Electrochemical Immunoassay of E. coli in Urban Sludge Using Electron Mediator-mediated Enzymatic Catalysis and Gold Nanoparticles for Signal Amplification

An electrochemical immunosensor was developed for sensitive assay of E. coli in urban sludge, in which electron mediator-mediated enzymatic catalysis and gold nanoparticles(AuNPs) were utilized for signal amplification. The immnuosensing platform chitosan-thionine(chit-thio)/poly(amidoamine) dendrimer-encapsulated AuNPs [PAMAM(Au)] composites were first prepared from chit-thio and PAMAM(Au) using the layer-by-layer method to provide a matrix for high-stability and high-bioactivity bindings of the capture antibody(_cAb). Moreover, the {_dAb-AuNPs-HRP} nanoprobes were designed to exploit the amplification effect of the carrier AuNPs due to the loading amounts of horseradish peroxidase(HRP) and the detection antibody(_dAb). The sandwich-type immunoassay was then successfully used to assay E. coli based on the oxidation of thionine as a result of H₂O₂-induced enzymatic catalytic reaction by HRP. This study presents a powerful tool in electrochemical immunoassay for E. coli detection with rapid response, high-sensitivity and high-specificity, providing a potential new tool for feasibility assessment of sludge recycle.     

Pt‐Pd Bimetallic Nanoparticles Decorated Nanoporous Graphene as a Catalytic Amplification Platform for Electrochemical Detection of Xanthine

The nanoporous graphene papers (NGPs) was prepared by the hard‐template method. The Pt−Pd modified NGPs hybrid was prepared by the self‐assembly method. Then a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with Pt−Pd bimetallic nanoparticles‐functionalized nanoporous graphene composite has been prepared for the electrochemical determination of Xanthine (XA). The Pt−Pd/NGPs hybrid was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscope and X‐ray diffraction. The electrochemical behavior of XA on Pt−Pd/NGPs/GCE was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and amperometric i‐t. The Pt−Pd/NGPs modified electrode exhibited remarkably electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation reaction of XA in phosphate buffer solution (pH=5.5). Under the optimal conditions, the determination of XA was accomplished by using amperometric i‐t, the linear response range from 1.0×10⁻⁵∼1.2×10⁻⁴ M. The detection limit was 3.0×10⁻⁶ M (S/N=3). The proposed modified electrode showed good sensitivity, selectivity, and stability with applied to determine XA in human urine.     

One‐Step Electrochemical Immunoassay for Carcinoembryonic Antigen in Human via Back‐Filling Immobilization of Gold Nanoparticles on DNA‐Modified Gold Electrodes

A new amperometric immunobiosensor for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) determination in human serum was developed via encapsulation of horseradish peroxidase‐labeled carcinoembryonic antibody (HRP‐anti‐CEA) in a gold nanoparticles/DNA composite architecture. The presences of gold nanoparticles provided a congenial microenvironment for the immobilized biomolecules and decreased the electron transfer impedance, leading to a direct electrochemical behavior of the immobilized HRP. The formation of the antibody–antigen complex by a simple one‐step immunoreaction between the immobilized HRP‐anti‐CEA and CEA in sample solution introduced a barrier of direct electrical communication between the immobilized HRP and the gold electrode surface. Under optimal conditions, the current change obtained from the labeled HRP relative to H₂O₂ system was proportional to the CEA concentration in two linear ranges from 0.5 to 15 ng/mL and 15 to 300 ng/mL with a detection limit of 0.1 ng/mL (at 3δ). The precision and reproducibility are acceptable with the intraassay CV of 6.3% and 4.7% at 8 and 60 ng/mL CEA, respectively. The storage stability of the proposed immunosensor is acceptable in a pH 7.0 PBS at 4 °C for 9 days. Moreover, the proposed immunosensors were used to analyze CEA in human serum specimens. Analytical results of clinical samples show the developed immunoassay has a promising alternative approach for detecting CEA in the clinical diagnosis.     

Impedimetric Biosensor for Bovine Herpesvirus Type 1‐Antigen Detection

The bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV‐1) is a pathogen of great economic impact for livestock, which is related multi‐systemic infections that leads to mortality or morbidity of cattles. Thus, the search for cheap and practical methodologies that allow the selective detection of BHV‐1 antigen (BHV‐1 AG) is of utmost relevance. Therefore, an impedimetric label‐free immunosensor was herein, developed and its performance evaluated in biological samples enriched with BHV‐1 AG. Briefly, the biosensor construction was based on the immobilization of BHV‐1 antibody (BHV‐1 AB) and casein on the activated glassy carbon electrode surface. The BHV‐1 AB was isolated from egg yolk of immunized chickens, which is a less stressful protocol. The bio sensing principle was based on Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy by using Fe(CN)₆^4?/3? probe, which were also used to check variation of charge transfer resistance (?R_ct), when the electrode surface was increasingly blocked by immune complex. A linear relationship between ?R_ct and BHV‐1 AG concentration was verified in the range from 10 to 50 TCID₅₀ mL^?1, with LOQ of 2.00 TCID₅₀ mL^?1 and LOD of 0.66 TCID₅₀ mL^?1. Besides the suitable sensitivity, the immunosensor displayed accuracy, stability, and specificity to detect BHV‐1 AG in biological samples of serum, nasal secretions, semen and urine. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge this is the first immunosensor applied to BHV‐1 diagnostic.     

Polyethylenimine Functionalized Multi‐walled Carbon Nanotubes for Electrochemical Detection of Chromium(VI)

Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) functionalized with polyethylenimine (PEI) were synthesized and characterized by dispersibility, field‐emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM), FT‐IR and thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA). The glassy carbon electrodes modified by MWCNT‐PEI composite were used for sensitive and selective detection of chromium (VI). A linear response was obtained over a wide range of Cr(VI) concentrations (0.002–20 µmol L^?1) with the detection limit of 0.0006 µmol L^?1 (S/N=3). The proposed electrodes were used successfully for Cr(VI) detection in three real water samples.     

Recent Advances of Carbon Nanotubes‐based Electrochemical Immunosensors for the Detection of Protein Cancer Biomarkers

An efficient electrochemical immunosensor can offer the potential for the detection of protein cancer biomarkers due to its high sensitivity, low cost and possible integration in compact analytical devices. In the last several years, researchers have developed various electrochemical immunoassay methods for the detection of protein cancer biomarkers. Significant progresses have been made in the study of electrochemical immunosensor that based on CNTs, especially in the fields of clinical screening and diagnosis of cancer field. This is because CNTs possess unique structural, mechanical and electronic properties that can decrease over‐potential and improve the sensitivity of electrochemical immunosensor. This paper reviews recent advances in the different modified strategies of constructing electrochemical immunosensor based on CNTs for detecting protein cancer biomarkers. CNTs or CNTs hybrid nanomaterials modified electrodes have been firstly introduced as the sensing platforms for the detection of protein cancer biomarkers. On the other hand, CNTs or functional CNTs used as labels in sandwich‐type electrochemical immunosensors have been systematically summarized. These novel strategies and the general principles could increase the sensitivity of the immunosensor, thereby overcoming the limitations of its application in the biosensing field.     

Gold Nanoparticle‐labeled Electrochemical Immunoassay Using Open Circuit Potential for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Detection

This study presents a new approach for an electrochemical immunoassay using gold nanoparticle (AuNP)‐labeled antibodies and pre‐oxidation and reduction processes, followed by open circuit potential (OCP) measurement. Detection of the pregnancy marker, human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG), was used as a model. After preparation of a sandwich‐type immunosystem, the pre‐oxidation and reduction processes were applied, followed by OCP detection. The applied potential and time period were studied for the optimization of pre‐oxidation and reduction processes. We observed that the pre‐oxidation potential of 1.2 V for 60 s and reduction potential of −0.2 V for 30 s provided the highest OCP signal. The detection limit was 79 pg/mL using the optimal conditions. This system could be applied to a simplified and miniaturized diagnostic system for integration in compact analytical devices.     

Single‐gap Microelectrode Functionalized with Single‐walled Carbon Nanotubes and Pbzyme for the Determination of Pb2+

Lead is a highly toxic metal, which can persist in the natural environment and enrich in biological bodies. It can cause many severe diseases in the human body even at extremely low concentration. Here, we developed a new biosensor using single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) modified with a specific Pbzyme (Pbzyme/SWNTs/FET) to detect lead ion (Pb²⁺), which can monitor the lead pollution. This biosensor used 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane to immobilize SWNTs on the area between the source and the drain of single‐gap microelectrode (FET), and the duplex DNA (Pbzyme) consisted of DNAzyme (GR‐5) and complementary DNA (CS‐DNA) was functionalized with the SWNTs’ surface through a peptide bond. The use of GR‐5 DANzyme and Pb²⁺ to form a stable complex structure to cleave the CS‐DNA can change radically the Pbzyme's structure on the SWNTs’ surface, which will further affect the number of carriers in SNWTs and the conductivity of the Pbzyme/SWNTs/FET. The change in conductivity can be used to evaluate the Pb²⁺ concentration. Under the optimal conditions, the relative resistances presented a positive correlation with the Pb²⁺ concentrations, showing a good linear relationship in the range of 10 pM to 50 nM, where the linear regression equation was y=10.104log [C_Pb]+5.8656, and the detection limit was 7.4 pM. Finally, the biosensor was applied to measure the Pb²⁺ contents in the soil collected from the forest grass green belt and paint, and the results were compared with the results of atomic fluorescence spectrometry.     

Graphene and Nanogold‐Functionalized Immunosensing Interface with Enhanced Sensitivity for One‐Step Electrochemical Immunoassay of Alpha‐Fetoprotein in Human Serum

A new electrochemical immunosensing protocol for sensitive detection of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP, as a model) in human serum was developed by means of immobilization of horseradish peroxidase‐anti‐AFP conjugates (HRP‐anti‐AFP) onto graphene and nanogold‐functionalized biomimetic interfaces. The low‐toxic and high‐conductive graphene complex provided a large capacity for nanoparticulate immobilization and a facile pathway for electron transfer. With a one‐step immunoassay format, the antigen‐antibody complex was formed between the immobilized HRP‐anti‐AFP on the electrode and AFP in the sample. The formed immunocomplex was coated on the electrode surface, inhibited partly the active center of HRP, and decreased the catalytic reduction of HRP toward the enzyme substrate of H₂O₂. Under optimal conditions, the decrease of reduction currents was proportional to AFP concentration, and the dynamic range was 1.0–10 ng/mL with a relative‐low detection limit (LOD) of 0.7 ng/mL AFP. Intra‐ and inter‐assay coefficients of variation (CVs) were less than 10 %. The assay was evaluated for clinical human serum samples, including 8 (possible) patients with hepatocarcinoma and 3 normal human sera. Correct identification of negative/positive samples and perfect accordance with results from Elecsys 2010 Electrochemiluminescent Automatic Analyzer as a reference was obtained. Importantly, the graphene and nanogold‐based sensor provided a promising platform for the detection of other biocompounds, and could be further applied for development of other potential electrochemical bio/chemosensors.     

A Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Immunosensor for Fumonisin B1 Detection in Corn Using Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes/Chitosan

A sensitive electrochemical immunosensor was developed for detecting fumonisin B₁ (FB₁) in corn using the single‐walled carbon nanotubes/chitosan. The detection mechanism of immunosensor was based on an indirect competitive binding to a fixed amount of anti‐FB₁ between free FB₁ and FB₁‐bovine serum albumin, which was conjugated on covalently functionalized nanotubes/chitosan laid on the glass carbon electrode. The anti‐rabbit immunoglobulin G secondary antibody labeled with alkaline phosphatase was then bound to the electrode surface through reactisubstrate α‐naphthyl phosphate, which produced electrochemical signal. Under optimized conditions, this method could detect FB₁ from 0.01 to 1000 ng mL^?1 with a detection limit of 2 pg mL^?1. This is well below the detection limit required from European Union legislation, 2–4 mg L^?1. Moreover, good recoveries were obtained for the detection of spiked corn samples and actual corn samples. As the method has good sensitivity and recovery for detecting FB₁, it is a practical detection method.     

Double‐Layer Nanogold and Poly(amidoamine) Dendrimer‐ Functionalized PVC Membrane Electrode for Enhanced Electrochemical Immunoassay of Total Prostate Specific Antigen

A simple and portable electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of total prostate specific antigen (t‐PSA) in human serum was developed using a double‐layer nanogold particles and dendrimer‐functionalized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane as immunosensing interface. To fabricate such a multifunctional PVC electrode, an o‐phenylenediamine‐doped PVC membrane was initially constructed, then nanogold particles and poly(amidoamine) G4‐dendrimer with a sandwich‐type format were assembled onto the PVC membrane surface, and then t‐PSA antibodies (anti‐PSA) were adsorbed on the nanogold surface. The detection principle of the immunosensor is based on the change in the electric potential before and after the antigen‐antibody interaction. The experimental conditions and the factors influencing the performance of the immunosensor were investigated. Under optimal conditions, the proposed immunosensor exhibits good electrochemical behavior in the dynamic range of 0.5–18 ng/mL relative to t‐PSA concentration with a relative low detection limit of 0.1 ng/mL (S/N=3). The precision, reproducibility, and stability of the immunosensor are acceptable. In addition, 43 serum specimens were assayed by the as‐prepared immunosensor, and consistent results were obtained in comparison with those obtained by the standard enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Compared with the conventional ELISAs, the developed immunoassay system was simple and rapid without labeling and separation steps. Importantly, the immobilization and detection methodologies could be extended for the immobilization and detection of other biomarkers.     

Heparin‐gold Nanoparticles and Liquid Crystal Applied in Label‐free Electrochemical Immunosensor for Prostate‐specific Antigen

A label‐free electrochemical immunosensor based on the liquid crystal (E)‐1‐decyl‐4‐[(4‐decyloxyphenyl)diazenyl]pyridinium bromide (Br−Py), together with heparin‐stabilized gold nanoparticles (AuNP‐Hep) and Nafion is proposed for the determination of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA). The Br−Py liquid crystal presented redox properties and good film‐forming abilities on the electrode surface, and thus it is a suitable alternative as a redox probe for a label‐free electrochemical immunosensor, which could simplify the analysis methodology. The stepwise construction of the immunosensor and the incubation process (immunocomplex formation) were characterized by voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The proposed immunosensor could directly detect PSA concentrations in the incubation samples, based on the suppression of the Br−Py redox peak (‘base peak’) current. After optimization, the immunosensor exhibited a linear response to PSA concentrations in the range of 0.1 to 50 ng mL⁻¹, with a calculated detection limit of 0.08 ng mL⁻¹. The reproducibility (coefficient of variance less than 3.0 %), selectivity and accuracy of the methodology were adequate. The immunosensor was satisfactorily applied in the quantification of PSA in human blood plasma samples.     

Electrochemical Sensor for the Quantification of Dopamine Using Glassy Carbon Electrodes Modified with Single‐Wall Carbon Nanotubes Covalently Functionalized with Polylysine

We report a dopamine electrochemical sensor based on the modification of glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) with polylysine‐functionalized single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT‐PLys). The resulting electrodes (GCE/SWCNT‐PLys) showed a significant improvement in the electrooxidation of dopamine with drastic decrease in the peak potentials separation and important enhancement in the associated currents. Dopamine was detected by differential pulse voltammetry‐adsorptive stripping with medium exchange at nanomolar levels even in the presence of high excess of ascorbic and uric acids. The sensor was successfully used for the quantification of dopamine in urine samples enriched with the neurotransmitter.     

Double‐Layer Nanogold and Double‐Strand DNA‐Modified Electrode for Electrochemical Immunoassay of Cancer Antigen 15‐3

Various sensor‐based immunoassay methods have been extensively developed for the detection of cancer antigen 15‐3 (CA 15‐3), but most often exhibit low detection signals and low detection sensitivity, and are unsuitable for routine use. The aim of this work is to develop a simple and sensitive electrochemical immunoassay for CA 15‐3 in human serum by using nanogold and DNA‐modified immunosensors. Prussian blue (PB), as a good mediator, was initially electrodeposited on a gold electrode surface, then double‐layer nanogold particles and double‐strand DNA (dsDNA) with the sandwich‐type architecture were constructed on the PB‐modified surface in turn, and then anti‐CA 15‐3 antibodies were adsorbed onto the surface of nanogold particles. The double‐layer nanogold particles provided a good microenvironment for the immobilization of biomolecules. The presence of dsDNA enhanced the surface coverage of protein, and improved the sensitivity of the immunosensor. The performance and factors influencing the performance of the immunosensor were evaluated. Under optimal conditions, the proposed immunosensor exhibited a wide linear range from 1.0 to 240 ng/mL with a relatively low detection limit of 0.6 ng/mL (S/N=3) towards CA 15‐3. The stability, reproducibility and precision of the as‐prepared immunosensor were acceptable. 57 serum specimens were assayed by the developed immunosensor and standard enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively, and the results obtained were almost consistent. More importantly, the proposed methodology could be further developed for the immobilization of other proteins and biocompounds.     

Electrochemical Behavior and Determination of L‐Tyrosine at Single‐walled Carbon Nanotubes Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

Based on single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE/SWCNTs), a novel method was presented for the determination of L ‐tyrosine. The GCE/SWCNTs exhibited remarkable catalytic and enhanced effects on the oxidation of L ‐tyrosine. In 0.10 mol/L citric acid‐sodium citrate buffer solution, the oxidation potential of L ‐tyrosine shifted negatively from +1.23 V at bare GCE to +0.76 V at GCE/SWCNTs. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the linear range of the modified electrode to the concentration of L ‐tyrosine was 5.0×10^?6–2.0×10^?5 mol/L (R₁=0.9952) and 2.7×10^?5–2.6×10^?4 mol/L (R₂=0.9998) with a detection limit of 9.3×10^?8 mol/L. The kinetic parameters such as α (charge transfer coefficient) and D (diffusion coefficient) were evaluated to be 0.66, 9.82×10^?5 cm² s^?1, respectively. And the electrochemical mechanism of L ‐tyrosine was also discussed.     

Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Diethylaminoethanethiol and Hydrazine at Single‐walled Carbon Nanotubes Modified with Prussian Blue Nanoparticles

In this work, edged plane pyrolytic graphite electrode EPPGE was modified with functionalised single‐walled carbon nanotubes and Prussian blue nanoparticles (PB). The modified electrode was characterised by techniques such as TEM, FTIR, XPS, EDX and cyclic voltammetry. The EPPGE‐SWCNT‐PB platform exhibited enhanced electron transport and catalytic efficiency towards the oxidation of Diethylaminoethanethiol (DEAET) and hydrazine compared with the other electrodes studied. The EPPGE‐SWCNT‐PB showed good electrochemical stability in the analytical solution, showing limit of detection in the micromolar range and catalytic rate constant of 3.71×10⁶ and 7.56×10⁶ cm³ mol^?1 s^?1 for DEAET and hydrazine respectively. The adsorption properties of these analytes that impact on their detection at the SWCNT‐PB film modified electrode were evaluated and discussed.     

基于聚硫堇/亚甲基蓝和纳米金放大的免疫传感器检测贝类毒素大田软海绵酸

采用聚硫堇(PTH)修饰电极为传感界面提供一个生物修饰功能基质膜,借助纳米金(GNPs)的导电性、生物相容性与高比表面积特性实现抗体的有效固定,并以亚甲基蓝(MB)为电子媒介加速电极表面电化学反应的电子传递,构建了一种高灵敏的非标记电化学免疫传感器,用于贝类毒素大田软海绵酸(OA)的检测。当分子结构中含有羧基和酚基的OA与其抗体特异性结合后,生成以阴离子形式存在的抗原-抗体复合物,阻碍了传感器表面电子的传递,导致峰电流下降。利用免疫反应前后峰电流的变化,可对OA进行特异性识别和准确定量。在优化实验条件下,OA浓度的对数在0.2~100 μg/L范围内与其峰电流的变化值(ΔI)呈线性相关,线性方程为ΔI=1.721 7+1.083 6lgρ,相关系数为0.992 0,检出限为0.1 μg/L。该免疫传感器重现性好、特异性强,用于实际贝类样品的测定,回收率为85.3%~112%。     

酶聚合体电流信号放大多通道电化学免疫传感体系及蛋白肿瘤标志物检测

本文构建了一种基于酶聚合体信号放大的多通道电化学免疫传感体系,并用于肝癌肿瘤标记物甲胎蛋白（AFP）的定量检测. 该传感体系由固定了抗AFP鼠单克隆抗体的多通道丝网印刷电极组成,可捕获肿瘤标记物抗原AFP,进而与抗AFP兔多抗特异性结合形成夹心免疫复合物,然后利用辣根过氧化物酶聚合体偶联的羊抗兔二抗（IgG-polyHRP）与三明治夹心免疫复合物结合,实现电流信号放大. 该体系结合多通道丝网印刷电极及自主研发的多通道电化学检测仪,可同时满足多通道电流信号的检测. 在最优化条件下,该传感体系检测AFP浓度的动态范围为64 pg·mL^-1 ~ 250 ng·mL^-1,最低检测下限为56 pg·mL^-1,具有检测灵敏度高、特异性强、操作简便以及仪器便携等优点.     

Electrochemical Sensor Based on Multi‐walled Carbon Nanotube/Gold Nanoparticle Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode for Detection of Estradiol in Environmental Samples

We report a rapid and simple method for sensing estradiol by electro‐oxidation on a multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and gold nanoparticle (AuNP) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Compared with a bare GCE, AuNP/GCE and MWCNT/GCE, the composite modified GCE shows an enhanced response to estradiol in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution. Experimental parameters, including pH and accumulation time for estradiol determination were optimised at AuNP/MWCNT/GCE. A pH of 7.0 was found to be optimum pH with an accumulation time of 5 minutes. Estradiol was determined by linear sweep voltammetry over a dynamic range up to 20 %mol L^?1 and the limit of detection was estimated to be 7.0×10^?8 mol L^?1. The sensor was successfully applied to estradiol determination in tap water and waste water.     

Carbon Nanomaterials‐based Electrochemical Immunoassay with β‐Galactosidase as Labels for Carcinoembryonic Antigen

In this study, a novel signal‐amplified strategy for sensitive electrochemical sandwiched immunoassay of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was constructed based on aminofunctionalized graphene oxide (GO‐NH₂) supported AgNPs used as catalytic labels of secondary anti‐CEA and β‐galactosidase (β‐Gal), Meanwhile, sulfhydrylation single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs‐SH) as substrate materials embellished gold electrode through Au‐SH and connected with gold nanoparticles to form anti‐CEA/AuNPs/SWCNTs‐SH/Au sensing platform through layer‐by‐layer. In the presence of analyte CEA, a sandwich‐type immunoassay format was employed for determination of CEA by using the labeled β‐Gal toward the reduction of p‐aminophenyl galactopyranoside (PAPG) and the redox reaction of AgNPs. Under optimal conditions, the increase in the current was proportional to the concentration of CEA from 0.1 pg/mL to 200 ng/mL. The detection limit (LOD) was 0.036 pg/mL CEA at 3σ. The electrochemical immunoassay displayed an acceptable precision, selectivity, stability. Clinical serum specimens were assayed with the method, and the results were in acceptable agreement with those obtained from the referenced electrochemiluminescent method.