Biosensors for Monitoring of Biologically Relevant Molecules

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2022) | Viewed by 31986

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo 13566-690, Brazil
Interests: sensors and biosensors; nanotechnology; wearable devices; microneedle; biomarkers; diagnostics; clinical, environmental, food and water analysis; internet of things; artificial intelligence
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Guest Editor
Center of Natural Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, Sao Carlos, Brazil
Interests: electroanalytical; flow injection analysis; sensors and biosensors; biomarkers; electrodes modified with nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes, carbon black, graphene and metallic nanoparticles)

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biosensors are analytical tools able to convert a biological interaction into a measurable signal. The technologies used to design and create new devices have had a vertiginous growth in the number of sensors and biosensors with new horizons and applications in the last two decades. Developing fast analytical tools for on‐site analysis is a strongly desired goal in particular to detect biologically relevant molecules in complex samples. Real-time monitoring is indispensable to predict tragic events caused by contamination with hazardous substances or changes in normal levels of a biomarker, followed by a decision and subsequent actions in the few minutes after any unexpected event occurs. With very small response times, electrochemical biosensors provide chemical information leading to decision making with analytical evidence at the point of need. Biosensors may fulfill the requirements mentioned due to their portability, low cost, and power consumption with a high analytical performance in terms of sensibility, low limits of detection, and selectivity for several analytes. This Special Issue is dedicated to advanced nanotechnologies applied in the biosensing field, including new concepts and designs of analytical devices, detection systems, sensor fabrication, big data, the Internet of Things, and personalized and wearable devices with applications in clinical, environmental, food, and water analysis.

Dr. Paulo A. Raymundo-Pereira
Prof. Dr. Fernando C. Vicentini
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biosensors is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Biosensors
  • Nanomaterials
  • Electrochemical devices
  • Biosensing
  • Biomarkers
  • Enzymes
  • Immunosensors
  • RNA
  • DNA
  • Genosensors
  • Biosensing platform
  • Aptamers
  • Bioinspired materials

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Editorial

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2 pages, 182 KiB  
Editorial
Biosensors for Monitoring of Biologically Relevant Molecules
by Paulo A. Raymundo-Pereira
Biosensors 2023, 13(7), 738; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13070738 - 17 Jul 2023
Viewed by 902
Abstract
Since the creation of the glucose enzyme sensor in the early 1960s by Clark and Lyons [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensors for Monitoring of Biologically Relevant Molecules)

Research

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15 pages, 8271 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Gene Expression Analysis Reveals Unique Genes Signatures of Epithelial Reorganization in Primary Airway Epithelium Induced by Type-I, -II and -III Interferons
by Anna Erb, Ulrich M. Zissler, Madlen Oelsner, Adam M. Chaker, Carsten B. Schmidt-Weber and Constanze A. Jakwerth
Biosensors 2022, 12(11), 929; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12110929 - 26 Oct 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1666
Abstract
Biosensors such as toll-like receptors (TLR) induce the expression of interferons (IFNs) after viral infection that are critical to the first step in cell-intrinsic host defense mechanisms. Their differential influence on epithelial integrity genes, however, remains elusive. A genome-wide gene expression biosensor chip [...] Read more.
Biosensors such as toll-like receptors (TLR) induce the expression of interferons (IFNs) after viral infection that are critical to the first step in cell-intrinsic host defense mechanisms. Their differential influence on epithelial integrity genes, however, remains elusive. A genome-wide gene expression biosensor chip for gene expression sensing was used to examine the effects of type-I, -II, and -III IFN stimulation on the epithelial expression profiles of primary organotypic 3D air-liquid interface airway cultures. All types of IFNs induced similar interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs): OAS1, OAS2, and IFIT2. However, they differentially induced transcription factors, epithelial modulators, and pro-inflammatory genes. Type-I IFN-induced genes were associated with cell–cell adhesion and tight junctions, while type-III IFNs promoted genes important for transepithelial transport. In contrast, type-II IFN stimulated proliferation-triggering genes associated and enhanced pro-inflammatory mediator secretion. In conclusion, with our microarray system, we provide evidence that the three IFN types exceed their antiviral ISG-response by inducing distinct remodeling processes, thereby likely strengthening the epithelial airway barrier by enhancing cross-cell-integrity (I), transepithelial transport (III) and finally reconstruction through proliferation (II). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensors for Monitoring of Biologically Relevant Molecules)
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13 pages, 1919 KiB  
Article
Signal-On Fluorescence Biosensor for Highly Sensitive Detection of miRNA-21 Based on DNAzyme Assisted Double-Hairpin Molecular Beacon
by Chenxin Fang, Yuxing Yang, Shuhao Zou, Ping Ouyang, Yang Qing, Jialun Han, Haiyu Li, Zhencui Wang and Jie Du
Biosensors 2022, 12(5), 276; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12050276 - 27 Apr 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2198
Abstract
Although miRNAs exist in small quantities in the human body, they are closely related to the abnormal expression of genes in diseases such as tumors. Therefore, sensitive detection of miRNAs is very important for the prevention and treatment of various tumors and major [...] Read more.
Although miRNAs exist in small quantities in the human body, they are closely related to the abnormal expression of genes in diseases such as tumors. Therefore, sensitive detection of miRNAs is very important for the prevention and treatment of various tumors and major diseases. The purpose of this study is to develop a label-free sensing strategy based on the co-action of double-hairpin molecular beacons and deoxyribozymes (DNAzymes) for highly sensitive detection of miRNA-21. The target miRNA-21 promotes the assembly of DNAzyme with a complete catalytic core region. At the presence of Mg2+, DNAzyme cuts a substrate into short chains, which open the double hairpin molecular beacon, and then form G-quadruplexs at both ends, specifically binding more ThT to generate a amplified fluorescent signal. The cut substrate will be replaced by the uncut ones in the next stage, increasing the concentration of reactants, and thus further improving the fluorescence intensity. This DNAzyme assisted double hairpin molecular beacon has a certain degree of discrimination for substances with single base mismatches, and the detection limit of miRNA-21 is 0.13 pM, lower than that of the many other analysis. Further, this detection has good selectivity and sensitivity in serum. Therefore, this strategy provides a simple, fast and low-cost platform for the sensitive detection of miRNA-21, having potential applications in early cancer diagnosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensors for Monitoring of Biologically Relevant Molecules)
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15 pages, 5413 KiB  
Article
A Double-Deck Structure of Reduced Graphene Oxide Modified Porous Ti3C2Tx Electrode towards Ultrasensitive and Simultaneous Detection of Dopamine and Uric Acid
by Yangguang Zhu, Qichen Tian, Xiufen Li, Lidong Wu, Aimin Yu, Guosong Lai, Li Fu, Qiuping Wei, Dan Dai, Nan Jiang, He Li, Chen Ye and Cheng-Te Lin
Biosensors 2021, 11(11), 462; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios11110462 - 18 Nov 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2693
Abstract
Considering the vital physiological functions of dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA) and their coexistence in the biological matrix, the development of biosensing techniques for their simultaneous and sensitive detection is highly desirable for diagnostic and analytical applications. Therefore, Ti3C2 [...] Read more.
Considering the vital physiological functions of dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA) and their coexistence in the biological matrix, the development of biosensing techniques for their simultaneous and sensitive detection is highly desirable for diagnostic and analytical applications. Therefore, Ti3C2Tx/rGO heterostructure with a double-deck layer was fabricated through electrochemical reduction. The rGO was modified on a porous Ti3C2Tx electrode as the biosensor for the detection of DA and UA simultaneously. Debye length was regulated by the alteration of rGO mass on the surface of the Ti3C2Tx electrode. Debye length decreased with respect to the rGO electrode modified with further rGO mass, indicating that fewer DA molecules were capable of surpassing the equilibrium double layer and reaching the surface of rGO to achieve the voltammetric response of DA. Thus, the proposed Ti3C2Tx/rGO sensor presented an excellent performance in detecting DA and UA with a wide linear range of 0.1–100 μM and 1–1000 μM and a low detection limit of 9.5 nM and 0.3 μM, respectively. Additionally, the proposed Ti3C2Tx/rGO electrode displayed good repeatability, selectivity, and proved to be available for real sample analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensors for Monitoring of Biologically Relevant Molecules)
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9 pages, 2383 KiB  
Article
Highly Sensitive Colorimetric Assay of Cortisol Using Cortisol Antibody and Aptamer Sandwich Assay
by Yoonjae Kim, Jongmin Yang, Hyeyeon Hur, Seungju Oh and Hyun Ho Lee
Biosensors 2021, 11(5), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios11050163 - 20 May 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4227
Abstract
In this study, cortisol, which is a key stress hormone, could be detected sensitively via the colorimetric assay of a polycarbonate (PC) and glass substrate by the sandwich assay of cortisol monoclonal antibody (c-Mab) and cortisol specific binding aptamer (c-SBA). A highly sensitive [...] Read more.
In this study, cortisol, which is a key stress hormone, could be detected sensitively via the colorimetric assay of a polycarbonate (PC) and glass substrate by the sandwich assay of cortisol monoclonal antibody (c-Mab) and cortisol specific binding aptamer (c-SBA). A highly sensitive change in colorimetry with a limit of detection (LOD) of cortisol of 100 fM could be attained on the optically transparent substrate using the antibody aptamer sandwich (AAS) assay by corresponding stacks of 5 nm gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). The Au NPs were conjugated by the c-SBA and the c-Mab was tethered on the PC and glass substrates. For the AAS method, a simple UV-Vis spectrophotometer was adopted to quantify the cortisol concentrations at an absorbance wavelength of 520 nm. Therefore, this study demonstrates the versatility of the AAS method to measure very low concentrations of cortisol in diagnostic applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensors for Monitoring of Biologically Relevant Molecules)
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14 pages, 3557 KiB  
Article
New Detection Platform for Screening Bacteria in Liquid Samples
by Rita La Spina, Diana C. António, Radoslaw Bombera, Teresa Lettieri, Anne-Sophie Lequarré, Pascal Colpo and Andrea Valsesia
Biosensors 2021, 11(5), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios11050142 - 01 May 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3057
Abstract
The development of sensitive methods for the determination of potential bacterial contamination is of upmost importance for environmental monitoring and food safety. In this study, we present a new method combining a fast pre-enrichment step using a microporous cryogel and a detection and [...] Read more.
The development of sensitive methods for the determination of potential bacterial contamination is of upmost importance for environmental monitoring and food safety. In this study, we present a new method combining a fast pre-enrichment step using a microporous cryogel and a detection and identification step using antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and labelled antibodies, respectively. The experimental method consists of: (i) the capture of large amounts of bacteria from liquid samples by using a highly porous and functionalized cryogel; (ii) the detection and categorisation of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria by determining their affinities toward a small set of AMPs; and (iii) the identification of the bacterial strain by using labelled detection antibodies. As proof of concept, the assessment of the three steps of the analysis was performed by using Escherichia coli and Bacillus sp. as models for Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, respectively. The use of AMPs with broad specificity combined with labelled antibodies enabled the detection and potential categorization of a large spectrum of unknown or unexpected bacteria. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensors for Monitoring of Biologically Relevant Molecules)
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Review

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28 pages, 6348 KiB  
Review
Exhaled Breath Analysis for Diabetes Diagnosis and Monitoring: Relevance, Challenges and Possibilities
by Kaushiki Dixit, Somayeh Fardindoost, Adithya Ravishankara, Nishat Tasnim and Mina Hoorfar
Biosensors 2021, 11(12), 476; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios11120476 - 25 Nov 2021
Cited by 51 | Viewed by 7092
Abstract
With the global population prevalence of diabetes surpassing 463 million cases in 2019 and diabetes leading to millions of deaths each year, there is a critical need for feasible, rapid, and non-invasive methodologies for continuous blood glucose monitoring in contrast to the current [...] Read more.
With the global population prevalence of diabetes surpassing 463 million cases in 2019 and diabetes leading to millions of deaths each year, there is a critical need for feasible, rapid, and non-invasive methodologies for continuous blood glucose monitoring in contrast to the current procedures that are either invasive, complicated, or expensive. Breath analysis is a viable methodology for non-invasive diabetes management owing to its potential for multiple disease diagnoses, the nominal requirement of sample processing, and immense sample accessibility; however, the development of functional commercial sensors is challenging due to the low concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in exhaled breath and the confounding factors influencing the exhaled breath profile. Given the complexity of the topic and the skyrocketing spread of diabetes, a multifarious review of exhaled breath analysis for diabetes monitoring is essential to track the technological progress in the field and comprehend the obstacles in developing a breath analysis-based diabetes management system. In this review, we consolidate the relevance of exhaled breath analysis through a critical assessment of current technologies and recent advancements in sensing methods to address the shortcomings associated with blood glucose monitoring. We provide a detailed assessment of the intricacies involved in the development of non-invasive diabetes monitoring devices. In addition, we spotlight the need to consider breath biomarker clusters as opposed to standalone biomarkers for the clinical applicability of exhaled breath monitoring. We present potential VOC clusters suitable for diabetes management and highlight the recent buildout of breath sensing methodologies, focusing on novel sensing materials and transduction mechanisms. Finally, we portray a multifaceted comparison of exhaled breath analysis for diabetes monitoring and highlight remaining challenges on the path to realizing breath analysis as a non-invasive healthcare approach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensors for Monitoring of Biologically Relevant Molecules)
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23 pages, 872 KiB  
Review
Electrochemical Biosensing of Dopamine Neurotransmitter: A Review
by Sophie Lakard, Ileana-Alexandra Pavel and Boris Lakard
Biosensors 2021, 11(6), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios11060179 - 03 Jun 2021
Cited by 100 | Viewed by 8527
Abstract
Neurotransmitters are biochemical molecules that transmit a signal from a neuron across the synapse to a target cell, thus being essential to the function of the central and peripheral nervous system. Dopamine is one of the most important catecholamine neurotransmitters since it is [...] Read more.
Neurotransmitters are biochemical molecules that transmit a signal from a neuron across the synapse to a target cell, thus being essential to the function of the central and peripheral nervous system. Dopamine is one of the most important catecholamine neurotransmitters since it is involved in many functions of the human central nervous system, including motor control, reward, or reinforcement. It is of utmost importance to quantify the amount of dopamine since abnormal levels can cause a variety of medical and behavioral problems. For instance, Parkinson’s disease is partially caused by the death of dopamine-secreting neurons. To date, various methods have been developed to measure dopamine levels, and electrochemical biosensing seems to be the most viable due to its robustness, selectivity, sensitivity, and the possibility to achieve real-time measurements. Even if the electrochemical detection is not facile due to the presence of electroactive interfering species with similar redox potentials in real biological samples, numerous strategies have been employed to resolve this issue. The objective of this paper is to review the materials (metals and metal oxides, carbon materials, polymers) that are frequently used for the electrochemical biosensing of dopamine and point out their respective advantages and drawbacks. Different types of dopamine biosensors, including (micro)electrodes, biosensing platforms, or field-effect transistors, are also described. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensors for Monitoring of Biologically Relevant Molecules)
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