Immunoassay signal amplification on glass slides based on electroless deposition

Saturated coverage of antibodies was first constructed on glass slides coated with polyelectrolyte multilayer; then sandwich immunoreactions were carried out. Following immunoreactions, the glass slides were immersed in a freshly prepared solution containing 0.01 wt% HAuCl4 and 0.4 mM NH2OH.HCl. The growth of immunogold nanoparticles on glass slides was monitored with UV-vis spectrometer in real time. The data indicated that the immunoassay signal amplification really depends on the time of electroless deposition process and the concentration of antigen.     

A novel detection of single-stranded DNA binding protein based on ss-DNA modified chip using surface plasmon resonance microscopy

An ss-DNA gold chip was prepared based on self-assembly of the thiol-derivatized oligonucleotide,and used for thedetermination of single-stranded binding protein(SSB)by surface plasmon resonance microscopy(SPR).The experiment resultsshowed that SSB binds ss-DNA with high specificity,and relative signal of SPR response is proportional to the concentration of SSBin the range of 0.1-100 ng/mL with a detection limit(S/N=3)of 0.07 ng/mL.     

Superlow fouling sulfobetaine and carboxybetaine polymers on glass slides

This work describes the superlow fouling properties of glass slides grafted with zwitterionic polymers to highly resist the adsorption of proteins and the adhesion of mammalian cells. Glass slides were first silanized using 2-bromo-2-methyl-N-3-[(triethoxysilyl)propyl]propanamide (BrTMOS). Two zwitterionic polymers, poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (polySBMA) and poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate) (polyCBMA), were then grafted from the silanized glass substrates using the atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) method. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to analyze the surfaces of the silanized glass substrates and the substrates grafted with the polymers. An enzyme-linked immonosobrbent assay (ELISA) using polyclonal antibodies was used to measure fibrinogen adsorption on these surfaces. The surfaces with polySBMA or polyCBMA layers were shown to reduce fibrinogen adsorption to a level comparable with that of adsorption on poly(ethylene glycol)-like films. Bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) were seeded on these surfaces. The attachment and spreading of the cells were observed only on unpolymerized glass surfaces. This work further demonstrates that zwitterionic polymers highly resist nonspecific protein adsorption and cell adhesion and provides an effective method to modify glass slides or other oxide surfaces to achieve superlow fouling.     

Rapid amperometric detection of coliforms based on MWNTs/Nafion composite film modified glass carbon electrode

A multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs)/Nafion modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was fabricated for the rapid amperometric detection of coliforms, represented by Escherichia coli (E. coli). In the bacterial solution, beta-galactosidase which was used as an indicator of coliforms reacted with substrate, p-aminophenol-beta-galactopyranoside (PAPG), and produced p-aminophenol (PAP). PAP was detected by MWNTs/Nafion modified GCE. Due to the cation-exchange capacity of Nafion and the electrocatalytic ability of MWNTs, the detection sensitivity of PAP was improved and the detection time of coliforms was shortened. The bacterial can be detected within 5h ranging from 10 to 10(4)cfu/mL. The MWNTs/Nafion modified GCE was easy to be constructed and regenerated. To our best knowledge, it was the first time to use MWNTs/Nafion modified GCE to detect the concentration of coliforms.     

Displacement immunoassay for the detection of ochratoxin A using ochratoxin B modified glass beads

We report here the development of a new assay for the detection of ochratoxin A (OTA) based on the use of its dechlorinated analogue, ochratoxin B (OTB), in a displacement immunoassay. OTB was immobilised on controlled-pore glass beads followed by the binding of anti-OTA antibody, with anti-IgG antibody peroxidase conjugate used as a label. In this manner, an original bio-sensing material was obtained. Upon incubation of this material with OTA, the toxin competes with OTB for the binding sites of the anti-OTA antibodies and releases the antibody-tagged peroxidase complex into the solution. Compared to classic competitive immunoassays, this newly developed displacement immunoassay presents a similar detection limit and assay time. Moreover, the detection, based on the activity of the horseradish peroxidase, is performed for the first time in situ using wine samples.     

Pattern-based detection of different proteins using an array of fluorescent protein surface receptors

A small library of porphyrin derivatives whose fluorescence emission changes on binding to protein surfaces has been developed as a protein "fingerprinting" array. When incubated with different proteins, the array yields a characteristic response, specific for every protein analyte. At the same time, this design allows for the rapid screening of the porphyrin library for the identification of high affinity protein surface ligands.     

Oxidation and detection of L-cysteine using a modified Au/Nafion/glass carbon electrode

In this work,the electrochemical oxidation of L-cysteine(CySH)was investigated on a composite film modified electrode with Au nanoparticles dispersed in the fluorocarbon polymer(Nafion).The excellent electrocatalytic effect on CySH oxidation was attributed to the role of Au nanoparticles.The voltammetric studies revealed two anodic peaks for the oxidation of CySH in the pH range of 2.0–8.0.The electrode was used to detect cysteine at pH 2.0 and pH 7.0.At pH 2.0,a determination range of 3.0–50.0?mol/L was ob...     

Protein arrays on high-surface-area plasma-nanotextured poly(dimethylsiloxane)-coated glass slides

Treatment of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) surfaces with SF(6) plasma results in the creation of high-surface-area nanotextured surfaces that considerably favour protein adsorption with respect to untreated ones. In order to employ such nanotextured surfaces as substrates for microarrays to be created and analysed using standard instrumentation, we fabricated thin PDMS films on top of standard low-cost microscope glass slides. The properties of both untreated and plasma-treated PDMS-coated slides towards spotting of protein solutions were evaluated in terms of spot signal intensity and homogeneity as well as of spot shape and size. It was found that the plasma-treated PDMS-coated glass slides provided highly homogeneous spots (mean intra-spot variation 7.6%) with spot signal intensity 6-times higher than that obtained using the untreated ones. In addition, comparison with commercially available polystyrene and aminosilanized-glass microarray slides showed that the proposed slides provided 3-times higher spot signal intensity and 2-times lower intra-spot signal variation. In addition, the implementation of long-aged-after-plasma-treatment nanotextured PDMS-coated glass slides provided spots whose shape and size matched those of the spotting tip. As a consequence, denser arrays of variable spot shape can be created using SF(6) plasma-treated PDMS-coated slides instead of standard microarray slides opening new potentials for bioanalytical applications.     

Rapid mastitis detection assay on porous nitrocellulose membrane slides

We have developed a rapid mastitis detection test based on the immobilization of tag-specific antibody molecules, the binding of double-tagged amplicons, and as a secondary signal a conjugate of black carbon nanoparticles having molecules of a fusion protein of neutrAvidin and alkaline phosphatase at their surface. The antibodies were inkjet printed onto three different nitrocellulose membrane slides, Unisart (Sartorius), FAST (GE Whatman), and Oncyte-Avid (Grace-Biolabs), and the final assay signals on these slides were compared. The blackness of the spots was determined by flatbed scanning and assessment of the pixel gray volume using TotalLab image analysis software. The black spots could be easily read by the naked eye. We successfully demonstrated the detection of specific amplicons from mastitis-causing pathogens in less than 3 h. Using a similar protocol, we also showed that it was possible to detect specific amplicons from four different mastitis-causing pathogens (six strains) on the same pad. The influence of two different printing buffers, phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.4) and carbonate buffer (pH 9.6), on the functionality of the primary antibodies was also compared.     

Aptamer based bare eye detection of kanamycin by using a liquid crystal film on a glass support

The authors describe an aptamer-based liquid crystal (LC) assay for kanamycin (KNM) that displays visible signal changes. The KNM aptamer was immobilized, along with the N,N-dimethyl-N-(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)-1-octadecanaminiuchloride (DMOAP) on a glass slide, and this results in a homeotropic orientation of the LCs film. In the presence of KNM, its interaction with the aptamers will result in the formation of G-quadruplexes. These will destroy the orientated arrangement of the LCs on the surface to result in a color change from pink to green that can be visually observed by using crossed polarizers. The method possesses high specificity and the detection limit is as low as 1 nM. Unlike current laboratory-based KNM assays, this method does not require instrumental read-out which is highly beneficial in terms of on-site food analysis.

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Graphical abstract Schematic presentation of an aptamer-based liquid crystal assay for detection of kanamycin. Kanamycin-binding aptamers form G-quadruplex structures. The binding event distorts the initial homeotropic orientation of the LCs, and this results in a color change of the polarized image of the liquid crystal films.

     

Synthesis of hybrid solar cells using CdS nanowire array grown on conductive glass substrates

High-density CdS nanowire (NW) arrays were successfully grown on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO)-coated glass substrates by vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) mechanism at a remarkably reduced temperature of ～450 °C. Bi catalyst layer and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) played a major role in the low-temperature synthesis of high-quality CdS NW arrays. CdS NWs were defect free single crystalline Wurtzite crystals and they were 50–100 nm and 2–5 μm in diameter and length, respectively. CdS NWs were combined with poly[2-methoxy-5-(2′-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV), a conjugated polymer to form organic–inorganic hybrid structures. The UV–visible light absorption and emission behavior of MEH-PPV/CdS hybrids was investigated and their potential to be used as photovoltaic cells was demonstrated.     

Library search for HPLC diode array detection based on spectral interpolation

Summary A new method for spectral library search based on the dependences of absorbance on the modifier contents in binary mobile phases was developed. The normalisation of spectra by absolute and relative maximum and with respect to the area was tested. The correlation coefficient and the Euclidian distance were used to compare the spectra. The new method of library search allows interpolation of spectra at every composition of eluent in the model range. The range is bracketted by the upper and lower content of modifier in the eluent. In this range five reference spectra were recorded. For validation 34 spectra of pharmaceutical substances in water/methanol and water/acetonitrile mixtures were recorded. In the best case 97 % of spectra were identified correctly. The main problems encountered are that very similar substances e.g. dexa- and betamethasone, have similar spectra as well as similar spectral dependences on the composition of the mobile phase.     

Pt nanoparticles modified Au nanowire array for amperometric and potentiometric detection of glucose

A new glucose biosensor, based on the modification of highly ordered Au nanowire arrays (ANs) with Pt nanoparticles (PtNPs) and subsequent surface adsorption of glucose oxidase (GOx), is described. Morphologies of ANs and ANs/PtNPs were observed by scanning electron microscope. The electrochemical properties of ANs, ANs/GOx, ANs/PtNPs, and ANs/PtNPs/GOx electrodes were compared by cyclic voltammetry. Results obtained from comparison of the cyclic voltammograms show that PtNPs modification enhances electrochemical catalytic activity of ANs to H₂O₂. Hence, ANs/PtNPs/GOx biosensor exhibits much better sensing to glucose than ANs/GOx. Optimum deposition time of ANs/PtNPs/GOx biosensor for both amperometric and potentiometric detection of glucose was achieved to be 150 s at deposition current of 1?×?10^?6 A. A sensitivity of 0.365 μA/mM with a linear range from 0.1 to 7 mM was achieved for amperometric detection; while for potentiometric detection the sensitivity is 33.4 mV/decade with a linear range from 0.1 to 7 mM.     

Complex mixture analysis based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with time array detection using a beam deflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer

A beam deflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer was developed in conjunction with an integrating transient recorder to provide time array detection, permitting high mass spectral scan file acquisition rates for complex mixture analysis by capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results are presented for the analysis of a urinary organic acid mixture by GC-MS at a scan file acquisition rate of 10 scan files per second (sf/s), showing the advantages of such data collection in the deconvolution of partially resolved components. The reconstructed total ion current (RTIC) chromatogram available from data acquired at this scan file generation rate is shown to be comparable to the profile obtained from a flame ionization detector in representing the chromatography performed under identical experimental parameters. The RTIC chromatogram available from the database obtained at 10 sf/s is compared with that available from a database obtained at 1 sf/s, the latter representing that scan rate typically used with most GC-MS instruments. The advantages of the higher scan file acquisition rate in representing the chromatographic profile and in allowing mass spectral data to be obtained for components in the complex mixture that are unresolved chromatographically are discussed.     

Comprehensive GMO detection using real-time PCR array: single-laboratory validation

We have developed a real-time PCR array method to comprehensively detect genetically modified (GM) organisms. In the method, genomic DNA extracted from an agricultural product is analyzed using various qualitative real-time PCR assays on a 96-well PCR plate, targeting for individual GM events, recombinant DNA (r-DNA) segments, taxon-specific DNAs, and donor organisms of the respective r-DNAs. In this article, we report the single-laboratory validation of both DNA extraction methods and component PCR assays constituting the real-time PCR array. We selected some DNA extraction methods for specified plant matrixes, i.e., maize flour, soybean flour, and ground canola seeds, then evaluated the DNA quantity, DNA fragmentation, and PCR inhibition of the resultant DNA extracts. For the component PCR assays, we evaluated the specificity and LOD. All DNA extraction methods and component PCR assays satisfied the criteria set on the basis of previous reports.     

Quantitative detection of well-based DNA array using switchable lanthanide luminescence

In this report a novel wash-free method for multiplexed DNA detection is demonstrated employing target specific probe pairs and switchable lanthanide luminescence technology on a solid-phase array. Four oligonucleotide capture probes, conjugated at 3′ to non-luminescent lanthanide ion carrier chelate, were immobilized as a small array on the bottom of a microtiter plate well onto which a mix of corresponding detection probes, conjugated at 5′ to a light absorbing antenna ligand, were added. In the presence of complementary target nucleic acid both the spotted capture probe and the liquid-phase detection probe hybridize adjacently on the target. Consequently the two non-luminescent label molecules self-assemble and form a luminescent mixed lanthanide chelate complex. Lanthanide luminescence is thereafter measured without a wash step from the spots by scanning in time-resolved mode. The homogeneous solid-phase array-based method resulted in quantitative detection of synthetic target oligonucleotides with 0.32 nM and 0.60 nM detection limits in a single target and multiplexed assay, respectively, corresponding to 3× SD of the background. Also qualitative detection of PCR-amplified target from Escherichia coli is described.     

Sensitive detection of endocrine disrupters using ionic liquid--single walled carbon nanotubes modified screen-printed based biosensors

Simple and low cost biosensor based on screen-printed electrode for sensitive detection of some alkylphenols was developed, by entrapment of HRP in a nanocomposite gel based on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM][PF₆]) ionic liquid. Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, CV and EIS studies demonstrate the interaction between SWCNTs and ionic liquid. The nanocomposite gel, SWCNT-[BMIM][PF₆] provides to the modified sensor a considerable enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward hydrogen peroxide reduction. The HRP based biosensor exhibits high sensitivity and good stability, allowing a detection of the alkylphenols at an applied potential of −0.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl, in linear range from 5.5 to 97.7 μM for 4-t-octylphenol and respectively, between 5.5 and 140 μM for 4-n-nonylphenol, with a response time of about 5 s. The detection limit was 1.1 μM for 4-t-octylphenol, and respectively 0.4 μM for 4-n-nonylphenol (S/N = 3).     

Construction of an antibody microarray based on agarose-coated slides

The antibody microarray, a high-throughput multiplex immunoassay method, has become a significant tool for quantitative proteomics studies. We describe here the strategies for optimizing the condition of antibody microarray building based on agarose-coated slides. In this study, modified glass slides were robotically printed with capture antibodies against monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), then dilutions of the cytokine were applied to the arrays, and the protein was detected with biotin-labeled antibody coupled with Cy3-conjugated streptavidin. Thus a protein profiling microarray based on sandwich immunoassay has been established. Various factors in the production of antibody microarrays were analyzed: the capture antibody concentrations, shelf life of the postprinting slides, blocking buffers, and reproducibility of the system. A calibration curve with a correlation coefficient of 0.9995 was established which suggested that the matrix can retain arrayed proteins in near-quantitative fashion. The results revealed high signal uniformity and reproducibility with regard to intra-array (1.3%) and the interarray (8.7%) variation at the capture antibody concentration of 125 microg/mL. Besides, the printed arrays could be stored for at least two months without any apparent change of the performance parameters.