Development of an amperometric immunosensor for detection of staphylococcal enterotoxin type A in cheese

This paper reports a novel electrochemical immunosensor for the sensitive detection of staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) based on self-assembly monolayer (SAM) and protein A immobilization on gold electrode. Three different methods of protein A immobilization were tested: physical adsorption, cross-linking using glutaraldehyde and covalent binding after activation with N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS)/N-ethyl-N'-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) on cysteamine-modified gold electrode. The EDC/NHS method for protein A immobilization was selected to lead development of the biosensor. The coating steps of the surface modification were characterized by cyclic voltammetry and the biosensor response by chronoamperometry. The advantages of the immunosensor were exposed in its high sensitivity and specificity. The proposed amperometric immunosensor was successfully used for determination of SEA in contaminated and non-contaminated cheese samples with excellent responses.     

Construction of photodynamic‐effect immunofluorescence probes by a complex of quantum dots,immunoglobulin G and chlorin e6 and their application in HepG2 cell killing

In this study, tri‐functional immunofluorescent probes (Ce6–IgG–QDs) based on covalent combinations of quantum dots (QDs), immunoglobulin G (IgG) and chlorin e6 (Ce6) were developed and their photodynamic ability to induce the death of cancer cells was demonstrated. Strategically, one type of second‐generation photosensitizer, Ce6, was first coupled with anti‐IgG antibody using the EDC/NHS cross‐linking method to construct the photosensitive immunoconjugate Ce6–IgG. Then, a complex of Ce6–IgG–QDs immunofluorescent probes was obtained in succession by covalently coupling Ce6–IgG to water soluble CdTe QDs. The as‐manufactured Ce6–IgG–QDs maintained the bio‐activities of both the antigen–antibody‐based tumour targeting effects of IgG and the photodynamic‐related anticancer activities of Ce6. By way of polyclonal antibody interaction with rabbit anti‐human epidermal growth factor receptor (anti‐EGFR antibody, N‐terminus), Ce6–IgG–QDs were labelled indirectly onto the surface of human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cells in cell recognition and killing experiments. The results indicated that the Ce6–IgG–QDs probes have excellent tumour cell selectivity and higher photosensitivity in photodynamic therapy (PDT) compared with Ce6 alone, due to their antibody‐based specific recognition and location of HepG2 cells and the photodynamic effects of Ce6 killed cells based on efficient fluorescence resonance energy transfer between QDs and Ce6. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An amperometric biosensor based on laccase immobilized onto MnO2NPs/cMWCNT/PANI modified Au electrode

A method is described for construction of an amperometric biosensor for detection of phenolic compounds based on covalent immobilization of laccase (Lac) onto manganese dioxide nanoparticles (MnO(2)NPs) decorated carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (cMWCNTs)/PANI composite electrodeposited onto a gold (Au) electrode through N-ethyl-N'-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS) chemistry. The modified electrode was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The biosensor showed optimum response at pH 5.5 (0.1M sodium acetate buffer) and 35°C, when operated at 0.3 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Linear range, response time, detection limit were 0.1-10 μM (lower concentration range) and 10-500 μM (higher concentration range), 4s and 0.04 μM, respectively. Biosensor measured total phenolic content in tea leaves extract. The enzyme electrode was used 150 times over a period of 5 months.     

Electrophoretic transfer protein zymography

A mixture of commercial creatinine amidohydrolase (CA), creatine amidinohydrolase (CI), and sarcosine oxidase (SO) was coimmobilized covalently via N-ethyl-N′-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS) chemistry onto carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotube (c-MWCNT)/polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposite film electrodeposited over the surface of a platinum (Pt) electrode. A creatinine biosensor was fabricated using enzyme/c-MWCNT/PANI/Pt as working electrode, Ag/AgCl as reference electrode, and Pt wire as auxiliary electrode connected through potentiostat. The enzyme electrode was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The biosensor detected creatinine levels as low as 0.1 μM, estimated at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3, within 5 s at pH 7.5 and 35 °C. The optimized biosensor showed a linear response range of 10 to 750 μM creatinine with sensitivity of 40 μA/mM/cm². The fabricated biosensor was successfully employed for determination of creatinine in human serum. The biosensor showed only 15% loss in its initial response after 180 days when stored at 4 °C.     

An impedimetric vascular endothelial growth factor biosensor-based PAMAM/cysteamine-modified gold electrode for monitoring of tumor growth

In the present work, we have developed a new biosensor based on fourth-generation (G4) PAMAM dendrimers for the analysis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). First, the PAMAM dendrimers were covalently attached to a cysteamine-modified Au electrode by glutaraldehyde. With the help of the amino groups located on its surface, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGF-R1) was immobilized via glutaraldehyde cross-linking. VEGF-R1 loading was investigated to identify the optimal VEGF-R1 immobilization conditions for the best sensitivity of the new biosensor. In addition, Kramers-Kronig transforms were also analyzed for immobilization and measurement processes. The biosensor had a linear range of 5 to 125 pg/mL VEGF. The fabricated biosensor had good repeatability and reproducibility. Finally, the results for artificial serum samples measured by the present biosensor showed a good recovery for VEGF detection.     

An amperometric oxalate biosensor based on sorghum oxalate oxidase bound carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes-polyaniline composite film

A highly sensitive, specific and rapid electrochemical oxalate biosensor was constructed by covalently immobilizing sorghum leaf oxalate oxidase on carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes and conducting polymer, polyaniline nanocomposite film electrodeposited over the surface of platinum (Pt) wire using N-ethyl-N′-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS) chemistry. The modified electrode was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometry. The optimized oxalate biosensor showed linear response range of 8.4-272 μM with correlation coefficient of 0.93 and rapid response within 5 s at a potential of 0.4 V vs Ag/AgCl. The sensitivity was approximately 0.0113 μA/μM with a detection limit of 3.0 μM. Proposed oxalate biosensor was successfully applied to human urine sample.     

Highly sensitive single polyaniline nanowire biosensor for the detection of immunoglobulin G and myoglobin

A single polyaniline (PANI) nanowire-based biosensor was established to detect immunoglobulin G (IgG) and myoglobin (Myo), which is one of the cardiac biomarkers. The single PANI nanowires were fabricated via an electrochemical growth method, in which single nanowires were formed between a pair of patterned electrodes. The single PANI nanowires were functionalized with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) of IgG or Myo via a surface immobilization method, using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethyaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC), and N-hydroxysuccinimde (NHS). The functionalization was then verified by Raman spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy. The target proteins of IgG and Myo were detected by measuring the conductance change of functionalized single PANI nanowires owing to the capturing of target proteins by mAbs. The detection limit was found to be 3 ng/mL for IgG and 1.4 ng/mL for Myo. No response was observed when single nanowires were exposed to a non-specific protein, demonstrating excellent specificity to expected target detection. Together with the fast response time (a few seconds), high sensitivity, and good specificity, this single PANI nanowire-based biosensor shows great promise in the detection of cardiac markers and other proteins.     

Direct competitive chemiluminescence immunoassays based on gold‐coated magnetic particles for detection of chloramphenicol

Direct competitive chemiluminescence immunoassays (CLIA) based on gold‐coated magnetic nanospheres (Au‐MNPs) were developed for rapid analysis of chloramphenicol (CAP). The Au‐MNPs were modified with carboxyl groups and amino groups by 11‐mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) and cysteamine respectively, and then were respectively conjugated with CAP base and CAP succinate via an activating reaction using 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and N‐hydroxysuccinimide (NHS). NSP‐DMAE‐NHS, a new and effective luminescence reagent, was employed to label anti‐CAP antibody (mAb) as a tracer in direct CLIA for CAP detection using a ‘homemade’ luminescent measurement system that was set up with a photomultiplier tube (PMT) and a photon counting unit linked to a computer. The sensitivities and limits of detection (LODs) of the two methods were obtained and compared according to the inhibition curves. The 50% inhibition concentration (IC₅₀) values of the two methods were about 0.044 ng/mL and 0.072 ng/mL respectively and LODs were approximately 0.001 ng/mL and 0.006 ng/mL respectively. To our knowledge, they were much more sensitive than any traditional enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) ever reported. Moreover, the new luminescence reagent NSP‐DMAE‐NHS is much more sensitive and stable than luminol and its derivatives, contributing to the sensitivity enhancement. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Polyaniline protected gold nanoparticles based mediator and label free electrochemical cortisol biosensor

Polyaniline protected gold nanoparticles (PPAuNPs) were electrophoretically deposited onto a gold electrode, and utilized to fabricate an electrochemical cortisol biosensor. Cortisol specific monoclonal antibody (C-Mab) was covalently immobilized onto the surface of a PPAuNP/Au electrode using N-ethyl-N'-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide and N-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) chemistry. BSA was employed for blocking nonspecific adsorption on the electrode surface. PPAuNP formation and BSA/C-Mab/PPAuNP/Au electrode fabrication were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and electrochemical impedance techniques, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetric techniques were used to determine the cortisol concentration in a phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solution. Results confirmed that the PPAuNP based electrode was stable during repeated scans and exhibited repeatable redox peaks. Further, the BSA/C-Mab/PPAuNP/Au electrode in the PBS buffer accurately detected cortisol in the range of 1 pM-100 nM with a sensitivity of 1.63 μAM(-1). The biosensor was found to be selective against BSA and 17-α-hydroxy progesterone. This research establishes the feasibility of using a PPAuNP based matrix for a label and mediator free electrochemical biosensor for cortisol, a stress biomarker.     

Conducting polyamic acid membranes for sensing and site-directed immobilization of proteins

A biosensor platform based on polyamic acid (PAA) is reported for oriented immobilization of biomolecules. PAA, a functionalized conducting polymer substrate that provides electrochemical detection and control of biospecific binding, was used to covalently attach biomolecules, resulting in a significant improvement in the detection sensitivity. The biosensor sensing elements comprise a layer of PAA antibody (or antigen) composite self-assembled onto gold (Au) electrode via N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) and 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) linking. The modified PAA was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and electrochemical techniques. Cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy experiments conducted on electrodeposited PAA on Au electrode using ferricyanide produced a measurable decrease in the diffusion coefficient compared with the bare electrode, indicating some retardation of electron transfer within the bulk material of the PAA. Thereafter, the modified PAA surface was used to immobilize antibodies and then to detect inducible nitric oxide synthase and mouse immunoglobulin G (IgG) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and amperometric techniques. ELISA results indicated a significant amplified signal by the modified PAA, whereas the SPR and amperometric biosensors produced significant responses as the concentration of the antigen was increased. Detection limits of 3.1×10(-3)ng/ml and 2.7×10(-1)ng/ml were obtained for SPR and amperometric biosensors, respectively.     

Electrochemical detection of uric acid via uricase-immobilized graphene oxide

Measurement of the uric acid level in the body can be improved by biosensing with respect to the accuracy, sensitivity and time consumption. This study has reported the immobilization of uricase onto graphene oxide (GO) and its function for electrochemical detection of uric acid. Through chemical modification of GO using 1-ethyl-3-(dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide (NHS) as cross-linking reagents, the enzyme activity of the immobilized uricase was much comparable to the free enzyme with 88% of the activity retained. The modified GO-uricase (GOU) was then subjected to electrocatalytic detection of uric acid (UA) via cyclic voltammetry (CV). For that reason, a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modified by adhering the GO along with the immobilized uricase to facilitate the redox reaction between the enzyme and the substrate. The modified GOU/GCE outperformed a bare electrode through the electrocatalytic activity with an amplified electrical signal for the detection of UA. The electrocatalytic response showed a linear dependence on the UA concentration ranging from 0.02 to 0.49 mM with a detection limit of 3.45 μM at 3σ/m. The resulting biosensor also exhibited a high selectivity towards UA in the presence of other interference as well as good reproducibility.     

An electrochemical biosensor for prostate cancer biomarker detection using graphene oxide–gold nanostructures

In this paper, a most sensitive electrochemical biosensor for detection of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) was designed. To reach the goal, a sandwich type electrode composed of reduced graphene oxide/ gold nanoparticles (GO/AuNPs), Anti‐Total PSA monoclonal antibody, and anti‐Free PSA antibody was assembled. The functionalized materials were thoroughly characterized by atomic force microscope spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction techniques. The electrochemical properties of each of the modification step were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results presented that the proposed biosensor possesses high sensitivity toward total and free PSA. Furthermore, the fabricated biosensor revealed an excellent selectivity for PSA in comparison to the other tumor markers such as BHCG, Alb, CEA, CA125, and CA19‐9. The limit of detection for the proposed electrochemical biosensor was estimated to be around 0.2 and 0.07 ng/mL for total and free PSA antigen, respectively.     

Electrochemical detection of xanthine in fish meat by xanthine oxidase immobilized on carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes/polyaniline composite film

A commercial xanthine oxidase (XOD) was immobilized covalently onto carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (c-MWCNT) and polyaniline (PANI) composite film electrodeposited on the surface of a Pt electrode, using N-ethyl-N′-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS) chemistry. A xanthine biosensor was fabricated using XOD/c-MWCNT/PANI/Pt electrode as a working electrode, Ag/AgCl (3 M KCl) as standard electrode and Pt wire as auxiliary electrode connected through a potentiostat. The enzyme electrode was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The biosensor showed optimum response within 4 s at pH 7.0 and 35 °C, when polarized at 0.4 V. The optimized xanthine biosensor showed linear response range of 0.6–58 μM, with a detection limit of 0.6 μM (S/N = 3), and a correlation coefficient of 0.98. The biosensor was applied to determine xanthine in fish meat. The biosensor lost 50% of its initial activity after its 200 uses over a period of 100 days.     

Osteoclastogenic activity and RANKL expression are inhibited in osteoblastic cells expressing constitutively active Gα12 or constitutively active RhoA

Gα₁₂–RhoA signaling is a parathyroid hormone (PTH)‐stimulated pathway that mediates effects in bone and may influence genetic susceptibility to osteoporosis. To further elucidate effects of the pathway in osteoblasts, UMR‐106 osteoblastic cells were stably transfected with constitutively active (ca) Gα₁₂ or caRhoA or dominant negative (dn) RhoA and co‐cultured with RAW 264.7 cells to determine effects on hormone‐stimulated osteoclastogenesis. Whereas PTH and calcitriol‐stimulated osteoclastogenesis in co‐cultures with UMR‐106 cells expressing pcDNA or dominant negative RhoA, the osteoclastogenic effects of PTH and calcitriol were significantly attenuated when the UMR‐106 cells expressed either caRhoA or caGα₁₂. These inhibitory effects were partially reversed by the Rho kinase inhibitor Y27632. None of the constructs affected osteoclastogenesis in untreated co‐cultures, and the constructs did not inhibit the osteoclastogenic responses to receptor activator of NFκB ligand (RANKL). To investigate the mechanism of the inhibitory effects of caGα₁₂ and caRhoA, expression of RANKL, osteoprotegerin (OPG), osteopontin (OPN), and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM) in response to PTH or calcitriol was examined in the UMR‐106 cells. In the cells expressing pcDNA or dnRhoA, PTH and calcitriol increased RANKL mRNA and decreased OPG mRNA, whereas these effects were absent in the cells expressing caGα₁₂ or caRhoA. Basal expression of RANKL and OPG was unaffected by the constructs. The results suggest that Gα₁₂–RhoA signaling can inhibit hormone‐stimulated osteoclastogenesis by effects on expression of RANKL and OPG. Since PTH can stimulate the Gα₁₂–RhoA pathway, the current findings could represent a homeostatic mechanism for regulating osteoclastogenic action. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 1531–1536, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Electrochemical impedance detection of DNA hybridization based on dendrimer modified electrode

Bioactive ultrathin films with the incorporation of amino-terminated G4 PAMAM dendrimers have been prepared via layer-by-layer self-assembly methods on a gold electrode and used for the DNA hybridization analysis. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) are used to characterize the successful construction of the multicomponent film on the gold substrate. The dendrimer-modified surfaces improve the immobilization capacity of the probe DNA greatly, compared to the AET (2-aminoethanethiol) SAM sensor surfaces without dendrimer molecules. DNA hybridization analysis is monitored by EIS. The dendrimer-based electrochemical impedance DNA biosensor shows high sensitivity and selectivity for DNA hybridization assay. The multicomponent films also display a high stability during repeated regeneration and hybridization cycles.     

Non‐competitive immunoassay for luteinizing hormone in human serum using capillary electrophoresis with chemiluminescence detection

A non‐competitive immunoassay based on capillary electrophoresis (CE) with chemiluminescence (CL) detection has been developed for the determination of luteinizing hormone (LH) in human serum. The work involved the development of separation and CL conditions, allowing for routine analysis of serum samples. In this study, horseradish peroxidase (HRP)‐labelled monoclonal anti‐LH can catalyse the luminol–hydrogen peroxide reaction. The determined LH can react with excessive amount of HRP‐labelled anti‐LH. Within 14 min, free enzyme conjugate and immune complex could be separated in alkaline borate buffer by means of a high voltage (15 kV). To improve sensitivity, a series of measures were adopted, including the choice of para‐iodophenol as a CL enhancer, unique design in detect window. Under the optimal conditions, the calibration curve for LH was established in the concentration range 1–200 mIU/mL and the detection limit was 0.08 mIU/mL. Compared with ELISA, this method decreased the detection limit by about 12 times, and it has been successfully employed in the determination of LH in human serum. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An amperometric lactate biosensor based on lactate dehydrogenase immobilized onto graphene oxide nanoparticles‐modified pencil graphite electrode

A novel amperometric lactate biosensor was developed based on immobilization of lactate dehydrogenase onto graphene oxide nanoparticles‐decorated pencil graphite electrode. The enzyme electrode was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and cyclic voltammetry at different stages of its construction. The biosensor showed optimum response within 5 s at pH 7.3 (0.1 M sodium phosphate buffer) and 35°C, when operated at 0.7 V. The biosensor exhibited excellent sensitivity (detection limit as low as 0.1 μM), fast response time (5 s), and wider linear range (5–50 mM). Analytical recovery of added lactic acid in serum was between 95.81–97.87% and within‐batch and between‐batch coefficients of variation were 5.04 and 5.40%, respectively. There was a good correlation between serum lactate values obtained by standard colorimetric method and the present biosensor (r = 0.99). The biosensor measured lactate levels in sera of apparently healthy subjects and persons suffering from lactate acidosis and other biological materials (milk, curd, yogurt, beer, white wine, and red wine). The enzyme electrode lost 25% of its initial activity after 60 days of its regular uses, when stored dry at 4°C.     

Direct and indirect assessment of the parathyroid hormone response to pamidronate therapy in Paget's disease of bone and hypercalcaemia of malignancy

In patients with either Paget's disease or hypercalcaemia associated with malignancy (HCM) we have assessed the parathyroid response to pamidronate therapy, both by immunoassay of serum intact parathyroid hormone PTH (1–84) and by measurement of indirect parameters of PTH bioactivity, tubular maximum reabsorption of phosphate (TmPO₄/GFR) and nephrogenous cyclic AMP (NcAMP).In 12 patients with Paget's disease, therapy with pamidronate produced a small but significant decrease in adjusted serum calcium within the reference interval which was accompanied by a progressive increase in PTH (1–84) secretion and a corresponding fall in TmPO₄/GFR and increase in NcAMP.In 12 patients with HCM pretreatment, PTH (1–84) concentrations were suppressed, whilst mean TmPO₄/GFR was reduced and NcAMP was increased, compatible in most patients, with parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) driven hypercalcaemia. Therapy with pamidronate produced the expected fall in serum calcium but caused an increase in PTH (1–84) secretion in the presence of absolute hypercalcaemia. The initial subnormal TmPO₄/GFR decreased further to a nadir on day 5, and there was a corresponding further increase in NcAMP. By day 7, however, when PTH (1–84) concentrations were maximal, there was a significant paradoxical rise in TmPO₄/GFR and a corresponding decrease in NcAMP.These data are consistent with a variable trigger point for PTH (1–84) secretion, one consequence of which is a reduction in the risk of hypocalcaemia following pamidronate.The results have major clinical implications for the interpretation of PTH (1–84) measurements in patients who are being treated or about to be treated for bone disease or for hypercalcaemia of malignancy (HCM). A pretreatment sample is essential in making the correct diagnosis in such patients, preventing confusion and possible unnecessary investigation.     

Glucose Biosensor Based on a Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with Polythionine and Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes

A novel glucose biosensor was fabricated. The first layer of the biosensor was polythionine, which was formed by the electrochemical polymerisation of the thionine monomer on a glassy carbon electrode. The remaining layers were coated with chitosan-MWCNTs, GOx, and the chitosan-PTFE film in sequence. The MWCNTs embedded in FAD were like “conductive wires” connecting FAD with electrode, reduced the distance between them and were propitious to fast direct electron transfer. Combining with good electrical conductivity of PTH and MWCNTs, the current response was enlarged. The sensor was a parallel multi-component reaction system (PMRS) and excellent electrocatalytic performance for glucose could be obtained without a mediator. The glucose sensor had a working voltage of −0.42 V, an optimum working temperature of 25°C, an optimum working pH of 7.0, and the best percentage of polytetrafluoroethylene emulsion (PTFE) in the outer composite film was 2%. Under the optimised conditions, the biosensor displayed a high sensitivity of 2.80 µA mM⁻¹ cm⁻² and a low detection limit of 5 µM (S/N = 3), with a response time of less than 15 s and a linear range of 0.04 mM to 2.5 mM. Furthermore, the fabricated biosensor had a good selectivity, reproducibility, and long-term stability, indicating that the novel CTS+PTFE/GOx/MWCNTs/PTH composite is a promising material for immobilization of biomolecules and fabrication of third generation biosensors.