Pub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2026-01-02DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109214
Hasret Turkmen , Mustafa Şen
Neurotoxicity assessment is crucial for ensuring the safety of pharmaceuticals and chemicals while protecting public health by identifying hazardous substances. Here, a simple and innovative electrochemical neurotoxicity assay was presented using a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) integrated petri dish platform. This system serves as a rapid, quantitative, and time-resolved alternative to standard neurotoxicity assays such as the MTT assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) test and is particularly suited for drug development studies. Briefly, the surface of SPCEs were modified with poly-l-lysine (PLL) to enhance both the electrochemical signal and the adherence of human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells. Electrochemical measurements were taken in 0.5 mM [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− whose non-toxic effect was confirmed, and a good relationship was observed between electrochemical signal and cell viability. The electrochemical platform was then successfully tested to assess the toxic effects of H2O2 and doxorubicin. These findings demonstrate the platform's potential for routine electrochemical neurotoxicity evaluation and emphasize the feasibility of using a cell-based analytical system for toxicity screening applications.
神经毒性评估对于确保药品和化学品的安全，同时通过识别有害物质保护公众健康至关重要。本文采用丝网印刷碳电极（SPCE）集成培养皿平台，提出了一种简单而创新的电化学神经毒性检测方法。该系统可作为标准神经毒性测定(如MTT测定（3-（4,5-二甲基噻唑-2-基）-2,5-二苯基溴化四唑）试验的快速、定量和时间分辨替代方法，特别适用于药物开发研究。简单地说，用聚赖氨酸（PLL）修饰SPCEs表面，增强了人神经母细胞瘤（SH-SY5Y）细胞的电化学信号和粘附性。在0.5 mM [Fe(CN)6]3−/4−中进行了电化学测量，证实了其无毒作用，并观察到电化学信号与细胞活力之间存在良好的关系。然后成功地测试了电化学平台，以评估H2O2和阿霉素的毒性作用。这些发现证明了该平台在常规电化学神经毒性评估方面的潜力，并强调了使用基于细胞的分析系统进行毒性筛选应用的可行性。
{"title":"Time-resolved, label-free electrochemical monitoring of neurotoxicity via differential pulse voltammetry","authors":"Hasret Turkmen , Mustafa Şen","doi":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109214","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109214","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Neurotoxicity assessment is crucial for ensuring the safety of pharmaceuticals and chemicals while protecting public health by identifying hazardous substances. Here, a simple and innovative electrochemical neurotoxicity assay was presented using a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) integrated petri dish platform. This system serves as a rapid, quantitative, and time-resolved alternative to standard neurotoxicity assays such as the MTT assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) test and is particularly suited for drug development studies. Briefly, the surface of SPCEs were modified with poly-<span>l</span>-lysine (PLL) to enhance both the electrochemical signal and the adherence of human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells. Electrochemical measurements were taken in 0.5 mM [Fe(CN)<sub>6</sub>]<sup>3−/4−</sup> whose non-toxic effect was confirmed, and a good relationship was observed between electrochemical signal and cell viability. The electrochemical platform was then successfully tested to assess the toxic effects of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> and doxorubicin. These findings demonstrate the platform's potential for routine electrochemical neurotoxicity evaluation and emphasize the feasibility of using a cell-based analytical system for toxicity screening applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":252,"journal":{"name":"Bioelectrochemistry","volume":"170 ","pages":"Article 109214"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145897940","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2026-01-27DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2026.109241
Emily Hellwich , Maria Luisa Barcena , Pamela Sowa , Vitalij Novickij , Igor Tsaur , Tilman E. Schäffer , Aleksander Kielbik
Cell swelling and cytoskeletal disruption are known to be secondary effects of cell membrane permeabilization induced by nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs). In this study, we used healthy and cancer urothelial cells to investigate the role of Ca2+ influx on cytoskeleton remodeling and morphological changes of cells following exposure. A train of 200 nsPEFs (300 ns pulse duration, 10 Hz), delivered via contact electrodes, effectively permeabilized the cell membrane in an isosmotic physiological solution. Subsequent shrinkage of the actin cortex and a reduction in actin fluorescence were observed only in the presence of extracellular Ca2+. In its absence, no significant changes in the phalloidin-stained actin cortex were detected. Time-lapse imaging using scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) revealed that a significantly greater and more immediate increase in projected cell area and cell volume occurred after nsPEFs exposure in a solution containing Ca2+ compared to a solution without Ca2+. These findings demonstrate that Ca2+ is a key driver of actin cytoskeleton disintegration and morphological changes following membrane permeabilization with nsPEFs.
{"title":"Extracellular Ca2+ drives cytoskeletal remodeling and cell swelling following nanosecond pulsed electric field exposure","authors":"Emily Hellwich , Maria Luisa Barcena , Pamela Sowa , Vitalij Novickij , Igor Tsaur , Tilman E. Schäffer , Aleksander Kielbik","doi":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2026.109241","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2026.109241","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cell swelling and cytoskeletal disruption are known to be secondary effects of cell membrane permeabilization induced by nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs). In this study, we used healthy and cancer urothelial cells to investigate the role of Ca<sup>2+</sup> influx on cytoskeleton remodeling and morphological changes of cells following exposure. A train of 200 nsPEFs (300 ns pulse duration, 10 Hz), delivered via contact electrodes, effectively permeabilized the cell membrane in an isosmotic physiological solution. Subsequent shrinkage of the actin cortex and a reduction in actin fluorescence were observed only in the presence of extracellular Ca<sup>2+</sup>. In its absence, no significant changes in the phalloidin-stained actin cortex were detected. Time-lapse imaging using scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) revealed that a significantly greater and more immediate increase in projected cell area and cell volume occurred after nsPEFs exposure in a solution containing Ca<sup>2+</sup> compared to a solution without Ca<sup>2+</sup>. These findings demonstrate that Ca<sup>2+</sup> is a key driver of actin cytoskeleton disintegration and morphological changes following membrane permeabilization with nsPEFs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":252,"journal":{"name":"Bioelectrochemistry","volume":"170 ","pages":"Article 109241"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073982","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2025-12-29DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109208
Adrijana Savevska , Yuanyuan Guo
Advanced healthcare and biomedical research require innovative approaches in the design and integration of materials for next-generation implantable biomedical devices. Recently, thermally drawn multimaterial and multifunctional fibers have been developed, which have significantly advanced biomedical implants with multifunctionality, miniaturization, and mechanical compliance with biological tissue. However, advances in their capabilities, particularly in vivo electrochemical sensing and modulation, remain limited. This review aims to bridge the gap between electrochemical sensing, thermally drawn fiber technology, and neurochemical monitoring and modulation. Recent advances in fiber-based electrochemical sensors are highlighted, with a focus on material selection, surface modification methods, and detection techniques. Despite significant progress in this interdisciplinary field, challenges persist in ensuring the long-term stability, biocompatibility, and scalability of these sensors within complex physiological environments such as the brain. In addition to mentioning the current limitations, we emphasize the potential of fiber probes to elevate fundamental life-science research and clinical diagnostics to a new level.
{"title":"Critical perspectives on thermally-drawn multimaterial and multifunctional fiber-based neural interface for neurochemical sensing and modulation","authors":"Adrijana Savevska , Yuanyuan Guo","doi":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109208","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2025.109208","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Advanced healthcare and biomedical research require innovative approaches in the design and integration of materials for next-generation implantable biomedical devices. Recently, thermally drawn multimaterial and multifunctional fibers have been developed, which have significantly advanced biomedical implants with multifunctionality, miniaturization, and mechanical compliance with biological tissue. However, advances in their capabilities, particularly <em>in vivo</em> electrochemical sensing and modulation, remain limited. This review aims to bridge the gap between electrochemical sensing, thermally drawn fiber technology, and neurochemical monitoring and modulation. Recent advances in fiber-based electrochemical sensors are highlighted, with a focus on material selection, surface modification methods, and detection techniques. Despite significant progress in this interdisciplinary field, challenges persist in ensuring the long-term stability, biocompatibility, and scalability of these sensors within complex physiological environments such as the brain. In addition to mentioning the current limitations, we emphasize the potential of fiber probes to elevate fundamental life-science research and clinical diagnostics to a new level.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":252,"journal":{"name":"Bioelectrochemistry","volume":"170 ","pages":"Article 109208"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023966","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Perovskite nanocrystals are attractive ECL emitters but suffer from poor water stability and potential toxicity. Here we report a signal-on electrochemiluminescent biosensor that integrates CsPbBr₃@SiO₂@Au nanocomposites with a CRISPR/Cas13a–Nb.BbvCI amplification cascade for ultrasensitive microRNA detection. The CsPbBr₃ core provides bright emission, a conformal SiO₂ shell enhances water compatibility and suppresses ion leakage, and surface Au nanoparticles offer abundant sites for thiolated ferrocene-hairpin (Fc-HP) immobilization. In the resting state, proximal Fc efficiently quenches the CsPbBr₃ ECL. Target miRNA activates Cas13a to cleave a dumbbell probe and release an intermediate strand that hybridizes with Fc-HP; subsequent Nb.BbvCI nicking removes Fc from the electrode and is recycled, producing robust signal restoration. Morphology (TEM), composition (EDS/XPS), and stepwise electrochemistry (CV/EIS) verify a core–shell–Au architecture and a reliably assembled interface that follows the expected quench→restore behavior. Under optimized conditions (0.5 mg mL−1 CsPbBr₃@SiO₂@Au, 2.0 μM Fc-HP, 40 min target incubation, 100 mM TPrA, 120 s pre-reaction), the assay affords a 1 aM–1.0 × 109 aM linear range with an estimated limit of detection (LOD) of 1.86 aM. The sensor shows high specificity against homologous sequences and achieves 95.22%–104.61% recoveries with RSD < 5% in spiked serum. Pilot measurements distinguish patient serum samples from healthy controls, underscoring clinical potential. This modular platform couples stable perovskite ECL emission with programmable CRISPR chemistry, offering a sensitive, selective, and water-compatible route for microRNA analysis and readily extensible nucleic-acid diagnostics.
{"title":"Silica-detoxified perovskite ECL: Cas13a-triggered signal-on sensing with CsPbBr₃@SiO₂@Au","authors":"Kangqi Xie , Haozhen Ren , Dingpeng Ban , Luchang Chen , Xudong Xin , Jiayi Zhang , Qianli Tang , Longjian Huang , Jihua Wei , Kai Zhang , Xianjiu Liao","doi":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2026.109243","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2026.109243","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Perovskite nanocrystals are attractive ECL emitters but suffer from poor water stability and potential toxicity. Here we report a signal-on electrochemiluminescent biosensor that integrates CsPbBr₃@SiO₂@Au nanocomposites with a CRISPR/Cas13a–Nb.<em>Bbv</em>CI amplification cascade for ultrasensitive microRNA detection. The CsPbBr₃ core provides bright emission, a conformal SiO₂ shell enhances water compatibility and suppresses ion leakage, and surface Au nanoparticles offer abundant sites for thiolated ferrocene-hairpin (Fc-HP) immobilization. In the resting state, proximal Fc efficiently quenches the CsPbBr₃ ECL. Target miRNA activates Cas13a to cleave a dumbbell probe and release an intermediate strand that hybridizes with Fc-HP; subsequent Nb.<em>Bbv</em>CI nicking removes Fc from the electrode and is recycled, producing robust signal restoration. Morphology (TEM), composition (EDS/XPS), and stepwise electrochemistry (CV/EIS) verify a core–shell–Au architecture and a reliably assembled interface that follows the expected quench→restore behavior. Under optimized conditions (0.5 mg mL<sup>−1</sup> CsPbBr₃@SiO₂@Au, 2.0 μM Fc-HP, 40 min target incubation, 100 mM TPrA, 120 s pre-reaction), the assay affords a 1 aM–1.0 × 10<sup>9</sup> aM linear range with an estimated limit of detection (LOD) of 1.86 aM. The sensor shows high specificity against homologous sequences and achieves 95.22%–104.61% recoveries with RSD < 5% in spiked serum. Pilot measurements distinguish patient serum samples from healthy controls, underscoring clinical potential. This modular platform couples stable perovskite ECL emission with programmable CRISPR chemistry, offering a sensitive, selective, and water-compatible route for microRNA analysis and readily extensible nucleic-acid diagnostics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":252,"journal":{"name":"Bioelectrochemistry","volume":"170 ","pages":"Article 109243"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146103256","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2026-01-22DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2026.109234
Bal-Ram Adhikari , Reem Elmahdy , Carlos A. Ramirez , Jacek Lipkowski , Aicheng Chen
We report on a novel nature-inspired electrochemical platform for the sensitive detection of thyroglobulin (Tg), a critical biomarker for monitoring treatment efficacy in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer following thyroidectomy. Current Tg diagnostic strategies typically require multiple complex reactions that require various washing steps and stringent experimental protocols. For this study, we have successfully developed a lactoperoxidase (LPO) based Ag nanoparticles (AgNP) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanohybrid platform, on which LPO was immobilized through the creation of a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) followed by EDC/NHS activation. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) was employed to characterize the electrochemical behaviours of the rGO-AgNP nanohybrid, prior to and following the formation of the self-assembled monolayer (SAM). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to further investigate the behaviour of the rGO-AgNP nanohybrid, following the immobilization of LPO. Our study has shown that the developed biosensor demonstrated rapid, sensitive, and selective Tg detection over a broad linear range of 4.0–90.0 ng/mL with a low limit of detection of 0.75 ng/mL, highlighting its strong potential for biological and clinical applications.
{"title":"Electrochemical detection of thyroglobulin based upon biomimetic thyroid chemistry","authors":"Bal-Ram Adhikari , Reem Elmahdy , Carlos A. Ramirez , Jacek Lipkowski , Aicheng Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2026.109234","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2026.109234","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We report on a novel nature-inspired electrochemical platform for the sensitive detection of thyroglobulin (Tg), a critical biomarker for monitoring treatment efficacy in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer following thyroidectomy. Current Tg diagnostic strategies typically require multiple complex reactions that require various washing steps and stringent experimental protocols. For this study, we have successfully developed a lactoperoxidase (LPO) based Ag nanoparticles (AgNP) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanohybrid platform, on which LPO was immobilized through the creation of a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) followed by EDC/NHS activation. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) was employed to characterize the electrochemical behaviours of the rGO-AgNP nanohybrid, prior to and following the formation of the self-assembled monolayer (SAM). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to further investigate the behaviour of the rGO-AgNP nanohybrid, following the immobilization of LPO. Our study has shown that the developed biosensor demonstrated rapid, sensitive, and selective Tg detection over a broad linear range of 4.0–90.0 ng/mL with a low limit of detection of 0.75 ng/mL, highlighting its strong potential for biological and clinical applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":252,"journal":{"name":"Bioelectrochemistry","volume":"170 ","pages":"Article 109234"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146111806","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2026-01-12DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2026.109227
Chunxiu Jiang , Meng Zhao , Anqing Li , Yahan Li , Pan Liu , Zhong Li , Fuhui Wang , Dake Xu
Metallic materials used in oral applications are simultaneously exposed to microbial colonization and crevices. Understanding the synergistic effects of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) and crevice corrosion is essential to ensure the long-term performance and safety of dental alloys. Herein, we systematically investigated the corrosion behavior of 316L stainless steel (SS) under conditions with and without Streptococcus mutans and simulated crevices. S. mutans formed a dense biofilm on open surfaces, while looser biofilm was detected inside the crevice. Electrochemical tests, along with corrosion morphology and product analyses, demonstrated that both S. mutans and crevices independently increased the corrosion rate of 316L SS. Notably, their coexistence induced a pronounced synergistic effect, elevating the corrosion current density from 0.10 ± 0.03 μA cm−2 (sterile, no crevice) to 4.35 ± 0.20 μA cm−2. The most severe corrosion occurred inside the crevice, with a maximum pit depth of 3.7 μm after 14 days. Mott–Schottky analysis further confirmed that the combined effect of biofilm and crevice impaired the integrity of passive film. Based on these results and classical theory, we proposed an accelerated corrosion mechanism whereby the synergistic effect between biofilms and crevice critically accelerated the corrosion of 316L SS in the oral environment.
{"title":"Cariogenic Streptococcus mutans accelerates the crevice corrosion of 316L stainless steel in simulated oral environment","authors":"Chunxiu Jiang , Meng Zhao , Anqing Li , Yahan Li , Pan Liu , Zhong Li , Fuhui Wang , Dake Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2026.109227","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2026.109227","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Metallic materials used in oral applications are simultaneously exposed to microbial colonization and crevices. Understanding the synergistic effects of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) and crevice corrosion is essential to ensure the long-term performance and safety of dental alloys. Herein, we systematically investigated the corrosion behavior of 316L stainless steel (SS) under conditions with and without <em>Streptococcus mutans</em> and simulated crevices. <em>S. mutans</em> formed a dense biofilm on open surfaces, while looser biofilm was detected inside the crevice. Electrochemical tests, along with corrosion morphology and product analyses, demonstrated that both <em>S. mutans</em> and crevices independently increased the corrosion rate of 316L SS. Notably, their coexistence induced a pronounced synergistic effect, elevating the corrosion current density from 0.10 ± 0.03 μA cm<sup>−2</sup> (sterile, no crevice) to 4.35 ± 0.20 μA cm<sup>−2</sup>. The most severe corrosion occurred inside the crevice, with a maximum pit depth of 3.7 μm after 14 days. Mott–Schottky analysis further confirmed that the combined effect of biofilm and crevice impaired the integrity of passive film. Based on these results and classical theory, we proposed an accelerated corrosion mechanism whereby the synergistic effect between biofilms and crevice critically accelerated the corrosion of 316L SS in the oral environment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":252,"journal":{"name":"Bioelectrochemistry","volume":"170 ","pages":"Article 109227"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145974510","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2026-01-14DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2026.109226
Cam Abdullaeva , Daniel Coughlin , Nadiah Alyamni , Alexander G. Zestos
Endorphins are three proteins that belong to a family of neuropeptides that regulate pain perception, mood, and immune function by targeting opioid receptors. The biological role of ꞵ-endorphin is well studied, but α- and γ-endorphins are less understood. By creating more fast and reliable methods of detection, we can progress towards determining the physiological role of each endorphin. Carbon fiber microelectrodes (CFMEs) are promising sensors for biomolecule detection as they are small, cheap sensors that can target specific brain regions. Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) is an electroanalytical technique, often coupled with CFMEs, that has been used to measure a variety of neurotransmitters (NTs) and neuropeptides. This method is of interest due to its exceptionally high temporal resolution, but it is also relatively affordable, minimally invasive, and biocompatible. Because the endorphins contain tyrosine, they can be easily measured with FSCV using a modified sawhorse waveform (MSW). Endorphins were detected at as low as nanomolar concentrations with high stability, exhibiting a mixed adsorption- and diffusion-controlled mechanism, and can be co-detected with small molecule NTs such as dopamine (DA). ꞵ-Endorphins saturated the electrode quicker due to its bulkier size, and the CFME was found to be significantly more sensitive to α-endorphin than γ-endorphin. Finally, we detected endorphins in brain samples for proof of principle analysis of the assay.
{"title":"Characterizing human endorphins with fast-scan cyclic voltammetry and carbon fiber microelectrodes","authors":"Cam Abdullaeva , Daniel Coughlin , Nadiah Alyamni , Alexander G. Zestos","doi":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2026.109226","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2026.109226","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Endorphins are three proteins that belong to a family of neuropeptides that regulate pain perception, mood, and immune function by targeting opioid receptors. The biological role of ꞵ-endorphin is well studied, but α- and γ-endorphins are less understood. By creating more fast and reliable methods of detection, we can progress towards determining the physiological role of each endorphin. Carbon fiber microelectrodes (CFMEs) are promising sensors for biomolecule detection as they are small, cheap sensors that can target specific brain regions. Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) is an electroanalytical technique, often coupled with CFMEs, that has been used to measure a variety of neurotransmitters (NTs) and neuropeptides. This method is of interest due to its exceptionally high temporal resolution, but it is also relatively affordable, minimally invasive, and biocompatible. Because the endorphins contain tyrosine, they can be easily measured with FSCV using a modified sawhorse waveform (MSW). Endorphins were detected at as low as nanomolar concentrations with high stability, exhibiting a mixed adsorption- and diffusion-controlled mechanism, and can be co-detected with small molecule NTs such as dopamine (DA). ꞵ-Endorphins saturated the electrode quicker due to its bulkier size, and the CFME was found to be significantly more sensitive to α-endorphin than γ-endorphin. Finally, we detected endorphins in brain samples for proof of principle analysis of the assay.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":252,"journal":{"name":"Bioelectrochemistry","volume":"170 ","pages":"Article 109226"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146008077","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2026-02-07DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2026.109245
Chengyi Lu , Minjie Yang , Peiwu Chen , Hongyi Zhang , Shi Tang , Ling Zha , Ying Huang , Dong Sun , Ruizhuo Ouyang , Yuqin Jiang , Yuqing Miao , Baolin Liu
Cancer early detection demands highly sensitive, cost-effective, and reliable sensing platforms. Herein, we report the synthesis of lanthanum bismuth oxide nanosheets (LaBi3O6 NSs) via a simple sol–gel method and their innovative application in constructing a label-free electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). The LaBi3O6 NSs serve as an excellent matrix offering a large specific surface area, high conductivity, and rich active sites, significantly enhancing electron transfer and biomolecular immobilization. The fabricated immunosensor demonstrates outstanding analytical performance: a wide linear range from 0.1 to 1000 ng mL−1, an ultra-low detection limit of 56.2 pg mL−1, and high selectivity against common interferents. It also exhibits remarkable reproducibility (RSD < 5%) and stability (retaining 90% activity after 15 days). Practical applicability was confirmed through successful CEA detection in human serum samples, with recovery rates of 98.8–101.2% and excellent agreement with standard methods. This work not only presents a novel bismuth-based nanomaterial for biosensing but also provides a robust, eco-friendly, and highly efficient strategy for clinical cancer biomarker detection. The proposed platform holds great promise for point-of-care diagnostics and opens new avenues for the development of next-generation electrochemical immunosensors.
{"title":"Engineered LaBi₃O₆ nanosheet interface enabling robust and ultrasensitive detection of carcinoembryonic antigen","authors":"Chengyi Lu , Minjie Yang , Peiwu Chen , Hongyi Zhang , Shi Tang , Ling Zha , Ying Huang , Dong Sun , Ruizhuo Ouyang , Yuqin Jiang , Yuqing Miao , Baolin Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2026.109245","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2026.109245","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cancer early detection demands highly sensitive, cost-effective, and reliable sensing platforms. Herein, we report the synthesis of lanthanum bismuth oxide nanosheets (LaBi<sub>3</sub>O<sub>6</sub> NSs) via a simple sol–gel method and their innovative application in constructing a label-free electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). The LaBi<sub>3</sub>O<sub>6</sub> NSs serve as an excellent matrix offering a large specific surface area, high conductivity, and rich active sites, significantly enhancing electron transfer and biomolecular immobilization. The fabricated immunosensor demonstrates outstanding analytical performance: a wide linear range from 0.1 to 1000 ng mL<sup>−1</sup>, an ultra-low detection limit of 56.2 pg mL<sup>−1</sup>, and high selectivity against common interferents. It also exhibits remarkable reproducibility (RSD < 5%) and stability (retaining 90% activity after 15 days). Practical applicability was confirmed through successful CEA detection in human serum samples, with recovery rates of 98.8–101.2% and excellent agreement with standard methods. This work not only presents a novel bismuth-based nanomaterial for biosensing but also provides a robust, eco-friendly, and highly efficient strategy for clinical cancer biomarker detection. The proposed platform holds great promise for point-of-care diagnostics and opens new avenues for the development of next-generation electrochemical immunosensors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":252,"journal":{"name":"Bioelectrochemistry","volume":"170 ","pages":"Article 109245"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146170110","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2026-01-19DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2026.109229
Hou-Yun Yang , Xiang Geng , Zhi-Dao Quan , Li Yu , Xian-Huai Huang , Wei-Hua Li , Tong-Zhan Xue , Yang Mu
Azo dyes, containing one or more azo bonds (–N=N–), are widely used but pose environmental and health risks due to their toxicity and resistance to degradation. Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) offer a potential approach for their reductive degradation, yet the role of molecular structure in degradation remains unclear. In this study, nine representative azo dyes were examined to access how substituent type and position affect degradation kinetics and electron transfer under controlled cathodic potentials in BESs. Electron-withdrawing substituents (e.g., –SO3−, –NO2) and o−/m- substitution enhanced azo bond cleavage, while p-substitution or steric hindered degradation. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) revealed that higher reduction currents and lower charge-transfer resistance correlated with faster degradation. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis identified that the –N=N– group and other molecular features such as atom count, are key determinants of azo dyes removal. Experimental and theoretical calculations showed that molecular structure regulates the electron transfer efficiency from electrode to dye by affecting the electron density and steric hindrance of the azo bond, thereby determining degradation kinetics. This study deepened the influence of the molecular structure on azo dyes bioelectrochemical removal, and provided optimized guidance for the treatment of wastewater containing azo dyes by BESs.
{"title":"Molecular structure-dependent bioelectrochemical decolorization of azo dyes","authors":"Hou-Yun Yang , Xiang Geng , Zhi-Dao Quan , Li Yu , Xian-Huai Huang , Wei-Hua Li , Tong-Zhan Xue , Yang Mu","doi":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2026.109229","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2026.109229","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Azo dyes, containing one or more azo bonds (–N=N–), are widely used but pose environmental and health risks due to their toxicity and resistance to degradation. Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) offer a potential approach for their reductive degradation, yet the role of molecular structure in degradation remains unclear. In this study, nine representative azo dyes were examined to access how substituent type and position affect degradation kinetics and electron transfer under controlled cathodic potentials in BESs. Electron-withdrawing substituents (e.g., –SO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup>, –NO<sub>2</sub>) and o−/m- substitution enhanced azo bond cleavage, while p-substitution or steric hindered degradation. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) revealed that higher reduction currents and lower charge-transfer resistance correlated with faster degradation. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis identified that the –N=N– group and other molecular features such as atom count, are key determinants of azo dyes removal. Experimental and theoretical calculations showed that molecular structure regulates the electron transfer efficiency from electrode to dye by affecting the electron density and steric hindrance of the azo bond, thereby determining degradation kinetics. This study deepened the influence of the molecular structure on azo dyes bioelectrochemical removal, and provided optimized guidance for the treatment of wastewater containing azo dyes by BESs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":252,"journal":{"name":"Bioelectrochemistry","volume":"170 ","pages":"Article 109229"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023969","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2026.109244
Yuchen Tang , Hongbo Su , Chunxiao Chen , Kaida Liu , Xing Li
In current clinical practice, Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) are delivered through insulated ceramic electrode arrays via capacitive coupling, which limits the efficiency of electric field energy transfer. In this study, we propose a new TTFields delivery mode based on conductive electrodes, termed conductive TTFields (Ce-TTFields), to enhance energy delivery efficiency. Electromagnetic-field and lumped-circuit analysis was conducted to understand the underlying mechanisms of TTFields delivery and proposed the novel Ce-TTFields concept. We designed and fabricated a Ce-TTFields culture dish and conducted electromagnetic simulations, in vitro electric-field measurements, and U-87 glioma cell proliferation assays to validate this novel concept. Simulation and test experimental results demonstrate that Ce-TTFields produce stronger electric field intensities in the cell culture and the simulated human brain model compared with conventional insulated electrodes under the same driving voltage. U-87 glioma cell proliferation assays consistently confirmed that the U-87 glioma inhibition efficiency is enhanced by Ce-TTFields, indicating significantly improved energy-delivery efficiency. These findings suggest that Ce-TTFields may help optimize TTFields treatment protocols and offer a promising direction for developing more efficient, lightweight, and cost-effective TTFields therapeutic systems.
{"title":"Improving the efficiency of tumor treating fields delivery in tumor cell proliferation inhibition through conductive electrodes","authors":"Yuchen Tang , Hongbo Su , Chunxiao Chen , Kaida Liu , Xing Li","doi":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2026.109244","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bioelechem.2026.109244","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In current clinical practice, Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) are delivered through insulated ceramic electrode arrays via capacitive coupling, which limits the efficiency of electric field energy transfer. In this study, we propose a new TTFields delivery mode based on conductive electrodes, termed conductive TTFields (Ce-TTFields), to enhance energy delivery efficiency. Electromagnetic-field and lumped-circuit analysis was conducted to understand the underlying mechanisms of TTFields delivery and proposed the novel Ce-TTFields concept. We designed and fabricated a Ce-TTFields culture dish and conducted electromagnetic simulations, in vitro electric-field measurements, and U-87 glioma cell proliferation assays to validate this novel concept. Simulation and test experimental results demonstrate that Ce-TTFields produce stronger electric field intensities in the cell culture and the simulated human brain model compared with conventional insulated electrodes under the same driving voltage. U-87 glioma cell proliferation assays consistently confirmed that the U-87 glioma inhibition efficiency is enhanced by Ce-TTFields, indicating significantly improved energy-delivery efficiency. These findings suggest that Ce-TTFields may help optimize TTFields treatment protocols and offer a promising direction for developing more efficient, lightweight, and cost-effective TTFields therapeutic systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":252,"journal":{"name":"Bioelectrochemistry","volume":"170 ","pages":"Article 109244"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146117344","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：
京公网安备 11010802042870号