Biosensor Signal Research Articles

Characterization of paraben substituted cyclotriphosphazenes, and a DNA interaction study with a real-time electrochemical profiling based biosensor

This paper describes an amperometric method for studying DNA-drug candidate interactions. It uses an automatted electrochemical biosensor (MiSens®) based on real-time electrochemical profiling and gold nanoparticles. A biochip was prepared from a 10 x 20 mm silicon dioxide wafer. The biochip surface is modified with a self-assembled monolayer and integrated into the microfluidic system. All the steps of the DNA-drug interaction assay have been performed during fluid flow. Biotinylated surface DNA has been captured on a NeutrAvidin -modified biochip surface. Hybridization of the complementary target sequence and biotinylated detection probe to the surface DNA strand was studied with and without the addition of newly synthesised drug candidates. NeutrAvidin and enzyme modified gold nanoparticles were then injected to bind to the biochip surface. The real-time reading of the amperometric response during the substrate injection results in the biosensor signal. The DNA interaction analysis was exemplarily applied to test the activity of paraben-substituted cyclotriphosphazenes as potential anticancer agents. Two of the synthesised compounds were identified that are capable of inducing DNA damage by 27 and 34%, respectively.

Polymer Structures on Surface Acoustic Wave Biosensors

The influence of surface structuring on surface acoustic wave (SAW) biosensor signals has been investigated. Polymer structures on the sensor surfaces were applied by lithography or by self-assembling of polystyrene microparticles. In first experiments, structured and unstructured sensors led to similar results in a model affinity assay using streptavidin and biotinylated protein. On the other hand, structuring had a strong effect on SAW sensor signals obtained by protein adsorption on parylene C coated sensors. Depending on the protein, both decreased (albumin, streptavidin) and increased (fibrinogen) signals were observed with structured SAW sensors. Particularly the latter could contribute to facilitated blood analysis in the future.

Modeling microelectrode biosensors: free-flow calibration can substantially underestimate tissue concentrations.

Microelectrode amperometric biosensors are widely used to measure concentrations of analytes in solution and tissue including acetylcholine, adenosine, glucose, and glutamate. A great deal of experimental and modeling effort has been directed at quantifying the response of the biosensors themselves; however, the influence that the macroscopic tissue environment has on biosensor response has not been subjected to the same level of scrutiny. Here we identify an important issue in the way microelectrode biosensors are calibrated that is likely to have led to underestimations of analyte tissue concentrations. Concentration in tissue is typically determined by comparing the biosensor signal to that measured in free-flow calibration conditions. In a free-flow environment the concentration of the analyte at the outer surface of the biosensor can be considered constant. However, in tissue the analyte reaches the biosensor surface by diffusion through the extracellular space. Because the enzymes in the biosensor break down the analyte, a density gradient is set up resulting in a significantly lower concentration of analyte near the biosensor surface. This effect is compounded by the diminished volume fraction (porosity) and reduction in the diffusion coefficient due to obstructions (tortuosity) in tissue. We demonstrate this effect through modeling and experimentally verify our predictions in diffusive environments.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Microelectrode biosensors are typically calibrated in a free-flow environment where the concentrations at the biosensor surface are constant. However, when in tissue, the analyte reaches the biosensor via diffusion and so analyte breakdown by the biosensor results in a concentration gradient and consequently a lower concentration around the biosensor. This effect means that naive free-flow calibration will underestimate tissue concentration. We develop mathematical models to better quantify the discrepancy between the calibration and tissue environment and experimentally verify our key predictions.

On-Line Monitoring the Growth of E. coli or HeLa Cells Using an Annular Microelectrode Piezoelectric Biosensor.

Biological information is obtained from the interaction between the series detection electrode and the organism or the physical field of biological cultures in the non-mass responsive piezoelectric biosensor. Therefore, electric parameter of the electrode will affect the biosensor signal. The electric field distribution of the microelectrode used in this study was simulated using the COMSOL Multiphysics analytical tool. This process showed that the electric field spatial distribution is affected by the width of the electrode finger or the space between the electrodes. In addition, the characteristic response of the piezoelectric sensor constructed serially with an annular microelectrode was tested and applied for the continuous detection of Escherichia coli culture or HeLa cell culture. Results indicated that the piezoelectric biosensor with an annular microelectrode meets the requirements for the real-time detection of E. coli or HeLa cells in culture. Moreover, this kind of piezoelectric biosensor is more sensitive than the sensor with an interdigital microelectrode. Thus, the piezoelectric biosensor acts as an effective analysis tool for acquiring online cell or microbial culture information.

Development of an immunoFET biosensor for the detection of biotinylated PCR product.

ImmunoFET (IMFET) biosensor is a simple platform for the detection of biotinylated products of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Construction of the IMFET biosensor started with adsorption of 1.5 mg/mL of protein A (PA) onto the insulated gate surface of ISFET for 90 min. Next, the immobilized 1/500 dilution of anti-biotin antibody was adsorbed onto the PA layer for 60 min. The IMFET biosensor was subsequently ready for detection of the biotinylated amplicon. The IMFET biosensor showed highly specific binding to the biotinylated PCR product of the phaE gene of Haloquadratum walsbyi DSM 16854. The phaE gene is a biomarker of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) producers that contain PHA synthase class III. The lowest amount of DNA template of H. walsbyi DSM 16854 that the IMFET biosensor could detect was 125 fg. The IMFET biosensor has a lower amount of detection compared with a DNA lateral flow biosensor from our previous study. The degree of linearity of the biosensor signal was influenced by the concentration of the biotinylated amplicon. The IMFET biosensor also has a short response time (approximately 30 times) to detect the phaE amplicon compared to an agarose gel electrophoresis. The IMFET biosensor is a promising tool for the detection of the biotinylated PCR product, and it can be integrated into a micro total analysis system (μTAS).

Self-Enhanced Ultrasensitive Photoelectrochemical Biosensor Based on Nanocapsule Packaging Both Donor-Acceptor-Type Photoactive Material and Its Sensitizer.

In this work, a self-enhanced ultrasensitive photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensor was established based on a functionalized nanocapsule packaging both donor-acceptor-type photoactive material and its sensitizer. The functionalized nanocapsule with self-enhanced PEC responses was achieved first by packaging both the donor-acceptor-type photoactive material (poly{4,8-bis[5-(2-ethylhexyl)thiophen-2-yl]benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene-2,6-diyl-alt-3-fluoro-2-[(2-ethylhexyl)carbonyl]thieno[3,4-b]thiophene-4,6-diyl}, PTB7-Th) and its sensitizer (nano-C60, fullerene) in poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) to form a nanocapsule, which significantly enhanced PEC signal and stability of the PEC biosensor. Moreover, a quadratic enzymes-assisted target recycling amplification strategy was introduced to the system for ultrasensitive determination. Compared with other established PEC biosensors, our proposed self-enhanced approach showed higher effectivity, accuracy, sensitivity, and convenience without any addition of coreactant or sensitizers into the testing electrolyte for photocurrent amplification and performed excellent analytical properties for microRNA estimation down to femtomole level with microRNA-141 as a model. Additionally, the proposed PEC biosensor was employed for estimation of microRNA in different cancer cells and pharmacodynamic evaluation in cancer cells. This self-enhanced PEC strategy has laid the foundation for fabrication of simple, effective, and ultrasensitive PEC diagnostic devices, leading to the possibility for early diagnosis, timely stage estimation, and accurate prognosis judgment of disease.

Porous photonic crystal external cavity laser biosensor.

We report the design, fabrication, and testing of a photonic crystal (PC) biosensor structure that incorporates a porous high refractive index TiO2 dielectric film that enables immobilization of capture proteins within an enhanced surface-area volume that spatially overlaps with the regions of resonant electromagnetic fields where biomolecular binding can produce the greatest shifts in photonic crystal resonant wavelength. Despite the nanoscale porosity of the sensor structure, the PC slab exhibits narrowband and high efficiency resonant reflection, enabling the structure to serve as a wavelength-tunable element of an external cavity laser. In the context of sensing small molecule interactions with much larger immobilized proteins, we demonstrate that the porous structure provides 3.7× larger biosensor signals than an equivalent nonporous structure, while the external cavity laser (ECL) detection method provides capability for sensing picometer-scale shifts in the PC resonant wavelength caused by small molecule binding. The porous ECL achieves a record high figure of merit for label-free optical biosensors.

An electrochemical label-free and sensitive thrombin aptasensor based on graphene oxide modified pencil graphite electrode

In this work, we tactfully constructed a novel label-free electrochemical aptasensor for rapid and facile detection of thrombin using graphene oxide (GO) and thrombin binding aptamer (TBA).The strategy relies on the preferential adsorption of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) to GO over aptamer-target complexes. The TBA-thrombin complex formation was monitored by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) using the guanine oxidation signal. In the absence of thrombin, the aptamers adsorbed onto the surface of GO leading to a strong background guanine oxidation signal. Conversely, in the presence of thrombin, the conformational transformation of TBA after incubating with the thrombin solution and formation of the aptamer-thrombin complexes which had weak binding ability to GO, leads to the desorption of TBA-thrombin complex from electrode surface and significant oxidation signal decrease.The selectivity of the biosensor was studied using other biological substances. The biosensor's signal was proportional to the thrombin concentration from 0.1 to 10nM with a detection limit of 0.07nM.Particularly, the proposed method could be widely applied to the aptamer-based determination of other target analytes.

(Invited) A Versatile Fabrication Platform for Rapid Prototyping of Biosensors

Background: Currently, translating biosensing platforms from the laboratory to the market is a lengthy process. One approach to expediting technology translation in this area is to develop rapid prototyping processes that enable an idea to be implemented into a sensor prototype rapidly and inexpensively. Furthermore, this process needs to be scalable to enable mid-volume and large-volume manufacturing for in-field testing and commercialization. In this work, we have developed a versatile rapid prototyping toolbox for creating tunable materials and integrating them into functional devices. Methods: biosensors are multi-lengthscale devices that are often optimized in the nm lengthscale for enhancing surface reaction kinetics and signal generation, in the micrometer lengthscale for addressing mass transport demands, and in the mm lengthscale for interfacing with the fluidic and electrical connections of the outside world. We have created a rapid prototyping toolbox based on craft cutting, self-assembly, electrochemical deposition, and wrinkling of thin films on shrink memory polymers to fabricate multi-lengthscale biosensors using tools available on the laboratory benchtop in a matter of hours. The benchtop processes developed here allow us to tune structural parameters such as roughness, aspect ratio, adhesion, porosity, and minimum feature sizes without the need for semiconductor cleanrooms. Results: We sought to create application-specific materials that translate structural tunability to functional tunability. For this purpose, we have studied the effect of electrode porosity, roughness, and surface area on the sensitivity of electrochemical biosensors. Through this study, we have found that by tuning the electrode morphology and porosity, we are able to enhance the observed electrocatalysis at electrode surfaces. These rapid surface reaction kinetics have enabled us to perform enzyme-free glucose detection in clinically-relevant concentrations of glucose. In addition to direct electrochemical sensing, we combined these newly-developed wrinkled materials with a DNA recognition layer to understand the role of electrode morphology on the sensitivity of DNA sensors. Through these experiments we find that significantly larger signal changes are observed when DNA is displayed on wrinkled surfaces with sub-10 nm pores. In order to create the optimal materials for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), we used our newly developed rapid prototyping toolbox and combined layer-by-layer self-assembly of gold nanoparticles with substrate-mediated thin film wrinkling. This allowed us to precisely tune the nanoparticle size and separations from the sub-10nm to the sub-micrometer lengthscales. Due to the rapid prototyping nature of this method, we were able to develop application-specific SERS substrates without the need for numerical modeling. Conclusions: In conclusion, we have developed a rapid prototyping tools box that is designed to address the lengthscale engineering needs of the area of biosensing. Using this method, it is possible to rapidly screen through multiple structural parameters to manipulate biosensor sensitivity and signal transduction efficiency.

Detection of urea using urease and paramagnetic Fe3O4 particles incorporated into polyelectrolyte microcapsules

The enzyme urease and paramagnetic Fe3O4 particles were incorporated into microcapsules (3–4μm in size) formed using sodium polystyrene sulfonate and polyallylamine hydrochloride polyelectrolytes. Microcapsules were attracted to the gate of a pH-sensitive field effect transistor by a permanent magnetic field to form a bioreceptor on its surface. The immobilization technique used required no chemical reagents to activate and regenerate transistor’s surface. The volume of the measured sample was 3μl; the total reaction volume, 30μl. Biosensor signals developed over a time of the order of 30–150s. The biosensor enabled the detection of urea within the concentration range of 0.03 up to 100mM. The enzyme activity and signal values of the biosensor did not decrease within 30 days. Measurements of real blood samples yielded a satisfactory correlation of biosensor data and clinical data (correlation coefficient, 0.78).

An absolute calibration method of an ethyl alcohol biosensor based on wavelength-modulated differential photothermal radiometry.

In this work, laser-based wavelength-modulated differential photothermal radiometry (WM-DPTR) is applied to develop a non-invasive in-vehicle alcohol biosensor. WM-DPTR features unprecedented ethanol-specificity and sensitivity by suppressing baseline variations through a differential measurement near the peak and baseline of the mid-infrared ethanol absorption spectrum. Biosensor signal calibration curves are obtained from WM-DPTR theory and from measurements in human blood serum and ethanol solutions diffused from skin. The results demonstrate that the WM-DPTR-based calibrated alcohol biosensor can achieve high precision and accuracy for the ethanol concentration range of 0-100 mg/dl. The high-performance alcohol biosensor can be incorporated into ignition interlocks that could be fitted as a universal accessory in vehicles in an effort to reduce incidents of drinking and driving.

Amplification Strategy of FET Biosensor Signal for Sensitive Detection of Prion Proteins

Field effect transistor (FET) biosensor was considered as a valuable tool for detection of chemical and biological molecules over the past decades [1]. The basic principle of FET biosensor is by converting the variation in the surface potential of gate insulator into the conductivity change in the semiconductor channel. Such kind of direct detection can interestingly offers a simple, label-free and reliable sensing mechanism. However, to configure highly sensitive sensor, the FET signal is strongly depend on the electric field resulting from the binding of charged molecule to the gate surface. Hence, the charge of target molecule is a key factor for electrically-based sensing in which the FET biosensor in some cases hampers to be applied for the detection of low charge density of molecules and neutral molecules. In this research, we designed two approaches of charge amplification including (i) addition of metal ions as second ligand, and (ii) chemical modification via coupling reaction as illustrated at Figure 1. These strategies were performed into the target protein that can increase the charge of proteins, leading to the enhancement of FET signal. Here, we used and detected prion proteins as a model of the target protein. Highly sensitive method for detecting prion proteins is a top priority for early diagnosis and minimizing the spread of the diseases [2], and the amplified FET signal is of utmost importance to meet the goal for improving the sensitivity of prion detection to the lowest concentration as possible. Firstly, by utilizing thiamine as probe molecule, the surface of FET biosensor can specifically interact with the prion protein as confirmed by FET response, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis [3]. Then, the sensitivity of thiamine-immobilized FET to the prion protein in human serum sample before the use of amplification step was quantitatively determined and achieved at the concentration of 400 pM, which is also lower than the cut-off value (2 nM). Furthermore, the amplification process was applied. As for approach (i), by taking the advantage of specific interaction between prion protein and copper (II) ions (Cu2+), a model of dual-ligand binding consist of thiamine immobilized surface, prion protein and Cu2+was performed and successfully generated an enhancement of FET response. As for approach (ii), we demonstrated the feasibility of protein modification with conventional coupling reaction, converting the carboxylate group (anionic) to the amino group (cationic) of prion protein. These strategies can result higher electrical signals in prion detection based on FET biosensor. The detail of experimental procedure and mechanism will be discussed further in the conference. In summary, the FET biosensor device could provide a promising technique and a pave way for highly sensitive detection of prion protein.

An improved functional assay for rapid detection of marine toxins, saxitoxin and brevetoxin using a portable cardiomyocyte-based potential biosensor.

Saxitoxin (STX) and brevetoxin (PbTX-2), which are produced by marine dinoflagellates, are highly-toxic marine toxins targeting separate sites of the α subunit of voltage-dependent sodium channels (VDSCs). In this work, a portable cardiomyocyte-based potential biosensor is designed for rapid detection of STX and PbTX-2. This potential biosensor is constructed by cardiomyocyte and microelectrode array (MEA) with a label-free and real-time wireless 8-channel recording system which can dynamically monitor the multisite electrical activity of cardiomyocyte network. The recording signal parameters, spike amplitude, firing rate and 50% of spike potential duration (SPD50) extracted from extracelluar field potential (EFP) signals of the potential biosensor is analyzed to quantitatively evaluate toxicological risk of STX and PbTX-2. Firing rate of biosensor signals presents high sensitivity to STX with the detection limit of 0.35 ng/ml within 5 min. SPD50 shows high sensitivity to PbTX-2 with the detection limit of 1.55 ng/ml within 5 min. Based on the multi-parameter analysis, cardiomyocyte-based potential biosensor will be a promising tool for rapid detection of these two toxins.

A microconductometric biosensor based on lipase extracted from Candida rugosa for direct and rapid detection of organophosphate pesticides

Organophosphate pesticides (OPs) have been intensively used as insecticides in agriculture; after entering the aquatic environment, they may affect a wide range of organisms. A conductometric enzymatic biosensor based on lipase extracted from Candida rugosa (CRL) has therefore been developed for the direct and rapid quantitative detection of organophosphate pesticides: diazinon, methyl parathion and methyl paraoxon in water. The biosensor signal and response time were obtained under optimum conditions, the enzyme being immobilised in the presence of gold nanoparticles. Under these conditions, the enzymatic biosensor was able to measure concentrations as low as 60 µg/L of diazinon, 26 µg/L of methyl parathion and 25 µg/L of methyl paraoxon very rapidly (response time: 3 min). Moreover, this CRL biosensor was not sensitive to interferences such as carbamates. It presented good storage stability for 21 days when kept at 4°C and it was successfully applied to real samples.

Amplification of the signal intensity of fluorescence-based fiber-optic biosensors using a Fabry-Perot resonator structure.

Fluorescent biosensors have been widely used in biomedical applications. To amplify the intensity of fluorescence signals, this study developed a novel structure for an evanescent wave fiber-optic biosensor by using a Fabry-Perot resonator structure. An excitation light was coupled into the optical fiber through a laser-drilled hole on the proximal end of the resonator. After entering the resonator, the excitation light was reflected back and forth inside the resonator, thereby amplifying the intensity of the light in the fiber. Subsequently, the light was used to excite the fluorescent molecules in the reactive region of the sensor. The experimental results showed that the biosensor signal was amplified eight-fold when the resonator reflector was formed using a 92% reflective coating. Furthermore, in a simulation, the biosensor signal could be amplified 20-fold by using a 99% reflector.

Liquid Crystal Biosensor Based on Cd<sup>2+</sup> Inducing the Bending of PS-Oligo for the Detection of Cadmium

In this study, a novel liquid crystal (LC) biosensor was developed for the highly sensitive and selective detection of Cd2+ based on Cd2+ inducing the bending of PS-oligo. This strategy makes use of the DNA conformational change to enhance the disruption of orientation of LC leading to an amplified optical signal. DNA containing-SH was bound on the glass slide of the LC cell modified with the DMOAP/APTES. The DMOAP can effectively induce the homeotropic alignment of LC. In the presence of Cd2+, Cd2+ can induce DNA to bend and become a 2 nm spherical structure, which can greatly disrupt the orientational arrangement of LC, resulting in the correspond changes of the optical image of LC cell birefringent under the polarizing microscope. When the Cd2+ concentration is low to 0.1 nM, the optical signal of LC biosensor has an obvious change. But in the absence of Cd2+, there is no orientational response of LC and the optical image under the polarizing microscope is still a uniform dark background. Thus, this LC sensing method has a sensitive and clear distinction between positive and negative results and offers a highly sensitive detection of Cd2+ with a low detection limit down to 0.1 nM.

Integrating and amplifying signal from riboswitch biosensors.

Biosensors offer a built-in energy supply and inherent sensing machinery that when exploited correctly may surpass traditional sensors. However, biosensor systems have been hindered by a narrow range of ligand detection capabilities, a relatively low signal output, and their inability to integrate multiple signals. Integration of signals could increase the specificity of the sensor and enable detection of a combination of ligands that may indicate environmental or developmental processes when detected together. Amplifying biosensor signal output will increase detector sensitivity and detection range. Riboswitches offer the potential to widen the diversity of ligands that may be detected, and advances in synthetic biology are illuminating myriad possibilities in signal processing using an orthogonal parts-based engineering approach. In this chapter, we describe the design, building, and testing of a riboswitch-based Boolean logic AND gate in bacteria, where an output requires the activation of two riboswitches, and the biological circuitry required to amplify the output of the AND gate using natural extracellular bacterial communication signals to "wire" cells together.

Analyzing the biosensor signal in flows: Studies with glucose optrodes

Responses of enzymatic bio-optrodes in flow regime were studied and an original model was proposed with the aim of establishing a reliable method for a quick determination of biosensor signal parameters, applicable for biosensor calibration. A dual-optrode glucose biosensor, comprising of a glucose bio-optrode and a reference oxygen optrode, both placed into identical flow channels, was developed and used as a model system. The signal parameters of this biosensor at different substrate concentrations were not dependent on the speed of the probe flow and could be determined from the initial part of the biosensor transient phase signal, providing a valuable tool for rapid analysis. In addition, the model helped to design the biosensor system with reduced impact of enzyme inactivation to the system stability (20% decrease of the enzyme activity lead to only a 1% decrease of the slope of the calibration curve) and hence significantly prolong the effective lifetime of bio-optrodes.

Real-time detection of CTL function reveals distinct patterns of caspase activation mediated by Fas versus granzyme B.

Activation of caspase-mediated apoptosis is reported to be a hallmark of both granzyme B- and Fas-mediated pathways of killing by CTLs; however, the kinetics of caspase activation remain undefined owing to an inability to monitor target cell-specific apoptosis in real time. We have overcome this limitation by developing a novel biosensor assay that detects continuous, protease-specific activity in target cells. Biosensors were engineered from a circularly permuted luciferase, linked internally by either caspase 3/7 or granzyme B/caspase 8 cleavage sites, thus allowing activation upon proteolytic cleavage by the respective proteases. Coincubation of murine CTLs with target cells expressing either type of biosensor led to a robust luminescent signal within minutes of cell contact. The signal was modulated by the strength of TCR signaling, the ratio of CTL/target cells, and the type of biosensor used. Additionally, the luciferase signal at 30 min correlated with target cell death, as measured by a (51)Cr-release assay. The rate of caspase 3/7 biosensor activation was unexpectedly rapid following granzyme B- compared with Fas-mediated signal induction in murine CTLs; the latter appeared gradually after a 90-min delay in perforin- or granzyme B-deficient CTLs. Remarkably, the Fas-dependent, caspase 3/7 biosensor signal induced by perforin-deficient human CTLs was also detectable after a 90-min delay when measured by redirected killing. Thus, we have used a novel, real-time assay to demonstrate the distinct pattern of caspase activation induced by granzyme B versus Fas in human and murine CTLs.

Nanoimmunoassay onto a screen printed electrode for HER2 breast cancer biomarker determination

A chip format sandwich-type immunoassay based on Nanobodies® (Nbs) with the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (HER2) extracellular domain as antigen model has been developed. The HER2 is considered as an important biomarker because its overexpression causes an aggressive type of breast cancer. Nbs are single domain antigen-binding fragments derived from camelid heavy-chain antibodies. The strategy of the presently developed sandwich immunoassay takes advantage of the small size of Nbs for the detection of the electroactive redox tracer onto the screen printed electrode (SPE). A capture anti HER2 Nb was covalently immobilized onto the SPE, and the detection Nb, raised against another epitope of HER2, was labeled with horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The biosensor signal corresponded to the electroreduction of para-quinone generated at the SPE by the HRP in the presence of hydroquinone and hydrogen peroxide. The best performing and optimized immunoassay conditions consisted of 2 and 20min for the first and the second incubation times, respectively. The amperometric signal obtained was proportional to the logarithm of HER2 concentration between 1 and 200µg/mL and the modified SPE storage stability lasted for at least three weeks. Determination of HER2 in human cells has been realized.