Special Issue "Nanotechnological Advances in Biosensors"

Guest Editor
Dr. Jay Nadeau
Biomedical Engineering, Lyman Duff Medical Building, Room 310, 3775 University St., Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
Website: http://www.its.caltech.edu/~nadeau/
E-Mail:
Interests: ion channel biosensors; quantum dots for biological labeling; robotic chemistry lab for martian life

Coupling of biomolecules or complex biological systems with electronic or optoelectronic devices is the general principle of various biosensors. The effective performance of biosensors requires transduction of the chemical signals generated by the biological components to electronic signals. New methods and new materials (functionalized nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, etc.) developed due to the tremendous recent success in nanotechnology pave the way for the novel possibilities to couple biomaterials and electronic transducers. The great importance of cooperative efforts in bioelectronics and nanotechnology, resulting in the formulation of the novel scientific direction named “bionanotechnology” cannot be overestimated. The recently born scientific direction has already attracted major interests of researches. Dimensional similarity of biomolecules and nano-objects allow their functional coupling, thus providing effective chemical/electronic signal transduction in the hybrid systems. The bionano-hybrid systems keep great promise for the development of novel biosensors, biofuel cells and biocomputing elements. Therefore, cooperative efforts of chemists, physicists and engineers from both science/technology areas (bioelectronics and nanotechnology) are needed to bring these promises into reality. These efforts should be directed to the basic science and to the technological development solving practical issues. The present special issue will outline the state-of-the-art in the area of nanotechnological advances in biosensors.

Submission

Sensors (http://www.mdpi.org/sensors/) is a highly rated journal with a 1.870 impact factor in 2008. Sensors is indexed and abstracted very quickly by Chemical Abstracts, Analytical Abstracts, Science Citation Index Expanded, Chemistry Citation Index, Scopus and Google Scholar.

All papers should be submitted to sensors@mdpi.org with copy to the guest editor, jay.nadeau@mcgill.ca. To be published continuously until the deadline and papers will be listed together at the special websites.

Please visit the instructions for authors at http://www.mdpi.org/sensors/publguid.htm before submitting a paper. Open Access publication fees are 1050 CHF per paper. English correction fees (250 CHF) will be added in certain cases (1300 CHF per paper for those papers that require extensive additional formatting and/or English corrections.).

• bionanotechnology
• nanotechnology
• biosensors
• nanomaterials
• nanostructure
• NEMS
• functionalized nanoparticles
• carbon nanotubes
• biofuel cells
• biocomputing

Submitted Papers

Title: Fabricating an Amperometric Cholesterol Biosensor by Covalent Linkage between Poly(3-thiopheneacetic acid) and Cholesterol Oxidase
Authors: Po-Chin Nien ¹, Po-Yen Chen ¹ and Kuo-Chuan Ho ^1,2,*
1 Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University/No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei 10617, Taiwan. E-Mails: f94524006@ntu.edu.tw; d94524009@ntu.edu.tw
² Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, National Taiwan University/ No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
* Author to whom correspondance should be addressed: kcho@ntu.edu.tw
Abstract: In this study, the covalent method of enzyme immobilization was proposed to attach cholesterol oxidase (ChO) on conducting polymer, poly(3-thiopheneacetic acid), (poly(3-TPAA)). The red-orange poly(3-TPAA) film matrixes, named electrode A, B and C, were electro-polymerized on platinum electrode by applying a constant current of 1.5 mA, for 5, 20 and 100 s, respectively. Further,
1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylamiopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC ‧ HCl) and N-hydroxy-succinimide (NHS) were used to activate the free carboxylic groups of the conducting polymer. Afterward, the amino groups of the cholesterol oxidase were linked on the activated groups to form peptide bonds. The linear range of electrode B is from 0 to 8 mM with a best sensitivity of 4.49 mA M^-1 cm^-2, and this range is sufficient for the analysis of cholesterol in human beings. The response time (t₉₅) is between 70 and 90 s and the limit of detection is 0.42 mM based on signal to noise ratio equaling to 3. The interference materials such as ascorbic acid and uric acid increase 5.2 and 10.3 % of the original current responses respectively, contributed from cholesterol. With respect to long-term stability, the sensing response retains 88 % of the original current after 13 days.
Keywords: cholesterol, cholesterol oxidase, covalent, ferrocene, poly(3-thiopheneacetic acid)

Title: A Review on Direct Electrochemistry of Catalase Immobilized at Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Sensors
Authors: Periasamy Arun Prakash , Umasankar Yogeswaran and Shen-Ming Chen*
Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, National Taipei University of Technology, No.1, Section 3, Chung-Hsiao East Road , Taipei 106, Taiwan (R.O.C). E-Mails: arunprakash.p@gmail.com; uyogesh@gmail.com
* Author to whom correspondance should be addressed: smchen78@ms15.hinet.net
Abstract: Catalase (CAT) is a heme enzyme with Fe(III/II) prosthetic group at its redox centre. This CAT is present in almost all aerobic living organisms, where it catalyzes the disproportionation of H2O2 in to oxygen and water without forming free radicals. In order to study this catalytic mechanism in detail, the direct electrochemistry of CAT has been investigated at various nanomaterial modified electrodes. The results show that, CAT immobilized at these nanomaterial modified electrodes greatly enhances the direct electron transfer (DET) between heme group of the enzyme and electrode surface. Further these studies reveal that this heme protein is highly biocompatible and stable inside such nanomaterial matrix. This review in particular, highlights the direct electrochemistry of CAT immobilized at various nanomaterials for electrochemical sensor development.
Keywords: Direct electrochemistry; catalase; electrocatalysis; hydrogen peroxide; electrochemical sensors; nanomaterials

Title: Biosensors based on Semiconductor Nanostructures
Author: Raúl José Martín Palma
Professor, Departamento de Física Aplicada, C-12, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Cantoblanco. Madrid, Spain; Tel: +34 91 497 40 28, Fax: +34 91 497 39 69; E-mail: rauljose.martin@uam.es; http://www.uam.es/rauljose.martin; http://rincon.uam.es/dir?cw=732455444335937
Abstract: The increasing availability of techniques for the fabrication of semiconductor-based nanostructures of tailored compositions has sparked widespread interest in their use in several biotechnological systems, including biosensors. The precise control over the size, shape and composition of semiconductor nanostructures leads to the accurate control of their physico-chemical properties and overall behavior. Furthermore, modifications can be made to the nanostructures to better suit their integration with biological systems, leading to such interesting properties as enhanced aqueous solubility, biocompatibility or bio-recognition.
In the present work, the most significant applications of semiconductor nanostructures in the field of optical biosensing will be reviewed. In particular, the use of quantum dots as fluorescent bioprobes, which is the most widely used application, will be discussed. In addition, the use of some other nanometric structures in the field of biosensing, including porous semiconductors and photonic crystals, will be discussed.

Title: From Lateral Flow Devices to a Novel Nanocolor Fluidic Assay
Author: Thomas Schalkhammer
Professor University Vienna, Austria; E-mail: Schalkhammer@attophotonics.com; http://www.attophotonics.com/html/company.html
Abstract: to be added

Planned Papers

Title: Nanomaterial-based Biosensor: A Review of Small Technology
Authors: Yeo-Heung Yun and Mark J. Schulz
University of Cincinnati, Department of Mechanical Engineering, 2600 Clifton Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45221; E-mails: yunyg@email.uc.edu; mark.j.schulz@uc.edu
Abstract: to be added

Title: Emerging Synergy between Nanotechnology and Implantable Biosensors: A Review
Authors: S. Vaddiraju1, F. Jain2, D.J. Burgess 3, & F. Papadimitrakopoulos1,4 *
1 Nanomaterials Optoelectronics Laboratory, Polymer Program, Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269
2 Nanomaterials Optoelectronics Laboratory, Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269
3 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269
4 Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269
* Corresponding Author: Dr. Fotios Papadimitrakopoulos, Professor of Chemistry, Polymer Program, Institute of Material Science, U-3136, University of Connecticut, USA; Phone: 860-486-3447; Email: papadim@mail.ims.uconn.edu
Abatract: The development of implantable biosensors for continuous monitoring of analytes continues to be an area of interest for many research groups across the world. On the other hand, nanotechnology and nanoscience which deal with the unprecedented properties of materials at the nanoscale, is developing as a potent tool to enhance the performance of these biosensors. This article reviews the current state of the art of implantable biosensors, emphasizing the synergy between nanotechnology and high performance of these biosensors. With particular emphasis on the electrochemical method of detection, performance criteria along with current best biosensor designs have been discussed. The application of nanotechnology to tackle the issue of biocompatibility of these implantable sensors is also covered. Last but not the least, the review discusses the current commercial status as well various aspects of fabrication and development of these nanotechnology based biosensors.

Title: Investigation of gold/porous silicon layers for biosensor applications
Authors: Irina Kleps, Mihaela Miu, Monica Simion, Teodora Ignat, Mihai Danila, Florea Craciunoiu, Adina Bragaru
National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies (IMT-Bucharest), Erou Iancu Nicolae str. 126A 077190, Bucharest, Romania, fax: + 40.21.4908238, tel: + 40.21.4908085; e-mail: irina.kleps@imt.ro
Abstract: Based on its optical, electrical and chemical specific properties and due to its capability to be easy integrated with silicon technology, gold films with various nanostructures on porous silicon (PS) substrates were proposed as sensing elements for biosensors with applications in medicine, pharmacology, chemistry, biology and environmental science. In this paper we have studied as-deposited and thermally treated PVD gold on nano- (< 15 nm), meso- (ca.100 nm), and macro-PS (ca. 1µm). The Au/PS sample morphology is investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), functionalization and protein confinement are characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and optical, electrical and chemical properties, by Raman, fluorescence, impedance spectroscopy, and SECM. Protein and DNA detection limits for SERS and impedance biosensors are determined on 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (11-MUA) functionalised Au/PS samples.

Title: Nanomaterials in Electrochemical Biosensing
Author: Antonella Curulli
CNR ISMN Via del Castro Laurenziano 7 00161 Rome, Italy
E-mail: antonella.curulli@uniroma1.it
Abstract: The unique properties of nanoscale materials offer excellent prospects for interfacing biological recognition events with electronic signal transduction and for designing a new generation of bioelectronics devices exhibiting novel functions.
Nanotechnology is playing an increasing important role in the development of biosensors. The sensitivity and performance of biosensors is being improved by using nanomaterials for their assembling. The use of these nanomaterials has allowed the introduction of many new signal transduction technologies in biosensors. Because of their submicron dimensions, nanosensor, nanoprobes and other nanosystems have allowed simple and rapid analysis in vivo. Portable instruments capable of analyzing multiple components are becoming available. This paper reviews the status of different nanostructured-based biosensors and highlights recent advances in such application area.
Further, this article provides a comprehensive review of current research activities that concentrate on biosensors based on nanotubes, nanorods, nanowires and nanoparticles. We devote the most attention on the experimental principle, sensing mechanism and some important conclusions. We elaborate on the development of electrochemical biosensors based on nanostructured materials, in the following sections: nanotube biosensors, nanorod biosensors, nanowires biosensors and nanoparticles biosensors. We conclude this review with possible perspective on the directions towards which future research on nanostructured sensors might be directed.

Title: Nanomaterials Encapsulated Dendrimers for Biosensing Applications: A Review
Authors: Soundappan Thiagarajan, Binesh Unnikrishnan and Shen-Ming Chen^*
Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan-106. (ROC).
Abstract: Dendrimers are repeatedly branched molecules which are characterized by their structure perfection and symmetry. Dendrimers possess globular structure with high geometric symmetry and provide multiple conjugations sites, controllable surface functionality, and chemical stability. The chemical properties of dendrimers are clearly based on the functional groups on its molecular surface. Particularly, the presence of internal void in the dendrimer helps them to encapsulate various guest nanomaterials which results in the fabrication of different types of film and could be applied for the various types of biosensor applications. Further, nanomaterials encapsulated dendrimers possess a significant interest in the field of fabricating biosensors because; the dendrimers have advantages over other conducing polymers with special properties. Especially, dendrimer encapsulated with nanomaterials show great advantages because the combination of physical and chemical properties of the nanomaterials and the surface reactivity of dendrimers can be utilized together. Therefore, nanoparticle encapsulated dendrimers are promising materials in the field of biosensor fabrication. Thus, in this review, we focused to explicate the current updates of nanomaterials encapsulated dendrimers for the biosensing applications.

Title: Ellipsometry, a Diagnostic Tool in Nanobiomedicine
Author: Günter Siegel
Prof. Dr. med. Günter Siegel, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Institut für Physiologie, Arnimallee 22, D-14195 Berlin, Germany; Tel.: 0049-30-8445 1685, Fax: 0049-30-8445 1684; E-mail: guenter.siegel@charite.de$
Abstract: to be added