Optical and Electrical Nanostructured Sensors for Biochemical, Food and Environmental Applications

A special issue of Biosensors (ISSN 2079-6374). This special issue belongs to the section "Nano- and Micro-Technologies in Biosensors".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 16062

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems (ISASI), National Research Council (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
Interests: nanophotonics; plasmonics; surface enhanced spectroscopy; optical biosensors; lab-on-fiber and lab-on-chip devices; superconducting devices; nanofabrication

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Guest Editor
Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems (ISASI), National Research Council (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
Interests: nanotechnology; optical fiber sensors; lab-on-fiber device; biosensors; optoelecronics; nanophotonics

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems (ISASI), National Research Council (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
Interests: plasmonic metasurfaces; optical sensors; optical fiber sensing platform

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The aim of this Special Issue is to create a short collection of papers on the specific topic of optical and electrical nanostructured sensors. Thanks to the possibility of nanostructuring materials, we can make sensors and devices compact, with reduced dimensionality and above all with new functionalities. Nanostructuring enhances the characteristics of sensors, such as sensitivity, resolution, response speed, and much more. The progress of micro and nanotechnologies has permitted the realization of entirely new platforms such as Lab-on-Chip and Lab-on-Fiber, which represent miniaturized laboratories on planar substrates or even on optical fibers, which can be employed in real scenarios. These innovative sensors have outclassed traditional sensors in almost all fields of application. In this Special Issue, we would like to focus on biomedical, food, and environmental detection and monitoring. This Special Issue addresses and focuses on the recent advances of these sensors in terms of their design and fabrication strategies but also the performance achieved in real scenarios. We are glad to receive theoretical and experimental works in the form of original articles or review papers. The non-exhaustive list of potential topics includes:

  • Optical and electrical sensors;
  • Fabrication methods for realizing sensing devices;
  • Theoretical approaches for innovative sensors;
  • Advanced functional systems for biochemical, food, and environmental sensing applications.

We look forward to your contribution to this Special Issue.

Dr. Emanuela Esposito
Dr. Alessio Crescitelli
Dr. Valentina Di Meo
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • biosensing
  • electrical sensors
  • optical sensors
  • lab-on-fiber
  • lab-on-chip
  • food safety
  • biochemical detection
  • environmental monitoring and safety
  • micro and nanostructured transducers

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 4309 KiB  
Article
Biomolecular Monitoring Tool Based on Lab-on-Chip for Virus Detection
by Francesca Costantini, Nicola Lovecchio, Manasa Nandimandalam, Ariana Manglli, Francesco Faggioli, Mara Biasin, Cesare Manetti, Pio Federico Roversi, Augusto Nascetti, Giampiero de Cesare and Domenico Caputo
Biosensors 2023, 13(5), 544; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13050544 - 12 May 2023
Viewed by 1622
Abstract
Lab-on-Chip (LoC) devices for performing real-time PCR are advantageous compared to standard equipment since these systems allow to conduct in-field quick analysis. The development of LoCs, where the components for performing the nucleic acid amplification are all integrated, can be an issue. In [...] Read more.
Lab-on-Chip (LoC) devices for performing real-time PCR are advantageous compared to standard equipment since these systems allow to conduct in-field quick analysis. The development of LoCs, where the components for performing the nucleic acid amplification are all integrated, can be an issue. In this work, we present a LoC-PCR device where thermalization, temperature control and detection elements are all integrated on a single glass substrate named System-on-Glass (SoG) obtained using metal thin-film deposition. By using a microwell plate optically coupled with the SoG, real-time reverse transcriptase PCR of RNA extracted from both a plant and human virus has been carried out in the developed LoC-PCR device. The limit of detection and time of analysis for the detection of the two viruses by using the LoC-PCR were compared with those achieved by standard equipment. The results showed that the two systems can detect the same concentration of RNA; however, the LoC-PCR performs the analysis in half of the time compared to the standard thermocycler, with the advantage of the portability, leading to a point-of-care device for several diagnostic applications. Full article
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16 pages, 1175 KiB  
Article
Advanced Lab-on-Fiber Optrodes Assisted by Oriented Antibody Immobilization Strategy
by Sarassunta Ucci, Sara Spaziani, Giuseppe Quero, Patrizio Vaiano, Maria Principe, Alberto Micco, Annamaria Sandomenico, Menotti Ruvo, Marco Consales and Andrea Cusano
Biosensors 2022, 12(11), 1040; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12111040 - 17 Nov 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2423
Abstract
Lab-on-fiber (LoF) optrodes offer several advantages over conventional techniques for point-of-care platforms aimed at real-time and label-free detection of clinically relevant biomarkers. Moreover, the easy integration of LoF platforms in medical needles, catheters, and nano endoscopes offer unique potentials for in vivo biopsies [...] Read more.
Lab-on-fiber (LoF) optrodes offer several advantages over conventional techniques for point-of-care platforms aimed at real-time and label-free detection of clinically relevant biomarkers. Moreover, the easy integration of LoF platforms in medical needles, catheters, and nano endoscopes offer unique potentials for in vivo biopsies and tumor microenvironment assessment. The main barrier to translating the vision close to reality is the need to further lower the final limit of detection of developed optrodes. For immune-biosensing purposes, the assay sensitivity significantly relies on the capability to correctly immobilize the capture antibody in terms of uniform coverage and correct orientation of the bioreceptor, especially when very low detection limits are requested as in the case of cancer diagnostics. Here, we investigated the possibility to improve the immobilization strategies through the use of hinge carbohydrates by involving homemade antibodies that demonstrated a significantly improved recognition of the antigen with ultra-low detection limits. In order to create an effective pipeline for the improvement of biofunctionalization protocols to be used in connection with LoF platforms, we first optimized the protocol using a microfluidic surface plasmon resonance (mSPR) device and then transferred the optimized strategy onto LoF platforms selected for the final validation. Here, we selected two different LoF platforms: a biolayer interferometry (BLI)-based device (commercially available) and a homemade advanced LoF biosensor based on optical fiber meta-tips (OFMTs). As a clinically relevant scenario, here we focused our attention on a promising serological biomarker, Cripto-1, for its ability to promote tumorigenesis in breast and liver cancer. Currently, Cripto-1 detection relies on laborious and time-consuming immunoassays. The reported results demonstrated that the proposed approach based on oriented antibody immobilization was able to significantly improve Cripto-1 detection with a 10-fold enhancement versus the random approach. More interestingly, by using the oriented antibody immobilization strategy, the OFMTs-based platform was able to reveal Cripto-1 at a concentration of 0.05 nM, exhibiting detection capabilities much higher (by a factor of 250) than those provided by the commercial LoF platform based on BLI and similar to the ones shown by the commercial and well-established bench-top mSPR Biacore 8K system. Therefore, our work opened new avenues into the development of high-sensitivity LoF biosensors for the detection of clinically relevant biomarkers in the sub-ng/mL range. Full article
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21 pages, 58175 KiB  
Article
Thin-Film-Based Multifunctional System for Optical Detection and Thermal Treatment of Biological Samples
by Nicola Lovecchio, Francesca Costantini, Augusto Nascetti, Giampiero de Cesare and Domenico Caputo
Biosensors 2022, 12(11), 969; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12110969 - 4 Nov 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2371
Abstract
In this work, we present a multifunctional Lab-on-Chip (LoC) platform based on hydrogenated amorphous silicon sensors suitable for a wide range of application in the fields of biochemical and food quality control analysis. The proposed system includes a LoC fabricated on a 5 [...] Read more.
In this work, we present a multifunctional Lab-on-Chip (LoC) platform based on hydrogenated amorphous silicon sensors suitable for a wide range of application in the fields of biochemical and food quality control analysis. The proposed system includes a LoC fabricated on a 5 cm × 5 cm glass substrate and a set of electronic boards for controlling the LoC functionalities. The presented Lab-on-Chip comprises light and temperature sensors, a thin film resistor acting as a heating source, and an optional thin film interferential filter suitable for fluorescence analysis. The developed electronics allows to control the thin film heater, a light source for fluorescence and absorption measurements, and the photosensors to acquire luminescent signals. All these modules are enclosed in a black metal box ensuring the portability of the whole platform. System performances have been evaluated in terms of sensor optical performances and thermal control achievements. For optical sensors, we have found a minimum number of detectable photons of 8 × 104 s−1·cm−2 at room temperature, 1.6 × 106 s−1·cm−2 in presence of fluorescence excitation source, and 2.4 × 106 s−1·cm−2 at 90 °C. From a thermal management point of view, we have obtained heating and cooling rates both equal to 2.2 °C/s, and a temperature sensor sensitivity of about 3 mV/°C even in presence of light. The achieved performances demonstrate the possibility to simultaneously use all integrated sensors and actuators, making promising the presented platform for a wide range of application fields. Full article
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14 pages, 3291 KiB  
Article
Probing Denaturation of Protein A via Surface-Enhanced Infrared Absorption Spectroscopy
by Valentina Di Meo, Massimo Moccia, Gennaro Sanità, Alessio Crescitelli, Annalisa Lamberti, Vincenzo Galdi, Ivo Rendina and Emanuela Esposito
Biosensors 2022, 12(7), 530; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12070530 - 15 Jul 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2586
Abstract
We apply surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopy to monitor the denaturation process of a surface-bound protein A monolayer. Our proposed platform relies on a plasmonic metasurface comprising different spatial subregions (“pixels”) that are engineered to exhibit different resonances covering the infrared region of [...] Read more.
We apply surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopy to monitor the denaturation process of a surface-bound protein A monolayer. Our proposed platform relies on a plasmonic metasurface comprising different spatial subregions (“pixels”) that are engineered to exhibit different resonances covering the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum that is matched to the vibrational modes of the Amide groups. Specifically, we are able to determine changes in the Amide I and Amide II vibration coupled modes, by comparing the SEIRA reflectance spectra pertaining to the native state and a denatured state induced by a pH variation. In particular, we observe some evident red-shifts in the principal Amide I mode and the Amide II vibration coupled modes (attributable to the breaking of hydrogen bonds), which result in insurmountable barriers for refolding. Thanks to the strong field localization, and consequent enhancement of the light-matter interactions, our proposed sensing platform can operate with extremely small amounts of an analyte, with an estimated detection limit of about 3 femtomoles of molecules. Full article
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10 pages, 11864 KiB  
Article
Rapid Detection of Deoxynivalenol in Dry Pasta Using a Label-Free Immunosensor
by Francesca Malvano, Roberto Pilloton, Alfredo Rubino and Donatella Albanese
Biosensors 2022, 12(4), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12040240 - 13 Apr 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2095
Abstract
This work focused on the development and optimization of an impedimetric label-free immunosensor for detecting deoxynivalenol (DON). A monoclonal antibody for DON detection was immobilized on a modified gold electrode with a cysteamine layer and polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance [...] Read more.
This work focused on the development and optimization of an impedimetric label-free immunosensor for detecting deoxynivalenol (DON). A monoclonal antibody for DON detection was immobilized on a modified gold electrode with a cysteamine layer and polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques were used to monitor the layer-by-layer development of the immunosensor design, while electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and differential pulse voltammetry were employed to investigate the antigen/antibody interaction. The PAMAM dendrimers, allowing to immobilize a large number of monoclonal antibodies, permitted reaching, through the DPV technique, a high sensitivity and a low limit of detection equal to 1 ppb. The evaluation of the possible reuse of the immunosensors highlighted a decrease in the analytical performances of the regenerated immunosensors. After evaluating the matrix effect, the developed immunosensor was used to quantify DON in pasta samples spiked with a known mycotoxin concentration. Taking into consideration the DON extraction procedure used for the pasta samples and the matrix effect related to the sample, the proposed immunosensor showed a limit of detection of 50 ppb, which is lower than the maximum residual limit imposed by European Regulation for DON in dry pasta (750 ppb). Full article
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Review

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18 pages, 2204 KiB  
Review
Nanomaterials-Based Electrochemiluminescence Biosensors for Food Analysis: Recent Developments and Future Directions
by Jiaojiao Zhou, Xuqin Lv, Jilai Jia, Zia-ud Din, Shiqi Cai, Jiangling He, Fang Xie and Jie Cai
Biosensors 2022, 12(11), 1046; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12111046 - 18 Nov 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3365
Abstract
Developing robust and sensitive food safety detection methods is important for human health. Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) is a powerful analytical technique for complete separation of input source (electricity) and output signal (light), thereby significantly reducing background ECL signal. ECL biosensors have attracted considerable attention [...] Read more.
Developing robust and sensitive food safety detection methods is important for human health. Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) is a powerful analytical technique for complete separation of input source (electricity) and output signal (light), thereby significantly reducing background ECL signal. ECL biosensors have attracted considerable attention owing to their high sensitivity and wide dynamic range in food safety detection. In this review, we introduce the principles of ECL biosensors and common ECL luminophores, as well as the latest applications of ECL biosensors in food analysis. Further, novel nanomaterial assembly strategies have been progressively incorporated into the design of ECL biosensors, and by demonstrating some representative works, we summarize the development status of ECL biosensors in detection of mycotoxins, heavy metal ions, antibiotics, pesticide residues, foodborne pathogens, and other illegal additives. Finally, the current challenges faced by ECL biosensors are outlined and the future directions for advancing ECL research are presented. Full article
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