Toward continuous glucose monitoring with planar modified biosensors and microdialysis. Study of temperature, oxygen dependence and in vivo experiment

Glucose biosensors based on the use of planar screen-printed electrodes modified with an electrochemical mediator and with glucose oxidase have been optimised for their application in the continuous glucose monitoring in diabetic patients. A full study of their operative stability and temperature dependence has been accomplished, thus giving useful information for in vivo applications. The effect of dissolved oxygen concentration in the working solution was also studied in order to evaluate its effect on the linearity of the sensors. Glucose monitoring performed with serum samples was performed to evaluate the effect of matrix components on operative stability and demonstrated an efficient behaviour for 72 h of continuous monitoring. Finally, these studies led to a sensor capable of detecting glucose at concentrations as low as 0.04 mM and with a good linearity up to 2.0 mM (at 37 degrees C) with an operative stability of ca. 72 h, thus demonstrating the possible application of these sensors for continuous glucose monitoring in conjunction with a microdialysis probe. Moreover, preliminary in vivo experiments for ca. 20 h have demonstrated the feasibility of this system.     

Iridium oxide pH sensor for biomedical applications. Case urea-urease in real urine samples

This work demonstrates the implementation of iridium oxide films (IROF) grown on silicon-based thin-film platinum microelectrodes, their utilization as a pH sensor, and their successful formatting into a urea pH sensor. In this context, Pt electrodes were fabricated on Silicon by using standard photolithography and lift-off procedures and IROF thin films were growth by a dynamic oxidation electrodeposition method (AEIROF). The AEIROF pH sensor reported showed a super-Nerstian (72.9±0.9mV/pH) response between pH 3 and 11, with residual standard deviation of both repeatability and reproducibility below 5%, and resolution of 0.03 pH units. For their application as urea pH sensors, AEIROF electrodes were reversibly modified with urease-coated magnetic microparticles (MP) using a magnet. The urea pH sensor provided fast detection of urea between 78μM and 20mM in saline solution, in sample volumes of just 50μL. The applicability to urea determination in real urine samples is discussed.     

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.     

Early determination of cystic fibrosis by electrochemical chloride quantification in sweat

A novel and rapid approach to quantify chloride concentration in sweat for early detection of cystic fibrosis (CF) is shown in this work. Disposable screen-printed sensor (SPS) devices capable to induce sweat and measure the chloride concentration are presented. Pilocarpine, which was forced into de skin by means of iontophoresis, has been used to stimulate the sweat glands. Chloride concentration has been directly measured on the skin by potentiometry. The performance of the devices has been tested in synthetic samples, obtaining good agreement with the Nernst equation. Sensors reproducibility has been analyzed in terms of residual standard deviation (RSD), obtaining a value of 8% (n=6 and alpha=0.05). Finally, the application of these sensors in several volunteers has been carried out. The results were compared with the method generally used in hospitals, obtaining deviations minor than 8%.     

Sensor and biosensor based on Prussian Blue modified gold and platinum screen printed electrodes

Gold (Au) and platinum (Pt) screen-printed electrodes were modified with Prussian Blue (PB) for the development of amperometric sensors selective for hydrogen peroxide detection. The sensors exhibited sensitivities towards H(2)O(2) equal to 2 A M(-1) cm(-2) for Au and 1 A M(-1) cm(-2) for Pt electrodes. The sensors were also employed as the basis for construction of glucose biosensors through further modification with crystallised glucose oxidase immobilised in a Nafion membrane. In order to improve the operational stability of the modified electrodes a buffer solution containing tetrabutylammonium toluene-4-sulfonate was used. The long-term performance of the sensors and biosensors were evaluated by continuous monitoring of hydrogen peroxide and glucose solutions (50 microM and 1 mM, respectively) in the flow-injection mode for 10 h.     

Study of carbon nanotube modified biosensor for monitoring total cholesterol in blood

A carbon nanotube modified biosensor for monitoring total cholesterol in blood was studied. This sensor consists of a carbon working electrode and a reference electrode screen-printed on a polycarbonate substrate. Cholesterol esterase, cholesterol oxidase, peroxidase and potassium ferrocyanide were immobilized on the screen-printed carbon electrodes. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCN) were added to prompt electron transfer. Experimental results show that the carbon nanotube modified biosensor offers a reliable calibration profile and stable electrochemical properties.     

A new format of electrodes for the electrochemical reduction of cytochromes P450

New approach to the electrochemical reduction of cytochromes P450 (P450s, CYPs) at electrodes chemically modified with appropriate substrates for P450s ("reverse" electrodes) was proposed. The method is based on the analysis of cyclic voltammograms, square-wave voltammograms and amperograms with subsequent determination of electrochemical characteristics such as catalytic current and redox potential. The sensitivity of proposed method is 0.2-1 nmol P450/electrode. The changes of maximal current and of redox potentials in square-wave voltammograms as well as the changes of catalytic current in amperometric experiments proved to be informative and reliable. Planar regime of screen-printed electrodes (strip-type sensors) enabled to utilise 20-60 microl of electrolyte volume. The enzyme-substrate pairs P450 2B4/benzphetamine and P450scc/cholesterol were investigated. Electrochemical parameters of electrodes with unspecific P450 substrates differed considerably from electrodes with appropriate substrates.     

Chemometric exploration of an amperometric biosensor array for fast determination of wastewater quality

Four wastewater samples of different treatment qualities; untreated, alarm, alert and normal, from a Swedish chemi-thermo-mechanical pulp mill and pure water were investigated using an amperometric bio-electronic tongue in a batch cell. The aim was to explore enzymatically modified screen-printed amperometric sensors for the discrimination of wastewater quality and to counteract the inherent drift. Seven out of eight platinum electrodes on the array were modified with four different enzymes; tyrosinase, horseradish peroxidase, acetyl cholinesterase and butyryl cholinesterase. At a constant potential the current intensity on each sensor was measured for 200s, 100s before injection and 100s after injection of the sample. The dynamic biosensor response curves from the eight sensors were used for principal component analysis (PCA). A simple baseline and sensitivity correction equivalent to multiplicative drift correction (MDC), using steady state intensities of reference sample (catechol) recordings, was employed. A clear pattern emerged in perfect agreement with prior knowledge of the samples explaining 97% of the variation in the data by two principal components (PCs). The first PC described the treatment quality of the samples and the second PC described the difference between treated and untreated samples. Horseradish peroxidase and pure platinum sensors were found to be the determinant sensors, while the rest did not contribute much to the discrimination. The wastewater samples were characterized by the chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), total organic carbon (TOC), inhibition of nitrification, inhibition of respiration and toxicity towards Vibrio fischeri using Microtox, the freshwater alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapita and the freshwater crustacean Daphnia magna.     

One-step screen-printed electrode modified in its bulk with HRP based on direct electron transfer for hydrogen peroxide detection in flow injection mode

The preparation and performances of screen-printed carbon electrodes modified in their bulk with HRP (HRP-SPCE) is reported. The resulting modified HRP-SPCE was prepared in a one-step procedure, and then was optimised as an amperometric biosensor operating at [0-100] mV versus Ag/AgCl in flow injection mode for hydrogen peroxide. The amperometric response was due to direct electron transfer (DET) between HRP and SPCE surface. Factors such as chemical modification of the enzyme or the nature and rate of the binder were investigated regards to their influence on the sensitivity, linear range and operational stability. The best performing HRP-SPCE in terms of sensitivity and operational stability was obtained when graphite powder was modified with HRP previously oxidised by periodate ion (IO(4)(-)).     

Screen-printed enzyme sensors for l-lysine determination

Sensors for the determination of L-lysine in samples of fermentation broth have been developed. Low-cost screen-printed sensors comprising a platinum working electrode, an Ag/AgCl pseudo reference and a carbon counter electrode were used as transducers for the enzyme sensors. L-lysine-(alpha)-oxidase from Trichoderma viride has been immobilized by entrapment into a polyurethane hydrogel. Sensors were characterized for L-lysine with respect to pH value, linear range, reproducibility, repeatability, storage and working stability. The sensitivities to other amino acids were also determined. A batch system with two working electrodes, one with immobilized enzyme and one without was adapted for the determination of L-lysine by differential measurements. Good agreement was found between L-lysine concentrations measured by the enzyme sensors and by a conventional amino acid analyzer.     

Microbial biosensor array with transport mutants of Escherichia coli K12 for the simultaneous determination of mono-and disaccharides

An automated flow-injection system with an integrated biosensor array using bacterial cells for the selective and simultaneous determination various mono- and disaccharides is described. The selectivity of the individually addressable sensors of the array was achieved by the combination of the metabolic response, measured as the O(2) consumption, of bacterial mutants of Escherichia coli K12 lacking different transport systems for individual carbohydrates. Kappa-carrageenan was used as immobilization matrix for entrapment of the bacterial cells in front of 6 individually addressable working electrodes of a screen-printed sensor array. The local consumption of molecular oxygen caused by the metabolic activity of the immobilized cells was amperometrically determined at the underlying screen-printed gold electrodes at a working potential of -600 mV vs. Ag/AgCl. Addition of mono- or disaccharides for which functional transport systems exist in the used transport mutant strains of E. coli K12 leads to an enhanced metabolic activity of the immobilized bacterial cells and to a concomitant depletion of oxygen at the electrode. Parallel determination of fructose, glucose, and sucrose was performed demonstrating the high selectivity of the proposed analytical system.     

Oligonucleotide-modified screen-printed gold electrodes for enzyme-amplified sensing of nucleic acids

An electrochemical genosensor for the detection of specific sequences of DNA has been developed using disposable screen-printed gold electrodes. Screen-printed gold electrodes were firstly modified with a mixed monolayer of a 25-mer thiol-tethered DNA probe and a spacer thiol, 6-mercapto-1-hexanol (MCH). The DNA probe sequence was internal to the sequence of the 35S promoter, which sequence is inserted in the genome of GMOs regulating the transgene expression. An enzyme-amplified detection scheme, based on the coupling of a streptavidin-alkaline phosphatase conjugate and biotinylated target sequences was then applied. The enzyme catalysed the hydrolysis of the electroinactive alpha-naphthyl phosphate to alpha-naphthol; this product is electroactive and has been detected by means of differential pulse voltammetry. The assay was, firstly, characterised using synthetic oligonucleotides. Relevant parameters, such as the probe concentration and the immobilisation time, the use of the MCH and different enzymatic conjugates, were investigated and optimised. The genosensor response was found to be linearly related to the target concentration between 0 and 25 nmol/L; the detection limit was 0.25 nmol/L. The analytical procedure was then applied for the detection of the 35S promoter sequence, which was amplified from the pBI121 plasmid by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Hybridisation conditions (i.e., hybridisation buffer and hybridisation time) were further optimised. The selectivity of the assay was confirmed using biotinylated non-complementary amplicons and PCR blanks. The results showed that the genosensor enabled sensitive (detection limit: 1 nmol/L) and specific detection of GMO-related sequences, thus providing a useful tool for the screening analysis of bioengineered food samples.     

Novel planar glucose biosensors for continuous monitoring use

Novel planar glucose biosensors to be used for continuous monitoring have been developed. The electrodes are produced with the "screen printing" technique, and present a high degree of reproducibility together with a low cost and the possibility of mass production. Prior to enzyme immobilisation, electrodes are chemically modified with ferric hexacyanoferrate (Prussian Blue). This allows the detection of the hydrogen peroxide produced by the enzymatic reaction catalysed by GOD, at low applied potential (ca. 0.0 V versus Ag/AgCl), highly limiting any electrochemical interferences. The layer of Prussian Blue (PB) showed a high stability at the working conditions (pH 7.4) and also after 1 year of storage dry at RT, no loss of activity was observed. The assembled glucose biosensors, showed high sensitivity towards glucose together with a long-term operational and storage stability. In a continuous flow system, with all the analytical parameters optimised, the glucose biosensors detected glucose concentration as low as 0.025 mM with a linear range up to 1.0mM. These probes were also tested over 50-60 h in a continuous flow mode to evaluate their operational stability. A 0.5 mM concentration of glucose was continuously fluxed into a biosensor wall-jet cell and the current due to the hydrogen peroxide reduction was continuously monitored. After 50-60 h, the drift of the signal observed was around 30%. Because of their high stability, these sensors suggest the possibility of using such biosensors, in conjunction with a microdialysis probe, for a continuous monitoring of glucose for clinical purposes.     

基于生物膜干涉技术检测PDL1抗体与PDL1抗原的亲和力

生物膜干涉（biolayer interferometry,BLI）技术可对抗体与抗原的相互作用进行亲和力、动力学的全面分析。在抗体克隆筛选、动力学常数测定中对链霉亲和素（streptavidin,SA）生物传感器的需求量较大,但目前鲜有关于SA传感器重复利用的报道。基于BLI技术、再生SA生物传感器建立一种使用再生后的传感器检测PDL1抗体与PDL1抗原亲和力的方法。通过将生物素化的PDL1抗原偶联至SA生物传感器上,再与单链抗体、双价单链抗体、完整抗体和双特异性抗体这4类PDL1抗体结合,计算抗原抗体的亲和力常数,利用甘氨酸（10 mmol·L^-1,pH 1.7）再生SA传感器,再次进行分子间相互作用力分析。结果显示,重复性相对标准偏差（relative standard deviation,RSD）均值为6.87%,批间重复性RSD为0.82%,稳定性RSD均值为6.13%,说明运用甘氨酸再生后的SA生物传感器测分子间的亲和力数据可靠、重现性好、稳定性高,再生后的传感器可继续用于本样品的实时、无标记的抗原抗体相互作用力分析。BLI技术可节省检测成本,为SA传感器的重复利用提供理论依据。     

Detection of benzo(a)pyrene photodegradation products using DNA electrochemical sensors

The reactivity of photodegradation products of benzo(a)pyrene vs. DNA has been assessed using both genomic and oligonucleotide based DNA electrochemical sensors. The kinetic of a photooxidation reaction of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) carried out in controlled conditions using a 6 W UV lamp peaked at 365 nm has been studied using LC with fluorimetric detection. Degradation of benzo(a)pyrene by both UV and UV/H(2)O(2) exhibited pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics with half-lives ranging from 3.0 to 9.8h depending on the pH and on the amount of H(2)O(2). The oxidation products of benzo(a)pyrene obtained in different conditions were tested on genomic ssDNA electrochemical sensors obtained via immobilisation of salmon testis ss-DNA on graphite screen-printed electrodes. Guanines oxidation signals obtained using chronopotentiometry were used to detect the interaction of the products with DNA. The dose-response curve obtained with benzo(a)pyrene incubated 24 h at pH 4.7 was different from that of the parent compound indicating a different type of interaction with DNA. A DNA hybridisation sensor was also assembled using a thiolated/biotynilated 24-mer oligonucleotide immobilised on a gold screen-printed electrode and avidin-alkaline phosphatase conjugate. A voltammetric detection of naphtol was used to detect the hybridisation reaction. A net inhibition of the hybridisation reaction was observed after incubation with benzo(a)pyrene oxidation products that was attributed to the formation of stable adducts with the guanines of the biotinylated strand. LC-MS-MS studies of the oxidation products confirmed the presence of chemical species potentially forming adducts with DNA. The data reported demonstrate that DNA electrochemical sensors have the potential to be used to monitor remediation processes and to assess the potential toxicity vs. DNA of chemicals forming stable DNA adducts.     

An electrochemical immunosensor for aflatoxin M1 determination in milk using screen-printed electrodes

The production and assembling of disposable electrochemical AFM1 immunosensors, which can combine the high selectivity of immunoanalysis with the ease of the electrochemical probes, has been carried out. Firstly immunoassay parameters such as amounts of antibody and labelled antigen, buffer and pH, length of time and temperature of each steps (precoating, coating, binding and competition steps) were evaluated and optimised in order to set up a spectrophotometric enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) procedure. This assay exhibited a working range between 30 and 160 ppt in a direct competitive format. Then electrochemical immunosensors were fabricated by immobilising the antibodies directly on the surface of screen-printed electrodes (SPEs), and allowing the competition to occur between free AFM1 and that conjugated with peroxidase (HRP) enzyme. The electrochemical technique chosen was the chronoamperometry, performed at -100 mV. Furthermore, studies of interference and matrix effects have been performed to evaluate the suitability of the developed immunosensors for the analysis of aflatoxin M1 directly in milk. Results have shown that using screen-printed electrodes aflatoxin M1 can be measured with a detection limit of 25 ppt and with a working range between 30 and 160 ppt. A comparison between the spectrophotometric and electrochemical procedure showed that a better detection limit and shorter analysis time could be achieved using electrochemical detection.     

Labeless AC impedimetric antibody-based sensors with pgml(-1) sensitivities for point-of-care biomedical applications

This paper describes the development and characterisation of labeless immunosensors for (a) the cardiac drug digoxin and (b) bovine serum albumin (BSA). Commercial screen-printed carbon electrodes were used as the basis for the sensors. Two methods were used to immobilise antibodies at the electrode surface. Aniline was electropolymerised onto these electrodes to form a thin planar film of conductive polyaniline; the polyaniline film was then utilised as a substrate to immobilise biotinylated anti-digoxin using a classical avidin-biotin affinity approach. As an alternative approach, poly(1,2-diaminobenzene) was electrodeposited onto the carbon electrodes and this modified surface was then sonochemically ablated to form an array of micropores. A second electropolymerisation step was then used to co-deposit conductive polyaniline along with antibodies for BSA within these pores to produce a microarray of polyaniline protrusions with diameters of several mum, containing entrapped anti-BSA. The resulting antibody grafted electrodes were interrogated using an AC impedance protocol before and following exposure to digoxin or BSA solutions, along with control samples containing a non-specific IgG antibody. The impedance characteristics of both types of electrode were changed by increasing concentrations of antigen up to a saturation level. Calibration curves were obtained by subtraction of the non-specific response from the specific response, thereby eliminating the effects of non-specific adsorption of antigen. Both the use of microelectrode arrays and affinity binding protocols showed large enhancements in sensitivity over planar electrodes containing entrapped antibodies and gave similar sensitivities to our other published work using affinity-based planar electrodes. Detection limits were in the order of 0.1ngml(-1) for digoxin and 1.5ngml(-1) for BSA.     

Disposable screen-printed enzyme sensor for simultaneous determination of starch and glucose

A disposable screen-printed biosensor with dual working electrodes was first established for simultaneous determination of starch and glucose. The electrochemical behavior of the sensor was assessed using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The linear response ranges of the sensor were up to 0.4% (w/v) starch and 20 mmol glucose 1^–1. Real samples were analysed using the proposed method and the reference method and the correlation coefficient was 0.997.     

Electrochemical immunosensor array using a 96-well screen-printed microplate for aflatoxin B1 detection

A novel analytical immunosensor array, based on a microtiter plate coupled to a multichannel electrochemical detection (MED) system using the intermittent pulse amperometry (IPA) technique, is proposed for the detection of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). In the present work, the electrochemical behaviour and electroanalytical performance of the thick-film carbon sensors (also designated as screen-printed electrodes) incorporated in the multichannel electrochemical plate were first evaluated. Then the 96-well screen-printed microplate was modified in accord with a competitive indirect enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) format for aflatoxin B1 detection. The measurements were performed using both spectrophotometric and electrochemical procedures and the results of the calibration curves, detection limit (LOD), sensitivity and reproducibility of the respective assay systems were evaluated. The immunoassay was then applied for analysis of corn samples spiked with AFB1 before and after the extraction treatment, in order to study the extraction efficiency and the matrix effect, respectively. These studies have shown that using this system, AFB1 can be measured at a level of 30 pg/mL and with a working range between 0.05 and 2 ng/mL. Good recoveries (103+/-8%) were obtained, demonstrating the suitability of the proposed assay for accurate determination of the AFB1 concentration in corn samples. The specificity of the assay was assessed by studying the cross-reactivity of PAb relative to AFB1. The results indicated that the PAb could readily distinguish AFB1 from other aflatoxins, with the exception for AFG1.     

Evaluation of different strategies for the development of amperometric biosensors for L-lactate

Two strategies were investigated for the development of lactate biosensors based on sol-gel matrixes and polysulfone composite films, both containing L-lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Firstly, reagentless disposable screen-printed electrodes (SPE's) with Meldola's Blue (MB) and the cofactor NAD(+) inside a sol-gel matrix were prepared. These showed relatively low sensitivities (260 microA/M). Secondly, mediator-modified-polysulfone-graphite composite films deposited over both cylindrical epoxy-graphite and SPE's. These electrodes showed enhanced performance characteristics: improved sensitivity (80 mA/M), detection limit (0.87 microM) and reproducibility (2%). Reagentless electrodes, incorporating NAD(+) in the polysulfone film, had a decreased sensitivity, although better than that achieved by the sol-gel electrodes. While sol-gel electrodes showed a linear range between 1.25 x 10(-4) and 2.48 x 10(-3)M, the epoxy-graphite composite electrodes based on polysulfone composite films allowed the detection of lactate at a linear range of lower concentrations from 1 x 10(-6) to 1.2 x 10(-5)M. Finally, the performance of the LDH-MB-polysulfone-composite film-based SPE's in a flow system was studied. Short response times were obtained (t<30s). Furthermore, repeatability and reproducibility values were notably improved, especially when working with electrodes covered with a polyamide layer prepared with N-(2-aminoethyl)-piperazine.