Advancing biological investigations using portable sensors for detection of sensitive samples

A Review on Biosensors for Quantification of MCP-1 as a Potential Biomarker in Diseases

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) as a chemokine is essential for inflammation-related processes. It regulates immunological responses and cell migration, which contribute to inflammation. Many disorders are exacerbated by this chemokine, which attracts or grows other inflammatory cells, including monocytes/macrophages, at the site of infection or tissue injury. The elevated concentrations of MCP-1 are associated with the pathogenesis of many diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and neuroinflammatory disease. Therefore, monitoring this inflammatory biomarker in the body has been recommended and strongly advised to make an accurate diagnosis and prognosis. Although MCP-1 is of great importance in disease processes, few biosensing approaches are specifically designed to detect this molecule. These are often electrochemical and optical techniques. Rapid and accurate diagnosis of inflammatory diseases by identifying biomarkers has had a great effect on the advancement of biosensors. Improved biosensor technology expansion prevents excessive prices and low sensitivity, enabling quick and correct diagnosis and tracking of disease processes. This review will concentrate on the biological functions of MCP-1, its significance in different disorders, and the features and applications of biosensors designed for MCP-1 detection and quantification.

Personalized assessment and monitoring of bone health from sweat: unveiling TEGO doped wearable, non-invasive hydrogel nanocomposite biosensor empowered by IL-6 detection

Portable biosensing is crucial for rapid detection and continuous monitoring of bone diseases such as osteoporosis and bone cancer. It is well established that such bone disorders or diseases trigger release of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-6 (IL6), detectable in sweat by electrochemical immunosensors. To this end, this study presents a novel hydrogel nanocomposite based immunosensor with highly conductive dual-layer of thermally exfoliated graphene oxide, toward precise detection and determination of loading level of IL-6 biomarker, and in turn, developing a label-free flexible bone biosensing platform. The immunosensor employed antibody immobilization process, which was further facilitated by the modification of the dual-layer by using 1-pyrenebutyric acid N-hydroxy succinimide ester. A thorough analysis of the effects of surface modification was conducted utilizing spectroscopic, electrochemical, and morphological methods. The biosensor's response was assessed through the utilization of the cyclic voltammetry measurement, which exhibited remarkable selectivity, achieving a low limit of detection of 15.4 pg ml-1across a wide linear range. Additionally, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy were successfully used to validate the sensing substrate in bio-fluidic samples and to understand the structure-property correlation. This innovative portable and flexible biosensor thus offers a practical and effective tool for potential application in continuous monitoring of bone health.

Advancements in Electrochemical Biosensors for Comprehensive Glycosylation Assessment of Biotherapeutics

Proteins represent a significant portion of the global therapeutics market, surpassing hundreds of billions of dollars annually. Among the various post-translational modifications, glycosylation plays a crucial role in influencing protein structure, stability, and function. This modification is especially important in biotherapeutics, where the precise characterization of glycans is vital for ensuring product efficacy and safety. Although mass spectrometry-based techniques have become essential tools for glycomic analysis due to their high sensitivity and resolution, their complexity and lengthy processing times limit their practical application. In contrast, electrochemical methods provide a rapid, cost-effective, and sensitive alternative for glycosylation assessment, enabling the real-time analysis of glycan structures on biotherapeutic proteins. These electrochemical techniques, often used in conjunction with complementary methods, offer valuable insights into the glycosylation profiles of both isolated glycoproteins and intact cells. This review examines the latest advancements in electrochemical biosensors for glycosylation analysis, highlighting their potential in enhancing the characterization of biotherapeutics and advancing the field of precision medicine.

Biosensor Technologies for Water Quality: Detection of Emerging Contaminants and Pathogens

This review explores the development, technological foundations, and applications of biosensor technologies across various fields, such as medicine for disease diagnosis and monitoring, and the food industry. However, the primary focus is on their use in detecting contaminants and pathogens, as well as in environmental monitoring for water quality assessment. The review classifies different types of biosensors based on their bioreceptor and transducer, highlighting how they are specifically designed for the detection of emerging contaminants (ECs) and pathogens in water. Key innovations in this technology are critically examined, including advanced techniques such as systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX), molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), and self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), which enable the fabrication of sensors with improved sensitivity and selectivity. Additionally, the integration of microfluidic systems into biosensors is analyzed, demonstrating significant enhancements in performance and detection speed. Through these advancements, this work emphasizes the fundamental role of biosensors as key tools for safeguarding public health and preserving environmental integrity.

Heavy Metal-Gut Microbiota Interactions: Probiotics Modulation and Biosensors Detection

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the complex interaction between heavy metals (HMs) and the gut microbiota, adopting a bidirectional approach that explores both the influence of HMs on the gut microbiota populations and the potential role of probiotics in modulating these changes. By examining these interconnected aspects, the study aims to offer a deeper understanding of how HMs disrupt microbial balance and how probiotic interventions may mitigate or reverse these effects, promoting detoxification processes and overall gut health. In addition, the review highlights innovative tools, such as biosensors, for the rapid, precise, and non-invasive detection of HMs in urine. These advanced technologies enable the real-time monitoring of the effectiveness of probiotic-based interventions, offering critical insights into their role in promoting the elimination of HMs from the body and improving detoxification.

3D printed miniature attenuated total internal reflection assisted fluorescence microscopy

Imaging and sensing technologies are crucial in various fields, encompassing applications in cell and tissue analysis, DNA and RNA characterization, food and drug composition analysis, and forensic science. Instead of using complex and heavy conventional instruments to perform these analyses, lightweight, portable, and field-ready instruments have recently become commercially available. In this study, a miniature attenuated total internal reflectance fluorescence (mini-ATIRF) microscope has been demonstrated using a 3D printer. By utilizing evanescent field illumination and surface plasmon-coupled emission, the proposed mini-ATIRF microscope not only delivers fluorescence images four times brighter but also weighs 73% less than conventional fluorescence microscopy. Moreover, the manufacturing cost of the equipment is more than 95% cheaper.

Rapid and sensitive detection of Haemophilus influenzae using multiple cross displacement amplification combined with CRISPR-Cas12a-based biosensing system

Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae, Hi) is an opportunistic bacterium that colonizes the upper respiratory tract of humans and frequently causes meningitis, pneumonia, sepsis, and other severe infections in children. Early and accurate detection of H. influenzae is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we established a novel diagnostic method by integrating the CRISPR-Cas12a detection platform with multiple cross-displacement amplification (MCDA), termed the Hi-MCDA-CRISPR assay. This method offers an efficient and highly precise diagnostic tool for the identification of H. influenzae. In the Hi-MCDA-CRISPR system, the outer membrane protein (OMP) P6 of H. influenzae was pre-amplified using the MCDA assay. The CRISPR-Cas12a-gRNA complex specifically recognized and bound to the amplified gene, forming a ternary complex that triggered the nonspecific trans-cleavage of the Cas12a effector, which subsequently degraded the fluorescent-quenched single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) probes, resulting in the emission of detectable fluorescent signals. After optimizing the reaction conditions, the Hi-MCDA-CRISPR assay proved capable of completing H. influenzae detection within 45 min, including a 40 min MCDA pre-amplification at 62 °C and a 5 min CRISPR-Cas12a cleavage at 37 °C. The assay was able to detect H. influenzae genomic DNA at concentrations as low as 50 fg and showed no cross-reactivity with non-H. influenzae pathogens. Furthermore, the Hi-MCDA-CRISPR assay successfully analyzed 65 clinical sputum samples. These findings suggest that the Hi-MCDA-CRISPR assay is a promising new detection tool for the rapid and reliable diagnosis of H. influenzae infection.

The LOD paradox: When lower isn't always better in biosensor research and development

Biosensor research has long focused on achieving the lowest possible Limits of Detection (LOD), driving significant advances in sensitivity and opening up new possibilities in analysis. However, this intense focus on low LODs may not always meet the practical needs or suit the actual uses of these devices. While technological improvements are impressive, they can sometimes overlook important factors such as detection range, ease of use, and market readiness, which are vital for biosensors to be effective in real-world applications. This review advocates for a balanced approach to biosensor development, emphasizing the need to align technological advancements with practical utility. We delve into various applications, including the detection of cancer biomarkers, pathology-related biomarkers, and illicit drugs, illustrating the critical role of LOD within these contexts. By considering clinical needs and broader design aspects like cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and regulatory compliance, we argue that integrating technical progress with practicality will enhance the impact of biosensors. Such an approach ensures that biosensors are not only technically sound but also widely useable and beneficial in real-world applications. Addressing the diverse analytical parameters alongside user expectations and market demands will likely maximize the real-world impact of biosensors.

Carbon nanotubes in plant dynamics: Unravelling multifaceted roles and phytotoxic implications

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have emerged as a promising frontier in plant science owing to their unique physicochemical properties and versatile applications. CNTs enhance stress tolerance by improving water dynamics and nutrient uptake and activating defence mechanisms against abiotic and biotic stresses. They can be taken up by roots and translocated within the plant, impacting water retention, nutrient assimilation, and photosynthesis. CNTs have shown promise in modulating plant-microbe interactions, influencing symbiotic relationships and mitigating the detrimental effects of phytopathogens. CNTs have demonstrated the ability to modulate gene expression in plants, offering a powerful tool for targeted genetic modifications. The integration of CNTs as sensing elements in plants has opened new avenues for real-time monitoring of environmental conditions and early detection of stress-induced changes. In the realm of agrochemicals, CNTs have been explored for their potential as carriers for targeted delivery of nutrients, pesticides, and other bioactive compounds. CNTs have the potential to demonstrate phytotoxic effects, detrimentally influencing both the growth and developmental processes of plants. Phytotoxicity is characterized by induction of oxidative stress, impairment of cellular integrity, disruption of photosynthetic processes, perturbation of nutrient homeostasis, and alterations in gene expression. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the multifaceted roles of CNTs in plant physiology, emphasizing their potential applications and addressing the existing challenges in translating this knowledge into sustainable agricultural practices.

Environmental resilience through artificial intelligence: innovations in monitoring and management

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has revolutionized numerous fields, with its applications spanning finance, engineering, healthcare, and more. In recent years, AI's potential in addressing environmental concerns has garnered significant attention. This review paper provides a comprehensive exploration of the impact that AI has on addressing and mitigating critical environmental concerns. In the backdrop of AI's remarkable advancement across diverse disciplines, this study is dedicated to uncovering its transformative potential in the realm of environmental monitoring. The paper initiates by tracing the evolutionary trajectory of AI technologies and delving into the underlying design principles that have catalysed its rapid progression. Subsequently, it delves deeply into the nuanced realm of AI applications in the analysis of remote sensing imagery. This includes an intricate breakdown of challenges and solutions in per-pixel analysis, object detection, shape interpretation, texture evaluation, and semantic understanding. The crux of the review revolves around AI's pivotal role in environmental control, examining its specific implementations in wastewater treatment and solid waste management. Moreover, the study accentuates the significance of AI-driven early-warning systems, empowering proactive responses to environmental threats. Through a meticulous analysis, the review underscores AI's unparalleled capacity to enhance accuracy, adaptability, and real-time decision-making, effectively positioning it as a cornerstone in shaping a sustainable and resilient future for environmental monitoring and preservation.

Sensors in the Detection of Abused Substances in Forensic Contexts: A Comprehensive Review

Forensic toxicology plays a pivotal role in elucidating the presence of drugs of abuse in both biological and solid samples, thereby aiding criminal investigations and public health initiatives. This review article explores the significance of sensor technologies in this field, focusing on diverse applications and their impact on the determination of drug abuse markers. This manuscript intends to review the transformative role of portable sensor technologies in detecting drugs of abuse in various samples. They offer precise, efficient, and real-time detection capabilities in both biological samples and solid substances. These sensors have become indispensable tools, with particular applications in various scenarios, including traffic stops, crime scenes, and workplace drug testing. The integration of portable sensor technologies in forensic toxicology is a remarkable advancement in the field. It has not only improved the speed and accuracy of drug abuse detection but has also extended the reach of forensic toxicology, making it more accessible and versatile. These advancements continue to shape forensic toxicology, ensuring swift, precise, and reliable results in criminal investigations and public health endeavours.