At-Home COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Down to 0.03 pg mL-1 of Nucleocapsid Protein.

Rapid and ultra-sensitive detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is critical for early screening and management of COVID-19. Currently, the real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) is the primary laboratory method for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2. It is not suitable for at-home COVID-19 diagnostic test due to the long operating time, specific equipment, and professional procedures. Here an all-printed photonic crystal (PC) microarray with portable device for at-home COVID-19 rapid antigen test is reported. The fluorescence-enhanced effect of PC amplifies the fluorescence intensity of the labeled probe, achieving detection of nucleocapsid (N-) protein down to 0.03 pg mL-1 . A portable fluorescence intensity measurement instrument gives the result (negative or positive) by the color of the indicator within 5 s after inserting the reacted PC microarray test card. The N protein in inactivated virus samples (with cycle threshold values of 26.6-40.0) can be detected. The PC microarray provides a general and easy-to-use method for the timely monitoring and eventual control of the global coronavirus pandemic.

Biosensors, Recent Advances in Determination of BDNF and NfL.

Key biomarkers such as Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Neurofilament light chain (NfL) play important roles in the development and progression of many neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. In these clinical conditions, the underlying biomarker processes are markedly heterogeneous. In this context, robust biomarker discovery is of critical importance for screening, early detection, and monitoring of neurological diseases. The difficulty of directly identifying biochemical processes in the central nervous system (CNS) is challenging. In recent years, biomarkers of CNS inflammatory response have been identified in various body fluids such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and tears. Furthermore, biotechnology and nanotechnology have facilitated the development of biosensor platforms capable of real-time detection of multiple biomarkers in clinically relevant samples. Biosensing technology is approaching maturity and will be deployed in communities, at which point screening programs and personalized medicine will become a reality. In this multidisciplinary review, our goal is to highlight clinical and current technological advances in the development of multiplex-based solutions for effective diagnosis and monitoring of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. The trend in the detection if BDNF and NfL.

Coupling High-Field Asymmetric Ion Mobility Spectrometry with Capillary Electrophoresis-Electrospray Ionization-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Improves Protein Identifications in Bottom-Up Proteomic Analysis of Low Nanogram Samples.

In this work, we pioneered the assessment of coupling high-field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) with ultrasensitive capillary electrophoresis hyphenated with tandem mass spectrometry (CE-MS/MS) to achieve deeper proteome coverage of low nanogram amounts of digested cell lysates. An internal stepping strategy using three or four compensation voltages per analytical run with varied cycle times was tested to determine optimal FAIMS settings and MS parameters for the CE-FAIMS-MS/MS method. The optimized method applied to bottom-up proteomic analysis of 1 ng of HeLa protein digest standard identified 1314 ± 30 proteins, 4829 ± 200 peptide groups, and 7577 ± 163 peptide spectrum matches (PSMs) corresponding to a 16, 25, and 22% increase, respectively, over CE-MS/MS alone, without FAIMS. Furthermore, the percentage of acquired MS/MS spectra that resulted in PSMs increased nearly 2-fold with CE-FAIMS-MS/MS. Label-free quantitation of proteins and peptides was also assessed to determine the precision of replicate analyses from FAIMS methods with increased cycle times. Our results also identified from 1 ng of HeLa protein digest without any prior enrichment 76 ± 9 phosphopeptides, 18% of which were multiphosphorylated. These results represent a 46% increase in phosphopeptide identifications over the control experiments without FAIMS yielding 2.5-fold more multiphosphorylated peptides.

Persistence of Plasmodium falciparum HRP-2 antigenaemia after artemisinin combination therapy is not associated with gametocytes.

BACKGROUND: In some settings, sensitive field diagnostic tools may be needed to achieve elimination of falciparum malaria. To this end, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) based on the detection of the Plasmodium falciparum protein HRP-2 are being developed with increasingly lower limits of detection. However, it is currently unclear how parasite stages that are unaffected by standard drug treatments may contribute to HRP-2 detectability and potentially confound RDT results even after clearance of blood stage infection. This study assessed the detectability of HRP-2 in periods of post-treatment residual gametocytaemia. METHODS: A cohort of 100 P. falciparum infected, gametocyte positive individuals were treated with or without the gametocytocidal drug primaquine (PQ), alongside standard artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), in the context of a randomised clinical trial in Ouelessebougou, Mali. A quantitative ELISA was used to measure levels of HRP-2, and compared time to test negativity using a standard and ultra-sensitive RDT (uRDT) between residual gametocyte positive and negative groups. RESULTS: Time to test negativity was longest by uRDT, followed by ELISA and then standard RDT. No significant difference in time to negativity was found between the treatment groups with and without residual gametocytes: uRDT (HR 0.79 [95% CI 0.52-1.21], p = 0.28), RDT (HR 0.77 [95% CI 0.51-1.15], p = 0.20) or ELISA (HR 0.88 [95% CI 0.59-1.32], p = 0.53). Similarly, no difference was observed when adjusting for baseline asexual parasite density. Quantified levels of HRP-2 over time were similar between groups, with differences attributable to asexual parasite densities. Furthermore, no difference in levels of HRP-2 was found between individuals who were or were not infectious to mosquitoes (OR 1.19 [95% CI 0.98-1.46], p = 0.077). CONCLUSIONS: Surviving sexual stage parasites after standard ACT treatment do not contribute to the persistence of HRP-2 antigenaemia, and appear to have little impact on RDT results.

Dancing in local space: rolling hoop orbital amplification combined with local cascade nanozyme catalytic system to achieve ultra-sensitive detection of exosomal miRNA.

The exosomal miRNA (exo-miRNA) derived from tumor cells contains rich biological information that can effectively aid in the early diagnosis of disease. However, the extremely low abundance imposes stringent requirements for accurate detection techniques. In this study, a novel, protease-free DNA amplification strategy, known as "Rolling Hoop Orbital Amplification" (RHOA), was initially developed based on the design concept of local reaction and inspired by the childhood game of rolling iron ring. Benefiting from the local space constructed by the DNA orbital, the circular DNA enzyme rolls directionally and interacts efficiently with the amplification element, making it nearly 3-fold more productive than conventional free-diffusion amplification. Similarly, the localized cascade nanozyme catalytic system formed by bridging DNA probes also exhibits outperformed than free ones. Therefore, a localized energized high-performance electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor was constructed by bridging cascading nanozymes on the electrode surface through DNA probes generated by RHOA, with an impressive limit of detection (LOD) of 1.5 aM for the detection of exosomal miRNA15a-5p and a stable linearity over a wide concentration range from 10- 2 to 108 fM. Thus, this work is a focused attempt at the localized reaction, which is expected to provide a reliable method for accurately detecting of exo-miRNAs.

Electrochemical investigations for COVID-19 detection-A comparison with other viral detection methods.

Virus-induced infection such as SARS-CoV-2 is a serious threat to human health and the economic setback of the world. Continued advances in the development of technologies are required before the viruses undergo mutation. The low concentration of viruses in environmental samples makes the detection extremely challenging; simple, accurate and rapid detection methods are in urgent need. Of all the analytical techniques, electrochemical methods have the established capabilities to address the issues. Particularly, the integration of nanotechnology would allow miniature devices to be made available at the point-of-care. This review outlines the capabilities of electrochemical methods in conjunction with nanotechnology for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. Future directions and challenges of the electrochemical biosensors for pathogen detection are covered including wearable and conformal biosensors, detection of plant pathogens, multiplexed detection, and reusable biosensors for on-site monitoring, thereby providing low-cost and disposable biosensors.

A photoelectrochemical sensor based on Z-Scheme TiO2@Au@CdS and molecularly imprinted polymer for uric acid detection.

A novel photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor based on "Z-scheme" TiO2@Au@CdS and molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was developed for the non-invasive detection of uric acid (UA). The "Z-scheme" material, consisting of an electron-transfer system (Au) and two isolated photochemical systems (CdS, TiO2), was synthesized by chemical deposition method and it worked as a substrate for electro-polymerization of MIP. Due to the high photoelectric conversion efficiency provided by TiO2@Au@CdS and specific imprinting effect afforded by MIP, the sensor displayed desirable sensing performance with the merits of sensitivity, selectivity, repeatability, and stability. The linear range for UA detection is from 1 nM to 9 µM with the detection limit of 0.3 nM (S/N = 3). Moreover, the assay was successfully utilized to measure UA in human tears and offered a reliable result. The incorporation of MIP and "Z-scheme" material into a PEC sensor system is expected to provide a promising strategy for detecting other small molecules.

Ultra-sensitive Sequencing Identifies High Prevalence of Clonal Hematopoiesis-Associated Mutations throughout Adult Life.

Clonal hematopoiesis results from somatic mutations in hematopoietic stem cells, which give an advantage to mutant cells, driving their clonal expansion and potentially leading to leukemia. The acquisition of clonal hematopoiesis-driver mutations (CHDMs) occurs with normal aging and these mutations have been detected in more than 10% of individuals ≥65 years. We aimed to examine the prevalence and characteristics of CHDMs throughout adult life. We developed a targeted re-sequencing assay combining high-throughput with ultra-high sensitivity based on single-molecule molecular inversion probes (smMIPs). Using smMIPs, we screened more than 100 loci for CHDMs in more than 2,000 blood DNA samples from population controls between 20 and 69 years of age. Loci screened included 40 regions known to drive clonal hematopoiesis when mutated and 64 novel candidate loci. We identified 224 somatic mutations throughout our cohort, of which 216 were coding mutations in known driver genes (DNMT3A, JAK2, GNAS, TET2, and ASXL1), including 196 point mutations and 20 indels. Our assay's improved sensitivity allowed us to detect mutations with variant allele frequencies as low as 0.001. CHDMs were identified in more than 20% of individuals 60 to 69 years of age and in 3% of individuals 20 to 29 years of age, approximately double the previously reported prevalence despite screening a limited set of loci. Our findings support the occurrence of clonal hematopoiesis-associated mutations as a widespread mechanism linked with aging, suggesting that mosaicism as a result of clonal evolution of cells harboring somatic mutations is a universal mechanism occurring at all ages in healthy humans.

Ultra-sensitive RDT performance and antigen dynamics in a high-transmission Plasmodium falciparum setting in Mali.

BACKGROUND: The recent expansion of tools designed to accurately quantify malaria parasite-produced antigens has enabled us to evaluate the performance of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) as a function of the antigens they detect-typically histidine rich protein 2 (HRP2) or lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). METHODS: For this analysis, whole blood specimens from a longitudinal study in Bancoumana, Mali were used to evaluate the performance of the ultra-sensitive HRP2-based Alere™ Malaria Ag P.f RDT (uRDT). The samples were collected as part of a transmission-blocking vaccine trial in a high transmission region for Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Furthermore, antigen dynamics after successful anti-malarial drug treatment were evaluated in these samples using the Q-Plex Human Malaria Array (4-Plex) to quantify antigen concentrations. RESULTS: The uRDT had a 50% probability of a positive result at 207 pg/mL HRP2 [95% credible interval (CrI) 160-268]. Individuals with symptomatic infection remained positive by uRDT for a median of 33 days [95% confidence interval (CI) 28-47] post anti-malarial drug treatment. Biphasic exponential decay models accurately captured the population level post-treatment dynamics of both HRP2 and Plasmodium LDH (pLDH), with the latter decaying more rapidly. Motivated by these differences in rates of decay, a novel algorithm that used HRP2:pLDH ratios to predict if an individual had active versus recently cleared P. falciparum infection was developed. The algorithm had 77.5% accuracy in correctly classifying antigen-positive individuals as those with and without active infection. CONCLUSIONS: These results characterize the performance of the ultra-sensitive RDT and demonstrate the potential for emerging antigen-quantifying technologies in the field of malaria diagnostics to be helpful tools in distinguishing between active versus recently cleared malaria infections.

Utility of ultra-sensitive qPCR to detect Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections under different transmission intensities.

BACKGROUND: The use of molecular diagnostics has revealed an unexpectedly large number of asymptomatic low-density malaria infections in many malaria endemic areas. This study compared the gains in parasite prevalence obtained by the use of ultra-sensitive (us)-qPCR as compared to standard qPCR in cross-sectional surveys conducted in Thailand, Brazil and Papua New Guinea (PNG). The compared assays differed in the copy number of qPCR targets in the parasite genome. METHODS: Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) and Plasmodium vivax (Pv) parasites were quantified by qPCR amplifying the low-copy Pf_ and Pv_18S rRNA genes or the multi-copy targets Pf_varATS and Pv_mtCOX1. Cross-sectional surveys at the three study sites included 2252 participants of all ages and represented different transmission intensities. RESULTS: In the two low-transmission areas, P. falciparum positivity was 1.3% (10/773) (Thailand) and 0.8% (5/651) (Brazil) using standard Pf_18S rRNA qPCR. In these two countries, P. falciparum positivity by Pf_varATS us-qPCR increased to 1.9% (15/773) and 1.7% (11/651). In PNG, an area with moderate transmission intensity, P. falciparum positivity significantly increased from 8.6% (71/828) by standard qPCR to 12.2% (101/828) by us-qPCR. The proportions of P. falciparum infections not detected by standard qPCR were 33%, 55% and 30% in Thailand, Brazil and PNG. Plasmodium vivax was the predominating species in Thailand and Brazil, with 3.9% (30/773) and 4.9% (32/651) positivity by Pv_18S rRNA qPCR. In PNG, P. vivax positivity was similar to P. falciparum, at 8.0% (66/828). Use of Pv_mtCOX1 us-qPCR led to a significant increase in positivity to 5.1% (39/773), 6.4% (42/651) and 11.5% (95/828) in Thailand, Brazil, and PNG. The proportions of P. vivax infections missed by standard qPCR were similar at all three sites, with 23%, 24% and 31% in Thailand, Brazil and PNG. CONCLUSION: The proportional gains in the detection of P. falciparum and P. vivax infections by ultra-sensitive diagnostic assays were substantial at all three study sites. Thus, us-qPCR yields more precise prevalence estimates for both P. falciparum and P. vivax at all studied levels of endemicity and represents a significant diagnostic improvement. Improving sensitivity in P. vivax surveillance by us-qPCR is of particular benefit, because the additionally detected P. vivax infections signal the potential presence of hypnozoites and subsequent risk of relapse and further transmission.

Plasmon-coupled microcavity aptasensors for visual and ultra-sensitive simultaneous detection of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Septicemia and bacteremia are serious infections in the bloodstream. Thus, time-saving and ultra-sensitive pathogenic bacteria detection is highly required. Herein, we constructed gold nanoparticle-modified polystyrene microspheres (Au/PS) as plasmon-coupled microcavities to realize simultaneous detection of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli based on a fluorescence and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) dual-mode method. Fluorescence imaging, serving as a means for assistant validation and rapid screening, was carried out to achieve qualitative and semi-quantitative determination, which gave us visual information of the existence and distribution of the target bacteria. Meanwhile, SERS test was conducted to realize ultra-sensitive quantitative detection. The evanescent wave aroused from total internal reflection in PS microcavities coupled with the localized electromagnetic field from surface plasmons of gold nanoparticles to improve light-matter interaction synergistically, leading to an enhancement factor of 2.25 × 1011 for SERS sensing. The whole measurement was carried out in a typical sandwich assay of "capture probe-target bacteria-signal probe." As a result, calibrated concentration response curves demonstrated the sensitive quantitative detection with the limit of detection (LOD) of 3 cfu/mL for S. aureus and 2 cfu/mL for E. coli. This rapid, ultra-sensitive, and visual sensing method was further developed for dual-bacteria detection in the whole blood samples.

Monitoring pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-a practical overview.

The presence of pharmaceuticals, which are considered as contaminants of emerging concern, in natural waters is currently recognized as a widespread problem. Monitoring these contaminants in the environment has been an important field of research since their presence can affect the ecosystems even at very low levels. Several analytical techniques have been developed to detect and quantify trace concentrations of these contaminants in the aquatic environment, namely high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, and capillary electrophoresis, usually coupled to different types of detectors, which need to be complemented with time-consuming and costly sample cleaning and pre-concentration procedures. Generally, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), as other immunoassay methodologies, is mostly used in biological samples (most frequently urine and blood). However, during the last years, the number of studies referring the use of ELISA for the analysis of pharmaceuticals in complex environmental samples has been growing. Therefore, this work aims to present an overview of the application of ELISA for screening and quantification of pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment, namely in water samples and biological tissues. The experimental procedures together with the main advantages and limitations of the assay are addressed, as well as new incomes related with the application of molecular imprinted polymers to mimic antibodies in similar, but alternative, approaches. Graphical Abstract.

Association between vitamin D serum levels and inflammatory markers in patients on hemodialysis.

INTRODUCTION: The relationship between 25-OH-vitamin D and the immune system in patients with chronic kidney disease is a subject of attention. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients on hemodialysis and to investigate the association between vitamin D, ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein (US-CRP), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). METHOD: Cross-sectional study of 80 patients on hemodialysis, divided into two groups: a serum 25-OH-vitamin D level < 20 ng/mL was considered to be vitamin D deficiency and a serum level ≥ 20 ng/mL was regarded as normal. The relationship between the parameters was defined with Spearman's correlation analysis. RESULTS: 40 % of the patients had vitamin D deficiency. There were significant differences between groups in US-CRP (p = 0.047), NLR (p = 0.039), PLR (p = 0.042) and treatment with vitamin D analogues (p = 0.022). Vitamin D had a significant negative correlation with US-CRP (p = 0.026), NLR (p = 0.013) and PLR (p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 40 %. The values of US-CRP, NLR and PLR were significantly higher in the presence of vitamin D deficiency. A significant inverse correlation was found between vitamin D levels and US-CRP, NLR and PLR. INTRODUCCIÓN: La relación entre 25-OH-vitamina D y el sistema inmune en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica es objeto de atención. OBJETIVOS: Evaluar la prevalencia de la deficiencia de vitamina D en pacientes en hemodiálisis e investigar la asociación entre la vitamina D y proteína C reactiva ultrasensible (PCRus), índice neutrófilo-linfocito (INL) e índice plaqueta-linfocito (IPL). MÉTODO: Estudio transversal de 80 pacientes en hemodiálisis, divididos en dos grupos: un nivel sérico de 25-OH-vitamina D < 20 ng/mL se consideró como deficiencia de vitamina D y ≥ 20 ng/mL, como normal. Con el análisis de correlación de Spearman se definió la relación entre los parámetros. RESULTADOS: 40 % de los pacientes presentó deficiencia de vitamina D. Hubo diferencias significativas entre los grupos en PCRus (p = 0.047), INL (p = 0.039), IPL (p = 0.042) y tratamiento con análogos de vitamina D (p = 0.022). La vitamina D tuvo una correlación negativa significativa con PCRus (p = 0.026), INL (p = 0.013) e IPL (p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONES: La deficiencia de vitamina D fue de 40 %. Los niveles de PCRus, INL e IPL fueron significativamente más altos ante deficiencia de vitamina D. Se encontró correlación inversa significativa entre vitamina D y PCRus, INL e IPL.

Coupling of micro-solid-phase extraction and internal extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for ultra-sensitive detection of 1-hydroxypyrene and papaverine in human urine samples.

Quantification of ultra-trace analytes in complex biological samples using micro-solid-phase extraction followed by direct detection with internal extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (µSPE-iEESI-MS) was demonstrated. 1-Hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) and papaverine at attomole levels in human raw urine samples were analyzed under negative and positive ion detection mode, respectively. The µSPE was simply prepared by packing a disposable syringe filter with octadecyl carbon chain (C18)-bonded micro silica particles, which were then treated as the "bulk sample" after the analytes were efficiently enriched by the C18 particles. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the analytes were readily eluted by isopropanol/water (80/20, V/V) at a high voltage of ± 4.0 kV, producing analyte ions under ambient conditions. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.02 pg/L (9.2 amol) for 1-hydroxypyrene and 0.02 pg/L (5.9 amol) for papaverine. The acceptable linearity (R2 > 0.99), signal stability (RSD ≤ 10.7%), spike recoveries (91-95%), and comparable results for real urine samples were also achieved, opening up possibilities for quantitative analysis of trace compounds (at attomole levels) in complex bio-samples. Graphical abstract.

Significance of detectable HCV RNA below the limit of quantification in patients treated with DAAs using standard and ultrasensitive protocols.

Predictive factors of HCV relapse after treatment with DAAs are poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to assess whether the residual viral load positivity observed during or at the end of treatment (EOT) has an impact on viral outcome. Blood samples were collected from 337 patients with genotypes (GT) 1a, 1b, 2, 3, and 4 HCV chronic infection, treated with DAAs to determine HCV RNA load by the Abbott RealTime HCV (ART) assay at treatment week (W) 4, at EOT, and 4, 12, 24 weeks after discontinuation. EOT and other samples with "detected <12/mL" (DNQ) were retested by an ultrasensitive protocol (USP) to confirm the result. Frequency of DNQ was analyzed in subgroups of patients and clinical conditions to assess potential correlations. At W4, 22% and 30.9% of the samples were undetectable and DNQ by ART assay, respectively, but no correlation for achieving SVR was found. In contrast, an HCV RNA cut-off of ≥50/mL at W4 was a significant predictor of therapy failure (P = 0.036, univariate analysis). At EOT, DNQ was associated to 12W treatment duration (P < 0.001) and GT1a infection (P = 0.036). Overall, 20/41 (48.8%) of DNQ samples at EOT or post-treatment W4, were confirmed by USP but only in a single case the patient experienced viral relapse. HCV RNA at W4 can predict SVR, irrespective to genotype or DAA regimen. HCV RNA DNQ at EOT is associated to shorter treatment duration and to GT1a, but is not a predictor of therapy failure.

Immuno-PCR with digital readout.

Immuno-PCR (IPCR) combines the versatile ELISA antigen detection with ultrasensitive PCR signal amplification, thereby enabling the highly sensitive detection of a broad range of targets with a typically very large dynamic detection range. The quantification of the antigen is usually achieved by real-time PCR, which provides a correlation between the target concentration and amplified DNA marker. We here report on the implementation of digital droplet PCR as a means for direct quantification of DNA copies to enable the highly sensitive detection of protein biomarkers. To this end, two alternative approaches, based on either magnetic microbead-based IPCR or a microplate-release IPCR were tested. The latter format worked well and revealed an extraordinary high robustness and sensitivity. While rtIPCR already fulfills typical immunoassay acceptance criteria, ddIPCR enables improved accuracy and precision of the assay because signal response and analyte concentrations are directly correlated. The utility of the novel ddIPCR technology is demonstrated at the example of two cytokines, interleukin 2 and interleukin 6 (IL2, IL6, respectively), with an overall average CV% of 5.0 (IL2) and 7.4 (IL6).

Ultra-sensitive nucleic acids detection with electrical nanosensors based on CMOS-compatible silicon nanowire field-effect transistors.

Silicon nanowire field-effect transistors (SiNW-FETs) have recently emerged as a type of powerful nanoelectronic biosensors due to their ultrahigh sensitivity, selectivity, label-free and real-time detection capabilities. Here, we present a protocol as well as guidelines for detecting DNA with complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) compatible SiNW-FET sensors. SiNWs with high surface-to-volume ratio and controllable sizes were fabricated with an anisotropic self-stop etching technique. Probe DNA molecules specific for the target DNA were covalently modified onto the surface of the SiNWs. The SiNW-FET nanosensors exhibited an ultrahigh sensitivity for detecting the target DNA as low as 1 fM and good selectivity for discrimination from one-base mismatched DNA.

Advances in single molecule arrays (SIMOA) for ultra-sensitive detection of biomolecules.

In the contemporary era of scientific and medical advancements, the accurate and ultra-sensitive detection of proteins, nucleic acids and metabolites plays a pivotal role in disease diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Single-molecule detection technologies play a great role in achieving this goal. In recent years, digital detection methods based on single molecule arrays (SIMOA) have brought groundbreaking contributions to the field of single-molecule detection. By confining the target molecules to femtoliter-sized containers, the SIMOA technology achieves detection sensitivity of attomolar. This review delves into the historical evolution and fundamentals of SIMOA technology, summarizes various approaches to optimize its performance, and describes the applications of SIMOA for the ultrasensitive detection of biomarkers for diseases such as cancer, COVID-19, and neurological disorders, as well as in DNA detection. Currently, some SIMOA technologies have been realized for high-throughput and multiplexed detection. It is believed that SIMOA technology will play a significant role in medical monitoring and disease prevention in the future.

Diagnostic performance of an ultra-sensitive RDT and a conventional RDT in malaria mass testing, treatment and tracking interventions in southern Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Application of numerous malaria control interventions has led to reduction in clinical malaria cases and deaths but also the realisation that asymptomatic parasite carriers play a key role in sustaining transmission. This study assessed the effectiveness of using the Ultra-sensitive NxTek eliminate RDT (uRDT) and conventional SD Bioline HRP2 RDT (cRDT) in diagnosing asymptomatic parasitaemia while measuring the impact of mass testing, treatment and tracking (MTTT) on the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria over a 1-year period in Ghana. METHODS: A total of 4000 targeted participants from two towns, Obom and Kofi Kwei, with their surrounding villages, were tested for asymptomatic malaria four times over the study period using uRDT (intervention) and the cRDT (control) respectively. Participants carrying malaria parasites were followed by home visit and phone calls for compliance to treatment, and filter paper blood blots collected from participants were used to determine true parasite carriage by PET-PCR. A mathematical model of the study site was developed and used to test the impact of test sensitivity and mass migration on the effect of MTTT. RESULTS: The start and end point sensitivities of the cRDT were 48.8% and 41.7% and those for the uRDT were 52.9% and 59.9% respectively. After a year of MTTTs, asymptomatic parasite prevalence, as determined by PCR, did not differ statistically in the control site (40.6% to 40.1%, P = 0.730) but decreased at the intervention site (55.9% to 46.4%, P < 0.0001). Parasite prevalence by RDT, however, indicated statistical reduction in the control site (25.3% to 22.3%, P = 0.017) and no change in the intervention site (35.1% to 36.0%, P = 0.614). The model predicted a mild effect of both diagnostic sensitivity and human movement in diminishing the impact of MTTT in the study sites. CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic parasite prevalence at the molecular level reduced significantly in the site where the uRDT was used but not where the cRDT was used. Overall, the uRDT exhibited higher sensitivity relative to the cRDT. Highly sensitive molecular techniques such as PET-PCR should be included in parasite prevalence estimation during MTTT exercises.

A Three-Dimensional Hydrophobic Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Sensor via a Silver-Coated Polytetrafluoroethylene Membrane for the Direct Trace Detection of Molecules in Water.

We report a three-dimensional (3D) SERS substrate consisting of a silver nanoparticle (AgNP) coating on the skeleton-fiber surfaces of a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane. Simple thermal evaporation was employed to deposit Ag onto the PTFE membrane to produce grape-shaped AgNPs. The 3D-distributed AgNPs exhibit not only strong localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) but also strong hydrophobic performance. High-density hotspots via silver nano-grape structures and nanogaps, the large 3D interaction volume, and the large total surface area, in combination with the hydrophobic enrichment of the specimen, facilitate high-sensitivity sensing performance of such a SERS substrate for the direct detection of low-concentration molecules in water. An enhancement factor of up to 1.97 × 1010 was achieved in the direct detection of R6G molecules in water with a concentration of 10-13 mol/L. The lowest detection limit of 100 ppt was reached in the detection of melamine in water. Such a SERS sensor may have potential applications in food-safety control, environmental water pollution monitoring, and biomedical analysis.