Giant Magnetoresistive Based Handheld System for Rapid Detection of Human NT-proBNP

Author(s):  
Wei Wang ◽  
Todd Klein ◽  
James Collins

In this work, we developed giant magnetoresistive (GMR) based handheld biosensing systems that serve as platform for detecting human NT-proBNP. This assay takes advantages of high sensitivity and real-time signal readout of GMR biosensor. The limit of detection was estimated to be less than 0.01ng/mL, and detection range covered from 0.01 ng/mL to 5 ng/mL was obtained. The assay can be completed within 20 min, which is very important for further development of point-of-care testing. The proposed GMR handheld system is also successfully used for the detection of real NT-proBNP human samples. It can be foreseen that this handheld detection system could become a robust contender in the applications of in vitro biomarker diagnostics.

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (8) ◽  
pp. 2797
Author(s):  
Jing-Jhong Gao ◽  
Ching-Wei Chiu ◽  
Kuo-Hsing Wen ◽  
Cheng-Sheng Huang

This paper presents a compact spectral detection system for common fluorescent and colorimetric assays. This system includes a gradient grating period guided-mode resonance (GGP-GMR) filter and charge-coupled device. In its current form, the GGP-GMR filter, which has a size of less than 2.5 mm, can achieve a spectral detection range of 500–700 nm. Through the direct measurement of the fluorescence emission, the proposed system was demonstrated to detect both the peak wavelength and its corresponding intensity. One fluorescent assay (albumin) and two colorimetric assays (albumin and creatinine) were performed to demonstrate the practical application of the proposed system for quantifying common liquid assays. The results of our system exhibited suitable agreement with those of a commercial spectrometer in terms of the assay sensitivity and limit of detection (LOD). With the proposed system, the fluorescent albumin, colorimetric albumin, and colorimetric creatinine assays achieved LODs of 40.99 and 398 and 25.49 mg/L, respectively. For a wide selection of biomolecules in point-of-care applications, the spectral detection range achieved by the GGP-GMR filter can be further extended and the simple and compact optical path configuration can be integrated with a lab-on-a-chip system.


Biosensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 208
Author(s):  
Hong Dinh Duong ◽  
Jong Il Rhee

In this study, ratiometric fluorescent glucose and lactate biosensors were developed using a ratiometric fluorescent oxygen-sensing membrane immobilized with glucose oxidase (GOD) or lactate oxidase (LOX). Herein, the ratiometric fluorescent oxygen-sensing membrane was fabricated with the ratio of two emission wavelengths of platinum meso-tetra (pentafluorophenyl) porphyrin (PtP) doped in polystyrene particles and coumarin 6 (C6) captured into silica particles. The operation mechanism of the sensing membranes was based on (i) the fluorescence quenching effect of the PtP dye by oxygen molecules, and (ii) the consumption of oxygen levels in the glucose or lactate oxidation reactions under the catalysis of GOD or LOX. The ratiometric fluorescent glucose-sensing membrane showed high sensitivity to glucose in the range of 0.1–2 mM, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.031 mM, whereas the ratiometric fluorescent lactate-sensing membrane showed the linear detection range of 0.1–0.8 mM, with an LOD of 0.06 mM. These sensing membranes also showed good selectivity, fast reversibility, and stability over long-term use. They were applied to detect glucose and lactate in artificial human serum, and they provided reliable measurement results.


Author(s):  
Franziska Beck ◽  
Carina Horn ◽  
Antje J. Baeumner

AbstractElectrochemical immunosensors enable rapid analyte quantification in small sample volumes, and have been demonstrated to provide high sensitivity and selectivity, simple miniaturization, and easy sensor production strategies. As a point-of-care (POC) format, user-friendliness is equally important and most often not combinable with high sensitivity. As such, we demonstrate here that a sequence of metal oxidation and reduction, followed by stripping via differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), provides lowest limits of detection within a 2-min automatic measurement. In exchanging gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), which dominate in the development of POC sensors, with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), not only better sensitivity was obtained, but more importantly, the assay protocol could be simplified to match POC requirements. Specifically, we studied both nanoparticles as reporter labels in a sandwich immunoassay with the blood protein biomarker NT-proBNP. For both kinds of nanoparticles, the dose-response curves easily covered the ng∙mL−1 range. The mean standard deviation of all measurements of 17% (n ≥ 4) and a limit of detection of 26 ng∙mL−1 were achieved using AuNPs, but their detection requires addition of HCl, which is impossible in a POC format. In contrast, since AgNPs are electrochemically less stable, they enabled a simplified assay protocol and provided even lower LODs of 4.0 ng∙mL−1 in buffer and 4.7 ng∙mL−1 in human serum while maintaining the same or even better assay reliability, storage stability, and easy antibody immobilization protocols. Thus, in direct comparison, AgNPs clearly outperform AuNPs in desirable POC electrochemical assays and should gain much more attention in the future development of such biosensors.


Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 1796
Author(s):  
Miroslav Pohanka ◽  
Jitka Zakova

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) can serve as biochemical markers of various pathologies like liver disfunction and poisonings by nerve agents. Ellman’s assay is the standard spectrophotometric method to measure cholinesterase activity in clinical laboratories. The authors present a new colorimetric test to assess AChE and BChE activity in biological samples using chromogenic reagents, treated 3D-printed measuring pads and a smartphone camera as a signal detector. Multiwell pads treated with reagent substrates 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenyl acetate, indoxylacetate, ethoxyresorufin and methoxyresorufin were prepared and tested for AChE and BChE. In the experiments, 3D-printed pads containing indoxylacetate as a chromogenic substrate were optimal for analytical purposes. The best results were achieved using the red (R) channel, where the limit of detection was 4.05 µkat/mL for BChE and 4.38 µkat/mL for AChE using a 40 µL sample and a 60 min assay. The major advantage of this method is its overall simplicity, as samples are applied directly without any specific treatment or added reagents. The assay was also validated to the standard Ellman’s assay using human plasma samples. In conclusion, this smartphone camera-based colorimetric assay appears to have practical applicability and to be a suitable method for point-of-care testing because it does not require specific manipulation, additional education of staff or use of sophisticated analytical instruments.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 184798042098735
Author(s):  
Xiaohong Li ◽  
Wei Shi ◽  
Wenyan Zhang ◽  
Weiyao Chen ◽  
Dan Cao ◽  
...  

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a nervous disorder, affects physical movement, and leads to difficulty in balancing, walking, and coordination. A novel sensor is mandatory to determine PD and monitor the progress of the treatment. Neurofilament light chain (NfL) has been recognized as a good biomarker for PD and also helps to distinguish between PD and atypical PD syndromes. Immunosensor was generated by current–volt measurement on gap-fingered interdigitated electrode with silicon dioxide surface to determine NfL level. To enhance the detection, anti-NfL antibody was complexed with gold-nanourchin and immobilized on the sensing electrode. The current–volt response was gradually increased at the linear detection range from 100 fM to 1 nM. Limit of detection and sensitivity were 100 fM with the signal-to-noise ratio at n = 3 on a linear curve ( y = 0.081 x + 1.593; R 2 = 0.9983). Limit of quantification falls at 1 pM and high performance of the sensor was demonstrated by discriminating against other neurogenerative disease markers, in addition, it was reproducible even in serum-spiked samples. This method of detection system aids to measure the level of NfL and leads to determine the condition with PD.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Binfeng Yin ◽  
Xinhua Wan ◽  
Mingzhu Yang ◽  
Changcheng Qian ◽  
A S M Muhtasim Fuad Sohan

Abstract Background: Simultaneous and timely detection of C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) provides effective information for the accurate diagnosis of infections. Early diagnosis and classification of infections increase the cure rate while decreasing complications, which is significant for severe infections, especially for war surgery. However, traditional methods rely on laborious operations and bulky devices. On the other hand, point-of-care (POC) methods suffer from limited robustness and accuracy. Therefore, it is of urgent demand to develop POC devices for rapid and accurate diagnosis of infections to fulfill on-site militarized requirements.Methods: We developed a wave-shaped microfluidic chip (WMC) assisted multiplexed detection platform (WMC-MDP). WMC-MDP reduces detection time and improves repeatability through premixing of the samples and reaction of the reagents. We further combined the detection platform with the streptavidin-biotin (SA-B) amplified system to enhance the sensitivity while using chemiluminescence (CL) intensity as signal readout. We realized simultaneous detection of CRP, PCT, and IL-6 on the detection platform and evaluated the sensitivity, linear range, selectivity, and repeatability. Finally, we finished detecting 15 samples from volunteers and compared the results with commercial ELISA kits.Results: Detection of CRP, PCT, and IL-6 exhibited good linear relationships between CL intensities and concentrations in the range of 1.25-40 μg/mL, 0.4-12.8 ng/mL, and 50-1600 pg/mL. The limit of detection (LOD) of CRP, PCT, and IL-6 were 0.54 μg/mL, 0.11 ng/mL, and 16.25 pg/mL, respectively. WMC-MDP is capable of good adequate selectivity and repeatability. The whole detection procedure takes only 22 minutes that meets the requirements of a POC device. Results of 15 samples from volunteers were consistent with the results detected by commercial ELISA kits.Conclusion: WMC-MDP allows simultaneous, rapid, and sensitive detection of CRP, PCT, and IL-6 with satisfactory selectivity and repeatability, requiring minimal manipulation. However, WMC-MDP takes advantage of being a microfluidic device showing the coefficients of variation less than 10% enabling WMC-MDP to be a type of POCT. Therefore, WMC-MDP provides a promising alternative to point-of-care testing (POCT) of multiple biomarkers. We believe the practical application of WMC-MDP in militarized fields will revolutionize infection diagnosis for soldiers.


1995 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 429-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lamb LSJr ◽  
RS Parrish ◽  
SF Goran ◽  
MH Biel

BACKGROUND: The development of user-friendly laboratory analyzers, combined with the need for rapid assessment of critically ill patients, has led to the performance of in vitro diagnostic testing at the point of care by personnel without formal laboratory training. OBJECTIVES: To determine the range of laboratory testing performed by critical care nurses and their attitudes toward this role. METHODS: A survey of critical care nursing consultants was conducted, using a modified Likert scale, to assess objective measures of point-of-care testing practice in critical care units and to determine nurses' attitudes toward the practice of point-of-care testing. Statistical analysis was performed to determine significant trends in responses. RESULTS: Of the units responding to the survey, 35% used critical care nurses exclusively to perform point-of-care testing, 32.5% used laboratory technicians and critical care nurses, and 25% used other personnel. Of critical care nurses performing laboratory testing, 95.5% performed blood glucose analysis; 18.7%, arterial blood gas analysis; 4.5%, electrolyte analysis; 4.5%, hematology profiles; and 22.7%, other testing. Most agreed that stat tests were not reported promptly, thereby necessitating bedside testing. Respondents indicated that they would prefer that laboratory personnel operate in vitro diagnostic equipment and that requirements for critical care nurses to perform laboratory testing detracted from other patient care duties. CONCLUSIONS: Most nurses who perform point-of-care testing responded that it was necessary and helpful in patient management. However, they would prefer, because of their other patient care responsibilities, that laboratory personnel take this responsibility.


Nanomaterials ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhezhe Wang ◽  
Xuechun Xiao ◽  
Tong Zou ◽  
Yue Yang ◽  
Xinxin Xing ◽  
...  

Citric acid capped CdS quantum dots (CA-CdS QDs), a new assembled fluorescent probe for copper ions (Cu2+), was synthesized successfully by a simple hydrothermal method. In this work, the fluorescence sensor for the detection of heavy and transition metal (HTM) ions has been extensively studied in aqueous solution. The results of the present study indicate that the obtained CA-CdS QDs could detect Cu2+ with high sensitivity and selectivity. It found that the existence of Cu2+ has a significant fluorescence quenching with a large red shifted (from greenish-yellow to yellowish-orange), but not in the presence of 17 other HTM ions. As a result, Cu2S, the energy level below the CdS conduction band, could be formed at the surface of the CA-CdS QDs and leads to the quenching of fluorescence of CA-CdS QDs. Under optimal conditions, the copper ions detection range using the synthesized fluorescence sensor was 1.0 × 10‒8 M to 5.0 × 10‒5 M and the limit of detection (LOD) is 9.2 × 10‒9 M. Besides, the as-synthesized CA-CdS QDs sensor exhibited good selectivity toward Cu2+ relative to other common metal ions. Thus, the CA-CdS QDs has potential applications for detecting Cu2+ in real water samples.


Diagnostics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 605 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Kriegova ◽  
Regina Fillerova ◽  
Petr Kvapil

Due to the lack of protective immunity in the general population and the absence of effective antivirals and vaccines, the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues in some countries, with local epicentres emerging in others. Due to the great demand for effective COVID-19 testing programmes to control the spread of the disease, we have suggested such a testing programme that includes a rapid RT-qPCR approach without RNA extraction. The Direct-One-Step-RT-qPCR (DIOS-RT-qPCR) assay detects severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in less than one hour while maintaining the high sensitivity and specificity required of diagnostic tools. This optimised protocol allows for the direct use of swab transfer media (14 μL) without the need for RNA extraction, achieving comparable sensitivity to the standard method that requires the time-consuming and costly step of RNA isolation. The limit of detection for DIOS-RT-qPCR was lower than seven copies/reaction, which translates to 550 virus copies/mL of swab. The speed, ease of use and low price of this assay make it suitable for high-throughput screening programmes. The use of fast enzymes allows RT-qPCR to be performed under standard laboratory conditions within one hour, making it a potential point-of-care solution on high-speed cycling instruments. This protocol also implements the heat inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 (75 °C for 10 min), which renders samples non-infectious, enabling testing in BSL-2 facilities. Moreover, we discuss the critical steps involved in developing tests for the rapid detection of COVID-19. Implementing rapid, easy, cost-effective methods can help control the worldwide spread of the COVID-19 infection.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document