Diagnostics

Research

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11 pages, 2694 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Validation of a MALDI-TOF MS Method for SARS-CoV-2 Detection on the Bruker Biotyper and Nasopharyngeal Swabs: A Brazil—UK Collaborative Study

by Otávio A. Lovison, Raminta Grigaitė, Fabiana C. Z. Volpato, Jason K. Iles, Jon Lacey, Fabiano Barreto, Sai R. Pandiri, Lisiane da Luz R. Balzan, Vlademir V. Cantarelli, Afonso Luis Barth, Ray K. Iles and Andreza F. Martins

Diagnostics 2023, 13(8), 1470; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13081470 - 19 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1911

Abstract

We developed a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry method for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in saliva-gargle samples using Shimadzu MALDI-TOF mass spectrometers in the UK. This was validated in the USA to CLIA-LDT standards for asymptomatic infection detection remotely via sharing protocols, shipping [...] Read more.

We developed a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry method for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in saliva-gargle samples using Shimadzu MALDI-TOF mass spectrometers in the UK. This was validated in the USA to CLIA-LDT standards for asymptomatic infection detection remotely via sharing protocols, shipping key reagents, video conferencing, and data exchange. In Brazil, more so than in the UK and USA, there is a need to develop non-PCR-dependent, rapid, and affordable SARS-CoV-2 infection screening tests that also identify variant SARS-CoV-2 and other virus infections. In addition, travel restrictions necessitated remote collaboration with validation on the available clinical MALDI-TOF—the Bruker Biotyper (microflex^® LT/SH)—and on nasopharyngeal swab samples, as salivary gargle samples were not available. The Bruker Biotyper was shown to be almost log10³ more sensitive at the detection of high molecular weight spike proteins. A protocol for saline swab soaks out was developed, and duplicate swab samples collected in Brazil were analyzed by MALDI-TOF MS. The swab collected sample spectra that varied from that of saliva-gargle in three additional mass peaks in the mass region expected for IgG heavy chains and human serum albumin. A subset of clinical samples with additional high mass, probably spike-related proteins, were also found. Further, spectral data comparisons and analysis, subjected to machine learning algorithms in order to resolve RT-qPCR positive from RT-qPCR negative swab samples, showed 56–62% sensitivity, 87–91% specificity, and a 78% agreement with RT-qPCR scoring for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New-Generation Sensors/Prototypes Integrated with Functional Materials for Efficient Diagnostics)

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13 pages, 2643 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Point-of-Care Cervico-Vaginal Sampling/Testing Device for the Colorimetric Detection of Cervical Cancer

by Tejaswini Appidi, Murali Vakada, Hima Sree Buddhiraju, Shubham A. Chinchulkar, Akshar Kota, Dokkari Nagalaxmi Yadav, Suseela Kodandapani, Surya Kumar Simhabhatla and Aravind Kumar Rengan

Diagnostics 2023, 13(8), 1382; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13081382 - 10 Apr 2023

Viewed by 2080

Abstract

This paper reports the colorimetric analysis of cervical-cancer-affected clinical samples by the in situ formation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) formed with cervico-vaginal fluids collected from healthy and cancer-affected patients in a clinical setup, termed “C-ColAur”. [...] Read more.

This paper reports the colorimetric analysis of cervical-cancer-affected clinical samples by the in situ formation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) formed with cervico-vaginal fluids collected from healthy and cancer-affected patients in a clinical setup, termed “C-ColAur”. We evaluated the efficacy of the colorimetric technique against the clinical analysis (biopsy/Pap smear) and reported the sensitivity and specificity. We investigated if the aggregation coefficient and size of the nanoparticles responsible for the change in color of the AuNPs (formed with clinical samples) could also be used as a measure of detecting malignancy. We estimated the protein and lipid concentrations in the clinical samples and attempted to investigate if either of these components was solely responsible for the color change, enabling their colorimetric detection. We also propose a self-sampling device, CerviSelf, that could enable the rapid frequency of screening. We discuss two of the designs in detail and demonstrate the 3D-printed prototypes. These devices, in conjugation with the colorimetric technique C-ColAur, have the potential to be self-screening techniques, enabling women to undergo rapid and frequent screening in the comfort and privacy of their homes, allowing a chance at an early diagnosis and improved survival rates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New-Generation Sensors/Prototypes Integrated with Functional Materials for Efficient Diagnostics)

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17 pages, 5979 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electrochemical Polymerisation of Glutamic Acid on the Surface of Graphene Paste Electrode for the Detection and Quantification of Rutin in Food and Medicinal Samples

by Balliamada M. Amrutha, Jamballi G. Manjunatha, Hareesha Nagarajappa, Ammar M. Tighezza, Munirah D. Albaqami and Mika Sillanpää

Diagnostics 2022, 12(12), 3113; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics12123113 - 9 Dec 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1368

Abstract

Rutin (RU) is one of the best-known natural antioxidants with various physiological functions in the human body and other plant species. In this work, an efficient voltammetric sensor to detect RU in food samples was explicated using a poly (glutamic acid)-modified graphene paste [...] Read more.

Rutin (RU) is one of the best-known natural antioxidants with various physiological functions in the human body and other plant species. In this work, an efficient voltammetric sensor to detect RU in food samples was explicated using a poly (glutamic acid)-modified graphene paste electrode (PGAMGPE). In order to detect RU, the proposed sensor diminishes material resistance and overpotential while increasing kinetic rate, peak currents, and material conductance. Using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and cyclic voltammetry (CV), the analysing efficiency of a PGAMGPE and a Bare graphene paste electrode (BGPE) was evaluated in 0.2 M phosphate buffer (PB) at an ideal pH of 6.5. in a potential window of −0.25 V to 0.6 V. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to analyse the prepared electrode materials’ conductivity, charge transfer resistance, and the kinetics of electron transport. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images were considered to compare the exterior morphology of the PGAMGPE and the BGPE. It was discovered that the PGAMGPE and the BGPE have electroactive surfaces of 0.062 cm² and 0.04 cm², respectively. It was determined that two protons and two electrons participated in the redox process. The resultant limit of detection (LOD) was found to be 0.04 µM and 0.06 µM, respectively, using DPV and CV methods. In spite of common interferents such as metal ions and chemical species, the developed sensor’s selectivity for RU detection was impressive. For the simultaneous analysis of RU in the presence of caffeine (CF), the PGAMGPE affords a good electrochemical nature for RU with good selectivity. Due to the good stability, repeatability, reproducibility, and ease of use of the present RU sensor, it is useful for real sample analysis such as food and medicinal samples with recovery ranging from 94 to 100%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New-Generation Sensors/Prototypes Integrated with Functional Materials for Efficient Diagnostics)

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16 pages, 6369 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Functionalized Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticle-Based Electrochemical Immunosensor for Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody

by Mohd Abubakar Sadique, Shalu Yadav, Vedika Khare, Raju Khan, Gagan Kant Tripathi and Purnima Swarup Khare

Diagnostics 2022, 12(11), 2612; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics12112612 - 27 Oct 2022

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2063

Abstract

The advancement in biosensors can overcome the challenges faced by conventional diagnostic techniques for the detection of the highly infectious severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Hence, the development of an accurate, rapid, sensitive, and selective diagnostic technique can mitigate adverse health [...] Read more.

The advancement in biosensors can overcome the challenges faced by conventional diagnostic techniques for the detection of the highly infectious severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Hence, the development of an accurate, rapid, sensitive, and selective diagnostic technique can mitigate adverse health conditions caused by SARS-CoV-2. This work proposes the development of an electrochemical immunosensor based on bio-nanocomposites for the sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies through the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) electroanalytical method. The facile synthesis of chitosan-functionalized titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂-CS bio-nanocomposites) is performed using the sol-gel method. Characterization of the TiO₂-CS bio-nanocomposite is accomplished using UV-vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The electrochemical performance is studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV), DPV, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for its electroanalytical and biosensing capabilities. The developed immunosensing platform has a high sensitivity with a wide range of detection from 50 ag mL⁻¹ to 1 ng mL⁻¹. The detection limit of the SARS-CoV-2 antibody in buffer media is obtained to be 3.42 ag mL⁻¹ and the limit of quantitation (LOQ) to be 10.38 ag mL⁻¹. The electrochemical immunosensor has high selectivity in different interfering analytes and is stable for 10 days. The results suggest that the developed electrochemical immunosensor can be applicable for real sample analysis and further high-throughput testing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New-Generation Sensors/Prototypes Integrated with Functional Materials for Efficient Diagnostics)

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Review

Jump to: Research

35 pages, 2986 KiB

Open AccessReview

FRET Based Biosensor: Principle Applications Recent Advances and Challenges

by Awadhesh Kumar Verma, Ashab Noumani, Amit K. Yadav and Pratima R. Solanki

Diagnostics 2023, 13(8), 1375; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13081375 - 8 Apr 2023

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 8135

Abstract

Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensors are being fabricated for specific detection of biomolecules or changes in the microenvironment. FRET is a non-radiative transfer of energy from an excited donor fluorophore molecule to a nearby acceptor fluorophore molecule. In a FRET-based biosensor, the [...] Read more.

Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensors are being fabricated for specific detection of biomolecules or changes in the microenvironment. FRET is a non-radiative transfer of energy from an excited donor fluorophore molecule to a nearby acceptor fluorophore molecule. In a FRET-based biosensor, the donor and acceptor molecules are typically fluorescent proteins or fluorescent nanomaterials such as quantum dots (QDs) or small molecules that are engineered to be in close proximity to each other. When the biomolecule of interest is present, it can cause a change in the distance between the donor and acceptor, leading to a change in the efficiency of FRET and a corresponding change in the fluorescence intensity of the acceptor. This change in fluorescence can be used to detect and quantify the biomolecule of interest. FRET-based biosensors have a wide range of applications, including in the fields of biochemistry, cell biology, and drug discovery. This review article provides a substantial approach on the FRET-based biosensor, principle, applications such as point-of-need diagnosis, wearable, single molecular FRET (smFRET), hard water, ions, pH, tissue-based sensors, immunosensors, and aptasensor. Recent advances such as artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) are used for this type of sensor and challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New-Generation Sensors/Prototypes Integrated with Functional Materials for Efficient Diagnostics)

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20 pages, 3149 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Systematic Review on the Advanced Techniques of Wearable Point-of-Care Devices and Their Futuristic Applications

by Drishya Prakashan, Ramya P R and Sonu Gandhi

Diagnostics 2023, 13(5), 916; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13050916 - 28 Feb 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3442

Abstract

Personalized point-of-care testing (POCT) devices, such as wearable sensors, enable quick access to health monitoring without the use of complex instruments. Wearable sensors are gaining popularity owing to their ability to offer regular and continuous monitoring of physiological data by dynamic, non-invasive assessments [...] Read more.

Personalized point-of-care testing (POCT) devices, such as wearable sensors, enable quick access to health monitoring without the use of complex instruments. Wearable sensors are gaining popularity owing to their ability to offer regular and continuous monitoring of physiological data by dynamic, non-invasive assessments of biomarkers in biofluids such as tear, sweat, interstitial fluid and saliva. Current advancements have concentrated on the development of optical and electrochemical wearable sensors as well as advances in non-invasive measurements of biomarkers such as metabolites, hormones and microbes. For enhanced wearability and ease of operation, microfluidic sampling, multiple sensing, and portable systems have been incorporated with materials that are flexible. Although wearable sensors show promise and improved dependability, they still require more knowledge about interaction between the target sample concentrations in blood and non-invasive biofluids. In this review, we have described the importance of wearable sensors for POCT, their design and types of these devices. Following which, we emphasize on the current breakthroughs in the application of wearable sensors in the realm of wearable integrated POCT devices. Lastly, we discuss the present obstacles and forthcoming potentials including the use of Internet of Things (IoT) for offering self-healthcare using wearable POCT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New-Generation Sensors/Prototypes Integrated with Functional Materials for Efficient Diagnostics)

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27 pages, 5495 KiB

Open AccessReview

Molecular Diagnosis and Cancer Prognosis—A Concise Review

by Thatchanamoorthy Thenrajan, Subbiah Alwarappan and Jeyaraj Wilson

Diagnostics 2023, 13(4), 766; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13040766 - 17 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3580

Abstract

Cancer is a complicated disease. Globally, it is one of the major causes for morbidity and mortality. A critical challenge associated with it is the difficulty to accurately diagnose it at an early stage. The malignancy due to multistage and heterogeneity that result [...] Read more.

Cancer is a complicated disease. Globally, it is one of the major causes for morbidity and mortality. A critical challenge associated with it is the difficulty to accurately diagnose it at an early stage. The malignancy due to multistage and heterogeneity that result from genetic and epigenetic modifications poses critical challenge to diagnose and monitor the progress at an early stage. Current diagnostic techniques normally suggest invasive biopsy procedure that can cause further infections and bleeding. Therefore, noninvasive diagnostic methods with high accuracy, safety and earliest detection are the needs of the hour. Herein, we provide a detailed review on the advanced methodologies and protocols developed for the detection of cancer biomarkers based on proteins, nucleic acids and extracellular vesicles. Furthermore, existing challenges and the improvements essential for the rapid, sensitive and noninvasive detection have also been discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New-Generation Sensors/Prototypes Integrated with Functional Materials for Efficient Diagnostics)

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24 pages, 3436 KiB

Open AccessReview

Emerging Trends and Recent Progress of MXene as a Promising 2D Material for Point of Care (POC) Diagnostics

by Raghuraj Singh Chouhan, Maitri Shah, Drishya Prakashan, Ramya P R, Pratik Kolhe and Sonu Gandhi

Diagnostics 2023, 13(4), 697; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13040697 - 12 Feb 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2400

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials with chemical and structural diversity have piqued the interest of the scientific community due to their superior photonic, mechanical, electrical, magnetic, and catalytic capabilities that distinguish them from their bulk counterparts. Among these 2D materials, two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, [...] Read more.

Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials with chemical and structural diversity have piqued the interest of the scientific community due to their superior photonic, mechanical, electrical, magnetic, and catalytic capabilities that distinguish them from their bulk counterparts. Among these 2D materials, two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, carbonitrides, and nitrides with a general chemical formula of M_n+1X_nT_x (where n = 1–3), together known as MXenes, have gained tremendous popularity and demonstrated competitive performance in biosensing applications. In this review, we focus on the cutting-edge advances in MXene-related biomaterials, with a systematic summary on their design, synthesis, surface engineering approaches, unique properties, and biological properties. We particularly emphasize the property–activity–effect relationship of MXenes at the nano–bio interface. We also discuss the recent trends in the application of MXenes in accelerating the performance of conventional point of care (POC) devices towards more practical approaches as the next generation of POC tools. Finally, we explore in depth the existing problems, challenges, and potential for future improvement of MXene-based materials for POC testing, with the goal of facilitating their early realization of biological applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New-Generation Sensors/Prototypes Integrated with Functional Materials for Efficient Diagnostics)

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