Surface-Based Multimeric Aptamer Generation and Bio-Functionalization for Electrochemical Biosensing Applications.

Multimeric aptamers have gained more attention than their monomeric counterparts due to providing more binding sites for target analytes, leading to increased affinity. This work attempted to engineer the surface-based generation of multimeric aptamers by employing the room temperature rolling circle amplification (RCA) technique and chemically modified primers for developing a highly sensitive and selective electrochemical aptasensor. The multimeric aptamers, generated through surface RCA, are hybridized to modified spacer primers, facilitating the positioning of the aptamers in the proximity of sensing surfaces. These multimeric aptamers can be used as bio-receptors for capturing specific targets. The surface amplification process was fully characterized, and the optimal amplification time for biosensing purposes was determined, using SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SP). Interestingly, multimeric aptasensors produced considerably higher response signals and affinity (more than 10-fold), as well as higher sensitivity (almost 4-fold) compared to monomeric aptasensors. Furthermore, the impact of surface structures on the response signals was studied by utilizing both flat working electrodes (WEs) and nano-/microislands (NMIs) WEs. The NMIs multimeric aptasensors showed significantly higher sensitivity in buffer and saliva media with the limit of detection less than 2 fg/ml. Finally, the developed NMIs multimeric aptasensors were clinically challenged with several saliva patient samples.

Tunable nanofluidic device for digital nucleic acid analysis.

Nano/microfluidic-based nucleic acid tests have been proposed as a rapid and reliable diagnostic technology. Two key steps for many of these tests are target nucleic acid (NA) immobilization followed by an enzymatic reaction on the captured NAs to detect the presence of a disease-associated sequence. NA capture within a geometrically confined volume is an attractive alternative to NA surface immobilization that eliminates the need for sample pre-treatment (e.g. label-based methods such as lateral flow assays) or use of external actuators (e.g. dielectrophoresis) that are required for most nano/microfluidic-based NA tests. However, geometrically confined spaces hinder sample loading while making it challenging to capture, subsequently, retain and simultaneously expose target NAs to required enzymes. Here, using a nanofluidic device that features real-time confinement control via pneumatic actuation of a thin membrane lid, we demonstrate the loading of digital nanocavities by target NAs and exposure of target NAs to required enzymes/co-factors while the NAs are retained. In particular, as proof of principle, we amplified single-stranded DNAs (M13mp18 plasmid vector) in an array of nanocavities via two isothermal amplification approaches (loop-mediated isothermal amplification and rolling circle amplification).

Nanoplasmonic amplification in microfluidics enables accelerated colorimetric quantification of nucleic acid biomarkers from pathogens.

Deployment of nucleic acid amplification assays for diagnosing pathogens in point-of-care settings is a challenge due to lengthy preparatory steps. We present a molecular diagnostic platform that integrates a fabless plasmonic nano-surface into an autonomous microfluidic cartridge. The plasmonic 'hot' electron injection in confined space yields a ninefold kinetic acceleration of RNA/DNA amplification at single nucleotide resolution by one-step isothermal loop-mediated and rolling circle amplification reactions. Sequential flow actuation with nanoplasmonic accelerated microfluidic colorimetry and in conjugation with machine learning-assisted analysis (using our 'QolorEX' device) offers an automated diagnostic platform for multiplexed amplification. The versatility of QolorEX is demonstrated by detecting respiratory viruses: SARS-CoV-2 and its variants at the single nucleotide polymorphism level, H1N1 influenza A, and bacteria. For COVID-19 saliva samples, with an accuracy of 95% on par with quantitative polymerase chain reaction and a sample-to-answer time of 13 minutes, QolorEX is expected to advance the monitoring and rapid diagnosis of pathogens.

Real-time isothermal DNA amplification monitoring in picoliter volumes using an optical fiber sensor.

Rolling circle amplification (RCA) of DNA can be considered as a great alternative to the gold standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR), especially during this pandemic period, where rapid, sensitive, and reliable test results for hundreds of thousands of samples are required daily. This work presents the first research to date on direct, real-time and label-free isothermal DNA amplification monitoring using a microcavity in-line Mach-Zehnder interferometer (µIMZI) fabricated in an optical fiber. The solution based on µIMZI offers a great advantage over many other sensing concepts - making possible optical analysis in just picoliter sample volumes. The selectivity of the biosensor is determined by DNA primers immobilized on the microcavity's surface that act as selective biorecognition elements and trigger initiation of the DNA amplification process. In this study, we verified the sensing concept using circular DNA designed to target the H5N1 influenza virus. The developed biosensor exhibits an ultrahigh refractive index sensitivity reaching 14 000 nm per refractive index unit and a linear detection range between 9.4 aM and 94 pM of the target DNA sequence. Within a 30 min period, the amplification of as little as 9.4 aM DNA can be effectively detected, with a calculated limit of detection of as low as 0.2 aM DNA, suggesting that this methodology holds great promise in practical disease diagnosis applications in the future.

Simple rolling circle amplification colorimetric assay based on pH for target DNA detection.

Detection and identification of DNA by PCR has opened tremendous possibilities and allows detection of minute quantities of DNA highly specifically. However, PCR remains confined to laboratory settings because of the need of thermocyclers and other analytical equipment. This led to development of isothermal amplification techniques, among which Pad Lock Probe (PLP)-based Rolling Circle Amplification (RCA) has several advantages, but typically also requires a laboratory apparatus of some sort to measure DNA amplification. To circumvent this limitation, while still taking advantage of PLP-based RCA, we developed a colorimetric assay that relies on pH change. Using this assay, we can detect DNA in the low picomolar range and obtain results observable with the naked eye in only 20 min without any requirement for a thermocycler or other complex device, making it a particularly portable assay.

Colorimetric monitoring of rolling circle amplification for detection of H5N1 influenza virus using metal indicator.

A new colorimetric method for monitoring of rolling circle amplification was developed. At first H5N1 target hybrids with padlock probe (PLP) and then PLP is circularized upon the action of T4 ligase enzyme. Subsequently, the circular probe is served as a template for hyperbranched rolling circle amplification (HRCA) by utilizing Bst DNA polymerase enzyme. By improving the reaction, pyrophosphate is produced via DNA polymerization and chelates the Mg(2+) in the buffer solution. This causes change in solution color in the presence of hydroxy naphthol blue (HNB) as a metal indicator. By using pH shock instead of heat shock and isothermal RCA reaction not only the procedure becomes easier, but also application of HNB for colorimetric detection of RCA reaction further simplifies the assay. The responses of the biosensor toward H5N1 were linear in the concentration range from 0.16 to 1.20 pM with a detection limit of 28 fM.

Real-time detection of H5N1 influenza virus through hyperbranched rolling circle amplification.

An isothermal amplification method was developed for the sensitive detection of the H5N1 influenza virus. The padlock probe specifically bound to the H5N1 target and circularized with T4 DNA ligase enzyme. Then this circular probe was amplified by hyperbranched rolling circle amplification (HRCA) using Phi29 DNA polymerase. The fluorescence intensity was recorded at different intervals by intercalation of SYBR green molecules into the double-stranded product of the HRCA reaction. At an optimum time of 88 min, a calibration plot with fine linearity was obtained. Using HRCA based on a padlock probe and Phi29 DNA polymerase, high selectivity and sensitivity were achieved. The biosensor response was linear toward H5N1 in the concentration range from 10 fM to 0.25 pM, with a detection limit of 9 fM at a signal/noise ratio of 3. By replacing the heat shock with pH shock, not only was the procedure for detection of H5N1 influenza simplified, but also the DNA molecules were protected from possible breaking at high temperature.