Pub Date : 2026-05-15Epub Date: 2026-02-09DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2026.139638
Qiuting Zhang , Shuang Zhao , Jiashuo Xu , Gang Cao , Ziying Zhang , Jing Xu , Ran Luo , Cheng Zhu , Shenghui Li , Xiaoqun Gong , Dianming Zhou
Accurate and sensitive identification of single-base mutations (SBM) assumes paramount importance in tumor diagnosis, prognosis, and personalized therapy. Nevertheless, reliable detection of SBM at low abundance remains a formidable challenge. Interestingly, we discovered that when a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) target was split between 8th and 9th bases, the resulting fragments can act as inhibitors that significantly influence the activation of Cas12a, providing a new handle for SBM analysis. Herein, we developed a new method combining the ligase reaction and the designed Cas12a system for sensitively detecting SBM in glioma-associated Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 1 (IDH-1) enzyme mRNA. Meanwhile, the reverse fluorescence-enhanced paper-based strips (rFEPs) were introduced for the visual and fluorescent detection platform. The limit of detection reached remarkable aM level and the allele frequency achieved at 0.1 %. Moreover, the platform also enabled portable detection of SBM in simulated mutant-type (MT) mRNA cell samples. This study provided a novel method for developing powerful diagnostic tools for tumor detection and precision medicine.
{"title":"Screening the split DNA inhibitors of the CRISPR/Cas12a to enable ultrasensitively detect single-base mutations","authors":"Qiuting Zhang , Shuang Zhao , Jiashuo Xu , Gang Cao , Ziying Zhang , Jing Xu , Ran Luo , Cheng Zhu , Shenghui Li , Xiaoqun Gong , Dianming Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.snb.2026.139638","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.snb.2026.139638","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Accurate and sensitive identification of single-base mutations (SBM) assumes paramount importance in tumor diagnosis, prognosis, and personalized therapy. Nevertheless, reliable detection of SBM at low abundance remains a formidable challenge. Interestingly, we discovered that when a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) target was split between 8th and 9th bases, the resulting fragments can act as inhibitors that significantly influence the activation of Cas12a, providing a new handle for SBM analysis. Herein, we developed a new method combining the ligase reaction and the designed Cas12a system for sensitively detecting SBM in glioma-associated Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 1 (<em>IDH-1</em>) enzyme mRNA. Meanwhile, the reverse fluorescence-enhanced paper-based strips (rFEPs) were introduced for the visual and fluorescent detection platform. The limit of detection reached remarkable aM level and the allele frequency achieved at 0.1 %. Moreover, the platform also enabled portable detection of SBM in simulated mutant-type (MT) mRNA cell samples. This study provided a novel method for developing powerful diagnostic tools for tumor detection and precision medicine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":425,"journal":{"name":"Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical","volume":"455 ","pages":"Article 139638"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146146728","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-15Epub Date: 2026-02-09DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2026.139642
Guoli Yang , Haipeng Wu , Min Li , Jin Kang , Yi Liu , Yongqiang Chen , Liyong Du
Hollow multi-shelled heterostructures have garnered significant research interest due to their unique microstructural and electronic characteristics. In this study, hollow double-shelled Zn2SnO4 (ZTO)/SnO2 heterostructures are successfully synthesized via a facile self-sacrificing template method. By varying the heating rate during annealing, the concentration of oxygen vacancies in the material is effectively modulated. Multiple characterization techniques, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoluminescence (PL) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), confirm that the sample annealed at a heating rate of 10 °C/min exhibits the highest concentration of oxygen vacancies. This sample also demonstrates good gas-sensing performance. Specifically, the ZTO/SnO2-3 sensor exhibits a high response value of 62.3 toward 100 ppm n-butanol at a working temperature of 180°C, along with a rapid response time (10 s), good selectivity, repeatability and long-term stability. The enhanced gas-sensing properties are attributed to the synergistic effects of the hollow double-shelled structure, heterojunction formation and oxygen vacancies, which collectively increase the number of active sites on the material surface and facilitate charge carrier transport. Furthermore, in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is utilized to probe the dynamic process of the gas-sensing reaction between the material and n-butanol. The study also provides deeper insights into the underlying mechanism and establishes a valuable experimental and theoretical foundation for future research.
{"title":"Oxygen vacancy engineering in hollow double-shelled Zn2SnO4/SnO2 heterostructure for efficient n-butanol detection","authors":"Guoli Yang , Haipeng Wu , Min Li , Jin Kang , Yi Liu , Yongqiang Chen , Liyong Du","doi":"10.1016/j.snb.2026.139642","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.snb.2026.139642","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hollow multi-shelled heterostructures have garnered significant research interest due to their unique microstructural and electronic characteristics. In this study, hollow double-shelled Zn<sub>2</sub>SnO<sub>4</sub> (ZTO)/SnO<sub>2</sub> heterostructures are successfully synthesized via a facile self-sacrificing template method. By varying the heating rate during annealing, the concentration of oxygen vacancies in the material is effectively modulated. Multiple characterization techniques, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoluminescence (PL) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), confirm that the sample annealed at a heating rate of 10 °C/min exhibits the highest concentration of oxygen vacancies. This sample also demonstrates good gas-sensing performance. Specifically, the ZTO/SnO<sub>2</sub>-3 sensor exhibits a high response value of 62.3 toward 100 ppm n-butanol at a working temperature of 180°C, along with a rapid response time (10 s), good selectivity, repeatability and long-term stability. The enhanced gas-sensing properties are attributed to the synergistic effects of the hollow double-shelled structure, heterojunction formation and oxygen vacancies, which collectively increase the number of active sites on the material surface and facilitate charge carrier transport. Furthermore, in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is utilized to probe the dynamic process of the gas-sensing reaction between the material and n-butanol. The study also provides deeper insights into the underlying mechanism and establishes a valuable experimental and theoretical foundation for future research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":425,"journal":{"name":"Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical","volume":"455 ","pages":"Article 139642"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146146726","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Long non-coding RNA SOX2-OT (lncRNA SOX2-OT) has demonstrated notable potential for its clinical application as a potential biomarker of carotid atherosclerosis. However, accurate lncRNA-based carotid atherosclerosis diagnosis is hindered by the lack of ultrasensitive, simple, and highly specific detection methods. To tackle these challenges, we introduced an innovative strategy by integrating catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) and hybridisation chain reaction (HCR) into a cascade signal amplification strategy to detect lncRNA SOX2-OT and enable precise carotid atherosclerosis diagnosis. CHA enables specific target recognition and initial signal amplification, whereas subsequent cascaded HCR generates long double-stranded DNA scaffolds with multiple G-quadruplexes. Simultaneously, methylene blue interacts with DNA structure, generating a potent electrochemical signal. Furthermore, the formation of peroxidase-mimicking hemin/G-quadruplex can catalyse 3,3’,5,5’-tetramethylbenzidine oxidation, enabling visual detection of the target. The biosensor exhibited a low limit of detection of 10 aM and successfully detected lncRNA SOX2-OT in serum samples. This CHA–HCR biosensor, with its enzyme-free, label-free, and highly sensitive nature, holds notable potential for clinical applications, particularly in assessing the severity of carotid atherosclerosis. This study introduces an ultrasensitive and highly specific method for lncRNA detection and offers a new analytical perspective and technical support for the diagnosis and molecular assessment of carotid atherosclerosis.
{"title":"Synergistic amplification via CHA–HCR for electrochemical and colourimetric dual-mode detection of carotid atherosclerosis biomarker","authors":"Jiayi Chen , Guolin Yuan , Hui Shang , Xiandong Li , Xiaopeng Guo , Yanan Hu , Dewen Zhu , Fei Xie , Longchuan Xie , Yijun Tang , Chunyan Peng","doi":"10.1016/j.snb.2026.139650","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.snb.2026.139650","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Long non-coding RNA <em>SOX2-OT</em> (lncRNA <em>SOX2-OT</em>) has demonstrated notable potential for its clinical application as a potential biomarker of carotid atherosclerosis. However, accurate lncRNA-based carotid atherosclerosis diagnosis is hindered by the lack of ultrasensitive, simple, and highly specific detection methods. To tackle these challenges, we introduced an innovative strategy by integrating catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) and hybridisation chain reaction (HCR) into a cascade signal amplification strategy to detect lncRNA <em>SOX2-OT</em> and enable precise carotid atherosclerosis diagnosis. CHA enables specific target recognition and initial signal amplification, whereas subsequent cascaded HCR generates long double-stranded DNA scaffolds with multiple G-quadruplexes. Simultaneously, methylene blue interacts with DNA structure, generating a potent electrochemical signal. Furthermore, the formation of peroxidase-mimicking hemin/G-quadruplex can catalyse 3,3’,5,5’-tetramethylbenzidine oxidation, enabling visual detection of the target. The biosensor exhibited a low limit of detection of 10 aM and successfully detected lncRNA <em>SOX2-OT</em> in serum samples. This CHA–HCR biosensor, with its enzyme-free, label-free, and highly sensitive nature, holds notable potential for clinical applications, particularly in assessing the severity of carotid atherosclerosis. This study introduces an ultrasensitive and highly specific method for lncRNA detection and offers a new analytical perspective and technical support for the diagnosis and molecular assessment of carotid atherosclerosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":425,"journal":{"name":"Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical","volume":"455 ","pages":"Article 139650"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147386115","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-15Epub Date: 2026-02-09DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2026.139639
Tomotaka Kumagai , Tatum Melati Andini , Hiroshi Sugiyama , Daron M. Standley , Soyoung Park
Fluorescence-coded nucleoside analogues, in which photophysical properties are rationally encoded into the nucleobase scaffold, offer powerful tools for probing nucleic acid structure and function in complex biological systems. However, the development of structurally tunable, environment-sensitive fluorescent nucleosides that retain high biocompatibility and versatility remains limited. To address this, we present a tunable platform of ThexT-based fluorescent nucleosides, developed by introducing electronically distinct donor groups. This modular design enables fine-tuning of their photophysical behavior, resulting in donor-dependent variations in solvatochromism, viscosity sensitivity, and quantum yield—hallmarks of fluorescent molecular rotors. aniThexT and mopThexT were synthesized and site-selectively incorporated into DNA without disrupting base-pairing fidelity or duplex stability, preserving their rotor-like characteristics within oligonucleotide strands. When embedded into the G4-forming aptamer AS1411, these probes exhibited fluorescence turn-on effects upon G4 folding and selective nucleolin binding. This enhancement was further evaluated using gel-shift assays, and live-cell imaging, where ThexT derivatives-labeled AS1411 enabled targeted visualization of nucleolin-overexpressing MDA-MB-231 cancer cells. Collectively, this work showcases our ThexT derivatives as versatile fluorogenic probes with broad applicability in nucleic acid structure analysis, biomolecular interaction mapping, and functional cellular imaging.
{"title":"A variation in thiophene-extended nucleosides as microenvironment-sensitive fluorescent probes","authors":"Tomotaka Kumagai , Tatum Melati Andini , Hiroshi Sugiyama , Daron M. Standley , Soyoung Park","doi":"10.1016/j.snb.2026.139639","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.snb.2026.139639","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fluorescence-coded nucleoside analogues, in which photophysical properties are rationally encoded into the nucleobase scaffold, offer powerful tools for probing nucleic acid structure and function in complex biological systems. However, the development of structurally tunable, environment-sensitive fluorescent nucleosides that retain high biocompatibility and versatility remains limited. To address this, we present a tunable platform of <sup><strong>Thex</strong></sup><strong>T</strong>-based fluorescent nucleosides, developed by introducing electronically distinct donor groups. This modular design enables fine-tuning of their photophysical behavior, resulting in donor-dependent variations in solvatochromism, viscosity sensitivity, and quantum yield—hallmarks of fluorescent molecular rotors. <sup><strong>aniThex</strong></sup><strong>T</strong> and <sup><strong>mopThex</strong></sup><strong>T</strong> were synthesized and site-selectively incorporated into DNA without disrupting base-pairing fidelity or duplex stability, preserving their rotor-like characteristics within oligonucleotide strands. When embedded into the G4-forming aptamer AS1411, these probes exhibited fluorescence turn-on effects upon G4 folding and selective nucleolin binding. This enhancement was further evaluated using gel-shift assays, and live-cell imaging, where <sup><strong>Thex</strong></sup><strong>T</strong> derivatives-labeled AS1411 enabled targeted visualization of nucleolin-overexpressing MDA-MB-231 cancer cells. Collectively, this work showcases our <sup><strong>Thex</strong></sup><strong>T</strong> derivatives as versatile fluorogenic probes with broad applicability in nucleic acid structure analysis, biomolecular interaction mapping, and functional cellular imaging.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":425,"journal":{"name":"Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical","volume":"455 ","pages":"Article 139639"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146139041","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-15Epub Date: 2026-02-13DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2026.139622
Nini Luo , Yuping Ruan , Jian Luo , Shen Tian , Dai Kuang , Nan Zhang , Xiaoxia Xie , Zhangmeng Liu , Xiaobing Wang , Juan Yao , Huangxian Ju , Qianfeng Xia
Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei (B. pseudomallei), is a fatal tropical infectious disease whose diagnosis is hindered by the lack of rapid and accessible detection methods. Here, we present a novel CRISPR/Cas12a-based biosensing platform integrated with a personal glucose meter (PGM) for rapid, quantitative, and amplification-free detection of B. pseudomallei DNA. In this system, target DNA activates Cas12a trans-cleavage, releasing invertase from an invertase-Linker-biotin probe. Subsequent magnetic separation removes the uncleaved complexes, and the invertase remaining in the solution catalyzes the conversion of sucrose to glucose, which is quantitatively measured by the PGM. The assay is completed within 50 min and achieves a detection limit of 0.1 pM with a linear dynamic range from 1 pM to 10 nM. The biosensor exhibits excellent specificity against single- and multi-base mismatched sequences, outstanding precision (CV < 10 %), and strong correlation with qPCR results in clinical samples (recovery: 98 % - 113 %). The reagents remain stable over four weeks of storage (CV = 4.4 %), confirming the robustness of the system. This amplification-free platform, independent of specialized laboratory instrumentation, represents an important step toward accessible molecular diagnostics, demonstrating the potential as a rapid, low-cost, and user-friendly solution for early melioidosis detection and potentially other infectious diseases. From a sensor-engineering standpoint, the CRISPR/Cas12a–PGM architecture constitutes a generalizable chemical/biosensing platform that can be readily reprogrammed for different nucleic-acid targets by simply switching the crRNA.
{"title":"A CRISPR/Cas12a–personal glucose meter biosensor for rapid and quantitative detection of Burkholderia pseudomallei DNA","authors":"Nini Luo , Yuping Ruan , Jian Luo , Shen Tian , Dai Kuang , Nan Zhang , Xiaoxia Xie , Zhangmeng Liu , Xiaobing Wang , Juan Yao , Huangxian Ju , Qianfeng Xia","doi":"10.1016/j.snb.2026.139622","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.snb.2026.139622","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Melioidosis, caused by <em>Burkholderia pseudomallei (B. pseudomallei)</em>, is a fatal tropical infectious disease whose diagnosis is hindered by the lack of rapid and accessible detection methods. Here, we present a novel CRISPR/Cas12a-based biosensing platform integrated with a personal glucose meter (PGM) for rapid, quantitative, and amplification-free detection of <em>B. pseudomallei</em> DNA. In this system, target DNA activates Cas12a trans-cleavage, releasing invertase from an invertase-Linker-biotin probe. Subsequent magnetic separation removes the uncleaved complexes, and the invertase remaining in the solution catalyzes the conversion of sucrose to glucose, which is quantitatively measured by the PGM. The assay is completed within 50 min and achieves a detection limit of 0.1 pM with a linear dynamic range from 1 pM to 10 nM. The biosensor exhibits excellent specificity against single- and multi-base mismatched sequences, outstanding precision (CV < 10 %), and strong correlation with qPCR results in clinical samples (recovery: 98 % - 113 %). The reagents remain stable over four weeks of storage (CV = 4.4 %), confirming the robustness of the system. This amplification-free platform, independent of specialized laboratory instrumentation, represents an important step toward accessible molecular diagnostics, demonstrating the potential as a rapid, low-cost, and user-friendly solution for early melioidosis detection and potentially other infectious diseases. From a sensor-engineering standpoint, the CRISPR/Cas12a–PGM architecture constitutes a generalizable chemical/biosensing platform that can be readily reprogrammed for different nucleic-acid targets by simply switching the crRNA.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":425,"journal":{"name":"Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical","volume":"455 ","pages":"Article 139622"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146198837","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-15Epub Date: 2026-02-16DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2026.139652
Min Li , Xianqing Tang , Yanjie Li , Zongcheng Zhang , Weijiang Zhou , Jadera Talap , Jian Sun , Ji Zhou
Methamphetamine (METH) abuse remains a pressing global health threat, driving the demand for on-site, ultra-sensitive detection tools. Herein, we design and fabricate a triple-functional nanozyme through a rational structural design strategy, involving the in situ reduction of Pd/Pt precursors on poly(tannic acid) nanospheres (PTAN). The phenolic-rich surface of PTAN@Pd/Pt allows for one-step, covalent-free antibody immobilization while preserving bioactivity and, concurrently, creates a synergistic catalytic interface. When integrated into a lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA), the platform affords visual limits of detection of 1.0 ng/mL (colorimetric signal) and 0.5 ng/mL (catalytic signal), representing 15- and 30-fold improvements over conventional gold nanoparticle-based LFIAs, and lowers the drug concentration cut-off value (critical value) to 19 ng/mL and 40 ng/mL, respectively. Quantitative analysis showed excellent linearity, and validation in spiked hair, serum, and urine samples yielded high recoveries and low coefficients of variation (CVs). The PTAN@Pd/Pt nanozyme therefore offers a powerful and practical tool for rapid METH screening in clinical diagnostics and forensic science.
{"title":"Pd/Pt-decorated poly(tannic acid) nanospheres as a multifunctional label for ultrasensitive lateral flow immunoassay of methamphetamine","authors":"Min Li , Xianqing Tang , Yanjie Li , Zongcheng Zhang , Weijiang Zhou , Jadera Talap , Jian Sun , Ji Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.snb.2026.139652","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.snb.2026.139652","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Methamphetamine (METH) abuse remains a pressing global health threat, driving the demand for on-site, ultra-sensitive detection tools. Herein, we design and fabricate a triple-functional nanozyme through a rational structural design strategy, involving the in situ reduction of Pd/Pt precursors on poly(tannic acid) nanospheres (PTAN). The phenolic-rich surface of PTAN@Pd/Pt allows for one-step, covalent-free antibody immobilization while preserving bioactivity and, concurrently, creates a synergistic catalytic interface. When integrated into a lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA), the platform affords visual limits of detection of 1.0 ng/mL (colorimetric signal) and 0.5 ng/mL (catalytic signal), representing 15- and 30-fold improvements over conventional gold nanoparticle-based LFIAs, and lowers the drug concentration cut-off value (critical value) to 19 ng/mL and 40 ng/mL, respectively. Quantitative analysis showed excellent linearity, and validation in spiked hair, serum, and urine samples yielded high recoveries and low coefficients of variation (CVs). The PTAN@Pd/Pt nanozyme therefore offers a powerful and practical tool for rapid METH screening in clinical diagnostics and forensic science.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":425,"journal":{"name":"Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical","volume":"455 ","pages":"Article 139652"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147386114","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-15Epub Date: 2026-02-12DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2026.139662
Liangying Mi , Tao Ma , Fei Han , Ruipeng Shen , Mengzhao Zhang , Jia Lu , Suling Wan , Dongzhu Duan , Baoxin Zhang
Vicinal dithiol proteins (VDPs) represent a distinct class of thiol-based pervasive proteins with a key part of maintaining the balance of oxidants and antioxidants; nevertheless, their involvement in various diseases makes them essential health indicators. Consequently, the development of advanced tools for the sensitive and selective detection of VDPs is imperative. As part of our ongoing research, we recently reported a couple of VDP-responsive fluorescent probes employing N-benzylacrylamide as a selective trigger unit. However, the overall efficiency of these probes could be hampered due to their short emission wavelengths, inadequate resistance to glutathione (GSH) interference, and long reaction times (>20 min). To overcome such challenges, a series of fluorescent probes were engineered by systematically modulating the electronic properties of the N-benzylacrylamide recognition unit through the introduction of different substituents at the para position of the phenyl ring and incorporating a hemi-cyanine-based fluorophore scaffold. The preliminary evaluations revealed that the probe HCY-CF3 showed excellent specificity and sensitivity towards VDPs. Leveraging its superior characteristics, HCY-CF3 was successfully used to visualize and monitor dynamic alterations in VDP levels both in living cells and in the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) mouse model. Collectively, the results present a practical tool for diagnosing diseases associated with aberrant VDP expression.
{"title":"Electron density modulation based NIR probe for rapid and specific imaging of vicinal dithiol proteins in rheumatoid arthritis","authors":"Liangying Mi , Tao Ma , Fei Han , Ruipeng Shen , Mengzhao Zhang , Jia Lu , Suling Wan , Dongzhu Duan , Baoxin Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.snb.2026.139662","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.snb.2026.139662","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Vicinal dithiol proteins (VDPs) represent a distinct class of thiol-based pervasive proteins with a key part of maintaining the balance of oxidants and antioxidants; nevertheless, their involvement in various diseases makes them essential health indicators. Consequently, the development of advanced tools for the sensitive and selective detection of VDPs is imperative. As part of our ongoing research, we recently reported a couple of VDP-responsive fluorescent probes employing N-benzylacrylamide as a selective trigger unit. However, the overall efficiency of these probes could be hampered due to their short emission wavelengths, inadequate resistance to glutathione (GSH) interference, and long reaction times (>20 min). To overcome such challenges, a series of fluorescent probes were engineered by systematically modulating the electronic properties of the N-benzylacrylamide recognition unit through the introduction of different substituents at the <em>para</em> position of the phenyl ring and incorporating a hemi-cyanine-based fluorophore scaffold. The preliminary evaluations revealed that the probe <strong>HCY-CF</strong><sub><strong>3</strong></sub> showed excellent specificity and sensitivity towards VDPs. Leveraging its superior characteristics, <strong>HCY-CF</strong><sub><strong>3</strong></sub> was successfully used to visualize and monitor dynamic alterations in VDP levels both in living cells and in the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) mouse model. Collectively, the results present a practical tool for diagnosing diseases associated with aberrant VDP expression.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":425,"journal":{"name":"Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical","volume":"455 ","pages":"Article 139662"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147386184","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-15Epub Date: 2026-02-06DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2026.139585
Ehren M. Dixon, Lorraine C. Nagle, James F. Rohan
To address the stability and cost limitations of enzymatic glucose sensors, this work details the use of nanoporous copper (NPC) modified microdisc array (MDA) sensors for non-enzymatic glucose detection, with a focus on bovine health monitoring. Electrochemical analysis in 0.1 M NaOH, using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA), demonstrated excellent sensor performance. The device demonstrated a wide linear detection range (0.01 – 4.0 mM, R2>0.99) and a 4 µM limit of detection (LOD). It achieved high sensitivities of 14.87 and 9.87 µA µM−1 cm−2 across its low-concentration and full linear detection ranges, respectively. The sensor showed high selectivity, with minimal interference from common analytes in saliva and blood, and ageing studies revealed stable performance for up to 56 days when stored in acetone. Successful validation in artificial saliva confirmed the sensor's applicability for direct biofluid analysis. These findings establish NPC-modified MDAs as a robust, cost-effective, and promising platform for glucose monitoring in complex biofluids, particularly for veterinary diagnostics and agri-tech applications.
为了解决酶促葡萄糖传感器的稳定性和成本限制，本工作详细介绍了使用纳米多孔铜（NPC）修饰的微盘阵列（MDA）传感器进行非酶促葡萄糖检测，重点是牛健康监测。在0.1 M NaOH溶液中，采用循环伏安法（CV）和计时安培法（CA）进行电化学分析，显示出良好的传感器性能。该器件具有宽的线性检测范围（0.01 - 4.0 mM, R2>0.99）和4µM的检出限（LOD）。在低浓度和全线性检测范围内，灵敏度分别为14.87µAµM-1 cm-2和9.87µAµM-1 cm-2。该传感器显示出高选择性，对唾液和血液中常见分析物的干扰最小，老化研究表明，在丙酮中储存时，性能稳定可达56天。在人工唾液中的成功验证证实了传感器对直接生物流体分析的适用性。这些发现表明，npc修饰的mda是一种强大的、具有成本效益的、有前景的平台，可用于复杂生物液体中的葡萄糖监测，特别是用于兽医诊断和农业技术应用。
{"title":"Nanoporous copper microdisc arrays for non-enzymatic detection of glucose in aqueous and saliva solutions","authors":"Ehren M. Dixon, Lorraine C. Nagle, James F. Rohan","doi":"10.1016/j.snb.2026.139585","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.snb.2026.139585","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To address the stability and cost limitations of enzymatic glucose sensors, this work details the use of nanoporous copper (NPC) modified microdisc array (MDA) sensors for non-enzymatic glucose detection, with a focus on bovine health monitoring. Electrochemical analysis in 0.1 M NaOH, using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA), demonstrated excellent sensor performance. The device demonstrated a wide linear detection range (0.01 – 4.0 mM, R<sup>2</sup>>0.99) and a 4 µM limit of detection (LOD). It achieved high sensitivities of 14.87 and 9.87 µA µM<sup>−1</sup> cm<sup>−2</sup> across its low-concentration and full linear detection ranges, respectively. The sensor showed high selectivity, with minimal interference from common analytes in saliva and blood, and ageing studies revealed stable performance for up to 56 days when stored in acetone. Successful validation in artificial saliva confirmed the sensor's applicability for direct biofluid analysis. These findings establish NPC-modified MDAs as a robust, cost-effective, and promising platform for glucose monitoring in complex biofluids, particularly for veterinary diagnostics and agri-tech applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":425,"journal":{"name":"Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical","volume":"455 ","pages":"Article 139585"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146129715","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-15Epub Date: 2026-02-05DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2026.139614
Shiqi Hu , Lingling Zhang , Weicheng Shi , Tingting Liu , Yuanyuan Han , Qiao Zhao , Yaofei Chen , Gui-Shi Liu , Lei Chen , Zhe Chen , Wei Xiao , Donglin Cao , Yunhan Luo
Isothermal amplification technology (IAT), an enzymatic nucleic acid amplification technique conducted at a constant temperature, has garnered significant attention due to its simplicity, rapidness, and reduced equipment requirements in molecular biology. However, the current quantitative analysis of IAT results predominantly relies on dye-labeling methods, which not only complicate the operation but also increase the requirements for instrumentation. To address the pressing needs for highly sensitive, label-free, and constant-temperature detection in IAT, we propose and validate a dual resonance surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensing platform with temperature-compensated capability. Through a bridge wedge prism (BWP) design featuring a small incident angle and dual resonance, this platform forms two near-infrared sensing regions achieving high sensitivity at 13500.00 and 46766.67 nm/RIU, respectively. An integrated thermoelectric cooler is also employed to precisely regulate the biosensing platform's temperature, meeting the constant-temperature requirements of 37–55°C for IAT. To address temperature drift in high-sensitivity applications, a matrix effectively is implemented for temperature compensation. The utilization of this platform for the quantitative analysis of synthetic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (ssDNA) via recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) facilitated the detection across diverse amplification durations and sample concentrations. Furthermore, nucleic acid probe binding enables evaluation of amplicon specificity, providing a highly promising platform for advancing label-free nucleic acid amplification and real-time detection technologies.
{"title":"A highly sensitive and temperature-compensated near-infrared plasmonic biosensing platform for label-free isothermal nucleic-acid amplification","authors":"Shiqi Hu , Lingling Zhang , Weicheng Shi , Tingting Liu , Yuanyuan Han , Qiao Zhao , Yaofei Chen , Gui-Shi Liu , Lei Chen , Zhe Chen , Wei Xiao , Donglin Cao , Yunhan Luo","doi":"10.1016/j.snb.2026.139614","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.snb.2026.139614","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Isothermal amplification technology (IAT), an enzymatic nucleic acid amplification technique conducted at a constant temperature, has garnered significant attention due to its simplicity, rapidness, and reduced equipment requirements in molecular biology. However, the current quantitative analysis of IAT results predominantly relies on dye-labeling methods, which not only complicate the operation but also increase the requirements for instrumentation. To address the pressing needs for highly sensitive, label-free, and constant-temperature detection in IAT, we propose and validate a dual resonance surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensing platform with temperature-compensated capability. Through a bridge wedge prism (BWP) design featuring a small incident angle and dual resonance, this platform forms two near-infrared sensing regions achieving high sensitivity at 13500.00 and 46766.67 nm/RIU, respectively. An integrated thermoelectric cooler is also employed to precisely regulate the biosensing platform's temperature, meeting the constant-temperature requirements of 37–55°C for IAT. To address temperature drift in high-sensitivity applications, a matrix effectively is implemented for temperature compensation. The utilization of this platform for the quantitative analysis of synthetic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (ssDNA) via recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) facilitated the detection across diverse amplification durations and sample concentrations. Furthermore, nucleic acid probe binding enables evaluation of amplicon specificity, providing a highly promising platform for advancing label-free nucleic acid amplification and real-time detection technologies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":425,"journal":{"name":"Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical","volume":"455 ","pages":"Article 139614"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146146205","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-15Epub Date: 2026-01-20DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2026.139520
Ugur Parlatan , Luke Boudreau , Hulya Torun , Letao Fan , Ugur Aygun , Ayse Aslihan Gokaltun , Demir Akin , O. Berk Usta , Utkan Demirci
Extracellular vesicles (EV) are becoming crucial targets in liquid biopsy, diagnostics, and therapeutic applications, yet their nanoscale characterization remains challenging. In this context, the detection of drug-induced liver injury, i.e., hepatotoxicity, through EV molecular content remains unexplored. To this end, we present the SPECTRA - Surface Plasmonic Enhancement with Combined Transformative RAman and Interferometric Microscopy approach, which provides rapid, label-free EV content analysis under 30 min and requires only 1.3 microliters of EV sample. Using hepatic cultures as a model, our platform captures distinct and reproducible EV molecular changes in response to acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. Across independent culture sets, a Gaussian Process Regression model predicted Acetaminophen (APAP) dose with median absolute error of 1.50 mM and minimal bias (Bland–Altman bias ∼0.03 mM); cross-validated RMSE was 3.145 mM. These findings establish EVs as dynamic reporters of cellular drug responses and demonstrate use of SPECTRA for EV detection of hepatotoxicity.
{"title":"SPECTRA-based detection of drug-induced hepatotoxicity through extracellular vesicle analysis","authors":"Ugur Parlatan , Luke Boudreau , Hulya Torun , Letao Fan , Ugur Aygun , Ayse Aslihan Gokaltun , Demir Akin , O. Berk Usta , Utkan Demirci","doi":"10.1016/j.snb.2026.139520","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.snb.2026.139520","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Extracellular vesicles (EV) are becoming crucial targets in liquid biopsy, diagnostics, and therapeutic applications, yet their nanoscale characterization remains challenging. In this context, the detection of drug-induced liver injury, <em>i.e.,</em> hepatotoxicity, through EV molecular content remains unexplored. To this end, we present the SPECTRA - <u>S</u>urface <u>P</u>lasmonic <u>E</u>nhancement with <u>C</u>ombined <u>T</u>ransformative <u>RA</u>man and Interferometric Microscopy approach, which provides rapid, label-free EV content analysis under 30 min and requires only 1.3 microliters of EV sample. Using hepatic cultures as a model, our platform captures distinct and reproducible EV molecular changes in response to acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. Across independent culture sets, a Gaussian Process Regression model predicted Acetaminophen (APAP) dose with median absolute error of 1.50 mM and minimal bias (Bland–Altman bias ∼0.03 mM); cross-validated RMSE was 3.145 mM. These findings establish EVs as dynamic reporters of cellular drug responses and demonstrate use of SPECTRA for EV detection of hepatotoxicity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":425,"journal":{"name":"Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical","volume":"455 ","pages":"Article 139520"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146014733","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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