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Point-of-Care Biosensors

A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "Biosensors".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2016) | Viewed by 68641

Special Issue Editors

1. Advanced Photonics and Biosensing Open Innovation Laboratory, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
2. Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki 567-0047, Osaka, Japan
Interests: nanobiotechnology; advanced biosensor; bioMEMS; cell based device; biosensors for IoT
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Electrical and Electronic Information Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology, Hibarigaoka, Tempaku-cho, Toyohashi, Aichi 441-8580, Japan
Analytical Chemistry Group, Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka Prefecture University 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai-shi, Osaka 599-8531, Japan
Interests: nanotechnology; nanophotonics; BioNEMS; biosensors; bioassay
Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima, Kagoshima Prefecture 890-8580, Japan
Interests: electrochemical and optical biosensors; bio-efficacy of natural products; biofunctional materials; point-of-need application; biomimetic membranes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Huge strides have been made in the development of biosensors with applications in a wide range of fields, including biomedical, pharmaceutical, environmental, energy, food, and biosafety. However, one of the most outstanding challenges remains the application of the developed technologies at point-of-care (need or use). Some of the major stumbling blocks arise from challenges in sample preparation, matrix effects, cumbersome equipment, need for integration, and trained analysts. This Special Issue focuses on research and development of biosensor technologies for application at Point-of-Care. We welcome biosensors developed for on-field applications in various areas, particularly the bio-medical field, utilizing various transducers including electrochemical, optical, quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), pizoelectric, and more. Developments towards 'power-free' wide-usage in remote areas are also encouraged. Both original research papers and review articles on the basic principle and applications of point-of-care biosensors are solicited. Although opinion pieces and perspectives are welcome, a proposal should first be submitted to the Editors for review.

Our aim is for this Special Issue aims to promote the exchanges of ideas and the knowledge of scientists and engineers working in the communities of biosensors. 

Prof. Dr. Eiichi Tamiya
Dr. Yuji Murakami
Dr. Tatsuro Endo
Dr. Mun'delanji C. Vestergaard
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Biosensors
  • Point-of-care testing
  • Surface chemistry modification
  • On-field application
  • Nanoanalyses
  • Nanomaterials
  • Wearable/mobile biosensors
  • Wireless biosensors
  • Medical/healthcare
  • Food/environmental
  • Biosensor networking

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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1967 KiB  
Article
A Paper-Based Electrochromic Array for Visualized Electrochemical Sensing
by Fengling Zhang, Tianyi Cai, Liang Ma, Liyuan Zhan and Hong Liu
Sensors 2017, 17(2), 276; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s17020276 - 31 Jan 2017
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 6216
Abstract
We report a battery-powered, paper-based electrochromic array for visualized electrochemical sensing. The paper-based sensing system consists of six parallel electrochemical cells, which are powered by an aluminum-air battery. Each single electrochemical cell uses a Prussian Blue spot electrodeposited on an indium-doped tin oxide [...] Read more.
We report a battery-powered, paper-based electrochromic array for visualized electrochemical sensing. The paper-based sensing system consists of six parallel electrochemical cells, which are powered by an aluminum-air battery. Each single electrochemical cell uses a Prussian Blue spot electrodeposited on an indium-doped tin oxide thin film as the electrochromic indicator. Each electrochemical cell is preloaded with increasing amounts of analyte. The sample activates the battery for the sensing. Both the preloaded analyte and the analyte in the sample initiate the color change of Prussian Blue to Prussian White. With a reaction time of 60 s, the number of electrochemical cells with complete color changes is correlated to the concentration of analyte in the sample. As a proof-of-concept analyte, lactic acid was detected semi-quantitatively using the naked eye. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Point-of-Care Biosensors)
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2131 KiB  
Article
DEP-On-Go for Simultaneous Sensing of Multiple Heavy Metals Pollutants in Environmental Samples
by Madhu Biyani, Radhika Biyani, Tomoko Tsuchihashi, Yuzuru Takamura, Hiromi Ushijima, Eiichi Tamiya and Manish Biyani
Sensors 2017, 17(1), 45; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s17010045 - 27 Dec 2016
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 9370
Abstract
We describe a simple and affordable “Disposable electrode printed (DEP)-On-Go” sensing platform for the rapid on-site monitoring of trace heavy metal pollutants in environmental samples for early warning by developing a mobile electrochemical device composed of palm-sized potentiostat and disposable unmodified screen-printed electrode [...] Read more.
We describe a simple and affordable “Disposable electrode printed (DEP)-On-Go” sensing platform for the rapid on-site monitoring of trace heavy metal pollutants in environmental samples for early warning by developing a mobile electrochemical device composed of palm-sized potentiostat and disposable unmodified screen-printed electrode chips. We present the analytical performance of our device for the sensitive detection of major heavy metal ions, namely, mercury, cadmium, lead, arsenic, zinc, and copper with detection limits of 1.5, 2.6, 4.0, 5.0, 14.4, and, 15.5 μg·L−1, respectively. Importantly, the utility of this device is extended to detect multiple heavy metals simultaneously with well-defined voltammograms and similar sensitivity. Finally, “DEP-On-Go” was successfully applied to detect heavy metals in real environmental samples from groundwater, tap water, house dust, soil, and industry-processed rice and noodle foods. We evaluated the efficiency of this system with a linear correlation through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and the results suggested that this system can be reliable for on-site screening purposes. On-field applications using real samples of groundwater for drinking in the northern parts of India support the easy-to-detect, low-cost (<1 USD), rapid (within 5 min), and reliable detection limit (ppb levels) performance of our device for the on-site detection and monitoring of multiple heavy metals in resource-limited settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Point-of-Care Biosensors)
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2763 KiB  
Article
Improvement of Depth Profiling into Biotissues Using Micro Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy on a Needle with Selective Passivation
by Joho Yun, Hyeon Woo Kim and Jong-Hyun Lee
Sensors 2016, 16(12), 2207; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s16122207 - 21 Dec 2016
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6887
Abstract
A micro electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS)-on-a-needle for depth profiling (μEoN-DP) with a selective passivation layer (SPL) on a hypodermic needle was recently fabricated to measure the electrical impedance of biotissues along with the penetration depths. The SPL of the μEoN-DP enabled the sensing [...] Read more.
A micro electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS)-on-a-needle for depth profiling (μEoN-DP) with a selective passivation layer (SPL) on a hypodermic needle was recently fabricated to measure the electrical impedance of biotissues along with the penetration depths. The SPL of the μEoN-DP enabled the sensing interdigitated electrodes (IDEs) to contribute predominantly to the measurement by reducing the relative influence of the connection lines on the sensor output. The discrimination capability of the μEoN-DP was verified using phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at various concentration levels. The resistance and capacitance extracted through curve fitting were similar to those theoretically estimated based on the mixing ratio of PBS and deionized water; the maximum discrepancies were 8.02% and 1.85%, respectively. Depth profiling was conducted using four-layered porcine tissue to verify the effectiveness of the discrimination capability of the μEoN-DP. The magnitude and phase between dissimilar porcine tissues (fat and muscle) were clearly discriminated at the optimal frequency of 1 MHz. Two kinds of simulations, one with SPL and the other with complete passivation layer (CPL), were performed, and it was verified that the SPL was advantageous over CPL in the discrimination of biotissues in terms of sensor output. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Point-of-Care Biosensors)
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3495 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Hyaluronic Acid Dilutions at Different Concentrations Using a Quartz Crystal Resonator (QCR) for the Potential Diagnosis of Arthritic Diseases
by Luis Armando Carvajal Ahumada, Marco Xavier Rivera González, Oscar Leonardo Herrera Sandoval and José Javier Serrano Olmedo
Sensors 2016, 16(11), 1959; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s16111959 - 22 Nov 2016
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5430
Abstract
The main objective of this article is to demonstrate through experimental means the capacity of the quartz crystal resonator (QCR) to characterize biological samples of aqueous dilutions of hyaluronic acid according to their viscosity and how this capacity may be useful in the [...] Read more.
The main objective of this article is to demonstrate through experimental means the capacity of the quartz crystal resonator (QCR) to characterize biological samples of aqueous dilutions of hyaluronic acid according to their viscosity and how this capacity may be useful in the potential diagnosis of arthritic diseases. The synovial fluid is viscous due to the presence of hyaluronic acid, synthesized by synovial lining cells (type B), and secreted into the synovial fluid thus making the fluid viscous. In consequence, aqueous dilutions of hyaluronic acid may be used as samples to emulate the synovial fluid. Due to the viscoelastic and pseudo-plastic behavior of hyaluronic acid, it is necessary to use the Rouse model in order to obtain viscosity values comparable with viscometer measures. A Fungilab viscometer (rheometer) was used to obtain reference measures of the viscosity in each sample in order to compare them with the QCR prototype measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Point-of-Care Biosensors)
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4041 KiB  
Article
Optimized Detection of Plasmodium falciparum Topoisomerase I Enzyme Activity in a Complex Biological Sample by the Use of Molecular Beacons
by Asger Givskov, Emil L. Kristoffersen, Kamilla Vandsø, Yi-Ping Ho, Magnus Stougaard and Birgitta R. Knudsen
Sensors 2016, 16(11), 1916; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s16111916 - 15 Nov 2016
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5576
Abstract
The so-called Rolling Circle Amplification allows for amplification of circular DNA structures in a manner that can be detected in real-time using nucleotide-based molecular beacons that unfold upon recognition of the DNA product, which is being produced during the amplification process. The unfolding [...] Read more.
The so-called Rolling Circle Amplification allows for amplification of circular DNA structures in a manner that can be detected in real-time using nucleotide-based molecular beacons that unfold upon recognition of the DNA product, which is being produced during the amplification process. The unfolding of the molecular beacons results in a fluorescence increase as the Rolling Circle Amplification proceeds. This can be measured in a fluorometer. In the current study, we have investigated the possibility of using two different molecular beacons to detect two distinct Rolling Circle Amplification reactions proceeding simultaneously and in the same reaction tube by measurement of fluorescence over time. We demonstrate the application of this fluorometric readout method, for automated and specific detection of the activity of the type IB topoisomerase from the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum in the presence of human cell extract containing the related topoisomerase I from humans. The obtained results point towards a future use of the presented assay setup for malaria diagnostics or drug screening purposes. In longer terms the method may be applied more broadly for real-time sensing of various Rolling Circle Amplification reactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Point-of-Care Biosensors)
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2357 KiB  
Article
Preparation, Characterization and Activity of a Peptide-Cellulosic Aerogel Protease Sensor from Cotton
by J. Vincent Edwards, Krystal R. Fontenot, Nicolette T. Prevost, Nicole Pircher, Falk Liebner and Brian D. Condon
Sensors 2016, 16(11), 1789; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s16111789 - 26 Oct 2016
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 6736
Abstract
Nanocellulosic aerogels (NA) provide a lightweight biocompatible material with structural properties, like interconnected high porosity and specific surface area, suitable for biosensor design. We report here the preparation, characterization and activity of peptide-nanocellulose aerogels (PepNA) made from unprocessed cotton and designed with protease [...] Read more.
Nanocellulosic aerogels (NA) provide a lightweight biocompatible material with structural properties, like interconnected high porosity and specific surface area, suitable for biosensor design. We report here the preparation, characterization and activity of peptide-nanocellulose aerogels (PepNA) made from unprocessed cotton and designed with protease detection activity. Low-density cellulosic aerogels were prepared from greige cotton by employing calcium thiocyanate octahydrate/lithium chloride as a direct cellulose dissolving medium. Subsequent casting, coagulation, solvent exchange and supercritical carbon dioxide drying afforded homogeneous cellulose II aerogels of fibrous morphology. The cotton-based aerogel had a porosity of 99% largely dominated by mesopores (2–50 nm) and an internal surface of 163 m2·g−1. A fluorescent tripeptide-substrate (succinyl-alanine-proline-alanine-4-amino-7-methyl-coumarin) was tethered to NA by (1) esterification of cellulose C6 surface hydroxyl groups with glycidyl-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (FMOC), (2) deprotection and (3) coupling of the immobilized glycine with the tripeptide. Characterization of the NA and PepNA included techniques, such as elemental analysis, mass spectral analysis, attenuated total reflectance infrared imaging, nitrogen adsorption, scanning electron microscopy and bioactivity studies. The degree of substitution of the peptide analog attached to the anhydroglucose units of PepNA was 0.015. The findings from mass spectral analysis and attenuated total reflectance infrared imaging indicated that the peptide substrate was immobilized on to the surface of the NA. Nitrogen adsorption revealed a high specific surface area and a highly porous system, which supports the open porous structure observed from scanning electron microscopy images. Bioactivity studies of PepNA revealed a detection sensitivity of 0.13 units/milliliter for human neutrophil elastase, a diagnostic biomarker for inflammatory diseases. The physical properties of the aerogel are suitable for interfacing with an intelligent protease sequestrant wound dressing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Point-of-Care Biosensors)
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2785 KiB  
Article
Development of a Calibration Strip for Immunochromatographic Assay Detection Systems
by Yue-Ming Gao, Jian-Chong Wei, Peng-Un Mak, Mang-I. Vai, Min Du and Sio-Hang Pun
Sensors 2016, 16(7), 1007; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s16071007 - 29 Jun 2016
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5801
Abstract
With many benefits and applications, immunochromatographic (ICG) assay detection systems have been reported on a great deal. However, the existing research mainly focuses on increasing the dynamic detection range or application fields. Calibration of the detection system, which has a great influence on [...] Read more.
With many benefits and applications, immunochromatographic (ICG) assay detection systems have been reported on a great deal. However, the existing research mainly focuses on increasing the dynamic detection range or application fields. Calibration of the detection system, which has a great influence on the detection accuracy, has not been addressed properly. In this context, this work develops a calibration strip for ICG assay photoelectric detection systems. An image of the test strip is captured by an image acquisition device, followed by performing a fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering algorithm and maximin-distance algorithm for image segmentation. Additionally, experiments are conducted to find the best characteristic quantity. By analyzing the linear coefficient, an average value of hue (H) at 14 min is chosen as the characteristic quantity and the empirical formula between H and optical density (OD) value is established. Therefore, H, saturation (S), and value (V) are calculated by a number of selected OD values. Then, H, S, and V values are transferred to the RGB color space and a high-resolution printer is used to print the strip images on cellulose nitrate membranes. Finally, verification of the printed calibration strips is conducted by analyzing the linear correlation between OD and the spectral reflectance, which shows a good linear correlation (R2 = 98.78%). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Point-of-Care Biosensors)
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Review

Jump to: Research

2600 KiB  
Review
Analytical Protein Microarrays: Advancements Towards Clinical Applications
by Ursula Sauer
Sensors 2017, 17(2), 256; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s17020256 - 29 Jan 2017
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 9908
Abstract
Protein microarrays represent a powerful technology with the potential to serve as tools for the detection of a broad range of analytes in numerous applications such as diagnostics, drug development, food safety, and environmental monitoring. Key features of analytical protein microarrays include high [...] Read more.
Protein microarrays represent a powerful technology with the potential to serve as tools for the detection of a broad range of analytes in numerous applications such as diagnostics, drug development, food safety, and environmental monitoring. Key features of analytical protein microarrays include high throughput and relatively low costs due to minimal reagent consumption, multiplexing, fast kinetics and hence measurements, and the possibility of functional integration. So far, especially fundamental studies in molecular and cell biology have been conducted using protein microarrays, while the potential for clinical, notably point-of-care applications is not yet fully utilized. The question arises what features have to be implemented and what improvements have to be made in order to fully exploit the technology. In the past we have identified various obstacles that have to be overcome in order to promote protein microarray technology in the diagnostic field. Issues that need significant improvement to make the technology more attractive for the diagnostic market are for instance: too low sensitivity and deficiency in reproducibility, inadequate analysis time, lack of high-quality antibodies and validated reagents, lack of automation and portable instruments, and cost of instruments necessary for chip production and read-out. The scope of the paper at hand is to review approaches to solve these problems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Point-of-Care Biosensors)
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2723 KiB  
Review
Printable Electrochemical Biosensors: A Focus on Screen-Printed Electrodes and Their Application
by Keiichiro Yamanaka, Mun’delanji C. Vestergaard and Eiichi Tamiya
Sensors 2016, 16(10), 1761; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s16101761 - 21 Oct 2016
Cited by 116 | Viewed by 11593
Abstract
In this review we present electrochemical biosensor developments, focusing on screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) and their applications. In particular, we discuss how SPEs enable simple integration, and the portability needed for on-field applications. First, we briefly discuss the general concept of biosensors and quickly [...] Read more.
In this review we present electrochemical biosensor developments, focusing on screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) and their applications. In particular, we discuss how SPEs enable simple integration, and the portability needed for on-field applications. First, we briefly discuss the general concept of biosensors and quickly move on to electrochemical biosensors. Drawing from research undertaken in this area, we cover the development of electrochemical DNA biosensors in great detail. Through specific examples, we describe the fabrication and surface modification of printed electrodes for sensitive and selective detection of targeted DNA sequences, as well as integration with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). For a more rounded approach, we also touch on electrochemical immunosensors and enzyme-based biosensors. Last, we present some electrochemical devices specifically developed for use with SPEs, including USB-powered compact mini potentiostat. The coupling demonstrates the practical use of printable electrode technologies for application at point-of-use. Although tremendous advances have indeed been made in this area, a few challenges remain. One of the main challenges is application of these technologies for on-field analysis, which involves complicated sample matrices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Point-of-Care Biosensors)
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