Khalil K. Hussain , Chloe Miller , Mark Yeoman , Bhavik Anil Patel
{"title":"Detecting age-related changes in faecal vasoactive intestinal polypeptide using a 3D-printed electrochemical immunosensor","authors":"Khalil K. Hussain , Chloe Miller , Mark Yeoman , Bhavik Anil Patel","doi":"10.1016/j.biosx.2025.100667","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biosx.2025.100667","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide with a multitude of diverse physiological functions, including vasodilation, immune modulation, and most notable gastrointestinal regulation. At present, VIP is determined using biochemical assays, which are time-consuming and require complex multi-step sample preparation. Therefore, we focused on the development of the first electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of VIP in faecal pellets. Our VIP immunosensor was made by covalent immobilization of an anti-VIP antibody onto a thiophene-2-carboxylic acid conductive polymer layer, after deposition of gold nanostars onto a carbon black/polylactic acid 3D printed electrode. Scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical measurements confirmed layer-by-layer modification of the electrode to craft the VIP immunosensor. The immunosensor exhibited a linear range between 10 and 100 pM, with a limit of detection of 4.3 pM. The immunosensor was selective against electroactive compounds known to be present within the intestinal tract. We observed a reduction in VIP levels in faecal pellets from 24-month-old mice when compared to 12-month-old mice. This novel VIP electrochemical immunosensor can be an effective tool for diagnosis or prognosis of various diseases given the diverse physiological function of VIP.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":260,"journal":{"name":"Biosensors and Bioelectronics: X","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100667"},"PeriodicalIF":10.61,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144766915","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A versatile ITO electrode platform for studying neuronal differentiation and migration under electrical stimulation","authors":"Suthiwan Udomrat , Supeecha Kumkate , Permphan Dharmasaroja , Theeraporn Puntheeranurak , Tanakorn Osotchan","doi":"10.1016/j.biosx.2025.100637","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biosx.2025.100637","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The electrical effects on cells, particularly neurons, are extensively studied to understand cellular functions. Various culture platforms have been developed to investigate cellular responses to electrical stimulation. In this study, planar indium tin oxide (ITO) interdigitated electrodes (IDEs) with conventional and circular designs were fabricated and utilized as both cell culture platforms and stimulation electrodes for experiments up to ten days. To enhance cell adhesion, fetal bovine serum (FBS) was applied to the electrode surface and then removed, facilitating cell culture. The SH-SY5Y cell line was cultured on the platform to assess adhesion and growth. Steady-state direct-current electric field stimulation (DCEFS) at 150 V/m or 300 V/m was applied at specific intervals. Cells exposed to 150 V/m showed significant morphological changes indicative of differentiation, while those at 300 V/m migrated away, reducing intact cell numbers. Notably, circular IDEs promoted extensive neurite outgrowth compared to conventional designs. These findings highlight the potential of electrode geometry to control cell differentiation and migration, offering a versatile platform for cellular studies and tissue engineering applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":260,"journal":{"name":"Biosensors and Bioelectronics: X","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100637"},"PeriodicalIF":10.61,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144290783","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Fluorescence sensing platform based on graphene oxide nucleic acid interaction for detecting mercury ions, bisphenol A, and target DNA","authors":"Xiangyu Xu, Yinan Guo, Xiong Zhou, Shuai Xu, Heng Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.biosx.2025.100662","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biosx.2025.100662","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A multifunctional fluorescence sensing platform based on graphene oxide (GO) was developed to meet the rapid detection needs of environmental pollutants. Three specific mechanisms were employed to achieve highly sensitive detection. One was to use the T-Hg2+ - T structure to induce the dissociation of double stranded DNA from GO surface, achieving Hg2+ detection with a linear range of 100–1500 nM and a detection limit of 0.110 μ M. The second method was to release the trigger chain through the dissociation of bisphenol A (BPA) adapter complementary chain complex, combined with GO fluorescence quenching characteristics to detect BPA, with a detection limit of 0.5035 μ g/mL. The third method used Exo III enzyme to cleave double stranded DNA for signal amplification, combined with GO differential adsorption detection of nucleic acid fragments to detect target DNA, corresponding to a linear range of 0.01–0.4 nM and a detection limit of 11.2 pM. The spiked recovery rates of the three methods in wastewater/serum samples were 96.82 %–107.49 %, with a relative standard deviation of<3.47 %. The above research method combined nucleic acid recognition characteristics with GO signal regulation function through modular design, providing a new strategy for on-site detection of environmental pollutants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":260,"journal":{"name":"Biosensors and Bioelectronics: X","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100662"},"PeriodicalIF":10.61,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144827570","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Rational design of peptides for epitope imprinting of polynorepinephrine: A plasmonic and machine learning integrated approach","authors":"Davide Sestaioni , Giulia Ciacci , Andrea Barucci , Pasquale Palladino , Simona Scarano","doi":"10.1016/j.biosx.2025.100638","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biosx.2025.100638","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Molecularly Imprinted Polynorepinephrine (MIPNE) has demonstrated superior performance for mimetic receptors production, facilitating their integration into techniques like Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), Biomimetic Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (BELISA), and Bio-Layer Interferometry (BLI). Here we developed a multiplexed Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) assay to face the selection of appropriate epitope sequences for protein imprinting, a critical factor in optimizing MIPNE efficiency. The plasmonic properties of gold nanoparticles formed on MIPNE were used to classify epitopes as functional (<strong><em>F</em></strong>), uncertain (<strong><em>U</em></strong>), or dysfunctional (<strong><em>D</em></strong>). Feature extraction and machine learning analysis identified key physico-chemical descriptors influencing imprinting efficiency. Subsequent SPR testing confirmed the correlation between epitope selection and receptor performance. This study provides the first systematic approach for epitope selection in MIPNE, paving the way for their improved design and application in bioanalytics and biosensing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":260,"journal":{"name":"Biosensors and Bioelectronics: X","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100638"},"PeriodicalIF":10.61,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144262701","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Senpeng Zhang, Bo Dong, Zhuojun Wang, Ziheng Yu, Yulong Wang
{"title":"Acrylate/GO composite film enabled optical microcavity relative humidity sensor with enhanced sensitivity by pump-detection technique","authors":"Senpeng Zhang, Bo Dong, Zhuojun Wang, Ziheng Yu, Yulong Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.biosx.2025.100665","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biosx.2025.100665","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>An acrylate/graphene oxide (GO) composite film enabled optical microcavity relative humidity (RH) sensor with enhanced sensitivity by pump-detection technique is presented. An acrylate/GO composite film serves as both the sensitive film and reflection film of an open optical microcavity, which is fabricated by 3D printing on the end face of a single-mode fiber. A pump-detection technique is used to improve the sensitivity of the sensor. Experimental results show that its sensitivity is only 151.11 p.m./%RH without the 980-nm pump light. In contrast, its sensitivity is significantly improved after introducing the 980-nm pump light, and its sensitivity reaches 2.4 times as much as that of the unpumped sensor. Moreover, it exhibits fast response characteristics with humidity response time and recovery time of 0.32 s and 1.40 s, respectively. In real-world application tests, the sensor effectively distinguishes normal, rapid, slow, and apnea breathing patterns, demonstrating strong potential for medical and sports-related respiratory monitoring.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":260,"journal":{"name":"Biosensors and Bioelectronics: X","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100665"},"PeriodicalIF":10.61,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144763814","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hothefa Shaker Jassim , Yasmeena Akhter , Dhulfiqar Zoltán Aalwahab , Husam A. Neamah
{"title":"Recent advances in tactile sensing technologies for human-robot interaction: Current trends and future perspectives","authors":"Hothefa Shaker Jassim , Yasmeena Akhter , Dhulfiqar Zoltán Aalwahab , Husam A. Neamah","doi":"10.1016/j.biosx.2025.100669","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biosx.2025.100669","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tactile sensing technology has witnessed remarkable advancements, significantly expanding its applications across robotics, medical diagnostics, and consumer electronics. This paper reviews the latest developments in tactile sensing technologies, with a particular focus on their critical role in enhancing human-robot interaction. It highlights advancements in mechanoreceptor technologies, emphasizing innovations in material science and sensor design that improve the functionality and adaptability of tactile sensors. The review critically examines the evolution of key sensing modalities—piezoresistive, capacitive, and piezoelectric sensors detailing their operational principles, performance improvements, and integration into robotics systems for intuitive and responsive interactions. Emerging trends in sensor flexibility, sensitivity, and energy efficiency are explored, addressing their importance for creating adaptive, sustainable solutions in human-centered robotics. Additionally, the paper discusses challenges such as scalability, durability, and cost-effectiveness, which remain barriers to widespread adoption in robotic and clinical applications. The work concludes with future research directions, advocating for the integration of tactile sensors with artificial intelligence to develop self-learning systems capable of sophisticated decision-making and seamless human-robot collaboration. This review aims to bridge the gap between current technologies and future possibilities, charting a path toward transformative innovations in tactile sensing for human-robot interaction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":260,"journal":{"name":"Biosensors and Bioelectronics: X","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100669"},"PeriodicalIF":10.61,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144842007","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fatin Hamimi Mustafa , Nik Yusnoraini Yusof , Mawaddah Mohd Azlan , Fariza Hanim Suhailin , Chan Yean Yean , Nik Mohd Noor Nik Zuraina , Mohd Zulkifli Salleh , Hironaga Uchida , Irneza Ismail , Rosline Hassan , Raja Kamarulzaman Raja Ibrahim , Mohd Adzir Mahdi
{"title":"Optimization of a portable ligand-free optical spectroscopy method for SARS-CoV-2 protein detection","authors":"Fatin Hamimi Mustafa , Nik Yusnoraini Yusof , Mawaddah Mohd Azlan , Fariza Hanim Suhailin , Chan Yean Yean , Nik Mohd Noor Nik Zuraina , Mohd Zulkifli Salleh , Hironaga Uchida , Irneza Ismail , Rosline Hassan , Raja Kamarulzaman Raja Ibrahim , Mohd Adzir Mahdi","doi":"10.1016/j.biosx.2025.100663","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biosx.2025.100663","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The rapid spread of COVID-19 has underscored the need for fast, portable, and reliable diagnostic tools. Conventional techniques such as polymerase chain reaction and emerging biosensors like surface plasmon resonance require complex procedures for ligand development and immobilization, which often involve probes, antibodies, or aptamers. This study proposes a ligand-free detection strategy based on optical spectroscopy for the rapid identification of the SARS-CoV-2 protein. The detection workflow includes two key phases: optimization and clinical validation. In the optimization phase, transmittance spectral measurements were conducted on SARS-CoV-2 protein to determine the optimal wavelength within the ultraviolet–visible–near infrared range (200–1100 nm). The most effective fiber configuration was also evaluated using three combinations of transmitter–receiver fiber diameters: 600–400 μm, 600–100 μm, and 200–400 μm. The optimal detection parameters were identified as 275 nm for wavelength and 600–400 μm for fiber configuration. Specificity testing confirmed complete discrimination between SARS-CoV-2 protein and other proteins, including SARS-CoV and rBmSXP, with 100 % specificity. Subsequently, clinical validation was conducted on 21 patients using the optimized parameters. Optical spectroscopy measurements were compared with real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), yielding a correlation coefficient of 0.6038 with statistical significance (p < 0.01). These findings demonstrate the potential of portable, ligand-free optical spectroscopy for rapid SARS-CoV-2 detection at the point of care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":260,"journal":{"name":"Biosensors and Bioelectronics: X","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100663"},"PeriodicalIF":10.61,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144766914","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Morteza Azizi , Jae-Sang Hong , Joshua Spitzberg , Ralph Weissleder , Cesar M. Castro , Hyungsoon Im
{"title":"Hydrogel-based multiplexed high-risk human papillomavirus DNA/RNA detection for cervical cancer screening","authors":"Morteza Azizi , Jae-Sang Hong , Joshua Spitzberg , Ralph Weissleder , Cesar M. Castro , Hyungsoon Im","doi":"10.1016/j.biosx.2025.100664","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biosx.2025.100664","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rapid triaging of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, especially in resource-limited regions, can reduce cervical cancer deaths by identifying high-risk patients and minimizing pathology bottlenecks and overtreatment. Here, we developed a simple, rapid method for parallel detection of HPV DNA and RNA subtypes associated with a high risk of developing cervical cancer. Specifically, we applied loop-mediated isothermal nucleic acid amplification (LAMP) in a hydrogel-based platform (LAMPGel) for HPV DNA or RNA detection using distinct hydrogel chambers within a single chip. The LAMPGel platform locally restricts single HPV gDNA or mRNA strands with a LAMP cocktail, which is then distributed within a thin hydrogel to locally form single fluorescent spots after a short isothermal incubation of <30 min. Detecting and counting these spots identifies HPV infection, viral load, and, more importantly, RNA expression as a predictive marker for cervical cancer development. LAMPGel is a sensitive, specific, easy-to-use, and rapid method for a point-of-care (POC) platform for potential applications in low- and middle-income countries once the technology is further validated with clinical samples in those settings. Furthermore, it could find broader applications in POC nucleic acid assays.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":260,"journal":{"name":"Biosensors and Bioelectronics: X","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100664"},"PeriodicalIF":10.61,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144738870","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nnaemeka Onukwugha , Henry McEacheron , Scott Smith , Harrison Ball , Nithya Ramnath , Sunitha Nagrath
{"title":"Rapid, high-throughput isolation of tumor specific small extracellular vesicles using radial flow microfluidic chip with IEDDA chemistry (ExoOnco ChipEpCAM−TCO)","authors":"Nnaemeka Onukwugha , Henry McEacheron , Scott Smith , Harrison Ball , Nithya Ramnath , Sunitha Nagrath","doi":"10.1016/j.biosx.2025.100652","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biosx.2025.100652","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are promise as biomarkers for early cancer diagnostics and prognostics. Immunoaffinity-based isolation techniques using antibodies for specific sEV surface proteins offer high specificity and purity. However, researchers struggle with isolating rare sEV subtypes, achieving sufficient throughput and managing harmless release. To address these challenges, we developed the ExoOnco chip, a microfluidic device featuring a radial flow design with bean-shaped micro-posts that create a varying shear rate profile for efficient sEV capture. This device integrates the catalyst-free, biocompatible, and biorthogonal Inverse electron demand Diels-Alder (IEDDA), conjugated with antibodies for the rapid and precise isolation of rare sEV subtypes. Additionally, our modified chemistry incorporates a reducible disulfide bridge for simple release of captured sEVs. We successfully captured and released sEVs expressing high levels of epithelial cellular adhesion molecule (EpCAM) from cell line media and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patient plasma. Following captured, we show the potential for characterizing isolated sEV using WB and micro-bicinchoninic acid assay. We have illustrated our device's specificity towards tumor derived sEVs (TDEs) utilizing patient and healthy plasma to show a significant difference in TAA expression level using dPCR analysis. By implementing the rapid IEDDA chemistry and functional disulfide bridge, the improved ExoOnco Chip facilitates the isolation and release of rare TDEs, enabling further investigation of their bioactive constituents. This technology opens avenues for advancements in early-stage cancer diagnosis and adaptive immunotherapies based on these bioactive constituents.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":260,"journal":{"name":"Biosensors and Bioelectronics: X","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100652"},"PeriodicalIF":10.61,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144604483","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A passive Lab-on-PCB microsystem for non-enzymatic quantification of glucose","authors":"Pavlos Menelaou , Yujiang Zhu , Anna Regoutz , Despina Moschou","doi":"10.1016/j.biosx.2025.100670","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biosx.2025.100670","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper presents and successfully demonstrates a new form of passive Lab-on-printed circuit board (PCB) diagnostic platform for the quantification of glucose, as required for pumpless applications such as wearable diagnostic patches. The platform exploits copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles for non-enzymatic, electrochemical glucose quantification, to achieve the high sensitivity and linear range of operation that is necessary for sweat or interstitial fluid sample analysis. As a result, the platform exhibits a low limit of detection (LoD) of 2.1 μM and a high sensitivity of 456 μA mM<sup>−1</sup>·cm<sup>−2</sup>, coupled with an excellent specificity against common glucose interfering species. The seamless integration of passive microfluidics and an electrochemical glucose biosensor is firstly outlined, and is fabricated using standard photolithography techniques in an up-scalable glucose quantification platform. The detection of glucose under two sample flow conditions is investigated in detail, including both static and dynamic conditions, revealing that when subject to a continuous flow the microsystem demonstrates an increase in sensitivity and a reduced linear range. This work demonstrates that our new passive Lab-on-printed circuit board (PCB) diagnostic platform can be successfully implemented under continuous sample flow conditions, and is therefore ideally suited to wearable diagnostic patch applications. In addition, the measured performance exceeds static flow approaches that have reported to date, including paper-based approaches.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":260,"journal":{"name":"Biosensors and Bioelectronics: X","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100670"},"PeriodicalIF":10.61,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144893225","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}