An RNA aptamer-based electrochemical biosensor for detection of theophylline in serum.

An electrochemical RNA aptamer-based biosensor for rapid and label-free detection of the bronchodilator theophylline was developed. The 5'-disulfide-functionalized end of the RNA aptamer sequence was immobilized on a gold electrode, and the 3'-amino-functionalized end was conjugated with a ferrocene (Fc) redox probe. Upon binding of theophylline the aptamer switches conformation from an open unfolded state to a closed hairpin-type conformation, resulting in the increased electron-transfer efficiency between Fc and the electrode. The electrochemical response, which was measured by differential pulse voltammetry, reaches saturation within a few minutes after addition of theophylline, and the dynamic range for detecting theophylline is 0.2-10 muM. The electrode displays an inhibited response when applied directly in serum samples treated with RNase inhibitors; however a full response to the theophylline serum concentration was obtained by transferring the electrode to blank serum-free buffer solutions. It was demonstrated that theophylline is detected with high selectivity in the presence of caffeine and theobromine.

Analysis of organic gas phase compounds formed by hydrothermal liquefaction of Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles.

This work provides a comprehensive characterization of the gas phase from hydrothermal liquefaction of Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles (DDGS) collected during a 24-h continuous experiment. The gas consisted mainly of CO2, CO, H2, CH4 and C2H6 accounting for 96 v/v% while further analysis by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) showed additionally 62 compounds of which 54 were tentatively identified. These products included methanethiol, dimethyl sulfide, various olefins and several aromatic compounds. The composition provided clear indication of the steady state of the system. Apart from CO2, olefins were the most abundant compound class and could provide a source of revenue.