulated double-gate Tunnel FET (DM-DG-TFET) biosensor carrying a Si(1-x) Ge(x) pocket is presented in this paper. The model accounts for the dielectric modulation effect on the surface potential and drain current of the designed biosensor device. An insight into the device physics provides an overview of commanding electrostatics and electrical properties associated with the proposed biosensor. The neutral, as well as charged nature of biomolecules, is considered for modeling and simulation data. Furthermore, the sensitivity for both types of biomolecules is analyzed in terms of threshold voltage (Vth) and on-current (Ion). The modeled and simulated results are extensively studied and compared for their scrupulosity. It has been found that the simulated and modeled results are a close match with each other, and the developed model justifies the physics behind the proposed biosensor. This paper also includes the impact of the nature of biomolecules on various parameters such as threshold voltage, sensitivity metrics, etc.

Polydopamine modification of polydimethylsiloxane for multifunctional biomaterials: Immobilization and stability of albumin and fetuin-A on modified surfaces.

The surface of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) can be modified to immobilize proteins; however, most existing approaches are limited to complex reactions and achieving multifunctional modifications is challenging. This work applies a simple technique to modify PDMS using polydopamine (PDA) and investigates immobilization of multiple proteins. The surfaces were characterized in detail and stability was assessed, demonstrating that in a buffer solution, PDA modification was maintained without an effect on surface properties. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) and bovine fetuin-A (Fet-A) were used as model biomolecules for simultaneous or sequential immobilization and to understand their use for surface backfilling and functionalization. Based on 125I radiolabeling, amounts of BSA and Fet-A on PDA were determined to be close to double that were obtained on control PDMS surfaces. Following elution with sodium dodecyl sulfate, around 67% of BSA and 63% of Fet-A were retained on the surface. The amount of immobilized protein was influenced by the process (simultaneous or sequential) and surface affinity of the proteins. With simultaneous modification, a balanced level of both proteins could be achieved, whereas with the sequential process, the initially immobilized protein was more strongly attached. After incubation with plasma and fetal bovine serum, the PDA-modified surfaces maintained over 90% of the proteins immobilized. This demonstrates that the biological environments also play an important role in the binding and stability of conjugated proteins. This combination of PDA and surface immobilization methods provides fundamental knowledge for tailoring multifunctional PDMS-based biomaterials with applications in cell-material interactions, biosensing, and medical devices.

Direct competitive assay for HER2 detection in human plasma using Bloch surface wave-based biosensors

The overexpression and/or amplification of the HER2/neu oncogene has been proposed as a prognostic marker in breast cancer. The detection of the related peptide HER2 remains a grand challenge in cancer diagnosis and for therapeutic decision-making. Here, we used a biosensing device based on Bloch Surface Waves excited on a one-dimensional photonic crystal (1DPC) as valid alternative to standard techniques. The 1DPC was optimized to operate in the visible spectrum and the biosensor optics has been designed to combine label-free and fluorescence operation modes. This feature enables a real-time monitoring of a direct competitive assay using detection mAbs conjugated with quantum dots for an accurate discrimination in fluorescence mode between HER2-positive/negative human plasma samples. Such a competitive assay was implemented using patterned alternating areas where HER2-Fc chimera and reference molecules were bio-conjugated and monitored in a multiplexed way. By combining Label-Free and fluorescence detection analysis, we were able to tune the parameters of the assay and provide an HER2 detection in human plasma in less than 20 min, allowing for a cost-effective assay and rapid turnaround time. The proposed approach offers a promising technique capable of performing combined label-free and fluorescence detection for both diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of diseases.

Innovative Biosensing Approaches for Swift Identification of Candida Species, Intrusive Pathogenic Organisms.

Candida is the largest genus of medically significant fungi. Although most of its members are commensals, residing harmlessly in human bodies, some are opportunistic and dangerously invasive. These have the ability to cause severe nosocomial candidiasis and candidemia that affect the viscera and bloodstream. A prompt diagnosis will lead to a successful treatment modality. The smart solution of biosensing technologies for rapid and precise detection of Candida species has made remarkable progress. The development of point-of-care (POC) biosensor devices involves sensor precision down to pico-/femtogram level, cost-effectiveness, portability, rapidity, and user-friendliness. However, futuristic diagnostics will depend on exploiting technologies such as multiplexing for high-throughput screening, CRISPR, artificial intelligence (AI), neural networks, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing of medical databases. This review gives an insight into different biosensor technologies designed for the detection of medically significant Candida species, especially Candida albicans and C. auris, and their applications in the medical setting.

Emerging Applications of Nanobiosensors in Pathogen Detection in Water and Food.

Food and waterborne illnesses are still a major concern in health and food safety areas. Every year, almost 0.42 million and 2.2 million deaths related to food and waterborne illness are reported worldwide, respectively. In foodborne pathogens, bacteria such as Salmonella, Shiga-toxin producer Escherichia coli, Campylobacter, and Listeria monocytogenes are considered to be high-concern pathogens. High-concern waterborne pathogens are Vibrio cholerae, leptospirosis, Schistosoma mansoni, and Schistosima japonicum, among others. Despite the major efforts of food and water quality control to monitor the presence of these pathogens of concern in these kinds of sources, foodborne and waterborne illness occurrence is still high globally. For these reasons, the development of novel and faster pathogen-detection methods applicable to real-time surveillance strategies are required. Methods based on biosensor devices have emerged as novel tools for faster detection of food and water pathogens, in contrast to traditional methods that are usually time-consuming and are unsuitable for large-scale monitoring. Biosensor devices can be summarized as devices that use biochemical reactions with a biorecognition section (isolated enzymes, antibodies, tissues, genetic materials, or aptamers) to detect pathogens. In most cases, biosensors are based on the correlation of electrical, thermal, or optical signals in the presence of pathogen biomarkers. The application of nano and molecular technologies allows the identification of pathogens in a faster and high-sensibility manner, at extremely low-pathogen concentrations. In fact, the integration of gold, silver, iron, and magnetic nanoparticles (NP) in biosensors has demonstrated an improvement in their detection functionality. The present review summarizes the principal application of nanomaterials and biosensor-based devices for the detection of pathogens in food and water samples. Additionally, it highlights the improvement of biosensor devices through nanomaterials. Nanomaterials offer unique advantages for pathogen detection. The nanoscale and high specific surface area allows for more effective interaction with pathogenic agents, enhancing the sensitivity and selectivity of the biosensors. Finally, biosensors' capability to functionalize with specific molecules such as antibodies or nucleic acids facilitates the specific detection of the target pathogens.

Laser induced fluorescence technology for early detection of diabetes via optical fiber microfluidic sensor

This research explores the use of direct write laser technology to reduce manufacturing costs and time by using Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) sheet. The process has a maximum channel width of 208 µm for zigzag channels and 205.66 µm for straight channels, limiting droplet miniaturization. Microfluidics technology offers potential for creating graphene, glucose, and rhodamine B biosensor devices for various applications. Combining these materials offers benefits like miniaturization, reduced response time and chemical consumption, and improved device reproducibility and sensitivity. The study also highlights advancements in chip materials, device assembly, and material preparation for graphene-based microfluidic sensors. The findings show that optical fiber microfluidic biosensor devices have higher spectral resolution than traditional fluorescence spectrometers, enabling precise identification of mixture components and fluorescence enhancement analyses.

External stimulation-controlled dynamic DNA devices for biosensing and biomedical applications

External stimulation-controlled dynamic DNA devices for biosensing and biomedical applications

Versatile biomimetic catalyst functionalized nanozymes for electrochemical sensing

Electrochemical sensors face challenges in the readily accessible versatile sensing materials, robust signal transmission and selective detection of analytes in complex systems. Herein, we report a simple one-pot approach using commercially available materials to synthesize versatile biomimetic catalyst functionalized nanozymes for multifunctional electrochemical sensors. Nanoenzymes were synthesized by in situ polymerization of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) on graphene (GR) while integrating biomimetic catalysts into nanosheets. The resulting nanozymes exhibited stable and efficient catalysis activity and interfacial signal transmission through electrostatic and π-π interactions, as well as charge transfer at the active centers. By virtue of excellent electron transfer and favorable cascade catalysis effect, the biosensor based on sulfonated cobalt phthalocyanine functionalized nanozymes (CoPcNS) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) exhibited superior catalytic activity and robust stability. This one-pot method was also used to prepare nanozymes with diverse biomimetic catalysts (metallophthalocyanine and metalloporphyrin), achieving specific detection of various biomolecules (H2O2, NO, etc.). A portable biosensing device based on a screen-printed electrode was developed, featuring a low limit of detection, ultralow working potential, high anti-interference capability, and good applicability for the rapid detection of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) in real samples. Our research presents a promising guide for the rational fabrication of versatile biomimetic catalyst-functionalized nanozymes, advancing the development of electrochemical sensors in environmental and biological fields.

Dual optofluidic distributed feedback dye lasers for multiplexed biosensing applications

Integrated optofluidic devices have become subjects of high interest for rapid biosensor devices due to their unique ability to combine the fluidic processing of small volumes of microfluidics with the analysis capabilities of photonic structures. By integrating dynamically reconfigurable optofluidic lasers on-chip, complex coupling can be eliminated while further increasing the capabilities of sensors to detect an increasing number of target biomarkers. Here, we report a polydimethylsiloxane-based device with two on-chip fluidic distributed feedback (DFB) laser cavities that are integrated with an orthogonal analyte channel for multiplexed fluorescence excitation. One DFB grating is filled with 4-(dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6-(4-dimethylaminostyryl)-4H-pyran dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide. The second grating is filled with rhodamine 6G dissolved in a diluted ethylene glycol solution. We present characterization of both lasers through analysis of the lasing spectra for spectral narrowing along with a power series to observe threshold behavior. We then demonstrate simultaneous detection of two different fluorescent microbeads as a proof of concept for scalable, single biomarker analysis using on-chip optofluidic lasers.

Coherent manipulation of intensity interrogation of sensitivity of the surface plasmon polariton waves at the dielectric and silver metal interface

AbstractIn this manuscript, Intensity interrogation of sensitivity of the surface plasmon polariton waves (SPPs) is coherently manipulated, at the interface of four‐level dielectric medium and silver metal using prism geometry. Sensitivity of SPPs with respect to refractive index is written as . A useful control in sensitivity is reported with probe and control fields detuning, Rabi frequency and decay rate. Sensitivity is a function of probe field detuning and control field Rabi frequency. The maximum sensitivity is reported to with probe field detuning and control field Rabi frequency, while minimum sensitivity is investigated to with control field phase and control field Rabi frequency. The sensitivity in this manuscript shows useful application in biosensor and photovoltaic devices.

Development of a Nanostructured Film Containing Palygorskite and Dermaseptin 01 Peptide for Biotechnological Applications

AbstractClay minerals are suitable matrices to anchor organic molecules such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) so that their bioactivity is maintained, enabling the formation of new materials with potential for new applications in biotechnology. The objective of the present study was to develop a nanostructured film where the properties of palygorskite (Plg) were combined at the molecular level with Dermaseptin 01 (DRS 01), in which the clay mineral also served as a substrate for the immobilization of this peptide. The films were prepared using the Layer-by-Layer (LbL) self-assembly technique. Crude palygorskite without purification (Plg IN) was subjected to physical and chemical procedures to increase its adsorptive properties. The structure, chemical composition, and morphology of Plg were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). LbL films were adsorbed onto ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) and characterized electrochemically by cyclic voltammetry (CV), UV-Visible spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). For the ITO/DRS 01 and ITO/Plg/DRS 01 films, an oxidation process at +0.77 V was observed, confirming that the DRS 01 maintained its electroactive behavior and intrinsic properties. The results also showed that Plg served as excellent support for the immobilization of DRS 01, increasing its concentration and availability in the film form. This work reported immobilizing the DRS 01 peptide with Plg for the first time in an ultrathin film with bioactive properties. Thus, the film developed can be explored for applications such as biosensor devices and antimicrobial coating materials as well as other biotechnological applications.