Clinical and biomedical applications of surface plasmon resonance systems

Abstract Surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based biosensors offer superior analytical features such as simplicity, sensitivity, and specificity when compared to conventional methods in clinical analyses. In addition, they deliver real-time monitoring of label-free analytes with high-throughput approaches requiring little sample pretreatment that allows the analysis of virtually every clinical sample type to determine the amount and/or activity of any molecule of interest. Accordingly, SPR emerges as a novel, efficient, powerful, and relatively low-cost alternative tool for routine clinical analysis, opening also new horizons for developments in personalized medicine applied to diagnostics or therapeutics’ monitoring.

Establecimiento de condiciones más eficientes para la producción de biosensores de glucosa / Establishment of more efficient conditions for the production of glucose biosensors

Los biosensores son dispositivos móviles que permiten detectar de forma rápida y sencilla enfermedades del metabolismo e infecciones víricas de interés veterinario y clínico, como el rotavirus y la hepatitis B y C. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo determinar las variables significativas del proceso de producción de los biosensores de glucosa fabricados en el Centro de Inmunoensayo (La Habana, Cuba). Se produjeron ocho corridas experimentales teniendo en cuenta los procedimientos normativos de operación implementados en la planta de producción de biosensores y se realizaron las evaluaciones de calidad correspondientes (pruebas de exactitud) para liberar analíticamente los lotes producidos. Los experimentos realizados proporcionaron información acerca de cuáles variables deben controlarse con más cuidado durante la producción a fin de evitar altos niveles de productos no conformes o el comportamiento errático del proceso. Las variables seleccionadas para el estudio fueron las relacionadas con la preparación de la solución enzimática. Con los resultados obtenidos se realizó un análisis de regresión múltiple para determinar los factores estadísticamente significativos del modelo, obteniéndose un coeficiente de determinación superior al 90 por ciento, logrando explicar el 98,637 por ciento de la variación entre los valores de porcentaje de exactitud y la media. Los factores que resultaron ser significativos fueron la concentración de la enzima glucosa oxidasa, la concentración del mediador eléctrico y la conductividad del agua ultrapura para un nivel de confianza del 95 por ciento. El análisis realizado arrojó resultados satisfactorios demostrando que variando parámetros del proceso productivo es posible disminuir los valores del porcentaje de exactitud(AU)

Biosensors are mobile devices that allow rapid and easy detection of metabolic diseases and viral infections of veterinary and clinical interest, such as rotavirus and hepatitis B and C. The objective of this work was to determine the significant variables of the production process of the glucose biosensors manufactured in the Immunoassay Center (Havana, Cuba). Eight experimental runs were carried out taking into account the normative operating procedures of the biosensor production plant. Accuracy tests were carried out to release produced batches. The experiments provided information about which factors should be carefully controlled during the manufacture procedure in order to avoid high levels of faulty products or the erratic behavior of the process. The factors selected for the study were those related with the preparation of the enzymatic solution. A multiple regression analysis was carried out to determine the statistically significant factors of the model. The coefficient of determination was higher than 90 percent, and the 98.637 percent of the variation between the values of percentage of accuracy and the mean value could be explained. The significant factors were the concentration of the glucose oxidase enzyme, the electric mediator concentration, and the ultrapure water conductivity (95 percent confidence level). The analysis carried out showed satisfactory results. In the present study, it was demonstrated that varying parameters of the production process it is possible to decrease the accuracy percentage values(AU)

Development of sandwich-form biosensor to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in clinical sputum specimens

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causing agent of tuberculosis, comes second only after HIV on the list of infectious agents slaughtering many worldwide. Due to the limitations behind the conventional detection methods, it is therefore critical to develop new sensitive sensing systems capable of quick detection of the infectious agent. In the present study, the surface modified cadmium-telluride quantum dots and gold nanoparticles conjunct with two specific oligonucleotides against early secretory antigenic target 6 were used to develop a sandwich-form fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based biosensor to detect M. tuberculosis complex and differentiate M. tuberculosis and M. bovis Bacille Calmette–Guerin simultaneously. The sensitivity and specificity of the newly developed biosensor were 94.2% and 86.6%, respectively, while the sensitivity and specificity of polymerase chain reaction and nested polymerase chain reaction were considerably lower, 74.2%, 73.3% and 82.8%, 80%, respectively. The detection limits of the sandwich-form fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based biosensor were far lower (10 fg) than those of the polymerase chain reaction and nested polymerase chain reaction (100 fg). Although the cost of the developed nanobiosensor was slightly higher than those of the polymerase chain reaction-based techniques, its unique advantages in terms of turnaround time, higher sensitivity and specificity, as well as a 10-fold lower detection limit would clearly recommend this test as a more appropriate and cost-effective tool for large scale operations.

An amperometric cholesterol biosensor based on epoxy resin membrane bound cholesterol oxidase.

Background & objectives: The use of epoxy resin membrane as a support for immobilization of enzyme has resulted into improved sensitivity and stability of biosensors for uric acid, ascorbic acid and polyphenols. The present work was aimed to prepare an improved amperometric biosensor for determination of serum cholesterol required in the diagnostics and management of certain pathological conditions. Methods: Epoxy resin membrane with immobilized cholesterol oxidase was mounted on the cleaned platinum (Pt) electrode with a parafilm to construct a working electrode. This working electrode along with Ag/AgCl as reference and Ag wire as an auxiliary electrode were connected through a three terminal electrometer to construct a cholesterol biosensor. Results: The sensor showed optimum response within 25 sec at pH 7.0 and 45°C. The linear working range of biosensor was 1.0 to 8.0 mM cholesterol. Km and Imax for cholesterol were 5.0 mM and 9.09 μA, respectively. The biosensor measured serum cholesterol. The minimum detection limit of the sensor was 1.0 mM. The mean analytical recoveries of added cholesterol in serum (2.84 and 4.13 mM) were 91.4±2.8 and 92.3±3.1 per cent (n=6), respectively. Within and between assay coefficient of variation (CV) were <2 and <4 per cent, respectively. Biosensor had a storage life of 6 months at 4°C. Interpretation & conclusions: The use of epoxy resin membrane as a support for immobilization of cholesterol oxidase has resulted into an improved amperometric cholesterol biosensor. The present biosensor had an advantage over the existing biosensors as it worked at comparatively lower potential.

Screening & profiling of quorum sensing signal molecules in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from catheterized urinary tract infection patients.

Background & objectives: Catheter associated urinary tract infections are the second most common nosocomial infections and Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the third most common organism responsible for these infections. In this study P. aeruginosa isolates from catheterized urinary tract infection patients were screened and profiled for the presence of different type of quorum sensing (QS) signal molecules. Methods: Screening and quantitation of AHLs was done by using cross feeding assay and by determining β-galactosidase activity respectively using Escherichia coli MG4 as reporter strain. Further, AHL profiles were determined by separating AHLs on TLC coupled with their detection using Chromobacterium violaceum CV026 and Agrobacterium tumifaciens A136 biosensor strains. Results: All uroisolates from catheterized patients having urinary tract infections were found to be producers of QS signal molecules. There were differences in amounts and type of AHL produced amongst uroisolates of P. aeruginosa. Several AHLs belonging to C4-HSL, C6-HSL, oxo-C6-HSL, C8-HSL, C10-HSL and C12-HSL were determined in these strains. Interpretation & conclusions: Simultaneous use of more than one reporter strain and assay method proved useful in determining the AHLs profile in uroisolates of P. aeruginosa. Observed differences in the amounts and types of AHLs may reflect differences in virulence potential of P. aeruginosa to cause UTIs which can be further confirmed by employing animal model system. The present study speculates that production of QS signal molecules may act as a new virulence marker of P. aeruginosa responsible for causing catheter associated UTIs and can be considered as futuristic potential drug targets towards treatment of UTIs.

Estabilidade dos fármacos ceftazidima e aminofilina em soluções parenterais de grande volume (SPGV) carreados pelo copolímero Pluronic® F68. Emprego da proteína verde fluorescente (GFP) como biossensor da estabilidade de fármacos em SPGV / Stability of ceftazidime and aminophyline carried by Pluronic®F68 in parenteral solutions. Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) as a biossensor for drug stability in parenteral solutions

Diante da extensa utilização de fármacos associados às soluções parenterais de grande volume (SPGV) e muitas vezes da impossibilidade da administração dos mesmos em diferentes veículos de infusão, sejam pela perda da estabilidade ou por insolubilidade destes, a utilização de copolímeros como carreadores de fármacos vêm a favorecer a associação destes às SPGV. Este trabalho visa avaliar a estabilidade dos fármacos ceftazidima e aminofilina nas SPGV carreados pelo copolímero Pluronic® F68 e o estudo da GFP como potencial biossensor da estabilidade de fármacos nas SPGV. A estabilidade dos fármacos ceftazidima (320ug/mL) e aminofilina (160ug/mL) em SPGV foi avaliada, na presença e na ausência de Pluronic® F68, através da utilização de HPLC logo após preparo e após período de 24hs, usando sistema Schimadzu LC10, LC-solution software, Schimadzu C18, fluxo 0,5mL/min, detecção em λ=255nm (ceftazidima) e λ=275nm (aminofilina), volume de injeção 20uL, 25ºC. A determinação da concentração mínima inibitória (CMI) foi realizada em amostras de ceftazidima (240ug/mL) na presença e na ausência de Pluronic® em SPGV de 5% glicose usando E. coli ATCC 25922 e P.eruginosa ATCC 9721 na concentração de 106UFC/mL . Pluronic® F68 foi utilizado nas amostras para avaliação da estabilidade dos fármacos ceftazidima e aminofilina na concentração 10% m/m. Resultados mostraram uma incompatibilidade entre a associação dos fármacos em SPGV de 5% glicose, com perda de concentração de 25% do fármaco ceftazidima na ausência de Pluronic®. Nos ensaios de CMI realizados com fármaco ceftazidima em SPGV de 5% glicose observou-se uma melhora dos valores de CMI quando o fármaco foi associado ao copolímero Pluronic® para ambos os microrganismos estudados. O estudo da GFP mostrou que fatores como (i) as propriedades físico-químicas dos fármacos, (ii) valores de pH das soluções e (iii) interações entre a proteína e as SPGV, podem favorecer mudanças de intensidade de fluorescência da GFP...

Drug association administered through parenteral solutions is a common hospital practice. Copolymers as carriers in parenteral solutions may allow originally unstable or insoluble drug combinations, or even improve their action. The aim of this work was to evaluate the stability of ceftazidime and aminophylline in parenteral solutions carried by Pluronic® F68, besides the application of the green fluorescent protein as a biossensor of drug stability. To evaluate the stability of ceftazidime (320 µg/mL) and aminophylline (160 µg/mL) carried by Pluronic® F68 (10%) in parenteral solutions, HPLC measurements were made immediately after the drug mixture preparation and after 24 hours, detected at λ=255nm (ceftazidime) and λ=275nm (aminophylline). In addition, minimal inhibitory concentration test (MIC) was used to determine the biological activity of ceftazidime (240 µg/mL) in 5% glucose parenteral solution, with or without Pluronic® F68 (10%). The strains tested by MIC were E. coli ATCC 25922 and P.aeruginosa ATCC 9721 (106UFC/mL). The HPLC experiments showed incompatibility of ceftazidime and aminophylline associated in 5% glucose parenteral solution, with 25% loss for ceftazidime without Pluronic® F68. MIC analysis for ceftazidime, with or without aminophylline, showed that lower antibiotic concentration values were required to inhibit E. coli and P.aeruginosa growth, when the copolymer Pluronic® F68 was present in the samples. It was also showed that physical chemical drugs alterations, pH values and protein-parenteral solution interactions can change GFP fluorescence intensity (detected by espectrofluorimeter λex=394nm, λem=509nm). These data endorse the potential of this protein as a biosensor of drug stability in parenteral solutions.

Desenvolvimento de imunoensaios e biossensores para determinação de LDL eletronegativa / Development of immunoassays and biosensors for electronegative LDL quantification

A lipoproteína de baixa densidade eletronegativa (LDL-) é um importante antígeno envolvido na patogênese da aterosclerose. A LDL(-) provoca resposta inflamatória e imunológica, levando à produção de autoanticorpos anti-LDL(-) e a formação subsequente de imunocomplexos (IC-LDL-), os quais também contribuem com o processo aterosclerótico. Diante disso, este trabalho teve como objetivo o desenvolvimento e validação de imunoensaios para quantificação plasmática de LDL(-), anti-LDL(-) e IC-LDL(-), assim como o desenvolvimento de ferramentas aplicáveis em um biossensor para LDL(-). Após a padronização de cada ELISA, foram avaliadas as características de desempenho dos métodos: limites de detecção (LD) e quantificação (LQ), precisão intra e inter-ensaios, exatidão, linearidade de diluição e interferentes. Os LD e LQ do ELISA para LDL(-) foram 0,423 mg/L e 0,517 mg/L de LDL(-), respectivamente. As concentrações plasmáticas de LDL(-) apresentaram linearidade quando os plasmas foram diluídos 1:1000, 1:2000, 1:4000 e 1:8000. Os LD e LQ do ELISA para anti-LDL(-) foram 0,0028 mg/L e 0,0032 mg/L de anti-LDL(-), respectivamente. Os plasmas apresentaram linearidade na diluição quando diluídos 1:100, 1:200, 1:400 e 1:800. Os LD e LQ do ELISA para IC-LDL(-) foram 0,023 g/L e 0,034 g/L de IC-LDL(-), respectivamente. Os plasmas apresentaram linearidade quando diluídos 1:12,5, 1:25, 1:50 e 1:100. Os três ELISAs apresentaram precisão intra e inter-ensaios e recuperação dentro dos limites requeridos para imunoensaios. Para o desenvolvimento de um biossensor para LDL(-), uma proteína recombinante, denominada GFP5-scFv, foi expressa em bactérias Escherichia coli da linhagem BL21(DE3). Para obtenção dessa proteína foi realizada a inserção da sequência de DNA de um fragmento variável de cadeia única (scFv) anti-LDL(-) em um vetor bacteriano com a sequência de DNA da proteína verde fluorescente (GFP5). Dessa forma, a GFP5-scFv é fluorescente e tem afinidade pela LDL(-). Também foram sintetizadas nanopartículas de ouro, as quais podem ser eficientemente utilizadas na supressão da emissão da fluorescência de GFP5-scFv. Portanto, os imunoensaios validados e os aplicativos desenvolvidos para o biossensor são ferramentas que tem potencial para serem utilizadas na avaliação da patogênese da aterosclerose

The electronegative low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is an important antigen involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The LDL(-) causes inflammatory and immune response, leading to production of autoantibodies anti-LDL(-) and the subsequent formation of immune complexes (IC-LDL), which also contribute to the atherosclerotic process. Thus, this study aimed to develop and validate immunoassays for quantification of plasma LDL(-), anti-LDL(-) and LDL-IC(-) as well as developing tools applicable to a biosensor for LDL(-). After the standardization of each ELISA, were evaluated the performance characteristics of methods: limits of detection (LD) and quantification (LQ), intra- and inter-assays precision, accuracy, linearity of dilution and interferences. The LD and LQ of LDL(-) ELISA were 0.423 mg/L and 0.517 mg/L of LDL(-), respectively. Plasmas showed linearity when diluted 1:1000, 1:2000, 1:4000 and 1:8000. The LD and LQ of anti-LDL(-) ELISA were 0.0028 mg/L and 0.0032 mg/L of anti-LDL(-), respectively. Plasmas showed linearity when diluted 1:100, 1:200, 1:400 and 1:800. The LD and LQ of IC-LDL(-) ELISA were 0.023 g/L and 0.034 g/L of LDL-IC(-), respectively. Plasma showed linearity when diluted 1:12.5, 1:25, 1:50 and 1:100. The three ELISAs showed good intra- and inter-assays precision and recovery within the limits required for immunoassays. To develop a biosensor for LDL(-), a recombinant protein, called GFP5-scFv was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) strain. The obtainment of this protein was performed inserting the DNA sequence of an anti-LDL(-) single chain variable fragment (scFv) in a bacterial vector with a DNA sequence of green fluorescent protein (GFP5). Thus, the scFv-GFP5 is fluorescent and has affinity for LDL(-). Were also synthesized gold nanoparticles, which can be efficiently used for quenching the fluorescence emission of GFP5-scFv. Therefore, immunoassays validated and developed applications for the biosensor are tools that have potential to be used in evaluating the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis

Clinical experience with an implanted closed-loop insulin delivery system

AIM: To report the first clinical experience with a prototype of implanted artificial beta-cell. METHODS: The Long-Term Sensor System® project assessed the feasibility of glucose control by the combined implantation of a pump for peritoneal insulin delivery and a central intravenous glucose sensor, connected physically by a subcutaneous lead and functionally by PID algorithms. It was performed in 10 type 1 diabetic patients from 2000 to 2007. RESULTS: No harmful complication related to implants occurred. Insulin delivery was affected by iterative but reversible pump slowdowns due to insulin precipitation. Glucose measurement by the intravenous sensors correlated well with meter values (r = 0.83-0.93, with a mean absolute deviation of 16.5 percent) for an average duration of 9 months. Uploading of pump electronics by PID algorithms designed for closed-loop insulin delivery allowed in-patient 48 hourtrials. CONCLUSION: Although the concept of a fully implantable artificial beta-cell has been shown as feasible, improvements in the sensor structure to increase its longevity and decrease sensor delay that affected closed-loop control at meal-times are expected.

OBJETIVO: Relatar a primeira experiência clínica com um protótipo de célulabeta artificial implantável. MÉTODOS: O Projeto de Um Sistema Sensor de Longo Prazo avaliou a possibilidade do controle glicêmico através do implante combinado de uma bomba de infusão de insulina peritoneal e um gluco - sensor endovenoso central - conectados fisicamente por um dispositivo subcutâneo e funcionalmente por algoritmos PID (integral and derivative). Este projeto envolveu 10 pacientes com diabetes melito tipo 1 de 2000 a 2007. RESULTADOS: Complicações significativas relacionadas aos implantes não ocorreram. A liberação de insulina pela bomba sofreu o efeito de períodos de lentificação interativo, mas reversível, devido a precipitação do peptídeo. As medidas da glicose pelo sensor endovenoso mostraram boa correlação com os valores do glicosímetro (r = 0,83-0,93, com desvio médio absoluto de 16,5 por cento) durante período médio de 9 meses. Os dados para construção dos algoritmos PID do sistema de alça fechada de liberação de insulina foram obtidos a partir de 12 pacientes que permaneceram internados com esse sistema durante 48 horas com refeições que continham 40 a 70 g de carboidratos. CONCLUSÃO : Embora o conceito de uma célula-beta artificial totalmente implantável tenha demonstrado ser possível, aperfeiçoamentos são necessários na estrutura do sensor para aumentar a sua longevidade e no sistema de alça fechada de liberação de insulina para diminuir as lentificações que comprometem o controle glicêmico nos períodos relacionados às refeições.

Nota sobre o uso de bio-sensores "Maria" nas ações de vigilância entomológica contra a doença de Chagas ao norte de Minas Gerais / About the use of

Oitocentos e sessenta e seis bio-sensores para a detecção passiva de triatomíneos foram ensaiados em intradomicílios de treze municípios de área endêmica de Triatoma sordida (Norte de Minas Gerais, Brasil), espécie que é hoje a mais freqüentemente detectável no Brasil, especialmente naquela Região. Examinados os sensores a cada três meses, por quatro vezes em uma subárea de sete municípios (seiscentos e quarenta e dois sensores, com positividade máxima de 0,5 por cento) e por duas nos outros seis municípios (duzentos e vinte e quatro sensores, com positividade máxima de 2,7 por cento), os resultados foram, significativamente inferiores à rotina de busca direta hora-homem feita nos mesmos municípios, inclusive para as taxas de infestação intradomiciliar. Em que pese a simplicidade e boa aceitação dos sensores pela população, os mesmos não se mostraram adequados à pesquisa triatomínica na região em apreço, tanto em termos de efetividade quanto de custo-benefício.

Development of an amperometric hypoxanthine biosensor for determination of hypoxanthine in fish and meat tissue.

A hypoxanthine (Hx) biosensor based on immobilized xanthine oxidase (XO) as the bio-component was developed and studied for the rapid analysis of fish (sweet water and marine) and goat meat samples. The biosensor was standardized for the determination of Hx in the range of 0.05 to 2 mM. Crosslinking with glutaraldehyde in presence of BSA as a spacer molecule was used for the method of immobilization. One layer of gelatin (10%) was applied over the immobilized enzyme layer to reduce the leaching out of enzyme from the membrane (cellulose acetate) matrix. The optimum pH of the immobilized system was determined to be 8.5 at 25 degrees C instead 7.0-7.2 for free enzyme system. Km and Vmax values were determined for the immobilized system. The developed sensor was applied to determine the amount of Hx present in fish and meat over a period of time. The stability of the enzyme immobilized membrane was also tested over a period of 30 days.

Preparation of micro-biosensor and its application in monitoring in vivo change of dopamine / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The self-made high sensitivity and selectivity micro-biosensor was applied to monitor the change of dopamine in cerebral nucleus in rats in vivo. The micro-biosensor was prepared and used to detect dopamine level in vitro and monitor the dynamic change of dopamine in different cerebral nucleus in vivo. The results showed the lowest concentration of dopamine that could be detected by the biosensor was 32.5 nmol/L. Its positive peak was significantly different from that of AA, 5-HTP and E. The biosensor could keep working for monitoring the dopamine concentration in the cerebral tissue for more than 10 h. It was concluded that the microsensor has high sensitivity and selectivity to dopamine and can be used to dynamically monitor the change of dopamine in vivo.

Uso de gelatina comercial en el desarrollo de un biosensor de ureasa inmovilizada / Use of commercial gelatine in the development of a biosensor of ureasa inmovilized

Introducción: Diferentes matrices han sido ensayadas en la elaboración de biosensores. En este trabajo, se describe un biosensor a ureasa inmovilizada utilizando gelatina comercial como matriz soporte, conectado a un sistema de flujo semiautomático para optimizar el proceso. Material y métodos: Para la inmovilización enzimática se utilizó como matriz gelatina comercial, y como agente polimerizador, el glutaraldehído. Se analizó el efecto de diversos sistemas buffer para la gelificación de la matriz. Para la construcción del biosensor se incorporó una alícuota de enzimas inmovilizadas en un cartucho Mobicol de 1 ml, el cual se acopló a un sistema de control de flujo semi-automático, valorándose el flujo óptimo para una apropiada relación enzima-substrato. Resultados y conclusiones: Se logró un óptimo entrampado del enzima a una concentración de ureasa de 0,4 mg/ml en gelatina disuelta en solución buffer fosfato 100mM pH=7,2 (25 mg/ml), con agregado de glutaraldehído al 1,2 por ciento (v/v) como agente polimerizador. La temperatura y flujo más apropiados para la reacción fueron 37°C y 0,035 ml/min., respectivamente. La actividad específica del enzima inmovilizada mostró linealidad con el enzima soluble, y el porcentaje de inmovilización alcanzó un 46 por ciento.

Thin molecular films of supramolecular porphyrins

A relevant series of symmetric supramolecular porphyrins has been obtained by attaching four [RuII(bipy)2Cl] groups to the pyridyl substituents of meso-tetra(4-pyridyl)porphyrin and its metallated derivatives. These compounds display a rich electrochemistry and versatile catalytic, electrocatalytic and photochemical properties, associated with the ruthenium-bipyridine and the porphyrin complexes. These properties can be transferred to the electrodes by attaching thin molecular films of the compounds, by dip-coating, electrostatic assembly or electropolymerization. In this way, the interesting properties of those supermolecules and supramolecular assemblies can be used to prepare molecular devices and sensors