M. Gamella

Disposable amperometric magneto-immunosensor for direct detection of tetracyclines antibiotics residues in milk.

The preparation and performance of a disposable amperometric magneto-immunosensor, involving the use of a selective capture antibody immobilized on the surface of protein G-functionalized magnetic beads (ProtG-MBs) and screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs), for the specific detection and quantification of tetracyclines (TCs) residues in milk is reported. A direct competitive immunoassay using a tracer with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) for the enzymatic labeling was performed. The amperometric response measured at -0.2 V vs. the silver pseudo-reference electrode of the SPCE upon the addition of H(2)O(2) in the presence of hydroquinone (HQ) as redox mediator was used as transduction signal. The developed methodology showed very low limits of detection (in the low ppb level) for 4 tetracycline antibiotics tested in untreated milk samples, and a good selectivity against other antibiotic residues frequently detected in milk and dairy products. The usefulness of the magneto-immunosensor was demonstrated by analyzing UHT whole milk samples spiked with 44 ng mL(-1) tetracycline (TC) as well as a reference milk containing a certified oxytetracycline (OTC) content. These features, together with the short analysis time (30 min), the simplicity, and easy automation and miniaturization of the required instrumentation make the developed methodology a promising alternative in the development of devices for on-site analysis.

Microorganisms recognition and quantification by lectin adsorptive affinity impedance.

Lectin-based screen-printed gold electrodes are reported for the impedimetric label-free detection of bacteria. The selective interaction of lectins with carbohydrate components from microorganisms surface was used as the recognition principle for their detection and identification. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was employed for the direct label-free transduction of the bacteria-lectin binding. Biotinylated Concanavalin A (Con A) and Escherichia coli were used for the evaluation of the lectin-bacteria complex formation. This complex was formed in solution, and then adsorbed onto the gold SPE surface. No bacteria immobilization was observed on the sensor prepared in the absence of ConA, demonstrating the absence of non-specific bacteria adsorption onto the gold SPE. On the contrary, the changes in electron transfer resistance allowed monitoring of E. coli-biotinylated Con A complex formation without any amplification step. Experimental variables such as the biotinylated-Con A concentration and the bacteria-lectin incubation time were optimized. The electron transfer resistance varied linearly with the logarithmic value of E. coli concentration over four orders of magnitude, 5.0 x 10(3) and 5.0 x 10(7) cfu mL(-1). The selectivity of the approach was evaluated by checking the impedimetric responses of gold SPE modified with the complexes formed between nine lectins and three different bacteria (E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium phlei). Different response profiles were found when the different lectins were used as recognition elements. principal component analysis (PCA) allowed classification and distinction among bacteria. Finally, electrochemical monitoring of beta-galactosidase activity for the surface attached bacteria was demonstrated to be useful to distinguish between E. coli and S. aureus, which exhibit a similar affinity towards biotinylated-Con A.

Integrated disposable electrochemical immunosensors for the simultaneous determination of sulfonamide and tetracycline antibiotics residues in milk.

The design, preparation and analytical performance of a novel integrated amperometric immunosensor based on the immobilization of selective capture antibodies on the surface of Protein G-modified screen-printed dual carbon electrodes (SPdCEs) for the multiplexed determination of sulfonamide and tetracycline antibiotics residues in milk is reported in this work. Protein G was covalently immobilized onto a 4-aminobenzoic acid (4-ABA) film grafted on the disposable electrode, and a direct competitive immunoassay using horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labeled tracers was performed. The amperometric responses measured at -0.2 V vs. the silver pseudo-reference electrode of the SPdCE upon the addition of H2O2 in the presence of hydroquinone (HQ) as mediator were used to monitor the extent of the immunoreactions. The developed methodology showed very low limits of detection (in the low ppb level) for sulfonamide and tetracycline antibiotics tested in untreated milk samples, and a good selectivity against other antibiotic residues frequently detected in milk and dairy products. The usefulness of the dual immunosensor was demonstrated by analyzing spiked milk samples as well as a reference milk containing a certified oxytetracycline (OTC) content. Good recoveries were attained in an analysis time of 30 min.

Lectin-modified piezoelectric biosensors for bacteria recognition and quantification

The use of lectins for microorganism biosensors fabrication is proposed. Lectins are immobilised onto a gold-plated quartz crystal for direct piezoelectric label-free transduction of the bacteria–lectin binding event using an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM). Concanavalin A (Con A) and Escherichia coli were used for the evaluation of the lectin immobilisation method and the biosensor performance. Adsorption on nonpolarised and polarised (−0.200xa0V) gold-coated quartz crystals and immobilisation through avidin–biotin binding were checked for Con A surface attachment. Lectin–bacteria binding was evaluated in all cases. With a crystal modified with Con A via avidin–biotin immobilisation we obtained a linear calibration plot between 5.0u2009×u2009106 and 2.0u2009×u2009107xa0cfuxa0mL−1 by measuring frequency changes with E. coli concentration 1xa0h after bacteria addition. A remarkable increase in sensitivity was achieved when the analytical solution contained free biotinylated Con A, as a consequence of multiple lectin adhesion to Escherichia coli cell wall, which produced an accumulation of Con A–E. coli conjugates in the form of multilayers at the electrode surface. A detection limit of approximately 1.0u2009×u2009104xa0cfuxa0mL−1 was achieved. Moreover nonspecific adsorptions were minimised. Using Con A and lectin from Arachis hypogaea, different response profiles were achieved for Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium phlei, thus demonstrating the feasibility of bacteria discrimination. An approach involving filtering of free and lectin-bound bacteria and introduction of a filter in the measuring cell allowed a significant frequency change to be obtained for an E. coli concentration of 1.0u2009×u2009103xa0cfuxa0mL−1 in order to further increase the sensitivity and discriminate between viable and nonviable cells; an approach using electrochemical measurements of bacterial catalase activity was also checked.

An integrated amperometric biosensor for the determination of lactose in milk and dairy products.

An integrated amperometric biosensor for the determination of lactose is reported. The bioelectrode design is based on the use of a 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) self-assembled monolayer (SAM)-modified gold electrode on which the enzymes beta-galactosidase (beta-Gal), glucose oxidase (GOD), peroxidase (HRP) and the mediator tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) are coimmobilized by a dialysis membrane. beta-Gal catalyzes the hydrolysis of lactose, and the produced glucose is catalytically oxidized to gluconic acid and H(2)O(2), which is reduced in the presence of HRP. This enzyme reaction is mediated by TTF, and the reduction of TTF(+) at 0.00 V (vs Ag/AgCl) gives rise to an amperometric signal proportional to the lactose concentration. The biosensor exhibits a good repeatability of the measurement carried out with the same biosensor, a good reproducibility of the responses obtained with different biosensors and a useful lifetime of 28 days. A linear calibration plot was obtained for lactose over the 1.5 x 10(-6) to 1.2 x 10(-4) M concentration range, with a limit of detection of 4.6 x 10(-7) M. The effect of potential interferents (sucrose, lactulose, fructose, arabinose, maltose, galactose, glucose and uric and ascorbic acids) on the biosensor response was evaluated. Furthermore, the bioelectrode exhibits a suitable performance in flow-injection systems in connection with amperometric detection. The developed biosensor was applied to the determination of lactose in milk and other foodstuffs (chocolate, butter, margarine, yogurt, cheese and mayonnaise), and the results obtained were validated by comparison with those provided by using a commercial enzyme test kit.

A novel non-invasive electrochemical biosensing device for in situ determination of the alcohol content in blood by monitoring ethanol in sweat.

A non-invasive, passive and simple to use skin surface based sensing device for determining the bloods ethanol content (BAC) by monitoring transdermal alcohol concentration (TAC) is designed and developed. The proposed prototype is based on bienzyme amperometric composite biosensors that are sensitive to the variation of ethanol concentration. The prototype correlates, through previous calibration set-up, the amperometric signal generated from ethanol in sweat with its content in blood in a short period of time. The characteristics of this sensor device permit determination of the ethanol concentration in isolated and in continuous form, giving information of the BAC of a subject either in a given moment or its evolution during long periods of time (8h). Moreover, as the measurements are performed in a biological fluid, the evaluated individual is not able to alter the result of the analysis. The maximum limit of ethanol in blood allowed by legislation is included within the linear range of the device (0.0005-0.6 g L(-1)). Moreover, the device shows higher sensitivity than the breathalyzers marketed at the moment, allowing the monitoring of the ethanol content in blood to be obtained just 5 min after ingestion of the alcoholic drink. The comparison of the obtained results using the proposed device in the analysis of 40 volunteers with those provided by the gas chromatographic reference method for determination of BAC pointed out that there were no significant differences between both methods.

Disposable and integrated amperometric immunosensor for direct determination of sulfonamide antibiotics in milk.

The preparation and performance of a disposable amperometric immunosensor, based on the use of a selective capture antibody and screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs), for the specific detection and quantification of sulfonamide residues in milk is reported. The antibody was covalently immobilized onto a 4-aminobenzoic acid (4-ABA) film grafted on the disposable electrode, and a direct competitive immunoassay using a tracer with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) for the enzymatic labeling was performed. The amperometric response measured at -0.2 V vs the silver pseudo-reference electrode of the SPCE upon the addition of H(2)O(2) in the presence of hydroquinone (HQ) as mediator was used as transduction signal. The developed methodology showed very low limits of detection (in the low ppb level) for 6 sulfonamide antibiotics tested in untreated milk samples, and a good selectivity against other families of antibiotics residues frequently detected in milk and dairy products. These features, together with the short analysis time (30 min), the simplicity, and easy automation and miniaturization of the required instrumentation make the developed methodology a promising alternative in the development of devices for on-site analysis.

Electrochemical bioplatforms for the simultaneous determination of interleukin (IL)-8 mRNA and IL-8 protein oral cancer biomarkers in raw saliva.

The development of electrochemical magnetobiosensors for the simultaneous determination of two biomarkers associated with salivary oral cancer, protein IL-8 and its messenger RNA (IL-8 mRNA) associated, in undiluted human saliva samples is reported in this work. The implemented methodology involves the use of functionalized magnetic beads, specific antibodies against IL-8 protein, a specific hairpin DNA sequence for IL-8 mRNA and amperometric detection at disposable dual screen printed carbon electrodes. This methodology exhibits high sensitivity and selectivity for the target analytes providing detection limits of 0.21 nM for IL-8 mRNA and 72.4 pgmL(-1) (far below the clinical established cut-off of 600 pgmL(-1)) for IL-8 protein in undiluted saliva samples. The dual amperometric magnetobiosensor was applied to the direct determination of both biomarkers in spiked raw saliva samples and to determine the endogenous content of IL-8 protein in saliva samples from 7 healthy individuals. The obtained results were statistically in agreement with those provided by a commercial ELISA kit.

Integrated multienzyme electrochemical biosensors for the determination of glycerol in wines.

The construction and performance of integrated amperometric biosensors for the determination of glycerol are reported. Two different biosensor configurations have been evaluated: one based on the glycerol dehydrogenase/diaphorase (GDH/DP) bienzyme system, and another using glycerol kinase/glycerol-3-phosphate oxidase/peroxidase (GK/GPOx/HRP). Both enzyme systems were immobilized together with the mediator tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) on a 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) self-assembled monolayer (SAM)-modified gold electrode by using a dialysis membrane. The electrochemical oxidation of TTF at +150mV (vs. Ag/AgCl), and the reduction of TTF(+) at 0mV were used for the monitoring of the enzyme reactions for the bienzyme and trienzyme configurations, respectively. Experimental variables concerning both the biosensors composition and the working conditions were optimized for each configuration. A good repeatability of the measurements with no need of cleaning or pretreatment of the biosensors was obtained in both cases. After 51 days of use, the GDH/DP biosensor still exhibited 87% of the original sensitivity, while the GK/GPOx/HRP biosensor yielded a 46% of the original response after 8 days. Calibration graphs for glycerol with linear ranges of 1.0x10(-6) to 2.0x10(-5) or 1.0x10(-6) to 1.0x10(-5)M glycerol and sensitivities of 1214+/-21 or 1460+/-34microAM(-1) were obtained with GDH/DP and GK/GPOx/HRP biosensors, respectively. The calculated detection limits were 4.0x10(-7) and 3.1x10(-7)M, respectively. The biosensors exhibited a great sensitivity with no significant interferences in the analysis of wines. The biosensors were applied to the determination of glycerol in 12 different wines and the results advantageously compared with those provided by a commercial enzyme kit.

Integrated multienzyme electrochemical biosensors for monitoring malolactic fermentation in wines

Integrated amperometric biosensors for the determination of L-malic and L-lactic acids were developed by coimmobilization of the enzymes L-malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and diaphorase (DP), or L-lactate oxidase (LOX) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP), respectively, together with the redox mediator tetrathiafulvalene (TTF), on a 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) self-assembled monolayer (SAM)-modified gold electrode by using a dialysis membrane. The electrochemical oxidation of TTF at +100mV (vs. Ag/AgCl), and the reduction of TTF(+) at -50mV were used for the monitoring of the enzyme reactions involved in L-malic and L-lactic acid determinations, respectively. Experimental variables concerning the biosensors composition and the detection conditions were optimized for each biosensor. Good relative standard deviation values were obtained in both cases for the measurements carried out with the same biosensor, with no need of cleaning or pretreatment of the bioelectrodes surface, and with different biosensors constructed in the same manner. After 7 days of continuous use, the MDH/DP biosensor still exhibited 90% of the original sensitivity, while the LOX/HRP biosensor yielded a 91% of the original response after 5 days. Calibration graphs for L-malic and L-lactic were obtained with linear ranges of 5.2x10(-7) to 2.0x10(-5) and 4.2x10(-7) to 2.0x10(-5)M, respectively. The calculated detection limits were 5.2x10(-7) and 4.2x10(-7)M, respectively. The biosensors exhibited a high selectivity with no significant interferences. They were applied to monitor malolactic fermentation (MLF) induced by inoculation of Lactobacillus plantarum CECT 748(T) into a synthetic wine. Samples collected during MLF were assayed for L-malic and L-lactic acids, and the results obtained with the biosensors exhibited a very good correlation when plotted against those obtained by using commercial enzymatic kits.