Detection of α‐Methylacyl‐CoA Racemase in Serum and Urine Using a Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Immunodetector

The detection of α‐methylacyl‐CoA racemase (AMACR), a novel biomarker for prostate cancer, is demonstrated in serum and urine using a novel immuno‐detection method. The detection system consists of a three‐electrode conventional electrochemical cell modified with a gating electrode for applying a gating voltage V_G to the immune complex immobilized on the working electrode to provide signal amplification. The detection system is realized by integrating gating electrodes with screen‐printed electrodes. This detection method does not require involved sample preparation procedures. The detection was demonstrated in serum and urine samples on the nanogram/mL level with V_G equal to 0.6 V. Detection in serum was also performed on the picogram/mL level with a limit of 100 picogram/mL with V_G=0.6 V being a necessary condition.     

Studies on the Affinity‐based Biosensors for Electrochemical Detection of HER2 Cancer Biomarker

As cancer diseases are the second main cause of death it is necessary to elaborate fast and efficient early diagnosis methods for their detection. One of the possibilities is the analysis of protein biomarkers, which abnormal concentration in physiological fluids might be an indication of cancer disease progression. Herein, we present the studies on the development of affinity‐based biosensors for electrochemical detection of HER2 protein, which is a common biomarker of breast cancer. The main objective was to verify the possibility of fabrication of HER2‐specific hybrid aptamer‐polyclonal antibody and antibody‐based sandwich sensing layer on gold electrode surface. The effectiveness of each electrode modification step was confirmed using voltammetric and impedimetric techniques in the presence of ferri/ferrocyanide redox couple. It was observed that hybrid construct was unlikely to be formed on the gold electrode due to a higher affinity of secondary polyclonal antibody towards target protein, which resulted in the separation of HER2‐antibody complex from the electrode surface. On the contrary, an antibody‐based sandwich receptor layer allowed for protein discrimination in the range from 1 to 100 ng mL^?1 by the application of TMB/H₂O₂ system and chronoamperometry detection technique. Though, the occurrence of interactions between interfering proteins and antibody‐based layer was noted, it led to at least two times smaller current responses than for HER2 protein.     

Employing Label‐free Electrochemical Biosensor Based on 3D‐Reduced Graphene Oxide and Polyaniline Nanofibers for Ultrasensitive Detection of Breast Cancer BRCA1 Biomarker

A label‐free DNA biosensor based on three‐dimensional reduced graphene oxide (3D‐rGO) and polyaniline (PANI) nanofibers modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was successfully developed for supersensitive detection of breast cancer BRCA1. The results demonstrated that 3D‐rGO and PANI nanofibers had synergic effects for reducing the charge transfer resistance (R_ct), meaning a huge enhancement in electrochemical activity of 3D‐rGO‐PANI/GCE. Probe DNA could be immobilized on 3D‐rGO‐PANI/GCE for special and sensitive recognition of target DNA (1.0×10^?15–1.0×10^?7 M) with a theoretical LOD of 3.01×10^?16 M (3S/m). Furthermore, this proposed nano‐biosensor could directly detect BRCA1 in real blood samples.     

A Dendrimer Supported Electrochemical Immunosensor for the Detection of Alpha‐feto protein – a Cancer Biomarker

The electrochemical detection of alpha‐feto protein based on novel gold nanoparticles‐ poly(propylene imine) dendrimer platform is reported. The platform was prepared by co‐electrodeposition of gold nanoparticles and generation 3 poly (propylene imine) dendrimer on a glassy carbon electrode. Each modifying step was characterised by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrochemical measurements showed that the platform was stable, conducting and exhibited reversible electrochemistry. Results obtained from the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy interrogation in [Fe(CN)₆^3−/4−] redox probe showed a marked reduction in charge transfer resistance (R_ct) after each modification step. The immunosensor was prepared by immobilisation of a probe anti‐alpha feto protein (AFP) on the platform for 3 hrs at 35 °C followed by blocking the surface with bovine serum albumin to minimise non‐specific binding. The prepared immunosensor was used to detect AFP over a wide concentration range from 0.005 to 500 ng/mL and detection limits of 0.0022 and 0.00185 ng/mL were obtained for SWV and EIS measurements respectively. The immunosensor gave good stability over a period of fourteen days when stored at 4 °C.     

Electrochemical Biosensors for Cancer Biomarker Detection

Cancer is still one of the leading causes of death in the world. There are over 200 types of cancers currently known according to the National Cancer Institute. However, early diagnosis continues to be an important integral part of cancer treatment even though many advances in therapeutics have been made in the past decade. Quick diagnosis and early prevention are critical for the control of the disease status. Biomarkers are commonly indicative of a particular disease process and the cancer biomarkers are also widely used in oncology to help detecting the presence of various carcinomas. The detection of cancer biomarkers plays an important role in clinical diagnoses and evaluation of treatment for patients. Many immunoassay methods are developed for detection of cancer biomarkers. As the detection devices are normally viewed with high sensitivity, simple preparation and rapid response, electrochemical biosensors are increasingly used for the detection of cancer markers. This review describes the status, the latest research and trends of electrochemical sensors in the quantitation of cancer markers in recent years. In particular, the strategy to improve the sensitivities of the electrochemical biosensors by the aid of enzymatic amplification, nanoparticle amplification, ultilization of magnetic microspheres etc. is described herein. At last, we discuss some special features and limitations associated with the described systems that summarize the application and the development prospects of electrochemical immunoassay technology.     

Inhibition of HER2‐Positive Breast Cancer Growth by Blocking the HER2 Signaling Pathway with HER2‐Glycan‐Imprinted Nanoparticles

Blocking the HER2 signaling pathway has been an effective strategy in the treatment of HER2‐positive breast cancer. It mainly relies on the use of monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine‐kinase inhibitors. Herein, we present a new strategy, the nano molecularly imprinted polymer (nanoMIP). The nanoMIPs, imprinted using HER2 N‐glycans, could bind almost all HER2 glycans and suppress the dimerization of HER2 with other HER family members, blocking the downstream signaling pathways, thereby inhibiting HER2+ breast cancer growth. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the nanoMIPs specifically targeted HER2+ cells and inhibited cell proliferation by 30 %. In vivo experiments indicated that the mean tumor volume of the nanoMIP‐treated group was only about half of that of the non‐treated groups. This study provides not only a new possibility to treat of HER2+ breast cancer but also new evidence to boost further development of nanoMIPs for cancer therapy.     

用于赭曲霉毒素A检测的电化学适配体生物传感器的研究进展

赭曲霉毒素(Ochratoxin)是一类主要由曲霉菌和青霉菌产生的次生代谢产物,其中赭曲霉毒素A(OTA)的毒性最强。OTA相当稳定,常规的食品加工难以去除,若摄入受OTA污染的食品或药物会对人类造成严重的危害。实现对OTA的灵敏和快速检测是及早发现和处置OTA污染的关键。近年来,核酸适配体因其独特的优点,被作为抗体的替代物用于构建OTA电化学生物传感器。本文介绍了经典的OTA检测方法和基于适配体的电化学生物传感检测方法,从OTA电化学适配体传感器的适配体优化、新型材料应用以及生物信号放大技术的应用等三个方面总结了该生物传感技术的研究现状,并对其未来的发展进行了展望。     

Electrochemical Biosensing Platforms Using Phthalocyanine‐Functionalized Carbon Nanotube Electrode

Iron‐phthalocyanines (FePc) are functionalized at multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) to remarkably improve the sensitivity toward hydrogen peroxide. We constructed a highly sensitive and selective glucose sensor on FePc‐MWNTs electrode based on the immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOD) on poly‐o‐aminophenol (POAP)‐electropolymerized electrode surface. SEM images indicate that GOD enzymes trapped in POAP film tend to deposit primarily on the curved tips and evenly disperse along the sidewalls. The resulting GOD^@POAP/FePc‐MWNTs biosensor exhibits excellent performance for glucose with a rapid response (less than 8 s), a wide linear range (up to 4.0×10^?3 M), low detection limits (2.0×10^?7 M with a signal‐to‐noise of 3), a highly reproducible response (RSD of 2.6%), and long‐term stability (120 days). Such characteristics may be attributed to the catalytic activity of FePc and carbon nanotube, permselectivity of POAP film, as well as the large surface area of carbon nanotube materials.     

Development of a ZHER3‐Affibody‐Targeted Nano‐Vector for Gene Delivery to HER3‐Overexpressed Breast Cancer Cells

Despite the initial successes of gene delivery applications, they faced on several intrinsic drawbacks including toxicity and immunogenicity. Therefore, alternative gene‐delivery systems derived from recombinant peptides have emerged and is rapidly developing. Human epidermal growth factor receptor‐3 (HER3) shows high activity in tumor resistance to anti‐human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) therapies. In this study, an affibody molecule against HER3 is conjugated to a biomimetic peptide RALA (an amphipathic and cationic peptide enriched with arginine) and the ability of the fusion vector for targeting HER3 and afterward delivering specific genes in breast cancer cells is evaluated. The results demonstrate that the biopolymeric platform, which contains an affibody‐conjugated RALA peptide, can effectively condense DNA into nanoparticles and target the overexpressed HER3 receptors in breast cancer cells and transfer specific genes. The use of such a recombinant biopolymer may pave the way for the development of sensitive and effective diagnostic and treatment tool for breast cancer.     

Fullerene‐β‐Cyclodextrin Conjugate Based Electrochemical Sensing Device for Ultrasensitive Detection of p‐Nitrophenol

The article describes the use of a fullerene (C₆₀)‐β‐cyclodextrin conjugate, synthesized via 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition, for the ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of p‐nitrophenol. This conjugate was successfully immobilized on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode and the developed device showed high activity towards p‐nitrophenol due to the synergetic effect of C₆₀, the latter becoming highly conductive upon reduction. The determination of p‐nitrophenol was performed by using square wave voltammetry over a concentration range from 2.8×10^?9 mol L^?1 to 4.2×10^?7 mol L^?1 and the detection limit was calculated to be 1.2×10^?9 mol L^?1.     

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.     

Electrochemical Detection of MS2 Phage Using a Bead‐based Immunoassay and a NanoIDA

A microbead based sandwich immunoassay for MS2 bacteriophage was developed using an interdigitated array (IDA) electrode with nanoscale dimensions (220 nm electrode width, 620 nm gap). The IDA was fabricated using an electron beam lithographic lift‐off technique. After an antibody‐assisted capture of MS2 using paramagnetic microbeads, a β‐galactosidase labeled secondary antibody was used to convert p‐aminophenyl‐β‐D ‐galactopyranoside (PAPG) into the redox active p‐aminophenol (PAP). Amperometric detection of PAP with IDA electrodes at +300 and ?200 mV vs. a Ag/AgCl reference electrode was used to measure the result, detecting MS2 concentrations as low as 10 ng/mL.     

Electrochemical Sensing of Chlorpyrifos,a Carcinogen Responsible for Breast Cancer,in Milk and Plasma of Lactating Mothers

In view of the increase in breast cancer cases at the global level, electrochemical sensing of the carcinogenic pesticide, chlorpyrifos (CPF) in breast milk is proposed. The determination is based on the nucleophilic substitution reaction of pralidoxime (PAM) with CPF. The proposed method offers a linear concentration range of 0.002 to 0.08 μmol/L. The limit of detection and limit of quantification was found to be 0.05×10⁻⁹ and 0.167×10⁻⁹M, respectively. The offered “unmodified edge plane pyrolytic graphite sensor” proved to be a better substrate than the earlier reported modified sensors. The limit of detection for the proposed method was found to be nearly fifty times lower than reported at modified electrodes. The interference study proved the adequate selectivity of the offered sensor. The sensor has good stability and reproducibility along with high sensitivity. The offered sensor is very useful for cancer hospitals, pesticide industries, and the study of environmental toxicity-related issues.     

G‐Quadruplex‐Based DNAzymes Aptasensor for the Amplified Electrochemical Detection of Thrombin

A novel G‐quadruplex‐based DNAzymes aptasensor for the amplified electrochemical detection of thrombin has been described. The aptasensor utilized a combination of hemin and guanine‐rich thrombin‐binding aptamer (TBA) to form horseradish peroxidase (HRP)‐mimicking DNAzymes with peroxidase catalytic activity. In the presence of thrombin, the enzyme activity could be extensively promoted, thereby providing the amplified electrochemical readout signals for detecting thrombin. This aptasensor exhibited high sensitivity and selectivity for thrombin determination, which enabled the analysis of thrombin with a detection limit of 6×10^–11 M. On the basis of results, this method could have broad applications in the detection of proteins and other biomolecules.     

Ternary Hybrid γ‐Fe2O3/CrVI/Amine Oxidase Nanostructure for Electrochemical Sensing: Application for Polyamine Detection in Tumor Tissue

Dichromate binds to surface‐active maghemite nanoparticles (SAMNs) to form a stable core–shell nanostructures (SAMN@Cr^VI). The hybrid was characterized by Mössbauer spectroscopy, high‐angle annular dark‐field imaging, electron energy‐loss spectroscopy, and electrochemical techniques, which revealed a strong interaction of dichromate with the nanoparticle surface. Electrochemical characterization showed lower charge‐transfer resistance, better electrochemical performance, and more reversible electrochemical behavior with respect to naked SAMNs. Moreover, SAMN@Cr^VI is an excellent electrocatalyst for hydrogen peroxide reduction. Furthermore, an enzyme, namely, bovine serum amine oxidase (BSAO: EC 1.4.3.6), was immobilized on SAMN@Cr^VI by self‐assembly to give a ternary hybrid nanostructured catalyst for polyamine oxidation (SAMN@Cr^VI‐BSAO). SAMN@Cr^VI‐BSAO was applied for the development of a reagentless, fast, inexpensive, and interference‐free polyamine biosensor, which was successfully exploited for the discrimination of tumorous tissue from healthy tissue in human crude liver extracts.     

Determination of Electrochemical Interaction between 2‐(1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl) Phenol and DNA Sequences

A benzimidazole derivate, 2‐(1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl) phenol (2‐Bip) and its interaction mechanism with sequence specific DNA was examined with Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV). We, for the first time, investigated the effect of 2‐Bip on sequence specific DNA with electrochemical methods by evaluating both guanine and 2‐Bip oxidation signal changes. In the study, probe sequences were immobilized to the surface of the electrodes and then hybridization was achieved by sending the complementary target onto the probe modified electrodes. Following the hybridization, 2‐Bip solution was interacted with probe and hybrid sequences to see the effect of 2‐Bip on different DNA sequences. The binding constant (K), toxicity (S%) and thermodynamic parameters, i. e., Gibbs free energy (ΔG°) of 2‐Bip‐DNA complexes were evaluated. K was calculated as 5×10⁵ and the change in the ΔG° was found as ?32.50 kJ mol^?1, which are consistent well with the literature. Furthermore, S% showed that 2‐Bip is moderately toxic to single stranded DNA (ssDNA) and toxic to double stranded DNA (dsDNA). From our experimental data, we made four conclusions (i) 2‐Bip affects both ssDNA and dsDNA, (ii) 2‐Bip interaction mode with DNA could be non‐covalent interactions, (iii) 2‐Bip could be used as new DNA hybridization indicator due to its distinct effects on ssDNA and dsDNA, (iv) 2‐Bip could be used as a drug molecule for its DNA effect.     

Silica‐modified Electrodes for Electrochemical Detection of Malachite Green

New silica‐modified glassy carbon electrodes prepared with three different sorts of ordered mesoporous silica (OMS) were characterized and tested for the electrochemical detection of Malachite Green (MG). The electrodes were prepared by drop casting using silica suspensions and, for stability sake, a Nafion coating was deposited on the electrode top by the same technique. Square wave anodic stripping voltammetry was used to investigate the effect of various experimental parameters (deposition time, solution pH, silica type and concentration) on the performance of the modified electrodes. The best electrode (GC/MCM‐41‐NH₂/Nafion) with detection limit 0.36 μM, sensitivity 0.164±0.003 A/M; linear domain 1–6 μM was applied to detect MG in a commercial product commonly used as biocide in aquaria for ornamental fish.     

Graphite Micropowder Modified with 4‐Amino‐2,6‐diphenylphenol Supported on Basal Plane Pyrolytic Graphite Electrodes: Micro Sensing Platforms for the Indirect Electrochemical Detection of Δ9‐Tetrahydrocannabinol in Saliva

Graphite micropowder has been modified with 4‐amino‐2,6‐diphenylphenol immobilized onto a basal plane pyrolytic graphite electrode and explored for the indirect electrochemical sensing of Δ⁹‐tetrahydrocannabinol in artificial saliva. The protocol is based on the electrochemical formation of quinoneimine which specifically reacts with Δ⁹‐tetrahydrocannabinol resulting in the loss of the quinoneimine which can be monitored via voltammetry. It is demonstrated that Δ⁹‐tetrahydrocannabinol can be detected in artificial saliva over the micromolar range. Such a protocol may find application in screening for drug abuse.     

Electrochemical and Spectroelectrochemical Analysis of 4‐(4‐(5‐Phenyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2‐yl)phenoxy)‐Substituted Cobalt(II), Lead(II) and Metal‐Free Phthalocyanines

Electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical analyses of 4‐(4‐(5‐phenyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2‐yl)phenoxy)‐substituted metal‐free phthalocyanine ( H₂Pc ( 1 )) and metallated phthalocyanines ( PbPc ( 2 ) and CoPc ( 3 )) were performed in solution. Voltammetric characterizations of the phthalocyanine complexes were investigated by using cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry techniques. CoPc ( 3 ) gave common metal and ring based electron transfer reactions; however they split due to the aggregation. Although PbPc ( 2 ) illustrated reversible reduction processes during the voltammetric measurements, it was de‐metallized and thus turned to the metal free phthalocyanine during repetitive voltammetric cycles and in situ spectroelectrochemical measurements.     

Two Zinc(II) and Nickel(II)‐based Complexes: Anti Breast Cancer Activity

Two zinc(II) and nickel(II) based coordination polymers, {[Zn(bibp)(MoO₄)](H₂O)₂}_n ( 1 ) [bibp = 4,4′‐bis(imidazol‐1‐yl)‐biphenyl] and [Ni₂(CN)₄(phen)₂]_n ( 2 ) (phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline), were synthesized and structurally characterized under solvothermal conditions. Compound 1 can be viewed as the connection of the 1D W‐type chain [Zn(trans‐bibp)] with the MoO₄^2– anion to form a uninodal 4‐connected net, whereas 2 features one‐dimensional Ni^II cyanide chains decorated either with linear Ni(CN)₄ side chains or with 1,10‐phenanthroline ligands bound directly to the Ni^II sites of the parent chain. In addition, in vitro anticancer activities of compounds 1 and 2 on four human breast cancer cells (MDA‐MB‐231, MDA‐MB‐468, SK‐BR‐3, and MCF7) was further determined.