Electrochemical aptamer-based biosensors

Last updated

Aptamers, single-stranded RNA and DNA sequences, bind to an analyte and change their conformation. They function as nucleic acids selectively binding molecules such as proteins, bacteria cells, metal ions, etc. [1] Aptamers can be developed to have precise specificity to bind to a desired target. Aptamers change conformation upon binding, altering the electrochemical properties which can be measured. The Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) process generates aptamers. [2] Electrochemical aptamer-based (E-AB) biosensors is a device that takes advantage of the electrochemical and biological properties of aptamers to take real time, in vivo measurements.

Contents

An electrochemical aptamer-based (E-AB) biosensor to generates an electrochemical signal in response to specific target binding in vivo [3] The signal is measured by a change in Faradaic current passed through an electrode. E-AB sensors are advantageous over previously reported aptamer-based sensors, such as fluorescence generating aptamers, due to their ability to detect target binding in vivo with real-time measurements. [4] An E-AB sensor is composed of a three-electrode cell: an interrogating electrode, a reference electrode, and a counter electrode. A signal is generated within the electrochemical cell then measured and analyzed by a potentiostat. [5] Several biochemical and electrochemical parameters optimize signal gain for E-AB biosensors. The density packing of DNA or RNA aptamers, the ACV frequency administered by the potentiostat, and the chemistry of the self assembling monolayer (SAM) are all factors that determine signal gain as well as the signal to noise ratio of target binding. [3] E-AB biosensors provide a promising mechanism for in-situ sensing, feedback-controlled drug administration, and cancer biomarkers. [4]

Left: This image displays the electrode surface upon which the aptamer is immobilized and the self assembling monolayer (SAM) passivates the surface where aptamers are not bound. The redox reporter (blue) is far away from the gold electrode on the unfolded (or partially unfolded) DNA in the absence of target molecule (purple). Upon target binding, the DNA changes structure by folding, bringing the redox reporter closer to the electrode surface. Right: The change in current produces a signal relative to the baseline. The baseline signal is the signal generated without target. The baseline represents the redox activity of the aptamer vs. Ag/AgCl. Electrochemical aptamer-based sensor.png
Left: This image displays the electrode surface upon which the aptamer is immobilized and the self assembling monolayer (SAM) passivates the surface where aptamers are not bound. The redox reporter (blue) is far away from the gold electrode on the unfolded (or partially unfolded) DNA in the absence of target molecule (purple). Upon target binding, the DNA changes structure by folding, bringing the redox reporter closer to the electrode surface. Right: The change in current produces a signal relative to the baseline. The baseline signal is the signal generated without target. The baseline represents the redox activity of the aptamer vs. Ag/AgCl.

Signal generation

The DNA or RNA aptamers are fixed on the interrogating electrode, where a redox reaction is reported by a redox tag. Gold is often used as the probe surface for interrogating electrodes. The surface of the gold electrode is packed with redox-tagged DNA or RNA aptamers. The redox reporter is often methylene blue. [3] Upon target binding, the aptamer changes structure by folding, bringing the redox reporter closer to the gold electrode. This increase in proximity from the redox-reporter to the electrode enables faster electron transfer from the redox tag to the gold electrode. [5] The increase in speed of electron transfer contributes to a change in Faradaic current that is detected by the potentiostat.

The reference electrode is the site of a known chemical reaction that has a known redox potential. For example, a reference electrode that harbors the reaction of silver-silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) has a fixed redox potential and is the measuring point for the redox potential of the interrogating electrode. [6] The counter electrode (or auxiliary electrode) acts as a cathode or anode to the interrogating electrode. [5] The applied voltage is not passed through the reference electrode due to an impedance supplied by the potentiostat. Therefore, the potential generated within the electrochemical cell is attributed to the interrogating electrode. Current is measured as potential of the interrogating electrode vs. the fixed potential of the reference electrode. The difference in potential is what produces the current in the external circuit and generates a signal. The signal quantifies target binding depending on electron transfer that is stoichimetrically proportional to target binding. [5]

Four electrode method has also been demonstrated in an electrochemical nanoporous alumina membrane sensor, [7] where the aptamer was grafted onto the membrane and not on the electrode. The binding of the aptamer with the target protein produces a change in impedance of the membrane which is picked up by the electrochemical sensor using an impedance spectroscopy analyzer. This approach could be beneficial in cases where the electric field of the electrode can change the aptamer structure or the biointerface which may decrease the sensing ability.

Signal optimization

There are several parameters to consider for optimization of binding-induced electrochemical signal gain. The aptamer probe packing density, the nature of the self-assembling monolayer, and the ACV frequency are factors that affect detecting and measuring of signal. [3] Two main factors are considered when fabricating the packing density on the probe surface. The concentration of aptamer and the surface chemistry of the self-assembling monolayer (SAM) enable variations of desired probe packing density. [3]

Aptamer packing density

The density of aptamer packing on the electrode surface is an important parameter to optimize signal. Depending on the size and nature of target molecule, different aptamer packing densities favor signal gain. Studies have shown that small target molecules enable a greater signal gain for low density aptamer packing, while larger proteins as a target generate the greatest signal at intermediate probe packing densities. [3] Signal gain decreases as packing density increase above the range of optimal signal gain due to steric hindrance. When the probe surface neighboring an aptamer is blocked by an adjacent aptamer, the redox tag on the target-bound aptamer will not have room to come into contact with the electrode, therefore failing to report target binding. The concentration of aptamer in solution that incubates a clean probe is found to be proportional to the density of aptamers that are immobilized on the probe. [3] Studies have reported suggesting that small targets such as cocaine E-AB sensors generate the most signal with the lowest probe packing density. Conversely, larger protein targets such as the protein Thrombin generate the most signal at intermediate probe packing densities. [3]

SAM nature and surface chemistry

Consecutively, the probe is incubated in a SAM to make the surface of the probe that is unoccupied unreactive to target or further aptamer binding. [3] The optimized SAM thickness is thick enough for the surface to be passivated against target binding and thin enough to transfer electrons from the redox reporter to the electrode. SAM thickness can be measured as length. It has been reported that cocaine E-AB sensors generate more signal when the SAM is thinner and therefore more conductive. However, reducing the SAM from 6 carbons to 2 carbons decreases signal, and peak current is generated using a 6-carbon SAM. [3]

ACV frequency

The ACV frequency is used to monitor the Faradaic current, which quantifies target binding. [3] The generation of signal has been reported to be insensitive to ACV frequency as long as the ACV is in a sensible range, therefore, not too low to be detected or too fast. [3] The ACV frequency is used instead of a single-directional current to protect the degradation of the electrodes. Square wave voltammetry is applied and measured to analyze the change in current as the voltage is swept linearly across an electrode. [8]

Aptamer generation

Image illustrates the SELEX process for aptamer selection. The nucleic acid array is incubated with the target, followed by separation to eliminate unbound sequences. The binding sequences undergo amplification and purification to remove complementary strands. SELEX.png
Image illustrates the SELEX process for aptamer selection. The nucleic acid array is incubated with the target, followed by separation to eliminate unbound sequences. The binding sequences undergo amplification and purification to remove complementary strands.

Design and fabrication of E-AB aptamers is consistent with methods used for previously reported aptamers. SELEX is a well known selection method for fabrication and selection of nucleotide aptamers. In 1990s, scientists introduced SELEX. Aptamers are chosen based on their in vitro target recognition through this process. In SELEX, aptamers are chosen based on their ability to recognize specific targets. This method involves three key steps: First, single-stranded nucleic acids are bound to the target. Next, the bound nucleic acids are separated from unbound ones. Finally, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplifies the nucleic acids that have an affinity for the target, allowing for further screening or functional analysis. Following SELEX, high-throughput sequencing is used to identify sequences that have been enriched due to their target-binding abilities. [9] SELEX is relatively limited by the amount of enrichment that can be achieved in a single round. [10] A less-reported screening method for aptamer fabrication that overcomes this limitation is affinity-based library enrichment that has been termed Particle Display. [9]

Particle Display

Particle Display produces higher yields of higher affinity aptamers in less rounds than conventional selection methods. [9] In this method, libraries of aptamers are separated into aptamer particles and separated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting based on affinity. Only the highest affinity aptamer particles are isolated and sequenced into aptamers. [9] This is an affinity-base selection process that is more efficient than selection methods such as SELEX. Particle display may be a reliable aptamer generation method for E-AB sensors due to the high affinity and specificity of target binding.

Researchers tackled the challenge of isolating high-affinity aptamers in conventional SELEX by introducing Particle Display System (PDS). [9] Using parallel single-molecule emulsion polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for monoclonal aptamer screening, PDS employs emulsion PCR and droplet digital PCR to prevent by-product propagation and preserve rare high-affinity sequences. The one-particle-one-sequence nature of PDS transforms the DNA-target interaction into a particle-target interaction, enabling swift confirmation of aptamer candidate affinities through fluorescence-activated cell sorting or flow cytometry assays. Unlike conventional SELEX, PDS efficiently segregates aptamers, providing a streamlined and effective method for identifying and isolating high-affinity binders. [9] PDS significantly enhances the efficiency of enriching high-affinity aptamers, achieving this in a single round of screening.

Particle display yields higher quantities of higher affinity aptamers in fewer rounds compared to conventional selection methods. This method separates aptamer libraries into aptamer particles and employs fluorescence-activated cell sorting to isolate particles based on affinity. Only the highest affinity aptamer particles are isolated and sequenced into aptamers. This affinity-based selection process is more efficient than methods such as SELEX. Particle display may be a reliable aptamer generation method for E-AB sensors due to the high affinity and specificity of target binding

Advantages

EAB sensors possess the potential to significantly advance our comprehension of metabolism, endocrinology, pharmacokinetics, and neurochemistry as valuable research tools. Specifically, these sensors offer improved resolution and more quantitative measurements of phenomena such as drug delivery, clearance, and the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis. With their capability for feedback control, EAB sensors also present unprecedented opportunities to elucidate the correlation between, for instance, plasma drug levels and subsequent clinical or behavioral responses. The simultaneous measurements performed by EAB sensors in multiple body locations can enhance our understanding of drug and metabolite transport within and between bodily compartments. Beyond in-body measurements, EAB sensors could be beneficial for real-time monitoring in cell culture applications, ranging from small-scale (e.g., "organ on a chip") to industrial scale (e.g., monitoring industrial bioreactors). They have already demonstrated utility in applications such as monitoring ATP release in astrocytes and detecting serotonin in cell culture using glass nanopipettes. [11]

Aptamers, referred to as "chemical antibodies," are used in therapeutics and biosensing due to their specific recognition and binding capabilities toward target molecules. They offer advantages over classical antibodies as they are significantly lighter, easily penetrate intracellular targets, can be synthetically produced, are non-immunogenic, and exhibit stability. [12] Aptamers excel in discerning proteins, demonstrating precision in diagnostics and therapeutics, and have applications in laboratory assays and separations, particularly in biomolecule purification, chiral separation, and biochemical assays. [13] The ability of aptamers to undergo conformational changes makes them ideal for developing quenching-based biosensors, showcasing flexibility that antibodies lack. [14] Unlike antibodies, which are prone to cross-reactivity and batch variations, aptamers offer customizable selectivity and stability. [12] This is particularly evident in biosensor applications targeting low-molecular-weight entities like small molecules

Limitations

In E-AB sensors, the signal between electrochemical response and absence of target is small. The aptamer can be reengineered to a large-scale, conformational change. Long flexible loops or complementary strands can also force a change in the aptamers conformation. These techniques to modify aptamers increase the signal ratio, but does not guarantee that it is sufficient enough to be measured.

E-AB sensors are only as sensitive as the aptamer deployed. The selectivity of the aptamer can be a concern when there are similar compounds in the blood or other bodily fluids. cross-reactivity causes interference in in-vivo monitoring and requires understanding of how the aptamer reacts with similar compounds that may be in the sample.

Promising applications

E-AB biosensors as basis for controlled drug delivery. Feedback-controlled drug delivery for continuous drug administration with dosage levels based on integrating E-AB signal calculations into a drug administering medical device. [4] E-AB biosensors do not require reagents, are inexpensive compared to antibody detection methods, [15] can be used in blood or other fluids with high abundance of non-target molecules, and they are reusable. These are all factors that make E-AB biosensors a promising method for feedback-controlled drug delivery dependent on integrated calculations of computer programming. [4]

Research Applications

EAB sensors possess the potential to significantly advance our comprehension of metabolism, endocrinology, pharmacokinetics, and neurochemistry as valuable research tools. Specifically, these sensors offer improved resolution and more quantitative measurements of phenomena such as drug delivery, clearance, and the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis. [16] Due to their capability for feedback control, E-AB sensors also present unprecedented opportunities to elucidate the correlation between, for instance, plasma drug levels and subsequent clinical or behavioral responses. The simultaneous measurements performed by E-AB sensors in multiple body locations can enhance our understanding of drug and metabolite transport within and between bodily compartments. [16] Beyond in-body measurements, E-AB sensors could be beneficial for real-time monitoring in cell culture applications, ranging from small-scale (e.g., "organ on a chip") to industrial scale (e.g., monitoring industrial bioreactors). They have already demonstrated utility in applications such as monitoring ATP release in astrocytes and detecting serotonin in cell culture using glass nanopipettes. [17] [18]

Clinical Applications

E-AB sensors can be adapted into wearable devices that monitor health of patients in real time. E-AB sensors are capable of monitoring specific biomarkers that can aid in detection of diseases in early stages. For example, the measurement of C-reactive protein can aid in detection of heart attacks on a wearable device. [16]

E-AB sensors offer groundbreaking possibilities for monitoring molecules within the intricate in-vivo environment, with transformative applications in clinical settings. Envisioning the integration of the E-AB sensing platform into a wearable device, comparable to continuous glucose monitors, holds promise for real-time measurements of drugs and biomarkers reflective of health and disease. Notably, exploring E-AB sensors in the interstitial skin region shows potential in this regard. [19]

In instances where sepsis is suspected, the monitoring of infection biomarkers, such as C-reactive protein, stands out as a potentially life-saving approach, providing critical insights into disease prognosis and severity. [20] Similarly, for individuals at high cardiac risk, the deployment of a convenient wearable device could facilitate early detection of heart attacks, considering the association of specific biomarkers like troponin with the onset of cardiac events. [21] The exceptional capability of E-AB sensors to measure picomolar concentrations of specific proteins in real-time within complex sample matrices positions the platform as a well-suited tool for such clinical monitoring applications.

Expanding beyond disease detection, E-AB sensors hold the promise of revolutionizing drug dosing practices, particularly in the realm of precision medicine. The prevalent approach to pharmaceutical dosing, grounded in assumptions about the average individual's drug absorption and response, falls short for drugs with narrow therapeutic windows relative to patient variability. [16] Current dosing methodologies, relying on slow and infrequent blood draws or waiting for observable side effects, entail potential risks of underdosing or overdosing. [16] E-AB sensors, with their capability to provide real-time insights into plasma drug levels, present an avenue for significantly enhancing the safety and efficacy of pharmacological treatments through improved therapeutic drug monitoring.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Electrophysiology</span> Study of the electrical properties of biological cells and tissues.

Electrophysiology is the branch of physiology that studies the electrical properties of biological cells and tissues. It involves measurements of voltage changes or electric current or manipulations on a wide variety of scales from single ion channel proteins to whole organs like the heart. In neuroscience, it includes measurements of the electrical activity of neurons, and, in particular, action potential activity. Recordings of large-scale electric signals from the nervous system, such as electroencephalography, may also be referred to as electrophysiological recordings. They are useful for electrodiagnosis and monitoring.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fluorescent tag</span>

In molecular biology and biotechnology, a fluorescent tag, also known as a fluorescent label or fluorescent probe, is a molecule that is attached chemically to aid in the detection of a biomolecule such as a protein, antibody, or amino acid. Generally, fluorescent tagging, or labeling, uses a reactive derivative of a fluorescent molecule known as a fluorophore. The fluorophore selectively binds to a specific region or functional group on the target molecule and can be attached chemically or biologically. Various labeling techniques such as enzymatic labeling, protein labeling, and genetic labeling are widely utilized. Ethidium bromide, fluorescein and green fluorescent protein are common tags. The most commonly labelled molecules are antibodies, proteins, amino acids and peptides which are then used as specific probes for detection of a particular target.

A biosensor is an analytical device, used for the detection of a chemical substance, that combines a biological component with a physicochemical detector. The sensitive biological element, e.g. tissue, microorganisms, organelles, cell receptors, enzymes, antibodies, nucleic acids, etc., is a biologically derived material or biomimetic component that interacts with, binds with, or recognizes the analyte under study. The biologically sensitive elements can also be created by biological engineering. The transducer or the detector element, which transforms one signal into another one, works in a physicochemical way: optical, piezoelectric, electrochemical, electrochemiluminescence etc., resulting from the interaction of the analyte with the biological element, to easily measure and quantify. The biosensor reader device connects with the associated electronics or signal processors that are primarily responsible for the display of the results in a user-friendly way. This sometimes accounts for the most expensive part of the sensor device, however it is possible to generate a user friendly display that includes transducer and sensitive element. The readers are usually custom-designed and manufactured to suit the different working principles of biosensors.

Nanosensors are nanoscale devices that measure physical quantities and convert these to signals that can be detected and analyzed. There are several ways proposed today to make nanosensors; these include top-down lithography, bottom-up assembly, and molecular self-assembly. There are different types of nanosensors in the market and in development for various applications, most notably in defense, environmental, and healthcare industries. These sensors share the same basic workflow: a selective binding of an analyte, signal generation from the interaction of the nanosensor with the bio-element, and processing of the signal into useful metrics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclic voltammetry</span> Method of analyzing electrochemical reactions

In electrochemistry, cyclic voltammetry (CV) is a type of potentiodynamic measurement. In a cyclic voltammetry experiment, the working electrode potential is ramped linearly versus time. Unlike in linear sweep voltammetry, after the set potential is reached in a CV experiment, the working electrode's potential is ramped in the opposite direction to return to the initial potential. These cycles of ramps in potential may be repeated as many times as needed. The current at the working electrode is plotted versus the applied voltage to give the cyclic voltammogram trace. Cyclic voltammetry is generally used to study the electrochemical properties of an analyte in solution or of a molecule that is adsorbed onto the electrode. It is important to know where the CV was made. The difference of the CVs from different countries is shown in Elgrishi's paper.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dielectric spectroscopy</span>

Dielectric spectroscopy measures the dielectric properties of a medium as a function of frequency. It is based on the interaction of an external field with the electric dipole moment of the sample, often expressed by permittivity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aptamer</span> Oligonucleotide or peptide molecules that bind specific targets

Aptamers are short sequences of artificial DNA, RNA, XNA, or peptide that bind a specific target molecule, or family of target molecules. They exhibit a range of affinities, with variable levels of off-target binding and are sometimes classified as chemical antibodies. Aptamers and antibodies can be used in many of the same applications, but the nucleic acid-based structure of aptamers, which are mostly oligonucleotides, is very different from the amino acid-based structure of antibodies, which are proteins. This difference can make aptamers a better choice than antibodies for some purposes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment</span> Technique for producing oligonucleotides that specifically bind to a target

Systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX), also referred to as in vitro selection or in vitro evolution, is a combinatorial chemistry technique in molecular biology for producing oligonucleotides of either single-stranded DNA or RNA that specifically bind to a target ligand or ligands. These single-stranded DNA or RNA are commonly referred to as aptamers. Although SELEX has emerged as the most commonly used name for the procedure, some researchers have referred to it as SAAB and CASTing SELEX was first introduced in 1990. In 2015, a special issue was published in the Journal of Molecular Evolution in the honor of quarter century of the discovery of SELEX.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Biointerface</span>

A biointerface is the region of contact between a biomolecule, cell, biological tissue or living organism or organic material considered living with another biomaterial or inorganic/organic material. The motivation for biointerface science stems from the urgent need to increase the understanding of interactions between biomolecules and surfaces. The behavior of complex macromolecular systems at materials interfaces are important in the fields of biology, biotechnology, diagnostics, and medicine. Biointerface science is a multidisciplinary field in which biochemists who synthesize novel classes of biomolecules cooperate with scientists who have developed the tools to position biomolecules with molecular precision, scientists who have developed new spectroscopic techniques to interrogate these molecules at the solid-liquid interface, and people who integrate these into functional devices. Well-designed biointerfaces would facilitate desirable interactions by providing optimized surfaces where biological matter can interact with other inorganic or organic materials, such as by promoting cell and tissue adhesion onto a surface.

An enzymatic biofuel cell is a specific type of fuel cell that uses enzymes as a catalyst to oxidize its fuel, rather than precious metals. Enzymatic biofuel cells, while currently confined to research facilities, are widely prized for the promise they hold in terms of their relatively inexpensive components and fuels, as well as a potential power source for bionic implants.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are very prevalent in today's world of medical research and are being highly researched in the fields of efficient drug delivery and biosensing methods for disease treatment and health monitoring. Carbon nanotube technology has shown to have the potential to alter drug delivery and biosensing methods for the better, and thus, carbon nanotubes have recently garnered interest in the field of medicine.

There are many methods to investigate protein–protein interactions which are the physical contacts of high specificity established between two or more protein molecules involving electrostatic forces and hydrophobic effects. Each of the approaches has its own strengths and weaknesses, especially with regard to the sensitivity and specificity of the method. A high sensitivity means that many of the interactions that occur are detected by the screen. A high specificity indicates that most of the interactions detected by the screen are occurring in reality.

Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) is a technique within the broader class of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) that is used to measure the local electrochemical behavior of liquid/solid, liquid/gas and liquid/liquid interfaces. Initial characterization of the technique was credited to University of Texas electrochemist, Allen J. Bard, in 1989. Since then, the theoretical underpinnings have matured to allow widespread use of the technique in chemistry, biology and materials science. Spatially resolved electrochemical signals can be acquired by measuring the current at an ultramicroelectrode (UME) tip as a function of precise tip position over a substrate region of interest. Interpretation of the SECM signal is based on the concept of diffusion-limited current. Two-dimensional raster scan information can be compiled to generate images of surface reactivity and chemical kinetics.

A biotransducer is the recognition-transduction component of a biosensor system. It consists of two intimately coupled parts; a bio-recognition layer and a physicochemical transducer, which acting together converts a biochemical signal to an electronic or optical signal. The bio-recognition layer typically contains an enzyme or another binding protein such as antibody. However, oligonucleotide sequences, sub-cellular fragments such as organelles and receptor carrying fragments, single whole cells, small numbers of cells on synthetic scaffolds, or thin slices of animal or plant tissues, may also comprise the bio-recognition layer. It gives the biosensor selectivity and specificity. The physicochemical transducer is typically in intimate and controlled contact with the recognition layer. As a result of the presence and biochemical action of the analyte, a physico-chemical change is produced within the biorecognition layer that is measured by the physicochemical transducer producing a signal that is proportionate to the concentration of the analyte. The physicochemical transducer may be electrochemical, optical, electronic, gravimetric, pyroelectric or piezoelectric. Based on the type of biotransducer, biosensors can be classified as shown to the right.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bio-FET</span> Type of field-effect transistor

A field-effect transistor-based biosensor, also known as a biosensor field-effect transistor, field-effect biosensor (FEB), or biosensor MOSFET, is a field-effect transistor that is gated by changes in the surface potential induced by the binding of molecules. When charged molecules, such as biomolecules, bind to the FET gate, which is usually a dielectric material, they can change the charge distribution of the underlying semiconductor material resulting in a change in conductance of the FET channel. A Bio-FET consists of two main compartments: one is the biological recognition element and the other is the field-effect transistor. The BioFET structure is largely based on the ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (ISFET), a type of metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) where the metal gate is replaced by an ion-sensitive membrane, electrolyte solution, and reference electrode.

Surface plasmon resonance microscopy (SPRM), also called surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRI), is a label free analytical tool that combines the surface plasmon resonance of metallic surfaces with imaging of the metallic surface. The heterogeneity of the refractive index of the metallic surface imparts high contrast images, caused by the shift in the resonance angle. SPRM can achieve a sub-nanometer thickness sensitivity and lateral resolution achieves values of micrometer scale. SPRM is used to characterize surfaces such as self-assembled monolayers, multilayer films, metal nanoparticles, oligonucleotide arrays, and binding and reduction reactions. Surface plasmon polaritons are surface electromagnetic waves coupled to oscillating free electrons of a metallic surface that propagate along a metal/dielectric interface. Since polaritons are highly sensitive to small changes in the refractive index of the metallic material, it can be used as a biosensing tool that does not require labeling. SPRM measurements can be made in real-time, such as measuring binding kinetics of membrane proteins in single cells, or DNA hybridization.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Optimer ligand</span>

Optimer ligands are short synthetic oligonucleotide molecules composed of DNA or RNA that bind to a specific target molecule. They are engineered to bind their target molecules with affinity typically in the low nanomolar range. Optimers can be used as antibody mimetics in a range of applications, and have been optimized to increase their stability, reduce their molecular weight, and offer increased scalability and consistency in manufacture compared to standard aptamer molecules.

Single-Entity Electrochemistry (SEE) refers to the electroanalysis of an individual unit of interest. A unique feature of SEE is that it unifies multiple different branches of electrochemistry. Single-Entity Electrochemistry pushes the bounds of the field as it can measure entities on a scale of 100 microns to angstroms. Single-Entity Electrochemistry is important because it gives the ability to view how a single molecule, or cell, or "thing" affects the bulk response, and thus the chemistry that might have gone unknown otherwise. The ability to monitor the movement of one electron or ion from one unit to another is valuable, as many vital reactions and mechanisms undergo this process. Electrochemistry is well suited for this measurement due to its incredible sensitivity. Single-Entity Electrochemistry can be used to investigate nanoparticles, wires, vesicles, nanobubbles, nanotubes, cells, and viruses, and other small molecules and ions. Single-entity electrochemistry has been successfully used to determine the size distribution of particles as well as the number of particles present inside a vesicle or other similar structures

Screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) are electrochemical measurement devices that are manufactured by printing different types of ink on plastic or ceramic substrates, allowing quick in-situ analysis with high reproducibility, sensitivity and accuracy. The composition of the different inks used in the manufacture of the electrode determines its selectivity and sensitivity. This fact allows the analyst to design the most optimal device according to its purpose.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MicroRNA biosensors</span> Review of microRNA biosensors

MicroRNA (miRNA) biosensors are analytical devices that involve interactions between the target miRNA strands and recognition element on a detection platform to produce signals that can be measured to indicate levels or the presence of the target miRNA. Research into miRNA biosensors shows shorter readout times, increased sensitivity and specificity of miRNA detection and lower fabrication costs than conventional miRNA detection methods.

References

  1. Jarczewska, Marta; Górski, Łukasz; Malinowska, Elżbieta (2016-05-12). "Electrochemical aptamer-based biosensors as potential tools for clinical diagnostics". Analytical Methods. 8 (19): 3861–3877. doi: 10.1039/C6AY00499G . ISSN   1759-9679.
  2. Aller Pellitero, Miguel; de-los-Santos-Álvarez, Noemí; Lobo-Castañón, María Jesús (2023-06-01). "Aptamer-based electrochemical approaches to meet some of the challenges in the fight against cancer". Current Opinion in Electrochemistry. 39: 101286. doi: 10.1016/j.coelec.2023.101286 . ISSN   2451-9103.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 White, Ryan J.; Phares, Noelle; Lubin, Arica A.; Xiao, Yi; Plaxco, Kevin W. (16 September 2008). "Optimization of Electrochemical Aptamer-Based Sensors via Optimization of Probe Packing Density and Surface Chemistry". Langmuir. 24 (18): 10513–10518. doi:10.1021/la800801v. PMC   2674396 . PMID   18690727.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Arroyo-Currás, Netzahualcóyotl; Somerson, Jacob; Vieira, Philip A.; Ploense, Kyle L.; Kippin, Tod E.; Plaxco, Kevin W. (24 January 2017). "Real-time measurement of small molecules directly in awake, ambulatory animals". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 114 (4): 645–650. Bibcode:2017PNAS..114..645A. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1613458114 . PMC   5278471 . PMID   28069939.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 Centi, S.; Tombelli, S.; Mascini, M. (2012). "Electrochemical Aptamer-Based Biosensors". In Ozsoz, Mehmet Sengun (ed.). Electrochemical DNA Biosensors. CRC Press. pp. 29–56. ISBN   978-981-4303-98-9.
  6. Hassel, Achim Walter; Fushimi, Koji; Seo, Masahiro (1 May 1999). "An agar-based silver|silver chloride reference electrode for use in micro-electrochemistry". Electrochemistry Communications. 1 (5): 180–183. doi:10.1016/S1388-2481(99)00035-1.
  7. Gosai, Agnivo; Hau Yeah, Brendan Shin; Nilsen-Hamilton, Marit; Shrotriya, Pranav (1 February 2019). "Label free thrombin detection in presence of high concentration of albumin using an aptamer-functionalized nanoporous membrane". Biosensors and Bioelectronics. 126: 88–95. doi:10.1016/j.bios.2018.10.010. PMC   6383723 . PMID   30396022.
  8. Lubin, Arica A.; Plaxco, Kevin W. (20 April 2010). "Folding-Based Electrochemical Biosensors: The Case for Responsive Nucleic Acid Architectures". Accounts of Chemical Research. 43 (4): 496–505. doi:10.1021/ar900165x. PMC   2948786 . PMID   20201486.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Wang, Jinpeng; Gong, Qiang; Maheshwari, Nupur; Eisenstein, Michael; Arcila, Mary Luz; Kosik, Kenneth S.; Soh, H. Tom (2014-05-05). "Particle Display: A Quantitative Screening Method for Generating High‐Affinity Aptamers". Angewandte Chemie International Edition. 53 (19): 4796–4801. doi:10.1002/anie.201309334. ISSN   1433-7851. PMC   4065591 . PMID   24644057.
  10. Fang, Xiaohong; Tan, Weihong (19 January 2010). "Aptamers Generated from Cell-SELEX for Molecular Medicine: A Chemical Biology Approach". Accounts of Chemical Research. 43 (1): 48–57. doi:10.1021/ar900101s. PMC   2808443 . PMID   19751057.
  11. Santos-Cancel, Mirelis; Simpson, Laura W.; Leach, Jennie B.; White, Ryan J. (2019-02-12). "Direct, Real-Time Detection of Adenosine Triphosphate Release from Astrocytes in Three-Dimensional Culture Using an Integrated Electrochemical Aptamer-Based Sensor". ACS Chemical Neuroscience. 10 (4): 2070–2079. doi:10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00033. ISSN   1948-7193. PMC   6469990 .
  12. 1 2 Dembowski, Sean K.; Bowser, Michael T. (2018). "Microfluidic methods for aptamer selection and characterization". The Analyst. 143 (1): 21–32. doi:10.1039/C7AN01046J. ISSN   0003-2654. PMC   5819361 . PMID   29094731.
  13. Röthlisberger, Pascal; Hollenstein, Marcel (2018-09-01). "Aptamer chemistry". Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews. 134: 3–21. doi:10.1016/j.addr.2018.04.007.
  14. Qu, Jing; Yu, Shuqing; Zheng, Yuan; Zheng, Yan; Yang, Hui; Zhang, Jianliang (2016-08-25). "Aptamer and its applications in neurodegenerative diseases". Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences. 74 (4): 683–695. doi:10.1007/s00018-016-2345-4. ISSN   1420-682X.
  15. Feagin, Trevor A.; Maganzini, Nicolò; Soh, Hyongsok Tom (28 September 2018). "Strategies for Creating Structure-Switching Aptamers". ACS Sensors. 3 (9): 1611–1615. doi: 10.1021/acssensors.8b00516 . PMID   30156834.
  16. 1 2 3 4 5 Downs, Alex M.; Plaxco, Kevin W. (2022-10-28). "Real-Time, In Vivo Molecular Monitoring Using Electrochemical Aptamer Based Sensors: Opportunities and Challenges". ACS Sensors. 7 (10): 2823–2832. doi:10.1021/acssensors.2c01428. ISSN   2379-3694. PMC   9840907 . PMID   36205360.
  17. Santos-Cancel, Mirelis; Simpson, Laura W.; Leach, Jennie B.; White, Ryan J. (2019-02-12). "Direct, Real-Time Detection of Adenosine Triphosphate Release from Astrocytes in Three-Dimensional Culture Using an Integrated Electrochemical Aptamer-Based Sensor". ACS Chemical Neuroscience. 10 (4): 2070–2079. doi:10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00033. ISSN   1948-7193. PMC   6469990 .
  18. Nakatsuka, Nako; Heard, Kelly J.; Faillétaz, Alix; Momotenko, Dmitry; Vörös, János; Gage, Fred H.; Vadodaria, Krishna C. (2021-03-25). "Sensing serotonin secreted from human serotonergic neurons using aptamer-modified nanopipettes". Molecular Psychiatry. 26 (7): 2753–2763. doi:10.1038/s41380-021-01066-5. hdl: 20.500.11850/479054 . ISSN   1359-4184.
  19. Wu, Yao; Tehrani, Farshad; Teymourian, Hazhir; Mack, John; Shaver, Alexander; Reynoso, Maria; Kavner, Jonathan; Huang, Nickey; Furmidge, Allison; Duvvuri, Andrés; Nie, Yuhang; Laffel, Lori M.; Doyle, Francis J.; Patti, Mary-Elizabeth; Dassau, Eyal (2022-06-02). "Microneedle Aptamer-Based Sensors for Continuous, Real-Time Therapeutic Drug Monitoring". Analytical Chemistry. 94 (23): 8335–8345. doi:10.1021/acs.analchem.2c00829. ISSN   0003-2700. PMC   9202557 .
  20. Sankar, Vinoth; Webster, Nigel R. (2012-10-30). "Clinical application of sepsis biomarkers". Journal of Anesthesia. 27 (2): 269–283. doi: 10.1007/s00540-012-1502-7 . ISSN   0913-8668.
  21. Babuin, Luciano; Jaffe, Allan S. (2005-11-08). "Troponin: the biomarker of choice for the detection of cardiac injury". Canadian Medical Association Journal: 1191–1202. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.050141 . ISSN   1488-2329. PMC   1277047 .