Conjugated Polymers-Based Biosensors for Virus Detection

A special issue of Biosensors (ISSN 2079-6374). This special issue belongs to the section "Biosensor Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2024 | Viewed by 14603

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Laser and Thermal Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Korea
Interests: biosensors; chemical sensors; hydrogels; organic field-effect transistors; conjugated polymers; photo-catalyts

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Human beings are still enduring the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, which has spread throughout the world and significantly affected all countries and territories, causing a socioeconomic crunch. The COVID-19 pandemic is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. This virus constantly changes through mutation, resulting in new variants. Moreover, it has been expected that there is a high possibility that several new viruses could appear in the future. Therefore, development of advanced technologies for early and accurate diagnosis of the coronavirus, as well as other viruses, has been still very important and should be accorded a priority equivalent to vaccinations.

As an alternative for current standard technologies, including RT-PCR, CT scans, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), and serological assays, biosensors are regarded as the next-generation diagnostic technologies for viruses due to their capability to detect various biological analytes, i.e., DNA/RNA, pathogens, and biomarkers. Conductive polymer-based biosensors are especially promising technologies due to their excellent sensitivity and selectivity to specific virus biomarkers and fast electrical signals. Therefore, we would like to invite you to contribute your work to this Special Issue which covers advancements in development of conductive polymer-based biosensors for detecting DNA/RNA or various biomarkers of viruses.

Dr. Vinh Van Tran
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • conjugated polymers and their composites in design of biosensors
  • organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) and electronic devices-based biosensors
  • electrochemical biosensors based on conductive polymers
  • DNA/RNA and protein detections
  • COVID-19 and other virus detections

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

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5 pages, 408 KiB  
Editorial
Conjugated Polymers-Based Biosensors for Virus Detection: Lessons from COVID-19
by Vinh Van Tran
Biosensors 2022, 12(9), 748; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12090748 - 10 Sep 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1669
Abstract
Human beings continue to endure the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, which has spread throughout the world and significantly affected all countries and territories, causing a socioeconomic crunch. Human pathogenic viruses are considered a global burden for public health, both in the present and [...] Read more.
Human beings continue to endure the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, which has spread throughout the world and significantly affected all countries and territories, causing a socioeconomic crunch. Human pathogenic viruses are considered a global burden for public health, both in the present and the future. Therefore, the early and accurate diagnosis of viruses has been and still is critical and should be accorded a degree of priority that is equivalent to vaccinations and drugs. We have opened a Special Issue titled “Conjugated polymers-based biosensors for virus detection”. This editorial seeks to emphasize the importance and potential of conjugated polymers in the design and development of biosensors. Furthermore, we briefly provide an overview, scientific evidence, and opinions on promising strategies for the development of CP-based electrochemical biosensors for virus detection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conjugated Polymers-Based Biosensors for Virus Detection)
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Research

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18 pages, 7348 KiB  
Article
Nanoisland SERS-Substrates for Specific Detection and Quantification of Influenza A Virus
by Gleb Zhdanov, Alexandra Gambaryan, Assel Akhmetova, Igor Yaminsky, Vladimir Kukushkin and Elena Zavyalova
Biosensors 2024, 14(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14010020 - 29 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1317
Abstract
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-based aptasensors for virus determination have attracted a lot of interest recently. This approach provides both specificity due to an aptamer component and a low limit of detection due to signal enhancement by a SERS substrate. The most successful SERS-based [...] Read more.
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-based aptasensors for virus determination have attracted a lot of interest recently. This approach provides both specificity due to an aptamer component and a low limit of detection due to signal enhancement by a SERS substrate. The most successful SERS-based aptasensors have a limit of detection (LoD) of 10–100 viral particles per mL (VP/mL) that is advantageous compared to polymerase chain reactions. These characteristics of the sensors require the use of complex substrates. Previously, we described silver nanoisland SERS-substrate with a reproducible and uniform surface, demonstrating high potency for industrial production and a suboptimal LoD of 4 × 105 VP/mL of influenza A virus. Here we describe a study of the sensor morphology, revealing an unexpected mechanism of signal enhancement through the distortion of the nanoisland layer. A novel modification of the aptasensor was proposed with chromium-enhanced adhesion of silver nanoparticles to the surface as well as elimination of the buffer-dependent distortion-triggering steps. As a result, the LoD of the Influenza A virus was decreased to 190 VP/mL, placing the nanoisland SERS-based aptasensors in the rank of the most powerful sensors for viral detection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conjugated Polymers-Based Biosensors for Virus Detection)
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14 pages, 3009 KiB  
Article
Development of an Innovative Colorimetric DNA Biosensor Based on Sugar Measurement
by Maliana El Aamri, Yasmine Khalki, Hasna Mohammadi and Aziz Amine
Biosensors 2023, 13(9), 853; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13090853 - 28 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1088
Abstract
The development of biosensors for target detection plays a crucial role in advancing various fields of bioscience. This work presents the development of a genosensor that exploits the colorimetric phenol—sulfuric acid sugar reaction for the detection of DNA, and RNA as specific targets, [...] Read more.
The development of biosensors for target detection plays a crucial role in advancing various fields of bioscience. This work presents the development of a genosensor that exploits the colorimetric phenol—sulfuric acid sugar reaction for the detection of DNA, and RNA as specific targets, and DNA intercalator molecules. The biosensor combines simplicity and reliability to create a novel bioassay for accurate and rapid analysis. A 96-well microplate based on a polystyrene polymer was used as the platform for an unmodified capture DNA immobilization via a silanization process and with (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES). After that, a hybridization step was carried out to catch the target molecule, followed by adding phenol and sulfuric acid to quantify the amount of DNA or RNA sugar backbone. This reaction generated a yellow-orange color on the wells measured at 490 nm, which was proportional to the target concentration. Under the optimum conditions, a calibration curve was obtained for each target. The developed biosensor demonstrated high sensitivity, good selectivity, and linear response over a wide concentration range for DNA and RNA targets. Additionally, the biosensor was successfully employed for the detection of DNA intercalator agents that inhibited the hybridization of DNA complementary to the immobilized capture DNA. The developed biosensor offers a potential tool for sensitive and selective detection in various applications, including virus diagnosis, genetic analysis, pathogenic bacteria monitoring, and drug discovery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conjugated Polymers-Based Biosensors for Virus Detection)
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Review

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23 pages, 7033 KiB  
Review
Current Trends in RNA Virus Detection via Nucleic Acid Isothermal Amplification-Based Platforms
by Le Thi Nhu Ngoc and Young-Chul Lee
Biosensors 2024, 14(2), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14020097 - 11 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1978
Abstract
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) viruses are one of the major classes of pathogens that cause human diseases. The conventional method to detect RNA viruses is real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), but it has some limitations. It is expensive and time-consuming, with [...] Read more.
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) viruses are one of the major classes of pathogens that cause human diseases. The conventional method to detect RNA viruses is real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), but it has some limitations. It is expensive and time-consuming, with infrastructure and trained personnel requirements. Its high throughput requires sophisticated automation and large-scale infrastructure. Isothermal amplification methods have been explored as an alternative to address these challenges. These methods are rapid, user-friendly, low-cost, can be performed in less specialized settings, and are highly accurate for detecting RNA viruses. Microfluidic technology provides an ideal platform for performing virus diagnostic tests, including sample preparation, immunoassays, and nucleic acid-based assays. Among these techniques, nucleic acid isothermal amplification methods have been widely integrated with microfluidic platforms for RNA virus detection owing to their simplicity, sensitivity, selectivity, and short analysis time. This review summarizes some common isothermal amplification methods for RNA viruses. It also describes commercialized devices and kits that use isothermal amplification techniques for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Furthermore, the most recent applications of isothermal amplification-based microfluidic platforms for RNA virus detection are discussed in this article. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conjugated Polymers-Based Biosensors for Virus Detection)
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23 pages, 2604 KiB  
Review
Microparticle-Based Detection of Viruses
by Bradley Khanthaphixay, Lillian Wu and Jeong-Yeol Yoon
Biosensors 2023, 13(8), 820; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13080820 - 15 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1413
Abstract
Surveillance of viral pathogens in both point-of-care and clinical settings is imperative to preventing the widespread propagation of disease—undetected viral outbreaks can pose dire health risks on a large scale. Thus, portable, accessible, and reliable biosensors are necessary for proactive measures. Polymeric microparticles [...] Read more.
Surveillance of viral pathogens in both point-of-care and clinical settings is imperative to preventing the widespread propagation of disease—undetected viral outbreaks can pose dire health risks on a large scale. Thus, portable, accessible, and reliable biosensors are necessary for proactive measures. Polymeric microparticles have recently gained popularity for their size, surface area, and versatility, which make them ideal biosensing tools. This review cataloged recent investigations on polymeric microparticle-based detection platforms across eight virus families. These microparticles were used as labels for detection (often with fluorescent microparticles) and for capturing viruses for isolation or purification (often with magnetic microparticles). We also categorized all methods by the characteristics, materials, conjugated receptors, and size of microparticles. Current approaches were compared, addressing strengths and weaknesses in the context of virus detection. In-depth analyses were conducted for each virus family, categorizing whether the polymeric microparticles were used as labels, for capturing, or both. We also summarized the types of receptors conjugated to polymeric microparticles for each virus family. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conjugated Polymers-Based Biosensors for Virus Detection)
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23 pages, 6856 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Conjugated Polymer-Based Biosensors for Virus Detection
by Thanh Ngoc Nguyen, Viet-Duc Phung and Vinh Van Tran
Biosensors 2023, 13(6), 586; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13060586 - 28 May 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2232
Abstract
Nowadays, virus pandemics have become a major burden seriously affecting human health and social and economic development. Thus, the design and fabrication of effective and low-cost techniques for early and accurate virus detection have been given priority for prevention and control of such [...] Read more.
Nowadays, virus pandemics have become a major burden seriously affecting human health and social and economic development. Thus, the design and fabrication of effective and low-cost techniques for early and accurate virus detection have been given priority for prevention and control of such pandemics. Biosensors and bioelectronic devices have been demonstrated as promising technology to resolve the major drawbacks and problems of the current detection methods. Discovering and applying advanced materials have offered opportunities to develop and commercialize biosensor devices for effectively controlling pandemics. Along with various well-known materials such as gold and silver nanoparticles, carbon-based materials, metal oxide-based materials, and graphene, conjugated polymer (CPs) have become one of the most promising candidates for preparation and construction of excellent biosensors with high sensitivity and specificity to different virus analytes owing to their unique π orbital structure and chain conformation alterations, solution processability, and flexibility. Therefore, CP-based biosensors have been regarded as innovative technologies attracting great interest from the community for early diagnosis of COVID-19 as well as other virus pandemics. For providing precious scientific evidence of CP-based biosensor technologies in virus detection, this review aims to give a critical overview of the recent research related to use of CPs in fabrication of virus biosensors. We emphasize structures and interesting characteristics of different CPs and discuss the state-of-the-art applications of CP-based biosensors as well. In addition, different types of biosensors such as optical biosensors, organic thin film transistors (OTFT), and conjugated polymer hydrogels (CPHs) based on CPs are also summarized and presented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conjugated Polymers-Based Biosensors for Virus Detection)
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24 pages, 11233 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Molecular and Immunological Diagnostic Platform for Virus Detection: A Review
by Kieu The Loan Trinh, Hoang Dang Khoa Do and Nae Yoon Lee
Biosensors 2023, 13(4), 490; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13040490 - 19 Apr 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3941
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused an ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak and a rising demand for the development of accurate, timely, and cost-effective diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 as well as other viral infections in general. Currently, traditional virus screening [...] Read more.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused an ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak and a rising demand for the development of accurate, timely, and cost-effective diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 as well as other viral infections in general. Currently, traditional virus screening methods such as plate culturing and real-time PCR are considered the gold standard with accurate and sensitive results. However, these methods still require sophisticated equipment, trained personnel, and a long analysis time. Alternatively, with the integration of microfluidic and biosensor technologies, microfluidic-based biosensors offer the ability to perform sample preparation and simultaneous detection of many analyses in one platform. High sensitivity, accuracy, portability, low cost, high throughput, and real-time detection can be achieved using a single platform. This review presents recent advances in microfluidic-based biosensors from many works to demonstrate the advantages of merging the two technologies for sensing viruses. Different platforms for virus detection are classified into two main sections: immunoassays and molecular assays. Moreover, available commercial sensing tests are analyzed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conjugated Polymers-Based Biosensors for Virus Detection)
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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Recent advances in microfluidics for virus detection

Kieu The Loan Trinh,1 Hoang Dang Khoa Do,2 and Nae Yoon Lee 3*
1 Department of Industrial Environmental Engineering, Gachon University
1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13120, Korea.
2 NTT Hi-Tech Institute, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ward 13, District
04, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
3 Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University 1342
Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13120, Korea.
* Corresponding authors. E-mail address: nylee@gachon.ac.kr (N. Y. Lee)

abstract:
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak has forced researchers to develop accurate, timely, and cost-effective diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 as well as other virus infections in general. With the integration of microfluidic and biosensor technologies, microfluidic-based biosensors which offer the ability to perform sample preparation and simultaneous detection of many different analyzes in one platform stand out with the benefits of both technologies.  High sensitivity, accuracy, portability, low-cost, high throughput, and real-time detection can be achieved in one single platform. This review presents recent advances of microfluidic-based biosensors from many literatures to demonstrate the advantages of merging two technologies in sensing viruses. Different platforms applied in virus detection are classified into two main sections including immunoassay and molecular assay. Moreover, available commercialized
sensing tests have also been analyzed.
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