An amperometric biosensor for real-time analysis of molecular recognition

Biomarkers as Biomedical Bioindicators: Approaches and Techniques for the Detection, Analysis, and Validation of Novel Biomarkers of Diseases

A biomarker is any measurable biological moiety that can be assessed and measured as a potential index of either normal or abnormal pathophysiology or pharmacological responses to some treatment regimen. Every tissue in the body has a distinct biomolecular make-up, which is known as its biomarkers, which possess particular features, viz., the levels or activities (the ability of a gene or protein to carry out a particular body function) of a gene, protein, or other biomolecules. A biomarker refers to some feature that can be objectively quantified by various biochemical samples and evaluates the exposure of an organism to normal or pathological procedures or their response to some drug interventions. An in-depth and comprehensive realization of the significance of these biomarkers becomes quite important for the efficient diagnosis of diseases and for providing the appropriate directions in case of multiple drug choices being presently available, which can benefit any patient. Presently, advancements in omics technologies have opened up new possibilities to obtain novel biomarkers of different types, employing genomic strategies, epigenetics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, lipid-based analysis, protein studies, etc. Particular biomarkers for specific diseases, their prognostic capabilities, and responses to therapeutic paradigms have been applied for screening of various normal healthy, as well as diseased, tissue or serum samples, and act as appreciable tools in pharmacology and therapeutics, etc. In this review, we have summarized various biomarker types, their classification, and monitoring and detection methods and strategies. Various analytical techniques and approaches of biomarkers have also been described along with various clinically applicable biomarker sensing techniques which have been developed in the recent past. A section has also been dedicated to the latest trends in the formulation and designing of nanotechnology-based biomarker sensing and detection developments in this field.

Polyethylenimine: a very useful ionic polymer in the design of immobilized enzyme biocatalysts

This review discusses the possible roles of polyethylenimine (PEI) in the design of improved immobilized biocatalysts from diverse perspectives.

Colorimetric Assay for the Detection of Typical Biomarkers for Periodontitis Using a Magnetic Nanoparticle Biosensor

Periodontitis is a chronic disease which affects at least 10% of the population. If untreated, periodontitis can lead to teeth loss. Unfortunately, current diagnostic tests are limited in their sensitivity and specificity. In this study, a novel multiplex hand-held colorimetric diagnostic biosensor, using two typical inflammatory salivary biomarkers, Human Neutrophil Elastase (HNE) and Cathepsin-G, was constructed as proof of concept to potentially detect periodontitis. The biosensing method was based on the measurement of proteolytic activity using specific proteases probes. These probes consist of specific proteases substrates covalently bound to a magnetic bead from one end and to the gold sensor surface by the other end. When intact, this renders the golden sensor black. Upon proteolysis, the cleaved magnetic beads will be attracted by an external magnet revealing the golden color of the sensor surface observable by the naked eye. The biosensor was capable of specific and quantitative detection of HNE and Cathepsin-G in solution and in spiked saliva samples with a lower detection limit of 1 pg/mL and 100 fg/mL for HNE and Cathepsin-G, respectively. Examination of periodontitis patients' sample and a healthy control showed the potential of the multiplex biosensor to detect the presence of HNE and Cathepsin-G activity in situ. This approach is anticipated to be a useful biochip array amenable to low-cost point-of-care devices.

Using a fiber optic particle plasmon resonance biosensor to determine kinetic constants of antigen-antibody binding reaction

In this paper, one simple and label-free biosensing method has been developed for determining the binding kinetic constants of antiovalbumin antibody (anti-OVA) and anti-mouse IgG antibody using the fiber optic particle plasmon resonance (FOPPR) biosensor. The FOPPR sensor is based on gold-nanoparticle-modified optical fiber, where the gold nanoparticle surface has been modified by a mixed self-assembled monolayer for conjugation of a molecular probe reporter (ovalbumin or mouse IgG) to dock with the corresponding analyte species such as anti-OVA or anti-mouse IgG. The binding process, occurring when an analyte reacts with a probe molecule immobilized on the optical fiber, can be monitored in real-time. In addition, by assuming a Langmuir-type adsorption isotherm to measure the initial binding rate, the quantitative determination of binding kinetic constants, the association and dissociation rate constants, yields k(a) of (7.21 ± 0.4) × 10(3) M(-1) s(-1) and k(d) of (2.97 ± 0.1) × 10(-3) s(-1) for OVA/anti-OVA and k(a) of (1.45 ± 0.2) × 10(6) M(-1) s(-1) and k(d) of (2.97 ± 0.6) × 10(-2) s(-1) for mouse IgG/anti-mouse IgG. We demonstrate that the FOPPR biosensor can study real-time biomolecular interactions.

Performance of Eudragit coated whispering gallery mode resonator-based immunosensors

Whispering gallery mode resonators (WGMR) are an efficient tool for the realization of optical biosensors. A high Q factor preservation is a crucial requirement for good biosensor performances. In this work we present an Eudragit®L100 coated microspherical WGMR as an efficient immunosensor. The developed resonator was morphologically characterized using fluorescence microscopy. The functionalization process was tuned to preserve the high Q factor of the resonator. The protein binding assay was optically characterized in terms of specificity in buffer solution.

Reversible cation response with a protein-modified nanopipette

The calcium ion response of a quartz nanopipette was enhanced by immobilization of calmodulin to the nanopore surface. Binding to the analyte is rapidly reversible in neutral buffer and requires no change in media or conditions to regenerate the receptor. The signal remained reproducible over numerous measurements. The modified nanopipette was used to measure binding affinity to calcium ions, with a K(d) of 6.3 ± 0.8 × 10(-5) M. This affinity is in good agreement with reported values of the solution-state protein. The behavior of such reversible nanopore-based sensors can be used to study proteins in a confined environment and may lead to new devices for continuous monitoring.

Point-of-care testing of proteins

Point-of-care testing (POCT) is a fast developing area in clinical diagnostics that is considered to be one of the main driving forces for the future in vitro diagnostic market. POCT means decentralized testing at the site of patient care. The most important POCT devices are handheld blood glucose sensors. In some of these sensors, after the application of less than 1 microl whole blood, the results are displayed in less than 10 s. For protein determination, the most commonly used devices are based on lateral flow technology. Although these devices are convenient to use, the results are often only qualitative or semiquantitative. The review will illuminate some of the current methods employed in POCT for proteins and will discuss the outlook for techniques (e.g., electrochemical immunosensors) that could have a great impact on future POCT of proteins.

Quantitative measurement of binding kinetics in sandwich assay using a fluorescence detection fiber-optic biosensor

Fiber-optic biosensors have been studied intensively because they are very useful and important tools for monitoring biomolecular interactions. Here we describe a fluorescence detection fiber-optic biosensor (FD-FOB) using a sandwich assay to detect antibody-antigen interaction. In addition, the quantitative measurement of binding kinetics, including the association and dissociation rate constants for immunoglobulin G (IgG)/anti-mouse IgG, is achieved, indicating 0.38 x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1) for k(a) and 3.15 x 10(-3) s(-1) for k(d). These constants are calculated from the fluorescence signals detected on fiber surface only where the excited evanescent wave can be generated. Thus, a confined fluorescence-detecting region is achieved to specifically determine the binding kinetics at the vicinity of the interface between sensing materials and uncladded fiber surface. With this FD-FOB, the mathematical deduction and experimental verification of the binding kinetics in a sandwich immunoassay provide a theoretical basis for measuring rate constants and equilibrium dissociation constants. A further measurement to study the interaction between human heart-type fatty acid-binding protein and its antibody gave the calculated kinetic constants k(a), k(d), and K(D) as 8.48 x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1), 1.7 x 10(-3) s(-1), and 2.0 nM, respectively. Our study is the first attempt to establish a theoretical basis for the florescence-sensitive immunoassay using a sandwich format. Moreover, we demonstrate that the FD-FOB as a high-throughput biosensor can provide an alternative to the chip-based biosensors to study real-time biomolecular interaction.

Electrochemical biochips for protein analysis

Proteins bear important functions for most life processes. It is estimated that the human proteome comprises more than 250,000 proteins. Over the last years, highly sophisticated and powerful instruments have been developed that allow their detection and characterization with great precision and sensitivity. However, these instruments need well-equipped laboratories and a well-trained staff. For the determination of proteins in a hospital, in a doctor's office, or at home, low-budget protein analysis methods are needed that are easy to perform. In addition, for a proteomic approach, highly parallel measurements with small sample sizes are required. Biochips are considered as promising tools for such applications. The following chapter describes electrochemical biochips for protein analysis that use antibodies or aptamers as recognition elements.

Fiber optic biosensor for the detection of C-reactive protein and the study of protein binding kinetics

Application of a fiber optic biosensor (FOB) to the real-time investigation of the interaction kinetics between FITC-conjugated monoclonal sheep anti-human C-reactive protein (CRP) antibody and CRP isoforms on the surface of optical fiber is described. Recently, both the native pentameric CRP (pCRP), an acute phase protein belonging to pentraxin family, and an isoform of pCRP, modified CRP (mCRP), have been suggested to have proinflammation effects on vascular cells in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In current studies, we generate mCRP from pCRP, and use several methods including fluorescence spectral properties, circular dichroism, analytical ultracentrifuge, and Western blotting to demonstrate their differences in physical and chemical properties as well as the purity of pCRP and mCRP. In addition, we design and implement an FOB to study the real-time qualitative and quantitative biomolecular recognition of CRP isoforms. Specifically, the association and dissociation rate constants of the reaction between FITC-conjugated monoclonal sheep anti-human CRP antibody and the pCRP and mCRP are determined. The feasibility of our current approach to measure the association and dissociation rate constants of the reaction between tested CRP isoforms was successfully demonstrated.

New antibodies immobilization system into a graphite–polysulfone membrane for amperometric immunosensors

Polysulfone membrane is used for the first time for the preparation of electrochemical immunosensors. A disposable immunosensor based on a porous conductor polymer graphite-polysulfone-electrode has been developed using a phase inversion technique for the determination of anti-rabbit IgG (anti-RIgG) as a model analyte. To construct the sensor, a conductor membrane was deposited on the surface of working graphite-epoxy composite (GEC) electrode. The membrane was characterized by SEM. This sensor was based on the competitive assay between free and labeled anti-RIgG for the available binding sites of immobilized rabbit IgG (RIgG). Incubation parameters were optimized in this work. The immunological reaction was detected using an enzymatic-labeling procedure (HRP enzyme) combined with the amperometric detection using H(2)O(2) as substrate and hydroquinone as mediator. This sensor shows stability during a week and a good reproducibility. The current was monitored amperometrically at -0.1 V versus SCE and this method showed a linear range of the anti-RIgG from 1 to 6 microg/ml. The detection limit was determined to be 0.77 microg/ml.

Development of an oral biosensor for salivary amylase using a monodispersed silver for signal amplification

An amperometric biosensor for monitoring the level of protein amylase in human saliva is described. A novel design and the preparation of amylase antibodies and antigens, essential for the development of the biosensor, are reported. The biosensor sensing elements comprise a layer of salivary antibody (or antigen) self-assembled onto Au-electrode via covalent attachment. Molecular recognition between the immobilized antibody and the salivary amylase proteins was monitored via an electroactive indicator (e.g., K(3)Fe(CN)(6)) or a monodispersed silver layer present in solution or electrochemically deposited onto the solid electrode. This electroactive indicator was oxidized or reduced and the resulting current change provided the analytical information about the concentration of the salivary proteins. The limit of detection of 1.57 pg/ml was obtained, in comparison to detection limits of 4.95 pg/ml obtained using potassium ferrocyanide as the redox probe and 10 ng/ml obtained using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cross-reactivity was tested against cystatin antibodies and was found to be less than 2.26%.

A separation-free amperometric immunosensor for vitellogenin based on screen-printed carbon arrays modified with a conductive polymer

A disposable amperometric immunosensor was studied for the rapid detection of carp (Carassius auratus) Vitellogenin (Vtg). The sensor was fabricated based on screen-printed carbon arrays (SPCAs) containing eight carbon working and an integrated carbon counter electrodes. To construct the sensor, a conducting polymer (poly-terthiophene carboxylic acid) was electropolymerized on the surface of working electrodes and the polymer-coated SPCAs was characterized by SEM. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and a monoclonal antibody (anti-Vtg) specific to carp Vtg were covalently attached onto the polymer modified SPCAs. The immobilization of HRP and anti-Vtg onto the polymer-coated SPCAs was examined using cyclic voltammetry and quartz crystal microbalance studies. In order to detect the amount of Vtg, glucose oxidase (GOx)-labelled Vtg bound to the sensor surface under competition with the Vtg analyte was quantified amperometrically using glucose as a substrate. The performance of the eight sensors in arrays was evaluated by obtaining the calibration plots for Vtg. The sensor arrays exhibit a linear range of the Vtg concentration from 0.25 to 7.8 ng/ml and the detection limit was determined to be 0.09 ng/ml. Furthermore, the performance of the immunosensor for the determination of Vtg was evaluated by a standard addition method performed in fish serum samples.

Quartz crystal biosensor for real-time monitoring of molecular recognition between protein and small molecular medicinal agents

A quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) biosensor integrated into a flow injection analysis (FIA) system was used for the real-time investigation of molecular recognition between a protein and small molecular medicinal agents. Two sulfa-drugs, sulfamethazine (SMZ) and sulfamethoxazole (SMO), were, respectively, immobilized on the gold electrodes of the piezoelectric crystals using appropriate procedures based on self-assembly of the dithiothreitol (DTT). The binding interactions of the two immobilized drug ligands, with various proteins in solution, were followed as changes in the resonant frequency of the modified crystals. Results obtained from this rapid screen analysis clearly indicated that the two drug ligands appeared quite different in this molecular recognition procedure although their structures were similar. SMZ-immobilized sensor showed specific interaction only with IgG, while SMO-immobilized sensor showed negligible specific binding with IgG, but binding with trypsin and chymotrypsin. Further studies on the specific interaction between immobilized SMZ and three different species of IgG--human IgG, goat IgG and mouse IgG were carried out and the marked species-dependent difference was observed. The resultant sensorgrams were rapidly analyzed by using an in-house kinetic analysis software based on genetic algorithm (GA) to derive both the kinetic rate constants (kass and kdiss) and equilibrium association constants (KA) for IgG-SMZ interactions. For the interactions, KA were 5.48 x 10(5), 2.75 x 10(5) and 1.86 x 10(5) M(-1) for human IgG, goat IgG and mouse IgG, respectively. The kinetic data provided further insight into the structural/functional relationships of different IgG on a molecular level.

Optical heterodyne surface-plasmon resonance biosensor

A novel optical heterodyne surface-plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor with a Zeeman laser is proposed. Two surface plasma waves are excited by two correlated p-polarized waves in a SPR device of the Kretschmann configuration. Two reflected p waves are optically heterodyned such that the magnitude of the heterodyned signal is proportional to the multiplication of two attenuated reflected p waves. Then the detection sensitivity and the dynamic range based on this amplitude-sensitive method are enhanced. In the experiment, the kinetics between mouse immunoglobulin G (IgG) and rabbit antimouse IgG is obtained from sensograms of various concentrations of antimouse IgG. A detection sensitivity of 0.2 nM was achieved. In addition, a concentration of 5 ng/ml of protein G interacting with mouse IgG was measured successfully.

Flow-through immunofiltration assay system for rapid detection of E. coli O157:H7

A flow-through amperometric immunofiltration assay system based on disposable porous filter-membranes for rapid detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 has been developed. The analytical system utilizes flow-through, immunofiltration and enzyme immunoassay techniques in conjunction with an amperometric sensor. The parameters affecting the immunoassay such as selection of appropriate filter membranes, membrane pore size, antibody binding capacity and the concentrations of immunoreagents were investigated and optimized. Non-specific adsorption of the enzyme conjugate was investigated and minimized. A sandwich scheme of immunoassay was employed and the immunofiltration system allows to specifically and directly detect E. coli cells with a lower detection limit of 100 cells/ml. The working range is from 100 to 600 cells/ml with an overall analysis time of 30 min. No pre-enrichment was needed. This immunosensor can be easily adapted for assay of other microorganisms and may be a basis for a new class of highly sensitive bioanalytical devices for rapid quantitative detection of bacteria.