A highly sensitive DNA aptamer-based fluorescence assay for sarcosine detection down to picomolar levels.

Sarcosine is an amino acid derivative, which is considered as a key metabolite in various metabolic processes. Therefore, simple and sensitive detection methods are needed for further understanding its metabolic role and diagnostic value. In this study, we developed a novel method that meets the need for practical and sensitive detection in a complex medium mimicking urine conditions. For this aim, we selected sarcosine-specific DNA aptamers using graphene oxide-assisted systemic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (GO-SELEX). The candidate aptamers were labeled with 6-carboxyfluorescein (6-FAM) at their 5' ends. Two aptamers, namely 9S and 13S produced a significant fluorescence signal upon sarcosine binding. Both aptamers enabled a sensitive analysis with a detection limit of 0.5 pM. The linear detection ranged between 5 pM and 50 µM for 9S aptamer, while 13S aptamer enabled a wider linear detection range between 5 pM and 500 µM. The aptamer-based assay allowed rapid detection with no need for chemical derivatization of sarcosine and sophisticated instruments. Moreover, the aptamer-based assay was free of interference from urea and human serum albumin.

A novel non-competitive amperometric immunosensor by using thiourea-glutaraldehyde-modified gold electrode for immunoglobulin M detection.

A novel non-competitive amperometric immunosensor based on a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of thiourea modified by a polymeric Schiff's base of glutaraldehyde on gold electrode has been developed for determination of IgM. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)-conjugated monoclonal anti-mouse immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody was selectively bound to IgM molecules onto the surface of the electrode. Electrochemical response arising from the catalytic reaction of alkaline phosphatase enzyme. Its reaction with various phosphates such as p-aminophenyl phosphate and p-nitrophenyl phosphatase (p-NPP) generates the electrochemically active products p-aminophenol (p-AP) and p-nitrophenol (p-NP), respectively.

Immobilization of anti-aflatoxin B1 antibody by UV polymerization of aniline and aflatoxin B1 detection via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

In the study, we investigated the practicality of the UV polymerization of aniline for anti-aflatoxin B1 antibody immobilization, and utilization of the resulting biosensor in the impedimetric determination of aflatoxin B1. The anti-aflatoxin B 1 antibody was physically immobilized on gold electrodes by UV polymerization of aniline at a fixed wavelength. The biosensor was based on specific interaction anti-aflatoxin B1 - aflatoxin B1 recognition and investigation of this recognition event by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. A calibration curve was obtained in a linear detection range 1-20 ng/mL aflatoxin B1. Finally, the biosensor was applied to analysis of a real food sample.

α-Amylase monitoring by a novel amperometric biosensor based on Au electrode: its optimization, characterization, and application.

A low-cost and sensitive amperometric biosensor was developed for the determination of α-amylase activity. The biosensor was constructed by immobilizing glucose oxidase-gelatin via glutaraldehyde on the Au electrode surface. Measurements were carried out chronoamperometrically at -0.7 V. Several parameters such as glucose oxidase activity, gelatin amount, and glutaraldehyde percentage for cross-linking were optimized. Optimum pH, optimum temperature, repeatability, and storage stabilities of the biosensor were identified. Under the optimum experimental conditions, a linear calibration curve was obtained for α-amylase between 0.819 and 13.110 U/ml. Sample analyses were carried out by detecting α-amylase activities in baker's yeast samples.

Sulfite determination by an inhibitor biosensor-based mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) tissue homogenate.

The aim of the study presented here is to develop a biosensor based on mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) tissue homogenate for sensitive and economical determination of sulfite in foods. The working principle of the biosensor is based on an inhibition effect of sulfite on polyphenol oxidases in mushroom. Mushroom tissue homogenate was immobilized by gelatin and glutaraldehyde on a Clark-type oxygen electrode. Some optimization studies related to the bioactive layer components and working conditions were identified. The biosensor was applied to the food samples. The biosensor reported here was successfully allowed to analyze sulfite, which was a food additive in real food samples.

A novel biosensor based on glucose oxidase for activity determination of α - amylase.

A glucose oxidase-based biosensor was developed for the determination of α-amylase activity. The determination method is based on monitoring the decrease in dissolved oxygen concentration related to the starch concentration, for which starch gives a reaction with α-amylase. Optimization parameters, including glucose oxidase amount, gelatin amount, and glutaraldehyde percentage for cross-linking, were investigated. The effects of pH, buffer system, and temperature on the biosensor system were also investigated. The biosensor had a linear relation to α-amylase activity and good measurement correlation between 0.66 and 9.83 U/ml. In sample analysis studies, α-amylase activity in baker's yeast was determined by the biosensor.

A biosensor for the determination of ß-galactosidase activity: a different viewpoint on biosensors.

ß-galactosidase splits lactose into glucose and galactose. Because of its biotechnological interest, we presented a biosensor system in order to monitor ß-galactosidase activity. Immobilization steps of the biosensor were identified by cyclic voltammograms and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. ß-galactosidase was voltammetrically detected at about +150 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl) in citrate buffer solution (0.05 M, pH 4.8). The linear response for ß-galactosidase detection was in the range of 0.0118 U mL(-1)to 0.47 U mL(-1)and a shorter response time of ∼50 s. Our results demonstrated the biosensor's electrochemical properties and analytical characteristics were very useful and effective for monitoring of ß-galactosidase activity.

Development of an impedimetric aflatoxin M1 biosensor based on a DNA probe and gold nanoparticles.

The present work describes the construction and application of a new DNA biosensor for detection of aflatoxin M1. In order to immobilize a thiol-modified single stranded DNA (ss-HSDNA) probe that specifically bound aflatoxin M1, a self-assembled monolayer of cysteamine and gold nanoparticles on the SAM were prepared on gold electrodes, layer-by-layer. The assembly processes of cysteamine, gold nanoparticles, and ss-HSDNA were monitored with the help of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) techniques. K3[Fe(CN)6]/K4[Fe(CN)6] solution was used as a redox probe for electrochemical measurements. The biosensor provided a linear response to aflatoxin M1 over the concentration range of 1-14 ng/mL with a standard deviation of ±0.36 ng/mL. Finally, the biosensor was applied to a series of real milk samples.

ß-galactosidase determination by an electrochemical biosensor mediated with ferrocene.

Abstract: In this paper, a new viewpoint on the activity determination of ß-galactosidase is reported. Glucose oxidase was directly immobilized on a glassy carbon electrode and mediated by ferrocene. The biosensor's performance was based on mediated electron transfer by ferrocene, which reduced via glucose oxidase reaction. In this reaction, substrate of glucose oxidase, glucose was provided by the activity of ß-galactosidase in the sample. The parameters of the fabrication process for the electrode were optimized. Experimental conditions influencing the biosensor performance, such as pH, ferrocene and lactose concentrations, and temperature, were investigated and assessed. Finally, the biosensor was successfully applied to determination of ß-galactosidase activity of artificial intestinal juice.

Electrochemical cysteine determination in serum samples by Hg thin film sensor.

Cysteine is a nonessential aminoacid, meaning that cysteine can be made in the human body. It is one of the few amino acids that contain sulfur. This allows cysteine to bond in a special way and maintain the structures of proteins in the body. Cysteine strengthens the protective lining of the stomach and intestines, which may help prevent damage caused by aspirin and similar drugs. In addition, cysteine may play an important role in the communication between immune system cells. In this study, glassy carbon electrodes modified with mercury (Hg) were used as working electrode. Mercury thin film on glassy carbon electrode was deposited by holding the electrode potential at -0.7 V; the measurement period for the coating process was 2 minutes. pH and temperature effects on the electrode response were carried out by working at different pHs and temperatures. The calibration graph for cysteine was drawn in the range of 5-120 µM cysteine. Repeatability and interferences studies were investigated. GSH had an interference effect of about 13% of cysteine response. Finally, the sensor was applied to real samples for cysteine determination and the method was validated by Ellman's reagent.

Construction and comparison of Trametes versicolor laccase biosensors capable of detecting xenobiotics.

Amperometric biosensors using laccase from Trametes versicolor as a bioelement were developed for 2,4-dichloro phenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D). Laccase enzyme was immobilized by gelatin and glutaraldehyde onto a Clark oxygen probe and screen printed electrodes (SPEs). Amperometric and chronoamperometric measurements were carried out with the biosensors. First, the effect of laccase activity on the biosensor performances was investigated for both biosensors, and then optimum pH and temperature and also thermal stability of the biosensors were tested. In addition, the detection ranges of some phenolic compounds were obtained by the help of calibration graphs of them. In repeatability studies, variation coefficients and standard deviations for both biosensors were also calculated by the studies done for this purposes. Finally, the biosensors were applied to the determination of 2,4-D in a real herbicide sample.

A biosensor based on zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) homogenate as a biorecognition layer for ascorbic acid determination.

An amperometric biosensor based on zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) tissue homogenate is presented. The zucchini tissue homogenate was crosslinked with gelatine using glutaraldehyde and fixed on a pretreated teflon membrane. The zucchini tissue contained the enzyme ascorbate oxidase and this enzyme catalyzed the oxidation of ascorbic acid in the presence of dissolved oxygen. The principle of the measurements was based on the determination of the decrease in the dissolved oxygen level. Determinations were carried out by standard curves, which were obtained by the measurement of the decrease in the oxygen level related to ascorbic acid concentration. Optimization and characterization studies of the biosensor were carried out in detail. First of all, the amounts of zucchini tissue homogenate, gelatin, and glutaraldehyde percentage were optimized. Experimental parameters such as buffer system, pH, buffer concentration, and temperature were also optimized carefully. Thermal stability, storage stability, and repeatability of the biosensor were investigated. A linear response was observed from 5x10(-6) M to 1.2x10(-3) M ascorbic acid. Finally, the results of some plant and drug samples analyzed with the presented biosensor compared with the spectrophotometric method (Tillman reagent) used as a reference.

Sensitive nitrate determination in water and meat samples by amperometric biosensor.

This study describes a novel biosensor method for specific determination of nitrate in food and water samples by using nitrate reductase (NR) (EC 1.9.6.1) biosensor based on the detection of oxidation peak current of redox mediator, methyl viologen, related to nitrate concentration. The method was shown to be selective and sensitive to determine the nitrate levels of water samples and processed meat samples. Immobilization procedure and also working conditions of the biosensor were optimized. Dynamic range attained with this method was established as (5.0-90.0 x 10(-9) M) for nitrate concentration with a 10 s response time. Limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of the biosensor were calculated as 2.2 x 10(-9) M and 5.79 x 10(-9) M, respectively. Reproducibility experiments was established on repetitive measurements by using a freshly prepared biosensor for avoiding the memory effect. The RSD was calculated as 1.22% at a nitrate concentration of 4.7 x 10(-8) M (n = 7).

A biosensor utilizing quince (Cydonia vulgaris) tissue homogenate for dopamine determination in pharmaceutical preparations.

Dopamine is a hormone and neurotransmitter occurring in a wide variety of animals, including both vertebrates and invertebrates. Chemically, it is a phenethylamine. Dopamine can be supplied as a medication that acts on the sympathetic nervous system, producing effects such as increased heart rate and blood pressure. However, since dopamine cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, dopamine given as a drug does not directly affect the central nervous system. To increase the amount of dopamine in the brains of patients with diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Dopa-Responsive Dystonia, L-DOPA (levodopa), which is the precursor of dopamine, can be given because it can cross the blood-brain barrier. In this study, a biosensor based on quince tissue homogenate was constructed for determination of dopamine. For the best results, some optimization studies such as the amount of quince tissue homogenate, gelatin and glutaraldehyde percentage, optimum temperature and pH were carried out. A linear range from 5 microM to 200 microM dopamine was obtained. Moreover, repeatability, and operational and storage stability of the biosensor were determined. Finally, the biosensor was applied to a real drug sample for the determination of dopamine content.

Sulfite determination by a biosensor based on bay leaf tissue homogenate: very simple and economical method.

Of all the food additives for which the FDA has received adverse reaction reports, the ones that most closely resemble true allergens are sulfur-based preservatives. Sulfites are used primarily as antioxidants to prevent or reduce discoloration of light-colored fruits and vegetables, such as dried apples and potatoes, and to inhibit the growth of microorganisms in fermented foods such as wine. This work aims to prepare an electrochemical biosensor based on bay leaf tissue homogenate that contains polyphenol oxidase enzyme abundantly for sulfite detection in foods. The principle of the biosensor is based on the inhibition effect of sulfites on polyphenol oxidase in the bioactive layer. Optimum conditions for the biosensor, such as temperature and pH, were investigated. Some stability parameters of the biosensor were also identified. The biosensor showed a linear calibration graph in the range of 25-100 microM sulfite. The biosensor presents a very simple, economical, reliable, and feasible method for sulfite detection in foods.

H2O2 determination by a biosensor based on hemoglobin.

The detection of hydrogen peroxide, H2O2, plays an important role in many fields including industry, environmental protection, and clinical control. Hydrogen peroxide can be toxic if ingested, inhaled, or by contact with the skin or eyes. Hemoglobin is a molecule with four electroactive iron hemes which can be used as an ideal model molecule for the study of electron transfer reactions of heme proteins and also for biosensing and electrocatalysis. The present study describes the immobilization of hemoglobin on a Clark electrode surface to develop a novel electrochemical biosensor for the detection of hydrogen peroxide. The principle of the measurements was based on the electrocatalytic activity of the immobilized hemoglobin to the reduction of hydrogen peroxide. Hemoglobin was crosslinked with gelatine using glutaraldehyde and fixed on a pretreated teflon membrane. The optimum conditions for the biosensor were established. The most suitable hemoglobin and gelatin amounts and glutaraldehyde ratio were determined. Characterization studies of the biosensor, such as optimum pH and optimum temperature, were carried out. The repeatability experiments were done and the average value (x), standard deviation (S.D.), and variation coefficient (C.V.) were calculated. After the optimization and characterization studies the proposed biosensor was applied to determination of H2O2 in real samples.

Pseudomonas putida based amperometric biosensors for 2,4-D detection.

Amperometric biosensors using Pseudomonas putida cells as a bioelement were developed for 2,4-dichloro phenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D). After the adaptation process of Pseudomonas putida to 2,4-D, cells were immobilized onto the screen printed graphite electrodes (SPG) as well as Clark oxygen probe by gelatin and glutaraldehyde. Optimum pH, temperature, and stability of the biosensor were investigated. Substrate specificities for various phenolic compounds were also searched. In repeatability studies, variation coefficients and standard deviations for both type of systems were calculated; SPG and Clark electrodes were calculated and results are given as a comparison of two systems. Finally, the biosensors were applied to 2,4-D determination in a real herbicide sample.

A biosensor based on Bay leaf (Laurus nobilis L.) tissue homogenate: improvement of the stability characteristics by a simple bio-imprinted technique.

Although enzymes are effective biocatalysts that are widely used in biosensors, a major drawback that hampers many of these biotechnological applications of enzymes is their limited stability. Applications that use very pure, high value proteins need to employ effective stabilization technology, primarily due to cost considerations and availability of the proteins used. For this purpose, interest in bio-imprinting techniques increases because it allows stability characteristics of enzymes to be improved. In this study, a bio-imprinted Bay leaf (Laurus nobilis L.) tissue homogenate biosensor was devised by a very simple way. For this purpose, the enzymes, polyphenol oxidases in the bay leaf tissue, were first complexed by using their competitive inhibitor, thiourea, in aqueous medium and then this enzyme was immobilized on gelatin by crosslinking with glutaraldehyde on a Clark-type oxygen electrode surface. Similarly, noncomplexed polyphenol oxidase with thiourea was also immobilized on a Clark-type oxygen electrode in the same conditions. The aim of the study was to prepare a new biosensor-based Bay leaf tissue homogenate and to improve the stability characteristics such as thermal stability, pH stability, and storage stability, of the biosensor by bio-imprinting method. The results showed that this simple technique should be effectively used to improve the stabilities of a biosensor.

Beta-galactosidase monitoring by a biosensor based on Clark electrode: its optimization, characterization and application.

beta-Galactosidase is an hydrolase enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of beta-galactosides into monosaccharides. Substrates of different beta-galactosidases include ganglioside GM1, lactosylceramides, lactose, and various glycoproteins. A novel aspect of the activity determination of beta-galactosidase was presented. A glucose oxidase biosensor based on Clark electrode was utilized in order to monitor beta-galactosidase. Immobilization of glucose oxidase was made by gelatin and glutaraldehyde as cross-linker. Several parameters such as glucose oxidase activity, gelatin amount, and glutaraldehyde percentage for cross-linking were optimized. The most important parameter, lactose concentration in working buffer was studied in detail. Optimum temperature, thermal stability, optimum pH, buffer system and its concentration effect on the biosensor system, repeatability, reproducibility, and storage and operational stabilities of the biosensor were identified. A linear detection range for beta-galactosidase was observed between 9.4 x 10(-5) and 3.2 x 10(-2)U/ml. Finally, beta-galactosidase activity in artificial intestinal juice was investigated by the biosensor and the results obtained were compared with a reference spectrophotometric method.

A bio-imprinted urease biosensor: Improved thermal and operational stabilities.

Despite the increasing number of applications of biosensors in many fields, the construction of a steady biosensor remains still challenging. The high stability of molecularly bio-imprinted enzymes for its substrate can make them ideal alternatives as recognition elements for sensors. Urease (urea aminohydrolase, EC 3.5.1.5), which catalysis the hydrolysis of urea to ammonia and carbon dioxide, has been used in immobilized form in artificial kidney for blood detoxification. According to one report approximately half a million patients worldwide are being supported by haemodialysis. In this study, the enzyme of urease was first complexed by using a substrate analogue, thiourea, in aqueous medium and then this enzyme was immobilized on gelatin by crosslinking with glutaraldehyde on a glass electrode surface. Similarly, urease noncomplexed with thiourea was also immobilized on a glass electrode in the same conditions. The aim of the study was to compare the two biosensors in terms of their repeatability, pH stability and thermal stability, and also, linear ranges of two biosensors were compared with each other.