Two kinds of electrochemical immunoassays for the tumor necrosis factor α in human serum using screen-printed graphite electrodes modified with poly(anthranilic acid)

We present two kinds of electrochemical immunoassays for the tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) which is a protein biomarker. The antibody against TNF-α was immobilized on a graphite screen-printed electrode modified with poly-anthranilic acid (ASPE). The first is based on impedimetry (and thus label-free) and the target antigen (TNF-α) is captured by the surface of the modified electrode via an immunoreaction upon which impedance is changed. This sensing platform has a detection limit of 5.0 pg mL^?1. In the second approach, the monoclonal antibodies on the modified electrode also bind to the target antigen (TNF-α), but detection is based on a sandwich immunoreaction. This is performed by first adding secondary anti-TNF-α antibodies labeled with horseradish peroxidase, and then detecting the response of the sandwich system by adding hydrogen peroxide and acetaminophen as a probe system for HRP activity. This immunosensor also has a very low detection limit (3.2 pg mL^?1). The experimental conditions of both assays were studied and optimized via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and differential pulse voltammetry. The method was then applied to the determination of TNF-α in serum samples where it displayed high sensitivity, selectivity and reproducibility.

Label-free electrochemical immunosensor for the carcinoembryonic antigen using a glassy carbon electrode modified with electrodeposited Prussian Blue, a graphene and carbon nanotube assembly and an antibody immobilized on gold nanoparticles

We described a sensitive, label-free electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of carcinoembryonic antigen. It is based on the use of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with a multi-layer films made from Prussian Blue (PB), graphene and carbon nanotubes by electrodeposition and assembling techniques. Gold nanoparticles were electrostatically absorbed on the surface of the film and used for the immobilization of antibody, while PB acts as signaling molecule. The stepwise assembly process was investigated by differential pulse voltammetry and scanning electron microscopy. It is found that the formation of antibody-antigen complexes partially inhibits the electron transfer of PB and decreased its peak current. Under the optimal conditions, the decrease of intensity of the peak current of PB is linearly related to the concentration of carcinoembryonic antigen in two ranges (0.2–1.0, and 1.0–40.0 ng·mL^?1), with a detection limit of 60 pg·mL^?1 (S/N?=?3). The immunosensor was applied to analyze five clinical samples, and the results obtained were in agreement with clinical data. In addition, the immunosensor exhibited good precision, acceptable stability and reproducibility.

Ultrasensitive amperometric immunosensor for the determination of carcinoembryonic antigen based on a porous chitosan and gold nanoparticles functionalized interface

An immunosensor has been fabricated for direct amperometric determination of carcinoembryonic antigen. It is based on a biocompatible composite film composed of porous chitosan (pChit) and gold nanoparticles (GNPs). Firstly, a pChit film was formed on a glassy carbon electrode by means of electrodeposition. Then, thionine as a redox probe was immobilized on the pChit film modified electrode using glutaraldehyde as a cross-linker. Finally, GNPs were adsorbed on the electrode surface to assemble carcinoembryonic antibody (anti-CEA). The surface morphology of the pChit films was studied by means of a scanning electron microscope. The immunosensor was further characterized by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrochemical behaviors and factors influencing the performance of the resulting immunosensors were studied in detail. Results showed that the pChit films can enhance the surface coverage of antibodies and improve the sensitivity of the immunosensor. Under optimal conditions, the immunosensor was highly sensitive to CEA with a detection limit of 0.08 ng·mL^?1 at three times the background noise and linear ranges of 0.2～10.0 ng·mL^?1 and 10.0～160 ng·mL^?1. Moreover, the immunosensor exhibited high selectivity, good reproducibility and stability.     

Ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescent immunosensor based on dual signal amplification strategy of gold nanoparticles-dotted graphene composites and CdTe quantum dots coated silica nanoparticles

A facile and ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescent (ECL) immunosensor for detection of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was designed by using CdTe quantum dots coated silica nanoparticles (SiO₂@QDs) as bionanolabels. To construct such an electrochemiluminescence immunosensor, gold nanoparticles-dotted graphene composites were immobilized on the working electrode, which can increase the surface area to capture a large amount of primary antibodies as well as improve the electronic transmission rate. The as-prepared SiO₂@QDs used as bionanolabels, showed good ECL performance and good ability of immobilization for secondary antibodies. The approach provided a good linear response ranging from 0.005 to 10 ng?mL^?1 with a low detection limit of 0.0032 ng?mL^?1. Such immunosensor showed good precision, acceptable stability, and reproducibility. Satisfactory results were obtained for determination of PSA in human serum samples. Therefore, the proposed method provides a new promising platform of clinical immunoassay for other biomolecules.     

Electrochemical immunoassay for the prostate specific antigen using a reduced graphene oxide functionalized with a high molecular-weight silk peptide

High molecular-weight silk peptide (SP) was used to functionalize the surface of nanosheets of reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The SP-rGO nanocomposite was then mixed with mouse anti-human prostate specific antigen monoclonal antibody (anti-PSA) and coated onto a glassy carbon electrode to fabricate an immunosensor. By using the hexacyanoferrate redox system as electroactive probe, the immunosensor was characterized by voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The peak current, measured at the potential of 0.24 V (vs. SCE), is distinctly reduced after binding prostate specific antigen (PSA). Response (measured by differential pulse voltammetry) is linearly related to PSA concentration in the range from 0.1 to 5.0 ng · mL⁻¹ and from 5.0 to 80.0 ng∙mL⁻¹, and the detection limit is 53 pg∙mL⁻¹ (at an SNR of 3). The immunosensor was successfully applied to the determination of PSA in clinical serum samples, and the results were found to agree well with those obtained with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Nanosheets of reduced graphene oxide were functionalized with silk peptide and used to immobilize anti-PSA to fabricate an immunosensor for PSA.

     

Electrochemical Biosensor Based on Nanocomposites Film of Thiol Graphene‐Thiol Chitosan/Nano Gold for the Detection of Carcinoembryonic Antigen

In this paper, a thiol graphene‐thiol chitosan‐gold nanoparticles (thGP‐thCTS‐AuNPs) nanocomposites film with porous structure was fabricated by electrochemically depositing on glassy carbon electrode (GCE), which exhibited good biocompatibility and improved conductivity, to construct immunosensor free label for detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). The electrochemical behavior of this immunosensor was investigated by cyclic voltammetry. Under the optimum conditions, the immunosensor revealed a good amperometric response to CEA in two linear ranges (0.3–8.0 ng mL^?1 and 8.0–100 ng mL^?1) with a detection limit of 0.03 ng mL^?1. The results indicated that the immunosensor has the advantages of good selectivity, high sensitivity, and good stability for the determination of CEA.     

Electrochemical Detection of Human Interleukin-15 using a Graphene Oxide-Modified Screen-Printed Carbon Electrode

Biofunctionalizing a simple and disposable graphene oxide-modified screen-printed carbon electrode with anti-interleukin-15 antibodies has been successfully demonstrated for the first time for the label-free electrochemical detection of interleukin-15, a biomarker of early HIV infection. To improve the electrochemical reactivity and introduce carboxylic groups on the surface of screen-printed carbon electrode, high-quality graphene oxide was used for the modification of screen-printed carbon electrode. With simple modification of the screen-printed carbon electrode, the device exhibited satisfactory sensitivity, selectivity, stability, reproducibility, and regenerability. The immunosensor provided a detection limit of 3.51?ng?mL^?1 and a sensitivity of 0.5655?µA cm^?2?mL?ng^?1. The simply constructed immunosensor thus rendered promising device for immunoreactions on the surface of the electrode.     

Disposable immunoassay for hepatitis B surface antigen based on a graphene paste electrode functionalized with gold nanoparticles and a Nafion-cysteine conjugate

We report on the modification of a graphene paste electrode with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and a Nafion-L-cysteine composite film, and how this electrode can serve as a platform for the construction of a novel electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). To obtain the immunosensor, an antibody against HBsAg was immobilized on the surface of the electrode, and this process was followed by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The peak currents of a hexacyanoferrate redox system decreased on formation of the antibody-antigen complex on the surface of the electrode. Then increased electrochemical response is thought to result from a combination of beneficial effects including the biocompatibility and large surface area of the AuNPs, the high conductivity of the graphene paste electrode, the synergistic effects of composite film, and the increased quantity of HBsAb adsorbed on the electrode surface. The differential pulse voltammetric responses of the hexacyanoferrate redox pair are proportional to the concentration of HBsAg in the range from 0.5–800?ng?mL^?1, and the detection limit is 0.1?ng?mL^?1 (at an S/N of 3). The immunosensor is sensitive and stable.

Sandwich Immunoassay for Hepatitis C Virus Non-Structural 5A Protein Using a Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with an Au-MoO3/Chitosan Nanocomposite

A novel electrochemical immunosensor was prepared for the detection of the hepatitis C virus non-structural 5A protein. A glassy carbon electrode was modified with an Au-MoO₃/Chitosan nanocomposite that warranted good conductivity and biocompatibility. Mesoporous silica with a large specific surface served as a nanocarrier for horseradish peroxidase and the polyclonal antibody as the reporter probe. The immunosensor was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. Following the sandwich-type immunoreaction, horseradish peroxidase was efficiently captured on the surface of the electrode to catalyze the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. The analytical signal was obtained as an amperometric i-t curve (chronoamperometry). The assay reported here had a wide detection range (1 ng mL^?1 ?50 µg mL^?1) and detection limit as low as 1 ng mL^?1 of hepatitis C virus non-structural 5A protein. The electrochemical biosensor experiments showed excellent reproducibility, high selectivity, and outstanding stability for the determination of hepatitis C virus non-structural 5A protein, and it was successfully applied to the detection of the analyte in real serum samples.     

Biocompatible and label-free amperometric immunosensor for hepatitis B surface antigen using a sensing film composed of poly(allylamine)-branched ferrocene and gold nanoparticles

An amperometric immunosensor has been developed for sensitive determination of hepatitis B surface antigen as a model protein. A glassy carbon electrode was modified with an assembly of positively charged poly(allylamine)-branched ferrocene (PAA-Fc) and negatively charged gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). The formation of PAA-Fc effectively avoids the leakage of Fc, retains its electrochemical activity, and enhances the conductivity of the composite. The adsorption of Au NPs onto the PAA-Fc matrix provides sites for the immobilization of the antigen and a favorable micro-environment to maintain its activity. The morphologies and electrochemistry of the sensing film were investigated via scanning electron microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. Factors influencing the performance of the immunosensor were studied in detail. The concentration of the antigen can be quantitated (by measuring the decrease of the amperometric response resulting from the specific binding between antigen and antibody) in the range between 0.1 and 150?ng?mL^?C1, with a detection limit of 40?pg?mL^?C1 (S/N = 3). The method is economical, efficient, and potentially attractive for clinical immunoassays.

Biotin-avidin-conjugated metal sulfide nanoclusters for simultaneous electrochemical immunoassay of tetracycline and chloramphenicol

We report on a protocol for a simultaneous competitive immunoassay for tetracycline (TC) and chloramphenicol (CAP) on the same sensing interface. Conjugates of TC and of CAP with bovine serum albumin were first co-immobilized on a glassy carbon electrode modified with gold nanoparticles. In parallel, monoclonal anti-TC and anti-CAP antibodies were conjugated onto CdS and PbS nanoclusters, respectively. In a typical assay, the immobilized haptens and the added target analytes competed for binding to the corresponding antibodies on the nanoclusters. Subsequently, Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions are released from the surface of the corresponding nanoclusters by treatment with acid and then were detected by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry. The currents at the peak potentials for Cd(II) and Pb(II) were used as the sensor signal for TC and CAP, respectively. This multiplex immunoassay enables the simultaneous determination of TC and CAP in a single run with dynamic ranges from 0.01 to 50 ng mL^?1 for both analytes. The detection limits for TC and for CAP are 7.5 pg mL^?1 and 5.4 pg mL^?1, respectively. No obvious nonspecific adsorption and cross-reactivity was observed in a series of analyses. Intra-assay and inter-assay coefficients of variation were less than 10 %. The method was evaluated by analyzing TC and CAP in spiked samples of milk and honey. The recoveries range from 88 % to 107 % for TC, and from 91 % to 119 % for CAP.

Electrochemical immunosensor for the carcinoembryonic antigen based on a nanocomposite consisting of reduced graphene oxide,gold nanoparticles and poly(indole-6-carboxylic acid)

We describe a label-free electrochemical immunosensor for the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). It is based on a nanocomposite consisting of electrochemically reduced graphene oxide, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and poly(indole-6-carboxylic acid). Coupled to nanoparticle-amplification techniques and modified with ionic liquid (IL), this immunoassay shows high sensitivity and good selectivity for CEA. At the best working voltage of 0.95 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), the lower detection limit is 0.02 ng·mL^?1, and the response to CEA is linear in the range from 0.02 to 90 ng·mL^?1. The method was applied to the determination of CEA in spiked serum samples and gave recoveries in the range from 98.5 % to 102 %.

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Graphical abstract A label-free electrochemical immunosensor was fabricated for the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) with a detection limit of 0.02 ng·mL^?1. It is based on a nanocomposite consisting of electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (erGO), gold nanoparticles (Au NP), and poly(indole-6-carboxylic acid) (PICA).

     

One-step electrochemical immunosensing for simultaneous detection of two biomarkers using thionine and ferrocene as distinguishable signal tags

We report on a new kind of electrochemical immunosensors for simultaneous determination of the biomarkers carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). Thionine and ferrocene were applied as distinguishable electrochemical tags (and mediators) which were covalently conjugated on anti-AFP and anti-CEA antibodies, respectively, via carboxy groups. The resulting conjugates were co-immobilized on a glassy carbon electrode functionalized with gold nanoparticles. Finally, horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was immobilized onto the modified electrode. Labeled thionine and ferrocene, respectively, act as distinguishable tags for simultaneous determination of AFP and CEA due to the difference in the location of their voltammetric peaks. With a one-step immunoassay format, the analytes in the sample produced transparent immunoaffinity reaction with the corresponding antibodies on the electrode. Once the immunocomplex is formed, it partially inhibits the active center of the immobilized HRP, and this decreased the activity of HRP in terms of reduction of hydrogen peroxide. This immunosensor enables the simultaneous determination of AFP and CEA in a single run and within the same dynamic range (0.01–50?ng?mL^?1) and the same lower detection limit (0.01?ng?mL^?1). The reproducibility and stability of the immunosensors are acceptable. The dual immunosensor was applied to evaluate several specimens, and the assay results are in acceptable agreement with clinical data.

Labeless Immunosensor Assay for the Stroke Marker Protein S-100[β] Based Upon an AC Impedance Protocol

We developed label less immunosensors for the stroke marker protein S-100[β], utilizing polyaniline electrode microarrays as substrates to immobilize biotinylated S-100[β] antibodies using classical affinity approaches. The AC impedance studies, before and after exposure to solutions of S-100[β], showed increasing antigen concentration caused increases in the real component of the impedance. Subtracting specific and non-specific antibody responses eliminated non-specific adsorption effects. Linear impedimetric responses toward S-100[β] in buffer solutions over a concentration range of 0–50 pg ml^?1 were observed. The limit of detection of the immunosensor was 1 pg ml^?1 S-100[β], discrimination was possible at 10 pg ml^?1.     

A novel immunosensor for carcinoembryonic antigen based on poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) protected prussian blue nanoparticles and double-layer nanometer-sized gold particles

A highly sensitive amperometric immunosensor has been developed for the detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). It is based on (a) Prussian Blue nanoparticles coated with poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (P-PB) and (b) double-layer gold nanocrystals. The sensor was obtained by first electrodepositing porous gold nanocrystals on the glassy carbon electrode (GCE), and then by modifying the electrode with the coated P-PB. Subsequently, colloidal gold nanoparticles (nano-Au) were adsorbed onto the GCE by electrostatic interactions between the negatively charged nano-Au and the positively charged P-PB to immobilize CEA antibodies. Finally, bovine serum albumin was employed to block possible remaining active sites and to prevent the non-specific adsorption on the nano-Au. This immunosensor was characterized by cyclic voltammetry and scanning electron microscopy. The working range was adjusted to two concentration ranges, viz. from 0.5 to 10 ng.mL^?1, and from 10 to 120 ng.mL^?1 of CEA, with a detection limit of 0.2 ng.mL^?1 at three times the background noise.     

Electrochemical immunosensor for the breast cancer marker CA 15–3 based on the catalytic activity of a CuS/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite towards the electrooxidation of catechol

The authors report on an electrochemical immunosensor for the tumor marker carbohydrate antigen 15–3 (CA15–3). It is based on the use of a composite consisting of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and copper sulfide (CuS) that was placed on a screen-printed graphite electrode. The electrode shows excellent activity towards the oxidation of catechol acting as an electrochemical probe, best at a working potential of 0.16 V. The electrode was modified with antibody against CA15–3. Once the analyte (CA15–3) binds to the surface of the electrode, the response to catechol is reduced. The assay has a linear response in the 1.0–150 U mL^?1 CA15–3 concentration range, with a 0.3 U mL^?1 lower detection limit and a sensitivity of 1.88 μA μM^?1 cm^?2. The immunosensor also shows good reproducibility (2.7%), stability (95% of the initial values after storing for four weeks). The method was successfully applied to the determination of CA15–3 in serum samples, and results were found to compare well to those obtained by an ELISA. Conceivably, this nanocomposite based detection scheme has a wider scope and may be applied to numerous other immunoassays.

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Graphical abstract A label-free electrochemical immunosensor based on copper sulfides/graphene nanocomposites was developed for enzyme-free determination of CA15–3 biomarker. This immunosensor can be utilized as a tool to detect of CA15–3 in real samples.

     

Fabrication of Immunosensor Based on Polyaniline,Fullerene‐C60 and Palladium Nanoparticles Nanocomposite: An Electrochemical Detection Tool for Prostate Cancer

Present work demonstrates the fabrication of new and facile sandwich‐type electrochemical immunosensor based on palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs), polyaniline (PANI) and fullerene‐C₆₀ nanocomposite film modified glassy carbon electrode (PdNP@PANI‐C₆₀/GCE) for ultrasensitive detection of Prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) biomarker. PdNP@PANI‐C₆₀ was electrochemically synthesized on GCE and used as an electroactive substrate. PdNP@PANI‐C₆₀ was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Primary antibody anti‐PSA (Ab1) was covalently immobilized on PdNP@PANI‐C₆₀/GCE using NHS/EDC linkers. In the presence of PSA antigen, horseradish peroxidase secondary antibody (HRP‐Ab2) was brought into the surface of the electrode, developing stable amplified signals of H₂O₂ reduction. Under the optimal conditions, a linear curve for determination of PSA at the proposed immunosensor was 1.6×10^?4 ng.mL^?1 to 38 ng.mL^?1 with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.95×10^?5 ng.mL^?1. The proposed immunosensor was successfully validated in serum and urine samples towards PSA detection with satisfactory and acceptable results.     

A label-free electrochemical immunosensor based on multi-functionalized graphene oxide for ultrasensitive detection of microcystin-LR

In this paper, a label-free electrochemical immunosensor for ultrasensitive detection of microcystin-leucine-arginine (MC-LR) based on multi-functionalized graphene oxide was constructed. The graphene oxide has a large surface area for the immobilization of the antibody. Meanwhile, the introduction of the AuNPs and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate could enhance the response of the current by improving the electrical conductivity. Thus the electrochemical immunosensor could be prepared through a one-step process and differential pulse voltammetry was employed to detect sensitively MC-LR. Under optimal conditions, the current response of the immunosensor decreased proportionally to the logarithmic concentrations of MC-LR in the range of 0.1–1000 ng/mL with a detection limit of 0.1 ng/mL (S/N = 3). This one-step label-free electrochemical immunosensor showed good performance in specificity, stability, reproducibility, and application.     

Single Frequency Impedance Analysis on Reduced Graphene Oxide Screen-Printed Electrode for Biomolecular Detection

A biofunctionalized reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-modified screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) was constructed as an immunosensor for C-reactive protein (CRP) detection, a biomarker released in early stage acute myocardial infarction. A different approach of single frequency analysis (SFA) study was utilized for the biomolecular sensing, by monitoring the response in phase angle changes obtained at an optimized frequency resulting from antigen-antibody interactions. A set of measurements were carried out to optimize a frequency where a maximum change in phase angle was observed, and in this case, we found it at around 10 Hz. The bioelectrode was characterized by contact angle measurements, scanning electron microscopy, and electrochemical techniques. A concentration-dependent response of immunosensor to CRP with the change in phase angle, at a fixed frequency of 10 Hz, was found to be in the range of 10 ng mL^?1 to 10 μg mL^?1 in PBS and was fit quantitative well with the Hill-Langmuir equation. Based on the concentration-response data, the dissociation constant (K _d) was found to be 3.5 nM (with a Hill coefficient n = 0.57), which indicated a negative cooperativity with high anti-CRP (antibody)-CRP (antigen) binding at the electrode surface. A low-frequency analysis of sensing with an ease of measurement on a disposable electroactive rGO-modified electrode with high selectivity and sensitivity makes it a potential tool for biological sensors.     

Simultaneous electrochemical immunosensing of alpha-fetoprotein and prostate specific antigen using a glassy carbon electrode modified with gold nanoparticle-coated silica nanospheres and decorated with Azure A or ferrocenecarboxylic acid

We describe an electrochemical immunosensor for the simultaneous determination of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and prostate specific antigen (PSA) via a modified glassy carbon electrode. Silica nanoparticles (200–300 nm i.d.) with good monodispersity and uniform shape were synthesized, and the following species were then consecutively immobilized on their surface: gold nanoparticles (AuNPs; 5–15 nm i.d.), secondary antibody (Ab₂) and the redox-probes Azure A or ferrocenecarboxy acid (Fc). In parallel, two types of primary antibodies (Ab₁) were co-immobilized on the surface of the dissolved reduced graphene oxide sheets (rGO) that were also decorated with AuNPs. In the presence of antigens (AFP or PSA), the Ab₂/Si@AuNPs carrying Azure A and Fc are attached to the AuNP/rGO conjugate via a sandwich type immunoreaction. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was employed to measure the resulting changes in the signal of Fc or Azure A. Two well-resolved oxidation peaks, one at −0.48 V (corresponding to Azure A) and other at + 0.12 V (corresponding to Fc; both vs. SCE) can be observed in the DPV curves. Under optimal conditions, AFP and PSA can be simultaneously determined in the range from 0.01 to 25 ng mL‾¹ for AFP, and from 0.012 to 25 ng mL‾¹ for PSA. The detection limits are 3.3 pg mL‾¹ for AFP and 4.0 pg mL‾¹ for PSA (at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3). The method was applied to (spiked) real sample analysis, and the recoveries are within 96.0 and 107.2 % for PSA, and within 100.9 and 105.8 % for AFP, indicating that this dual immunosensor matches the requirements of clinical analysis.

(A) Two types of signal labels preparation process. (B) The immunosensor preparation and detection process.