Transducer Substrate Research Articles

Functionalized single‐walled carbon nanotubes electrochemical aptasensor for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) breast cancer detection

AbstractIn this study, we present a novel functionalized single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) electrochemical aptasensor designed for the detection of HER2 breast cancer. The well‐organized SWCNTs were attained through a concentration‐based and single‐step ultrasonication‐directed assembly methodology, resulting in a well‐dispersed state and a thin, even coating on the transducer substrate. Well‐organized SWCNTs were systematically analyzed through X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy and elemental mapping (TEM‐mapping) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the superior quality and organization of the SWCNTs. Furthermore, the electrochemical sensor exhibited outstanding performance, showcasing the potential of the SWCNTs as an ideal material for such applications, including their anticancer activity against human breast cancer cells. The single‐step ultrasonication‐directed assembly approach not only enhances the electrochemical properties of SWCNT but holds promise as a potentially as versatile substrate for immobilizing enzymes, antibodies, and DNA. This versatility opens up opportunities for the creation of highly functional biosensors with broad medical applications. Overall, our findings highlight the scientific significance of SWCNTs in advancing electrochemical sensing technologies and their potential in combating breast cancer.

Assessment of Cellulose Nanofiber-Based Elastase Biosensors to Inflammatory Disease as a Function of Spacer Length and Fluorescence Response.

Inflammatory disease biomarker detection has become a high priority in point-of-care diagnostic research in relation to chronic wounds, with a variety of sensor-based designs becoming available. Herein, two primary aspects of biosensor design are examined: (1) assessment of a cellulose nanofiber (CNF) matrix derived from cotton ginning byproducts as a sensor transducer surface; and (2) assessment of the relation of spacer length and morphology between the CNF cellulose backbone and peptide fluorophore as a function of sensor activity for porcine pancreatic and human neutrophil elastases. X-ray crystallography, specific surface area, and pore size analyses confirmed the suitability of CNF as a matrix for wound care diagnostics. Based upon the normalized degree of substitution, a pegylated-linker connecting CNF transducer substrate to peptide fluorophore showed the greatest fluorescence response, compared to short- and long-chain alkylated linkers.

ReS2@Au NPs as signal labels quenching steady photocurrent generated by NiCo2O4/CdIn2S4/In2S3 heterojunction for sensitive detection of CYFRA 21-1

In order to achieve rapid and sensitive detection of CYFRA 21-1, a signal-off photoelectrochemical (PEC) immunosensor was devised with NiCo2O4/CdIn2S4/In2S3 heterojunction photoactive materials as sensing platform and ReS2@Au NPs as the secondary antibody labels amplifying signal based on the energy band-matching cascade structure and double suppression effect. NiCo2O4 possessed a faster charge transfer rate due to the abundance of redox electron pairs (Co3+/Co2+ and Ni3+/Ni2+). To further improve the PEC properties of NiCo2O4 under visible light, CdIn2S4 with matching bandgap energy was selected to form heterojunction with NiCo2O4 and sensitized with In2S3. The proposed heterojunctions with well-matched band structure promoted the transfer of photo-generated carriers and were exploited as signal transducers for immobilization of antibodies and recognition of CYFRA 21-1. Furthermore, a novel urchin-like p-type ReS2 semiconductor nanostructure functionalized by Au NPs was firstly used as a nanolabel to quench the signal. On the one hand, the Schottky heterojunction generated by ReS2 and Au NPs could compete with the transducer substrate for both light and electron donors. On the other hand, the large space steric hindrance of ReS2 prevented contact between the matrix and AA. Subsequently, the sensor was sensitive in a wide range of concentrations for CYFRA 21-1 (0.0001–50 ng/mL), and the detection limit was 0.05 pg/mL.

Electrochemical DNA Biosensor Based on Mercaptopropionic Acid-Capped ZnS Quantum Dots for Determination of the Gender of Arowana Fish

A new electrochemical DNA biosensor based on mercaptopropionic acid (MPA)-capped ZnS quantum dots (MPA-ZnS QDs) immobilization matrix for covalent binding with 20-base aminated oligonucleotide has been successfully developed. Prior to the modification, screen-printed carbon paste electrode (SPE) was self-assembled with multilayer gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and cysteamine (Cys). The inclusion of MPA-ZnS QDs semiconducting material in modified electrodes has enhanced the electron transfer between the SPE transducer and DNA leading to improved bioanalytical assay of target biomolecules. Electrochemical studies performed by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulsed voltammetry (DPV) demonstrated that the MPA-ZnS QDs modified AuNPs electrode was able to produce a lower charge transfer resistance response and hence higher electrical current response. Under optimal conditions, the immobilized synthetic DNA probe exhibited high selectivity towards synthetic target DNA. Based on the DPV response of the reduction of anthraquinone monosulphonic acid (AQMS) redox probe, the MPA-ZnS QDs-based electrochemical DNA biosensor responded to target DNA concentration from 1 × 10−9 μM to 1 × 10−3 μM with a sensitivity 1.2884 ± 0.12 µA, linear correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9848 and limit of detection (LOD) of 1 × 10−11 μM target DNA. The DNA biosensor exhibited satisfactory reproducibility with an average relative standard deviation (RSD) of 7.4%. The proposed electrochemical transducer substrate has been employed to immobilize the aminated Arowana fish (Scleropages formosus) DNA probe. The DNA biosensor showed linearity to target DNA from 1 × 10−11 to 1 × 10−6 µM (R2 = 0.9785) with sensitivity 1.1251 ± 0.243 µA and LOD of 1 × 10−11 µM. The biosensor has been successfully used to determine the gender of Arowana fish without incorporating toxic raw materials previously employed in the hazardous processing conditions of polypyrrole chemical conducting polymer, whereby the cleaning step becomes difficult with thicker films due to high levels of toxic residues from the decrease in polymerization efficacy as films grew.

Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Functionalized Bi2S3/Ti3C2TX MXene Nanocomposites for Photoelectrochemical/Electrochemical Dual-Mode Sensing of Chlorogenic Acid

We report the proof-of-concept of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) functionalized Bi2S3/Ti3C2TX MXene nanocomposites for photoelectrochemical (PEC)/electrochemical (EC) dual-mode sensing of chlorogenic acid (CGA). Specifically, the in-situ growth of the Bi2S3/Ti3C2TX MXene served as a transducer substrate for molecularly imprinted polymers such as PEC and EC signal generators, due to its high surface area, suitable bandwidth and abundant active sites. In addition, the chitosan as a binder was encapsulated into MIP by means of phase inversion on a fluorine-doped tin dioxide (FTO) electrode. In the determination of CGA as an analytical model, the dual-mode sensor based on MIP functionalized Bi2S3/Ti3C2TX MXene nanocomposites had good selectivity, excellent stability and acceptable reproducibility, which displayed a linear concentration range from 0.0282 μM to 2824 μM for the PEC signal and 0.1412 μM to 22.59 μM for the EC signal with a low detection limit of 2.4 nM and 43.1 nM, respectively. Importantly, two dual-response mode with different transduction mechanisms could mutually conform to dramatically raise the reliability and accuracy of detection compared to single-mode detection. This work is a breakthrough for the design of dual-mode sensors and will provide a reasonable basis for the construction of dual-mode sensor platforms.

Finite element simulation and characterization of one-port heterostructured surface acoustic wave resonator

The research work presents the study of a heterostructured surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonator consisting of an interdigital transducer (IDT), lithium niobate (LN), and silicon (Si) substrate. In the proposed structure, Silicon is the base substrate, above it layer of LN is placed then IDT is designed on it. The presented analysis includes the variation of the quality factor and electromechanical coupling coefficient with the change in the width of the piezoelectric layer. The electromechanical coupling coefficient (K 2), quality factor (Q-factor), velocity, resonance, admittance, and anti-resonance frequency have been studied for the thickness of the different layers of LN film. The higher quality factor of one port SAW devices reduces the energy loss and the K 2 of the devices indicates faster energy conversion. The Q-factor and K 2 are found to be depending on the thickness of LN, resonance, and anti-resonance frequency.

Using Amorphous CoB Alloy as Transducer to Detect Acoustic Propagation and Heat Transport at Interface

Acoustic oscillation provides useful information regarding the interfacial coupling between metal transducer layers and substrate materials. The interfacial coupling can be significantly reduced by a mechanically soft layer between the transducer and substrate. However, preserving a thin, soft layer at the interface during fabrication is often challenging. In this study, we demonstrate that an amorphous CoB alloy on top of a sapphire substrate can substantially amplify acoustic oscillations. By analyzing the attenuation of acoustic oscillations, we show that a thin, soft layer with a thickness of >2 ± 1 Å exists at the interface. The intermediate layer at the interface is further verified by investigating heat transport. By analyzing the slow decrease of the temperature of the transducer layer, we determine a thermal conductance of 35 ± 5 MW m−2 K−1 at the transducer/substrate interface. This low value supports the existence of a thin, soft layer at the interface. Our results demonstrate that an amorphous metal with B alloying effectively preserves the soft nature at the interface and detects the acoustic propagation and heat transport across it.

A regenerative photoelectrochemical sensor based on functional porous carbon nitride for Cu2+ detection

In the work, carbon nitride with porous structure and abundant surface functional groups was successfully prepared through an alkaline hydrothermal treatment. Functional porous carbon nitride could serve as the excellent photoelectric transducer substrate and also act as the anchor site for capturing target Cu2+. As a result, a photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor based on the functional porous carbon nitride was proposed for sensitive detection of Cu2+. Under visible light irradiation, Cu2+-induced surface exciton trapping was appeared on the photoanode sensors, greatly suppressing the transfer of photogenerated charge, which was different from the previous PEC system. Meanwhile, the PEC sensors show satisfactory performance in the detection of Cu2+ with high sensitivity and low detection limit. More importantly, using EDTA, we realized the regeneration of photoanode sensors for probing Cu2+. This work provides a reference for development of the regenerative PEC sensor in the area of commercial determination.

Electrochemical Behavior of Screen-Printed Carbon Electrodes as Transducers in Biosensors

Screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) was examined as a transducer substrate for application in electrochemical sensors. Aqueous solutions of 0.1 M KCl and 0.1 M KCl + 5 mM K3[Fe(CN)6]/K4[Fe(CN)6] (redox solution) were prepared to simulate the environment of faradaic and non-faradaic sensing, respectively. The SPCE presented an irregular surface composed by two main carbon phases. Raman spectroscopy results revealed the presence of peaks around 1,580 cm−1 and 1,334 cm−1 related to the G and D bands corresponding to sp2 carbon atoms (graphite flakes) and a multitude of broad bands associable to amorphous sp3 carbon in the ink matrix. Conductive atomic force microscopy indicated that the irregular structure of the SPCE led to the heterogeneous distribution of the current over the surface and the electroactivity of this material was mainly attributed to the presence of graphite. Polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) revealed that the redox solution was more aggressive to the SPCE, despite this electrode was achieved a quasi-steady state for 1 h under the effect of a polarization potential in both electrolytes, which justifies its use as an electrochemical transducer in faradaic and non-faradaic devices.

Label-Free Impedimetric Immunosensors for Detection of Snake Venoms Using Polyaniline as a Transducer Substrate

Snake bite accidents are a major world public health problem particularly in the rural areas of non-developed countries...

TiO2 Sol-gel Coating as a Transducer Substrate for Impedimetric Immunosensors

Given the importance of the transducer elements in the performance of sensors for various applications, as well as the growing search for devices that are capable of providing the response in shorter time, in this work, titanium dioxide was examined as a candidate for application in an electrochemical biosensor. A TiO2 coating deposited by sol-gel method on a silicon wafer was obtained with an anatase crystalline structure, as an n-type<br /> semiconductor with donor density equal to 2.954 · 1017 cm–3. Its surface was functionalized to be tested as a biosensor to detect snake venom of the Bothrops genera, and each step of the functionalization was investigated using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Cyclic voltammetry. Despite being less sensitive than the reference method ELISA, the TiO2-based biosensor was also capable of detecting the analyte of interest at 20 μg mL–1, revealing an increase in its leakage resistance and phase shift after incubation in this solution. Furthermore, the total time for carrying out the biodetection with the TiO2-coated device (41.24 ± 0.05 min) was estimated to be approximately 80 % shorter than that required by the labelled standard assay, which indicates that TiO2 is a promising electrochemical transducer for biosensing applications.

AISI 304 Stainless Steel as a Transducer Substrate in Electrochemical Biosensors for Medical Applications

For many reasons, the material sciences have focused in studies of electroanalysis, exploring the knowledge of conductive materials that can be used as sensitive elements for composing sensors in order to specifically recognize analytes of interest [1].

DNA-based bioassay of legionella pneumonia pathogen using gold nanostructure: A new platform for diagnosis of legionellosis.

The specific diagnosis of hard-growing bacteria is one of the most important concerns of medical bacteriology. Legionella pneumophila is one of the most important bacteria in hard growth. In spite remarkable trends in bacteriology, now day, culture is the gold standard for detection of L. pneumophila. This work is an attempt to quantification of L. pneumophila bacteria using a bioassay. The fabrication of a new electrochemical DNA-based bioassay using gold nano architecture combined with as a transducer substrate combined with toluidine blue (TB) as a redox marker was performed successful. Also, the mixture of beta‑cyclodextrin and dopamine as Poly (dopamine‑β‑Cyclodextrin) was used to proper a biointerface for stabilization of gold nanoparticles optimum immobilize of pDNA sequence (5-SH-TCGA TAC TCT CCC CGC CCC TT T TGTATCGACG-3). So, a specific thiolated pDNA was immobilized on the transducer substrate and DNA hybridization was followed by C-DNA sequence (5-ACA AAA GGG GCG GGG AGA GTA-3) using square wave voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. At the optimum conditions, linear range was 1 μM to 1 ZM and low limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 1 Zepto-molar. L. pneumophila were sensitively distinguished by the planned DNA sensor. Finally, the engineered DNA based bioassay could be used for identifying the L. pneumophila samples from patients or environments.

Development of an Impedimetric Immunosensor for Specific Detection of Snake Venom

Serotherapy is the only approved method to treat victims of snakebites; therefore, it is very important to identify the type of venom implicated in the accident to ensure the most specific antivenom is administered to the patient. In Brazil, the majority of snakebite accidents are from snakes of Bothrops genus. In this work, we developed an immunosensor capable to recognize specifically venoms from Bothrops snakes based on the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique. For this, Crofer 22 APU steel was used as transducer substrate functionalized with antibothropic antibodies. The immunosensor was incubated with different concentrations of venoms from Bothrops, Crotalus, and Micrurus in order to evaluate its specificity. The formation of the antigen-antibody immunocomplex at the surface of the transducer substrate increased the leakage resistance in a concentration-dependent manner when the device was exposed to the bothropic venom, while no considerable variation of this parameter could be observed for the venoms of the heterologous genera. In addition to the observed specificity, the sensor proved reusable, since the immersion in an elution buffer permitted many regeneration and charge cycles without considerable loss of activity. The results strongly indicated that the developed immunosensor stands as a promising device to aid in snakebites diagnosis.

A novel and ultrasensitive electrochemical DNA biosensor based on an ice crystals-like gold nanostructure for the detection of Enterococcus faecalis gene sequence.

Bacteria, parasites and viruses are found widely in the environment as potential pathogens, and can be the source of infections. Therefore, sensitive and rapid methods for identification of the pathogens are required to achieve a better quality of life. Enterococcus faecalis commonly colonizes and threatens human health. In the present study, we demonstrate the fabrication of a novel electrochemical DNA biosensor based on electrodeposited gold nanostructures as a transducer substrate combined with toluidine blue (TB) as a redox marker. Binding of TB with the single and double stranded DNA (ssDNA and dsDNA) was shortly investigated, and based on the results, TB could discriminate between ssDNA and dsDNA. A specific thiolated ssDNA sequence was immobilized on the transducer substrate, and DNA hybridization was followed by differential pulse voltammetry. The DNA biosensor showed excellent performances with high sensitivity and good selectivity. The DNA biosensor was applied to detect a synthetic target in a linear range of 1.0 × 10-17-1.0 × 10-10 mol L-1 with a limit of detection (LOD) of 4.7 × 10-20 mol L-1. In addition, LOD of the DNA biosensor for the detection of genomic DNA was found to be 30.1 ng μL-1.

One Step Assembly of Thin Films of Carbon Nanotubes on Screen Printed Interface for Electrochemical Aptasensing of Breast Cancer Biomarker.

Thin films of organic moiety functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) from a very well-dispersed aqueous solution were designed on a screen printed transducer surface through a single step directed assembly methodology. Very high density of CNTs was obtained on the screen printed electrode surface, with the formation of a thin and uniform layer on transducer substrate. Functionalized CNTs were characterized by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analyzer methodologies, while CNT coated screen printed transducer platform was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The proposed methodology makes use of a minimum amount of CNTs and toxic solvents, and is successfully demonstrated to form thin films over macroscopic areas of screen printed carbon transducer surface. The CNT coated screen printed transducer surface was integrated in the fabrication of electrochemical aptasensors for breast cancer biomarker analysis. This CNT coated platform can be applied to immobilize enzymes, antibodies and DNA in the construction of biosensor for a broad spectrum of applications.

Acoustic reflectivity minimization in Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducers (CMUTs)

When Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducers (CMUTs) are coupled with water, they show high front-face acoustic reflectivity, due to the impedance mismatch between the transducer substrate material, typically based on silicon, and the propagation medium. During pulse-echo operation, surface reflectivity is responsible for multiple reflections of the received acoustic signals, which result in a set of unwanted echoes. In ultrasound imaging applications, this signal reverberation creates artifacts and reduces the image contrast. In this paper, a method to reduce front-face reflectivity is proposed, and a Reverberation Level (RL) index is introduced in order to quantify the unwanted reverberation of the signal returned to the transducer surface. The proposed method combines the increase of the bias voltage, the application of an optimized resistive load and the addition of a low-impedance acoustic backing to CMUTs realized by Reverse Fabrication Process (RFP). In this way, the mechanical energy conversion and transmission to the backing, as well as the electrical energy dissipation, are improved, thus reducing the energy reflection into the medium. The proposed method is analyzed by means of Finite Element simulations and is experimentally validated by characterizing single-element RFP-CMUTs, provided with different backing materials and electrical loads. In the analyzed prototypes, a RL reduction of 8.6dB is obtained.

Thin-film optoacoustic transducers for subcellular Brillouin oscillation imaging of individual biological cells.

At low frequencies ultrasound is a valuable tool to mechanically characterize and image biological tissues. There is much interest in using high-frequency ultrasound to investigate single cells. Mechanical characterization of vegetal and biological cells by measurement of Brillouin oscillations has been demonstrated using ultrasound in the GHz range. This paper presents a method to extend this technique from the previously reported single-point measurements and line scans into a high-resolution acoustic imaging tool. Our technique uses a three-layered metal-dielectric-metal film as a transducer to launch acoustic waves into the cell we want to study. The design of this transducer and measuring system is optimized to overcome the vulnerability of a cell to the exposure of laser light and heat without sacrificing the signal-to-noise ratio. The transducer substrate shields the cell from the laser radiation, efficiently generates acoustic waves, facilitates optical detection in transmission, and aids with heat dissipation away from the cell. This paper discusses the design of the transducers and instrumentation and presents Brillouin frequency images on phantom, fixed, and living cells.

Reverberation Reduction in Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducers (CMUTs) by Front-face Reflectivity Minimization

Front-face acoustic reflectivity of ultrasonic imaging transducers, due to acoustic impedance mismatch with the propagation medium, may cause reverberation phenomena during wideband pulse-echo operation. Front-face reflectivity may be reduced by promoting the transmission of the echoes, received from the medium, to the transducer backing, and by maximizing the mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion and dissipation by tuning the electrical load impedance connected to the transducer. In Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducers (CMUTs), the energy transfer from the medium to the backing is very low due to the large impedance mismatch between the medium and the transducer substrate, typically made of silicon. Reverse Fabrication Process (RFP) makes it possible providing CMUTs with custom substrate materials, thus eliminating the original silicon microfabrication support. In this paper, we propose two methods for the front-face reflectivity reduction in RFP-CMUTs: the first one is based on the use of low-impedance, highly attenuating backing materials, and the second one is based on the maximization of the mechanoelectrical energy conversion and dissipation. We analyze the methods by finite element simulations and experimentally validate the obtained results by fabricating and characterizing single-element RFP-CMUTs provided with different backing materials and electrical loads.

Analysis of annular phased array transducers for ultrasonic guided wave mode control

Exact and asymptotic analyses of annular phased array transducers (PAT) for elastic guided wave mode selection are presented. For the purpose of analysis, the transducer–substrate interaction is formulated in terms of a three-dimensional analogy to filters as applied one-dimensionally in areas such as signal processing and control theory. This enables the deduction of most of the properties of the annular array purely from the Fourier analysis of any actuating function that represents the loading due to the transducer. A generalized mathematical model of the actuating function due to the annular PAT is constructed. The Fourier spectrum is analyzed for resonances in the wavenumber domain. Formulas for phase and time delays are presented. The phenomena of outgoing and incoming waves are also studied. Numerical analysis of the wavenumber spectrum for the annular PAT with a finite number of elements is performed to further illustrate the results deduced from exact and asymptotic analyses. Finite element simulations are presented to further verify the phenomena predicted through the wavenumber spectrum analysis.