Journal Description
Biosensors
Biosensors
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on the technology and science of biosensors published monthly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubMed, MEDLINE, PMC, Embase, CAPlus / SciFinder, Inspec, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Chemistry, Analytical) / CiteScore - Q1 (Engineering (miscellaneous))
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 17.4 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.8 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
5.4 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
5.7 (2022)
Latest Articles
A Copper-Selective Sensor and Its Inhibition of Copper-Amyloid Beta Aggregation
Biosensors 2024, 14(5), 247; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14050247 - 14 May 2024
Abstract
Copper is an essential trace metal for biological processes in humans and animals. A low level of copper detection at physiological pH using fluorescent probes is very important for in vitro applications, such as the detection of copper in water or urine, and
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Copper is an essential trace metal for biological processes in humans and animals. A low level of copper detection at physiological pH using fluorescent probes is very important for in vitro applications, such as the detection of copper in water or urine, and in vivo applications, such as tracking the dynamic copper concentrations inside cells. Copper homeostasis is disrupted in neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, and copper forms aggregates with amyloid beta (Ab42) peptide, resulting in senile plaques in Alzheimer’s brains. Therefore, a selective copper detector probe that can detect amyloid beta peptide-copper aggregates and decrease the aggregate size has potential uses in medicine. We have developed a series of Cu2+-selective low fluorescent to high fluorescent tri and tetradentate dentate ligands and conjugated them with a peptide ligand to amyloid-beta binding peptide to increase the solubility of the compounds and make the resultant compounds bind to Cu2+–amyloid aggregates. The copper selective compounds were developed using chemical scaffolds known to have high affinity and selectivity for Cu2+, and their conjugates with peptides were tested for affinity and selectivity towards Cu2+. The test results were used to inform further improvement of the next compound. The final Cu2+ chelator–peptide conjugate we developed showed high selectivity for Cu2+ and high fluorescence properties. The compound bound 1:1 to Cu2+ ion, as determined from its Job’s plot. Fluorescence of the ligand could be detected at nanomolar concentrations. The effect of this ligand on controlling Cu2+–Ab42 aggregation was studied using fluorescence assays and microscopy. It was found that the Cu2+–chelator–peptide conjugate efficiently reduced aggregate size and, therefore, acted as an inhibitor of Ab42-Cu2+ aggregation. Since high micromolar concentrations of Cu2+ are present in senile plaques, and Cu2+ accelerates the formation of toxic soluble aggregates of Ab42, which are precursors of insoluble plaques, the developed hybrid molecule can potentially serve as a therapeutic for Alzheimer’s disease.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fluorescent Sensors for Biological Applications)
Open AccessArticle
Highly Sensitive Whole-Cell Mercury Biosensors for Environmental Monitoring
by
Dahlin Zevallos-Aliaga, Stijn De Graeve, Pamela Obando-Chávez, Nicolás A. Vaccari, Yue Gao, Tom Peeters and Daniel G. Guerra
Biosensors 2024, 14(5), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14050246 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Whole-cell biosensors could serve as eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives for detecting potentially toxic bioavailable heavy metals in aquatic environments. However, they often fail to meet practical requirements due to an insufficient limit of detection (LOD) and high background noise. In this study, we
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Whole-cell biosensors could serve as eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives for detecting potentially toxic bioavailable heavy metals in aquatic environments. However, they often fail to meet practical requirements due to an insufficient limit of detection (LOD) and high background noise. In this study, we designed a synthetic genetic circuit specifically tailored for detecting ionic mercury, which we applied to environmental samples collected from artisanal gold mining sites in Peru. We developed two distinct versions of the biosensor, each utilizing a different reporter protein: a fluorescent biosensor (Mer-RFP) and a colorimetric biosensor (Mer-Blue). Mer-RFP enabled real-time monitoring of the culture’s response to mercury samples using a plate reader, whereas Mer-Blue was analysed for colour accumulation at the endpoint using a specially designed, low-cost camera setup for harvested cell pellets. Both biosensors exhibited negligible baseline expression of their respective reporter proteins and responded specifically to HgBr2 in pure water. Mer-RFP demonstrated a linear detection range from 1 nM to 1 μM, whereas Mer-Blue showed a linear range from 2 nM to 125 nM. Our biosensors successfully detected a high concentration of ionic mercury in the reaction bucket where artisanal miners produce a mercury–gold amalgam. However, they did not detect ionic mercury in the water from active mining ponds, indicating a concentration lower than 3.2 nM Hg2+—a result consistent with chemical analysis quantitation. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of Mer-Blue as a practical and affordable monitoring tool, highlighting its stability, reliance on simple visual colorimetry, and the possibility of sensitivity expansion to organic mercury.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Biosensors for Food Safety and Environmental Monitoring)
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Open AccessArticle
A Fast and Sensitive One-Tube SARS-CoV-2 Detection Platform Based on RTX-PCR and Pyrococcus furiosus Argonaute
by
Rui Han, Fei Wang, Wanping Chen and Lixin Ma
Biosensors 2024, 14(5), 245; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14050245 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Since SARS-CoV-2 is a highly transmissible virus, alternative reliable, fast, and cost-effective methods are still needed to prevent virus spread that can be applied in the laboratory and for point-of-care testing. Reverse transcription real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is currently the gold criteria
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Since SARS-CoV-2 is a highly transmissible virus, alternative reliable, fast, and cost-effective methods are still needed to prevent virus spread that can be applied in the laboratory and for point-of-care testing. Reverse transcription real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is currently the gold criteria for detecting RNA viruses, which requires reverse transcriptase to reverse transcribe viral RNA into cDNA, and fluorescence quantitative PCR detection was subsequently performed. The frequently used reverse transcriptase is thermolabile; the detection process is composed of two steps: the reverse transcription reaction at a relatively low temperature, and the qPCR performed at a relatively high temperature, moreover, the RNA to be detected needs to pretreated if they had advanced structure. Here, we develop a fast and sensitive one-tube SARS-CoV-2 detection platform based on Ultra-fast RTX-PCR and Pyrococcus furiosus Argonaute-mediated Nucleic acid Detection (PAND) technology (URPAND). URPAND was achieved ultra-fast RTX-PCR process based on a thermostable RTX (exo-) with both reverse transcriptase and DNA polymerase activity. The URPAND can be completed RT-PCR and PAND to detect nucleic acid in one tube within 30 min. This method can specifically detect SARS-CoV-2 with a low detection limit of 100 copies/mL. The diagnostic results of clinical samples with one-tube URPAND displayed 100% consistence with RT-qPCR test. Moreover, URPAND was also applied to identify SARS-CoV-2 D614G mutant due to its single-nucleotide specificity. The URPAND platform is rapid, accurate, tube closed, one-tube, easy-to-operate and free of large instruments, which provides a new strategy to the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and other RNA viruses.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immunoassays and Biosensing)
Open AccessCommunication
A Novel Indolium-Based Fluorescent Probe for Fast Detection of Cyanide
by
Mei Ding, Xiao Xiao, Chen Zhou, Mingxin Luo and Jing Sun
Biosensors 2024, 14(5), 244; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14050244 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
A novel indolium-based fluorescent probe for the detection of CN− was developed based on the conjugation of 1, 2, 3, 3-Tetramethyl-3H-indolium iodide and 2-acetyl benzothiophene. The introduction of external CN− caused a nucleophilic attack to the quaternary amine salt structure in
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A novel indolium-based fluorescent probe for the detection of CN− was developed based on the conjugation of 1, 2, 3, 3-Tetramethyl-3H-indolium iodide and 2-acetyl benzothiophene. The introduction of external CN− caused a nucleophilic attack to the quaternary amine salt structure in the probe and resulted in the departure of iodide ions and the steric rotation of the index salt group, which caused fluorescence quenching. The titration experiments showed that the probe had rapid qualitative and quantitative analysis capabilities for CN−. Moreover, the relevant biocompatibility experiments also demonstrated the potential application value of the probe.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Biosensors for Detection and Monitoring (Volume II))
Open AccessArticle
Fabrication of Multiple-Channel Electrochemical Microneedle Electrode Array via Separated Functionalization and Assembly Method
by
Xin-Shuo Huang, Shuang Huang, Shan-Tao Zheng, Bao-Ming Liang, Tao Zhang, Wan Yue, Fan-Mao Liu, Peng Shi, Xi Xie and Hui-Jiuan Chen
Biosensors 2024, 14(5), 243; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14050243 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Real-time monitoring of physiological indicators inside the body is pivotal for contemporary diagnostics and treatments. Implantable electrodes can not only track specific biomarkers but also facilitate therapeutic interventions. By modifying biometric components, implantable electrodes enable in situ metabolite detection in living tissues, notably
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Real-time monitoring of physiological indicators inside the body is pivotal for contemporary diagnostics and treatments. Implantable electrodes can not only track specific biomarkers but also facilitate therapeutic interventions. By modifying biometric components, implantable electrodes enable in situ metabolite detection in living tissues, notably beneficial in invasive glucose monitoring, which effectively alleviates the self-blood-glucose-managing burden for patients. However, the development of implantable electrochemical electrodes, especially multi-channel sensing devices, still faces challenges: (1) The complexity of direct preparation hinders functionalized or multi-parameter sensing on a small scale. (2) The fine structure of individual electrodes results in low spatial resolution for sensor functionalization. (3) There is limited conductivity due to simple device structures and weakly conductive electrode materials (such as silicon or polymers). To address these challenges, we developed multiple-channel electrochemical microneedle electrode arrays (MCEMEAs) via a separated functionalization and assembly process. Two-dimensional microneedle (2dMN)-based and one-dimensional microneedle (1dMN)-based electrodes were prepared by laser patterning, which were then modified as sensing electrodes by electrochemical deposition and glucose oxidase decoration to achieve separated functionalization and reduce mutual interference. The electrodes were then assembled into 2dMN- and 1dMN-based multi-channel electrochemical arrays (MCEAs), respectively, to avoid damaging functionalized coatings. In vitro and in vivo results demonstrated that the as-prepared MCEAs exhibit excellent transdermal capability, detection sensitivity, selectivity, and reproducibility, which was capable of real-time, in situ glucose concentration monitoring.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Microneedle Array Electrodes in Biomedicine)
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Open AccessArticle
Microfluidic Electroporation Arrays for Investigating Electroporation-Induced Cellular Rupture Dynamics
by
Insu Park, Seungyeop Choi, Youngwoo Gwak, Jingwon Kim, Gyeongjun Min, Danyou Lim and Sang Woo Lee
Biosensors 2024, 14(5), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14050242 - 11 May 2024
Abstract
Electroporation is pivotal in bioelectrochemistry for cellular manipulation, with prominent applications in drug delivery and cell membrane studies. A comprehensive understanding of pore generation requires an in-depth analysis of the critical pore size and the corresponding energy barrier at the onset of cell
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Electroporation is pivotal in bioelectrochemistry for cellular manipulation, with prominent applications in drug delivery and cell membrane studies. A comprehensive understanding of pore generation requires an in-depth analysis of the critical pore size and the corresponding energy barrier at the onset of cell rupture. However, many studies have been limited to basic models such as artificial membranes or theoretical simulations. Challenging this paradigm, our study pioneers using a microfluidic electroporation chip array. This tool subjects live breast cancer cell species to a diverse spectrum of alternating current electric field conditions, driving electroporation-induced cell rupture. We conclusively determined the rupture voltages across varying applied voltage loading rates, enabling an unprecedented characterization of electric cell rupture dynamics encompassing critical pore radius and energy barrier. Further bolstering our investigation, we probed cells subjected to cholesterol depletion via methyl-β-cyclodextrin and revealed a strong correlation with electroporation. This work not only elucidates the dynamics of electric rupture in live cell membranes but also sets a robust foundation for future explorations into the mechanisms and energetics of live cell electroporation.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biosensor and Bioelectronic Devices)
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Open AccessArticle
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy for Ion Sensors with Interdigitated Electrodes: Capacitance Calculations, Equivalent Circuit Models and Design Optimizations
by
Eva-Maria Korek, Reva Teotia, David Herbig and Ralf Brederlow
Biosensors 2024, 14(5), 241; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14050241 - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is becoming more and more relevant for the characterization of biosensors employing interdigitated electrodes. We compare four different sensor topologies for an exemplary use case of ion sensing to extract recommendations for the design optimizations of impedimetric biosensors. Therefore,
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Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is becoming more and more relevant for the characterization of biosensors employing interdigitated electrodes. We compare four different sensor topologies for an exemplary use case of ion sensing to extract recommendations for the design optimizations of impedimetric biosensors. Therefore, we first extract how sensor design parameters affect the sensor capacitance using analytical calculations and finite element (FEM) simulations. Moreover, we develop equivalent circuit models for our sensor topologies and validate them using FEM simulations. As a result, the impedimetric sensor response is better understood, and sensitive and selective frequency ranges can be determined for a given sensor topology. From this, we extract design optimizations for different sensing principles.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy and Its Sensing Applications)
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Open AccessArticle
Highly Sensitive Qualitative and Quantitative Identification of Cashmere and Wool Based on Terahertz Electromagnetically Induced Transparent Metasurface Biosensor
by
Dongpeng Luo, Limin Xu, Lifeng Jia, Lianglun Cheng, Ping Tang and Jinyun Zhou
Biosensors 2024, 14(5), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14050240 - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Cashmere and wool are both natural animal fibers used in the textile industry, but cashmere is of superior quality, is rarer, and more precious. It is therefore important to distinguish the two fibers accurately and effectively. However, challenges due to their similar appearance,
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Cashmere and wool are both natural animal fibers used in the textile industry, but cashmere is of superior quality, is rarer, and more precious. It is therefore important to distinguish the two fibers accurately and effectively. However, challenges due to their similar appearance, morphology, and physical and chemical properties remain. Herein, a terahertz electromagnetic inductive transparency (EIT) metasurface biosensor is introduced for qualitative and quantitative identification of cashmere and wool. The periodic unit structure of the metasurface consists of four rotationally symmetric resonators and two cross−arranged metal secants to form toroidal dipoles and electric dipoles, respectively, so that its effective sensing area can be greatly improved by 1075% compared to the traditional dipole mode, and the sensitivity will be up to 342 GHz/RIU. The amplitude and frequency shift changes of the terahertz transmission spectra caused by the different refractive indices of cashmere/wool can achieve highly sensitive label−free qualitative and quantitative identification of both. The experimental results show that the terahertz metasurface biosensor can work at a concentration of 0.02 mg/mL. It provides a new way to achieve high sensitivity, precision, and trace detection of cashmere/wool, and would be a valuable application for the cashmere industry.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomaterials for Biosensing Applications)
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Open AccessArticle
Targeted Formation of Biofilms on the Surface of Graphite Electrodes as an Effective Approach to the Development of Biosensors for Early Warning Systems
by
Anna Kharkova, Roman Perchikov, Saniyat Kurbanalieva, Kristina Osina, Nadezhda Popova, Andrey Machulin, Olga Kamanina, Evgeniya Saverina, Ivan Saltanov, Sergey Melenkov, Denis Butusov and Vyacheslav Arlyapov
Biosensors 2024, 14(5), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14050239 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Biofilms based on bacteria Pseudomonas veronii (Ps. veronii) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) and yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) were used for novel biosensor creation for rapid biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) monitoring. Based on the electrochemical measurement
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Biofilms based on bacteria Pseudomonas veronii (Ps. veronii) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) and yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) were used for novel biosensor creation for rapid biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) monitoring. Based on the electrochemical measurement results, it was shown that the endogenous mediator in the matrix of E. coli and Ps. veronii biofilms and ferrocene form a two-mediator system that improves electron transport in the system. Biofilms based on Ps. veronii and E. coli had a high biotechnological potential for BOD assessment; bioreceptors based on such biofilms had high sensitivity (the lower limits of detectable BOD5 concentrations were 0.61 (Ps. veronii) and 0.87 (E. coli) mg/dm3) and high efficiency of analysis (a measurement time 5–10 min). The maximum biosensor response based on bacterial biofilms has been observed in the pH range of 6.6–7.2. The greatest protective effect was found for biofilms based on E. coli, which has high long-term stability (151 days for Ps. veronii and 163 days for E. coli). The results of the BOD5 analysis of water samples obtained using the developed biosensors had a high correlation with the results of the standard 5-day method (R2 = 0.9820, number of tested samples is 10 for Ps. veronii, and R2 = 0.9862, number of tested samples is 10 for E. coli). Thus, biosensors based on Ps. veronii biofilms and E. coli biofilms could be a novel analytical system to give early warnings of pollution.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cell-Based Biosensors for Rapid Detection and Monitoring)
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Open AccessReview
Nanostructured Metal Oxide-Based Electrochemical Biosensors in Medical Diagnosis
by
Gulsu Keles, Elif Sifa Ataman, Sueda Betul Taskin, İlker Polatoglu and Sevinc Kurbanoglu
Biosensors 2024, 14(5), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14050238 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Nanostructured metal oxides (NMOs) provide electrical properties such as high surface-to-volume ratio, reaction activity, and good adsorption strength. Furthermore, they serve as a conductive substrate for the immobilization of biomolecules, exhibiting notable biological activity. Capitalizing on these characteristics, they find utility in the
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Nanostructured metal oxides (NMOs) provide electrical properties such as high surface-to-volume ratio, reaction activity, and good adsorption strength. Furthermore, they serve as a conductive substrate for the immobilization of biomolecules, exhibiting notable biological activity. Capitalizing on these characteristics, they find utility in the development of various electrochemical biosensing devices, elevating the sensitivity and selectivity of such diagnostic platforms. In this review, different types of NMOs, including zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO2), iron (II, III) oxide (Fe3O4), nickel oxide (NiO), and copper oxide (CuO); their synthesis methods; and how they can be integrated into biosensors used for medical diagnosis are examined. It also includes a detailed table for the last 10 years covering the morphologies, analysis techniques, analytes, and analytical performances of electrochemical biosensors developed for medical diagnosis.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Enzyme-Based Biosensors)
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Open AccessArticle
Development of a DC-Biased AC-Stimulated Microfluidic Device for the Electrokinetic Separation of Bacterial and Yeast Cells
by
Nuzhet Nihaar Nasir Ahamed, Carlos A. Mendiola-Escobedo, Victor H. Perez-Gonzalez and Blanca H. Lapizco-Encinas
Biosensors 2024, 14(5), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14050237 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Electrokinetic (EK) microsystems, which are capable of performing separations without the need for labeling analytes, are a rapidly growing area in microfluidics. The present work demonstrated three distinct binary microbial separations, computationally modeled and experimentally performed, in an insulator-based EK (iEK) system stimulated
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Electrokinetic (EK) microsystems, which are capable of performing separations without the need for labeling analytes, are a rapidly growing area in microfluidics. The present work demonstrated three distinct binary microbial separations, computationally modeled and experimentally performed, in an insulator-based EK (iEK) system stimulated by DC-biased AC potentials. The separations had an increasing order of difficulty. First, a separation between cells of two distinct domains (Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) was demonstrated. The second separation was for cells from the same domain but different species (Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus). The last separation included cells from two closely related microbial strains of the same domain and the same species (two distinct S. cerevisiae strains). For each separation, a novel computational model, employing a continuous spatial and temporal function for predicting the particle velocity, was used to predict the retention time ( ) of each cell type, which aided the experimentation. All three cases resulted in separation resolution values indicating complete separation between the two cell species, with good reproducibility between the experimental repetitions (deviations < 6%) and good agreement (deviations < 18%) between the predicted and experimental ( ) retention time values. This study demonstrated the potential of DC-biased AC iEK systems for performing challenging microbial separations.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Microfluidic Devices and Lab-on-Chip (Bio)sensors)
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Open AccessReview
DNA-Based Molecular Machines: Controlling Mechanisms and Biosensing Applications
by
Chunran Ma, Shiquan Li, Yuqi Zeng and Yifan Lyu
Biosensors 2024, 14(5), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14050236 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
The rise of DNA nanotechnology has driven the development of DNA-based molecular machines, which are capable of performing specific operations and tasks at the nanoscale. Benefitting from the programmability of DNA molecules and the predictability of DNA hybridization and strand displacement, DNA-based molecular
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The rise of DNA nanotechnology has driven the development of DNA-based molecular machines, which are capable of performing specific operations and tasks at the nanoscale. Benefitting from the programmability of DNA molecules and the predictability of DNA hybridization and strand displacement, DNA-based molecular machines can be designed with various structures and dynamic behaviors and have been implemented for wide applications in the field of biosensing due to their unique advantages. This review summarizes the reported controlling mechanisms of DNA-based molecular machines and introduces biosensing applications of DNA-based molecular machines in amplified detection, multiplex detection, real-time monitoring, spatial recognition detection, and single-molecule detection of biomarkers. The challenges and future directions of DNA-based molecular machines in biosensing are also discussed.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue DNA Molecular Engineering-Based Biosensors)
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Open AccessReview
Biosensing of Alpha-Fetoprotein: A Key Direction toward the Early Detection and Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
by
Lohit Ramachandran, Farah Abul Rub, Amro Hajja, Ibrahim Alodhaibi, Momo Arai, Mohammed Alfuwais, Tariq Makhzoum, Ahmed Yaqinuddin, Khaled Al-Kattan, Abdullah M. Assiri, Dieter C. Broering, Raja Chinnappan, Tanveer Ahmad Mir and Naresh Kumar Mani
Biosensors 2024, 14(5), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14050235 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is currently one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Associated risk factors include, but are not limited to, cirrhosis and underlying liver diseases, including chronic hepatitis B or C infections, excessive alcohol consumption, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and exposure
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Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is currently one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Associated risk factors include, but are not limited to, cirrhosis and underlying liver diseases, including chronic hepatitis B or C infections, excessive alcohol consumption, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and exposure to chemical carcinogens. It is crucial to detect this disease early on before it metastasizes to adjoining parts of the body, worsening the prognosis. Serum biomarkers have proven to be a more accurate diagnostic tool compared to imaging. Among various markers such as nucleic acids, circulating genetic material, proteins, enzymes, and other metabolites, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein marker primarily used to diagnose HCC. However, current methods need a large sample and carry a high cost, among other challenges, which can be improved using biosensing technology. Early and accurate detection of AFP can prevent severe progression of the disease and ensure better management of HCC patients. This review sheds light on HCC development in the human body. Afterward, we outline various types of biosensors (optical, electrochemical, and mass-based), as well as the most relevant studies of biosensing modalities for non-invasive monitoring of AFP. The review also explains these sensing platforms, detection substrates, surface modification agents, and fluorescent probes used to develop such biosensors. Finally, the challenges and future trends in routine clinical analysis are discussed to motivate further developments.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensors for Determination of Protein Biomarkers)
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Open AccessCommunication
The Development of a Specific Nanofiber Bioreceptor for Detection of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus from Air
by
Leontýna Varvařovská, Petr Kudrna, Bruno Sopko and Taťána Jarošíková
Biosensors 2024, 14(5), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14050234 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Polluted air and the presence of numerous airborne pathogens affect our daily lives. The sensitive and fast detection of pollutants and pathogens is crucial for environmental monitoring and effective medical diagnostics. Compared to conventional detection methods (PCR, ELISA, metabolic tests, etc.), biosensors bring
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Polluted air and the presence of numerous airborne pathogens affect our daily lives. The sensitive and fast detection of pollutants and pathogens is crucial for environmental monitoring and effective medical diagnostics. Compared to conventional detection methods (PCR, ELISA, metabolic tests, etc.), biosensors bring a very attractive possibility to detect chemicals and organic particles with the mentioned reliability and sensitivity in real time. Moreover, by integrating nanomaterials into the biosensor structure, it is possible to increase the sensitivity and specificity of the device significantly. However, air quality monitoring could be more problematic even with such devices. The greatest challenge with conservative and sensing methods for detecting organic matter such as bacteria is the need to use liquid samples, which slows down the detection procedure and makes it more difficult. In this work, we present the development of a polyacrylonitrile nanofiber bioreceptor functionalized with antibodies against bacterial antigens for the specific interception of bacterial cells directly from the air. We tested the presented novel nanofiber bioreceptor using a unique air filtration system we had previously created. The prepared antibody-functionalized nanofiber membranes for air filtration and pathogen detection (with model organisms E. coli and S. aureus) show a statistically significant increase in bacterial interception compared to unmodified nanofibers. Creating such a bioreceptor could lead to the development of an inexpensive, fast, sensitive, and incredibly selective bionanosensor for detecting bacterial polluted air in commercial premises or medical facilities.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology: From Fabrication Methods and Improvement Strategies to Applications in Biosensing and Biomedicine)
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Open AccessArticle
APPROACH: Sensitive Detection of Exosomal Biomarkers by Aptamer-Mediated Proximity Ligation Assay and Time-Resolved Förster Resonance Energy Transfer
by
Ying Li, Meiqi Qian, Yongpeng Liu and Xue Qiu
Biosensors 2024, 14(5), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14050233 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Exosomal biomarker detection holds great importance in the field of in vitro diagnostics, offering a non-invasive and highly sensitive approach for early disease detection and personalized treatment. Here, we proposed an “APPROACH” strategy, combining aptamer-mediated proximity ligation assay (PLA) with rolling circle amplification
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Exosomal biomarker detection holds great importance in the field of in vitro diagnostics, offering a non-invasive and highly sensitive approach for early disease detection and personalized treatment. Here, we proposed an “APPROACH” strategy, combining aptamer-mediated proximity ligation assay (PLA) with rolling circle amplification (RCA) and time-resolved Förster resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET) for the sensitive and semi-homogenous detection of exosomal biomarkers. PLA probes consisted of a cholesterol-conjugated oligonucleotide, which anchored to the membrane of an exosome, and a specific aptamer oligonucleotide that recognized a target protein of the exosome; the proximal binding of pairs of PLA probes to the same exosome positioned the oligonucleotides in the vicinity of each other, guiding the hybridization and ligation of two subsequently added backbone and connector oligonucleotides to form a circular DNA molecule. Circular DNA formed from PLA underwent rolling circle amplification (RCA) for signal amplification, and the resulting RCA products were subsequently quantified by TR-FRET. The limits of detection provided by APPROACH for the exosomal biomarkers CD63, PD-L1, and HER2 were 0.46 ng∙μL−1, 0.77 ng∙μL−1, and 1.1 ng∙μL−1, respectively, demonstrating excellent analytical performance with high sensitivity and quantification accuracy. Furthermore, the strategy afforded sensitive detection of exosomal CD63 with a LOD of 1.56 ng∙μL−1 in complex biological matrices, which underscored its anti-interference capability and potential for in vitro detection. The proposed strategy demonstrates wide-ranging applicability in quantifying diverse exosomal biomarkers while exhibiting robust analytical characteristics, including high sensitivity and accuracy.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Single-Molecule Biosensing: Recent Advances and Future Challenges)
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Open AccessCommunication
Catalytic Hairpin Assembly-Based Self-Ratiometric Gel Electrophoresis Detection Platform for Reliable Nucleic Acid Analysis
by
Qiang Xi, Si-Yi Wang, Xiao-Bing Deng and Chong-Hua Zhang
Biosensors 2024, 14(5), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14050232 - 7 May 2024
Abstract
The development of gel electrophoresis-based biodetection assays for point-of-care analysis are highly demanding. In this work, we proposed a ratiometric gel electrophoresis-based biosensing platform by employing catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) process functions as both the signal output and the signal amplification module. Two
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The development of gel electrophoresis-based biodetection assays for point-of-care analysis are highly demanding. In this work, we proposed a ratiometric gel electrophoresis-based biosensing platform by employing catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) process functions as both the signal output and the signal amplification module. Two types of nucleic acids, DNA and miRNA, are chosen for demonstration. The proposed strategy indeed provides a new paradigm for the design of a portable detection platform and may hold great potential for sensitive diagnoses.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomarker Biosensing: Analysis and Detection)
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Open AccessArticle
Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Virus via Fiber-Optic and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Based Aptasensors
by
Can Xiao, Nan Wang, Yuechao Zhao, Xuemei Liu, Hui Li, Aixue Huang, Lin Wang, Xinhui Lou, Bo Gao and Ningsheng Shao
Biosensors 2024, 14(5), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14050231 - 7 May 2024
Abstract
The development of rapid detection tools for viruses is vital for the prevention of pandemics and biothreats. Aptamers that target inactivated viruses are attractive for sensors due to their improved biosafety. Here, we evaluated a DNA aptamer (named as 6.9) that specifically binds
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The development of rapid detection tools for viruses is vital for the prevention of pandemics and biothreats. Aptamers that target inactivated viruses are attractive for sensors due to their improved biosafety. Here, we evaluated a DNA aptamer (named as 6.9) that specifically binds to the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus with a low dissociation constant (KD = 9.6 nM) for the first time. Based on aptamer 6.9, we developed a fiber-optic evanescent wave (FOEW) biosensor. Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 and the Cy5.5-tagged short complementary strand competitively bound with the aptamer immobilized on the surface of the sensor. The detection of the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus was realized within six minutes with a limit of detection (LOD, S/N = 3) of 740 fg/mL. We also developed an electrochemical impedance aptasensor which exhibited an LOD of 5.1 fg/mL and high specificity. We further demonstrated that the LODs of the FOEW and electrochemical impedance aptasensors were, respectively, more than 1000 and 100,000 times lower than those of commercial colloidal gold test strips. We foresee that the facile aptamer isolation process and sensor design can be easily extended for the detection of other inactivated viruses.
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(This article belongs to the Section Biosensors and Healthcare)
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Open AccessArticle
Detection of In Vivo-like Cells by a Biosensor Chip Based on Metamaterials in Terahertz Regime
by
Lulu Han, Yuchen Wang, Kanglong Chen, Hengyu Gao, Kexin Xia, Qinggang Ge, Jun Yang, Wei Shi and Cunjun Ruan
Biosensors 2024, 14(5), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14050230 - 6 May 2024
Abstract
Early diagnosis of diseases, especially cancer, is critical for effective treatment. The unique properties of terahertz technology have attracted attention in this field. However, current terahertz bio-detection methods face challenges due to differences between the test environment and the actual in vivo conditions.
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Early diagnosis of diseases, especially cancer, is critical for effective treatment. The unique properties of terahertz technology have attracted attention in this field. However, current terahertz bio-detection methods face challenges due to differences between the test environment and the actual in vivo conditions. In this study, a novel method is proposed for detecting in vivo-like cells using a biosensor chip composed of metamaterials and a cavity. The cavity has a thickness of ~50 μm. The structure can protect cells from damage and provides a liquid environment like an in vivo state. Through simulation analysis, the metamaterials sensor exhibits a theoretical sensitivity of 0.287 THz/RIU (Refractive Index Unit) with a 50 μm thick analyte. The detection method is experimentally validated using the apoptosis of glioma cells and various cell types. The biosensor investigates the apoptosis of glioma cells under the impact of temozolomide, and the trend of the results was consistent with the Cell Counting Kit-8 method. Furthermore, at a concentration of ~5200 cells/cm2, the experimental results demonstrate that the sensor can distinguish between neurons and glioma cells with a resonance frequency difference of approximately 30 GHz. This research has significant potential for detecting glioma cells and offers an alternative approach to in vivo-like cell detection.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biosensors for Disease Screening, Monitoring, Diagnosis and Treatment)
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Open AccessArticle
Electrochemical Nanosensor for the Simultaneous Determination of Anticancer Drugs Epirubicin and Topotecan Using UiO-66-NH2/GO Nanocomposite Modified Electrode
by
Somayeh Tajik, Parisa Shams, Hadi Beitollahi and Fariba Garkani Nejad
Biosensors 2024, 14(5), 229; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14050229 - 4 May 2024
Abstract
In this work, UiO-66-NH2/GO nanocomposite was prepared using a simple solvothermal technique, and its structure and morphology were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). An enhanced electrochemical sensor for the detection
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In this work, UiO-66-NH2/GO nanocomposite was prepared using a simple solvothermal technique, and its structure and morphology were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). An enhanced electrochemical sensor for the detection of epirubicin (EP) was proposed, which utilized a UiO-66-NH2/GO nanocomposite-modified screen-printed graphite electrode (UiO-66-NH2/GO/SPGE). The prepared UiO-66-NH2/GO nanocomposite improved the electrochemical performance of the SPGE towards the redox reaction of EP. Under optimized experimental conditions, this sensor demonstrates a remarkable limit of detection (LOD) of 0.003 µM and a linear dynamic range from 0.008 to 200.0 µM, providing a highly capable platform for sensing EP. Furthermore, the simultaneous electro-catalytic oxidation of EP and topotecan (TP) was investigated at the UiO-66-NH2/GO/SPGE surface utilizing differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). DPV measurements revealed the presence of two distinct oxidation peaks of EP and TP, with a peak potential separation of 200 mV. Finally, the UiO-66-NH2/GO/SPGE sensor was successfully utilized for the quantitative analysis of EP and TP in pharmaceutical injection, yielding highly satisfactory results.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensors for the Analysis and Detection of Drug, Food or Disease)
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Open AccessArticle
A Diagnostic Chip for the Colorimetric Detection of Legionella pneumophila in Less than 3 h at the Point of Need
by
Katerina Tsougeni, Anastasia Kanioura, Athina S. Kastania, Kosmas Ellinas, Antonios Stellas, Vassilios Constantoudis, Galatios Moschonas, Nikolaos D. Andritsos, Manolis Velonakis, Panagiota S. Petrou, Sotirios E. Kakabakos, Evangelos Gogolides and Angeliki Tserepi
Biosensors 2024, 14(5), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14050228 - 4 May 2024
Abstract
Legionella pneumophila has been pinpointed by the World Health Organization as the highest health burden of all waterborne pathogens in the European Union and is responsible for many disease outbreaks around the globe. Today, standard analysis methods (based on bacteria culturing onto agar
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Legionella pneumophila has been pinpointed by the World Health Organization as the highest health burden of all waterborne pathogens in the European Union and is responsible for many disease outbreaks around the globe. Today, standard analysis methods (based on bacteria culturing onto agar plates) need several days (~12) in specialized analytical laboratories to yield results, not allowing for timely actions to prevent outbreaks. Over the last decades, great efforts have been made to develop more efficient waterborne pathogen diagnostics and faster analysis methods, requiring further advancement of microfluidics and sensors for simple, rapid, accurate, inexpensive, real-time, and on-site methods. Herein, a lab-on-a-chip device integrating sample preparation by accommodating bacteria capture, lysis, and DNA isothermal amplification with fast (less than 3 h) and highly sensitive, colorimetric end-point detection of L. pneumophila in water samples is presented, for use at the point of need. The method is based on the selective capture of viable bacteria on on-chip-immobilized and -lyophilized antibodies, lysis, the loop-mediated amplification (LAMP) of DNA, and end-point detection by a color change, observable by the naked eye and semiquantified by computational image analysis. Competitive advantages are demonstrated, such as low reagent consumption, portability and disposability, color change, storage at RT, and compliance with current legislation.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microfluidic Systems and Computational Imaging Methods in Lab-on-a-Chip Technologies)
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