Prototype Potentiometric Biosensor Using Intact Chemoreceptor Structures

Abstract

Antennule structures from blue crabs are directly coupled with potentiometric electrodes to devise a novel type of biosensor. The prototype sensors are shown to yield sensitive and selective responses to amino acids in solution based upon nerve signals from the olfactory cheraoreceptors at the sensory tip of the antennule. Both single-unit and multi-unit responses can be observed and correlated with analytical variables.     

Recent developments in potentiometric biosensors for biomedical analysis

A large variety of potentiometric biosensors is developed using biocatalytic and bioaffinity-based biosensing schemes. However, only few of them could be applied for the biomedical analysis. The most promising are those for the detection of main products of protein metabolism, namely urea and creatinine. A novel group of potentiometric biosensors is constituted by bioaffinity-based devices that could be used for immunoassays or genoanalysis. This paper reviews the recent trends in these fields as well as discusses advantages, limitations and pitfalls of the developed biosensors. Some potentiometric biosensors useful for real biomedical analysis are reported in detail.     

Optical sensors and biosensors based on sol-gel films

The sol-gel technology is being increasingly used for the development of optical sensors and biosensors, due to its simplicity and versatility. By this process, porous thin films incorporating different chemical and biochemical sensing agents are easily obtained at room temperature, allowing final structures with mechanical and thermal stability as well as good optical characteristics. In this article, an overview of the state-of-the-art of sol-gel thin films-based optical sensors is presented. Applications reviewed include sensors for determination of pH, gases, ionic species and solvents, as well as biosensors.     

Fiberoptic biosensors based on chemiluminescent reactions

The chemiluminescence of luminol in the presence of H₂O₂ has been exploited to develop fiberoptic biosensors associated with flow injection analysis systems. A chlorophenol sensor was developed based on the ability of certain halophenols to enhance the peroxidase-catalyzed luminol chemiluminescence. Horseradish peroxidase immobilized on a collagen membrane was used. Ten chlorophenols have been tested with this chemiluminescent-based sensor. The lower detection limit was obtained with 4-chloro-3-methylphenol and was equal to 0.01 μM. Electrochemiluminescent-based fiberoptic biosensors for glucose and lactate were also developed using glucose oxidase or lactate oxidase immobilized on polyamide membranes. In the presence of oxidase-generated H₂O₂, the light emission was triggered electrochemically by means of a glassy carbon electrode polarized at +425 mV vs a platinum pseudo-reference electrode. The detection limits for glucose and lactate were 150 and 60 pmol, respectively, and the dynamic ranges were linear from 150 pmol to 600 nmol and from 60 pmol to 60 nmol, respectively.     

Electrochemical sensors and biosensors based on heterogeneous carbon materials

Abstract  An overview of the use of electrochemical sensors made from heterogeneous carbon materials (carbon paste electrodes, screen-printed carbon electrodes) in the field of food analysis is presented. Sensors for inorganic and organic analytes as well as biosensors are summarized. Graphical abstract        

基于碳纳米管修饰电极检测有机磷农药的生物传感器

报道了一种用于检测有机磷农药的安培型生物传感器,利用戊二醛交联法将乙酰胆碱酯酶和牛血清白蛋白固定在羧基化多壁碳纳米管修饰玻碳电极表面,制备了可应用于检测有机磷农药的新型生物传感器,并确定了最佳工作条件.该方法具有良好的重现性和回收率,当辛硫磷及氧化乐果的浓度分别在5.0×10-4～5.0×10-1 g/L和1.0×10-3～5.0×10-1 g/L范围内时,抑制率与其浓度的对数呈线性关系,检出限按抑制率为10%时的农药浓度计算,可分别达到3.6×10-4 g/L和5.9×10-4 g/L.     

Highly responsive biosensors based on organic field-effect transistors under light irradiation

High responsivity and sensitivity play essential roles in the development of organic field-effect transistors (OFETs)-based biosensors with regard to biological detections, particularly for disease diagnosis. Nonetheless, how to design a biosensor which improves these two outstanding properties while achieving low cost, easy processing, and time saving is a daunting challenge. Herein, a novel biosensor based on OFET with copolymer thin film, whose surface is illuminated with a suitable light beam is reported. This film can be used as both an organic semiconductor material and as a photoelectric active material. Due to amplification of signals as a result of the film’s strong response to light, the biosensor possesses higher responsivity and sensitivity compared to dark condition and even realizes a maximum responsivity of up to 10³ for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) detection. The simple combination of light and transistor builds a bridge between photoelectric effect and biological system. In addition, the emergence of more excellent photoelectric active materials is expected to pave a way for ultrasensitive bio-chemical diagnostic tools.     

Screen-printed amperometric biosensors for glucose and alcohols based on ruthenium-dispersed carbon inks

A ruthenium-dispersed carbon ink is used for the fabrication of screen-printed enzyme electrodes. The dispersed ruthenium particles offer an efficient electrocatalytic action towards the detection of enzymatically-liberated peroxide and dihydronicotin-amide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). Highly selective biosensing of glucose is accomplished at a potential region (0.0 to + 0.2 V) where interfering reactions are minimized. Similarly, the metallized strip surface (with co-immobilized alcohol dehydrogenase and NAD⁺) facilitates the low-potential biosensing of ethanol without the assistance of redox mediators.     

Extracellular vesicles based electrochemical biosensors for detection of cancer cells: A review

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from cancer cells are considered as ideal biomarker for liquid biopsy in cancer diagnosis, and are stable and abundant. Electrochemical methods for the detection of EVs are preferred over conventional methods such as Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for their high sensitivity and real-time detection. This article summaries studies proposing the electrochemical methods utilizing immunological and molecular methodologies for detecting EVs derived biomacromolecules such as miRNAs and transmembrane protein for cancer diagnosis. Moreover, the electrochemical detection methods are compared and future prospects for the development of electrochemical methods for EVs detection are concluded.     

Amperometric biosensors based on the immobilization of oxidases in a Prussian blue film by electrochemical codeposition

Prussian blue has been formed by cyclic voltammetry onto the basal pyrolytic graphite surface to prepare a chemically modified electrode which provides excellent electrocatalysis for both oxidation and reduction of hydrogen peroxide. It is found for the first time that glucose oxidase or -amino oxidase can be incorporated into a Prussian blue film during its electrochemical growth process. Two amperometric biosensors were fabricated by electrochemical codeposition, and the resulting sensors were protected by coverage with a thin film of Nafion. The influence of various experimental conditions was examined for optimum analytical performance. The glucose sensor responds rapidly to substrates with a detection limit of 2 × 10⁻⁶ M and a linear concentration range of 0.01–3 mM. There was no interference from 2 mM ascorbic acid or uric acid. Another ( -amino acid) sensor gave a detection limit of 3 × 10⁻⁵ M -alanine, injected with a linear concentration range of 7.0 × 10⁻⁵-1.4 × 10⁻² M. Glucose and -amino acid sensors remain relatively stable for 20 and 15 days, respectively. There is no obvious interference from anion electroactive species due to a low operating potential and excellent permselectivity of Nafion.     

Peroxidase based biosensors for the selective determination of D,L-lactic acid and L-malic acid in wines

A novel bioelectrochemical method for the direct determination of D(−) L(+) lactic acid and of L(−) malic acid in wines is presented. Multienzymatic biosensors were realized for the selective determination of the three analytes: D(−) and L(+) lactic acid were measured by a trienzymatic biosensor based on the catalytic activities of the enzymes L(+) lactate oxidase (LOD), D(−) lactate dehydrogenase (D-LDH) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP); L(−) malic acid was measured by a bienzymatic electrode, realized by coupling the enzymes L(−) malic dehydrogenase (L-MDH) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP). In both cases the enzymes were immobilized on an oxygen selective Clark electrode.The simultaneous determination of the two organic acids can be accomplished either in batch or in a flow injection analysis apparatus using the same biosensors as detectors. The analytical performance of the method, tested in standard aqueous solutions and on real samples of wines, showing high repeatability, short response times and reduced cost of analysis, suggest that the experimental approach here described could be followed to monitor the progress of malolactic fermentation.     

Covalently immobilized choline oxidase and cholinesterases on a methacrylate copolymer for disposable membrane biosensors

Bienzymatic sensors for the determination of esters of choline were prepared by covalent co-immobilization of cholinesterases and choline oxidase on polymer membranes, obtained by radiation-induced copolymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and glycidyl methacrylate at low temperature. Optimization of the covalent attachment of choline oxidase and acetyl-or butyrylcholinesterase to copolymer was explored. The enzyme-modified polymers were applied on platinum electrodes to form amperometric sensors, based on the electrochemical detection of enzymatically developed hydrogen peroxide. Acetyl-, acetylthiobutyryl-, and butyrylthiocholine contents in standard solutions were measured, and linear calibration curves were determined. Temperature and pH effects on the electrochemical response are described.     

pH measurements based on a palladium electrode

The feasibility of a metal palladium electrode as the pH sensor in air-saturated aqueous solutions was evaluated. The measurement was based on an “on-site” precleaning step and a potential decay process. The experimental results showed a linear pH response with a sensitivity of around 60 mV/pH and good reproducibiliry. The temperature effect on the measurement was also evaluated.     

Novel monohydrogenphosphate sensor based on vanadyl salophen

A novel PVC-based membrane sensor based on vanadyl salophen (VNSP) for determination of trace amounts of monohydrogenphosphate (MHP) ions is introduced. The electrode revealed Nernstian response towards monohydrogenphosphate over the wide concentration range from 1.0×10⁻¹ to 1.0×10⁻⁶ M at the pH of 8.2. The effect of solvent mediator, cationic additives and amount of ion-carrier on the behavior of the sensor was investigated. The sensor shows a short response time (<20 s) in the whole concentration ranges. The selectivity of the electrode is very high, and it can be used for detection of trace amounts of monohydrogenphosphate in the presence of large amounts of other anions. The detection limit of the electrode was 5.0×10⁻⁷ M (48 ng/ml) and it could be used for 14 weeks without any measurable changes in the slope. The potentiometric selectivity coefficients data revealed negligible interference from 16 common anions. It was successfully applied for the direct determination of monohydrogenphosphate in fertilizer samples and, as an indicator electrode, in potentiometric titration of HPO₄²⁻ ion with barium nitrate.     

Potassium ion-selective electrode based on a cobalt(II)-hexacyanoferrate film-modified electrode

A potassium ion-selective electrode based on a cobalt(II)-hexacyanoferrate(III) (CHCF) film-modified glassy carbon electrode is proposed. The electroactive film is introduced onto the glassy carbon electrode surface by electrodeposition of cobalt, which forms a thin CHCF film on subsequent anodic scanning in KClHCl solution (pH 5.0–5.5) containing K₃Fe(CN)₆. The thickness of the film on the electrode surface can be controlled by changing the electrodeposition time and the concentrations of cobalt(II) and Fe(CN)^3?₆ ions. The modified electrode exhibits a linear response in the concentration range 1 × 10^?1 ?3 × 10^?5 M potassium ion activity, with a near-Nernstian slope (48–54 mV per decade) at 25 ± 1°C. The detection limit is 1 × 10^?5 M. The stability, response time and selectivity were investigated. The electrode exhibits good selectivity for potassium ion with the twelve cations investigated. The relative standard deviation is 1.5% (n=10). The effects of the thickness of the electroactive film and the pH of the solution on the electrode response were also investigated.     

Towards biosensors based on conducting polymer nanowires

We report the electrochemical deposition of poly(pyrrolepropylic acid) nanowires, their covalent modification with antibodies and their conversion into potential functional sensor devices. The nanowires and the devices were characterised by optical microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, electron microscopy and electrical measurements. Fluorescence images, current–voltage (I–V) profiles and real-time sensing measurements demonstrated a rapid and highly sensitive and selective detection of human serum albumin (HSA), a substance that has been used to diagnose incipient renal disease. The detection is based on the selective binding of HSA onto anti-HSA that is covalently attached to the nanowires. The binding changes the electrical properties of the nanowires thus enabling the real-time detection. Whilst the utility of the research was demonstrated for protein binding/detection, the technology could easily be designed for the detection of other analytes by the modification of polymer nanowires with other analyte-specific molecules/biomolecules. Therefore, the technology has the potential to positively impact broad analytical applications in the biomedical, environmental and other sectors. Figure Real-time dynamic current response on sequential exposure of buffer, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and human serum albumin (HSA) onto anti-HSA modified poly (pyrrolepropylic acid) nanowires. Fluorescence images of poly(pyrrolepropylic acid) nanowire (top right) and polypyrrole nanowire control (bottom right) after sequential treatment with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC), anti HSA and fluorophore-labeled HSA.     

Amperometric biosensors based on microflow injection system

Novel electrochemical cells based on a microflow system combined with amperometric enzyme electrodes were developed and served for quantitative determination of various compounds, such as organophosphates and lactose. The resulting biosensors are selective and efficient owing to immobilization of the sensing elements on the electrodes. The sensors are easy to operate, and the procedures are rapid, accurate, reproducible, and inexpensive, requiring neither special skills and training nor complicated instrumentation. The use of a microflow cell ensures the continuous flux of a new substrate, thus preventing the accumulation or adsorption of products to the electrode. Miniaturization of the sensor has two main advantages: (1) it is easy to carry and therefore can be used outdoors as well, and (2) it allows working with low volumes of compounds and reagents, which is highly important when dealing with hazardous compounds.     

Reagentless lactate electrodes based on electrocatalytic oxidation of flavocytochrome b2

Flavocytochrome b₂ (L-lactate :cytochrome c reductase, E.C. 1.1.2.3) from Hansenula anomala was entrapped on the surface of electrodes modified with various kinds of carbon black. The electrocatalytic oxidation of a reduced enzyme by the electroactive surface groups of carbon black enables this enzyme electrode to be used for the determination of lactate. The electrodes operate at ?0.2 to ?0.1 V vs. SCE (pH 7.0), which is low enough to avoid interference from ascorbic acid. Linear calibration graphs up to 0.5 mM lactate were obtained. Electrochemical measurements of lactate in human blood plasma and cell culture fluids showed good agreement with the results of spectrophotometric measurements.     

Glucose biosensors based on the immobilization of copper oxide and glucose oxidase within a carbon paste matrix

The performance of amperometric glucose biosensors based on the dispersion of glucose oxidase (GOx) and copper oxide within a classical carbon (graphite) paste composite is reported in this work. Copper oxide promotes an excellent electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation and reduction of hydrogen peroxide, allowing a large decrease in the oxidation and reduction overpotentials, as well as an important enhancement of the corresponding currents. Therefore, it is possible to perform the glucose biosensing at low potentials where there is no interference even in large excess of ascorbic acid, uric acid or acetaminophen. The influence of the copper oxide and glucose oxidase content in the paste on the analytical performance of the bioelectrode is discussed. The resulting biosensor shows a fast response, a linear relationship between current and glucose concentration up to 1.35 × 10⁻² M (2.43 g L⁻¹) and a detection limit of 2.0 × 10⁻⁵ M. The effect of the presence of the enzyme in the composite material on the dispersion of the copper oxide particles is also discussed.     

Optimisation and characterisation of biosensors based on polyaniline

With lower limits of detection and increased stability constantly being demanded of biosensor devices, characterisation of the constituent layers that make up the sensor has become unavoidable, since this is inextricably linked with its performance. This work describe the optimisation and characterisation of two aspects of sensor performance: a conductive polymer layer (polyaniline) and the immobilised protein layer. The influence of the thickness of polyaniline films deposited electrochemically onto screen-printed electrode surfaces is described in this work in terms of its influence on a variety of amperometric sensor performance characteristics: time to reach steady state, charging current, catalytic current, background current and signal/background ratios. The influence of polymer film thickness on the conductivity and morphology of finished films is also presented.

An electrostatic method of protein immobilisation is used in this work and scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with gold-labelled antibodies and back-scattered electron detection has enabled the direct visualisation of individual groups of proteins on the sensor surface. Such information can provide an insight into the performance of sensors under influence of increasing protein concentrations.