Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Ren Shen, A'man Lv, Shuhong Yi, Ping Wang, Pui-In Mak, Rui P. Martins, Yanwei Jia
Summary: Since the identification of DNA/RNA as the genetic material, nucleic acid analysis has played a crucial role in molecular diagnostics, disease prediction, prognosis, and basic biological research. Among various platforms, electrowetting-based digital microfluidics (DMF) has emerged as a promising tool, allowing for the manipulation of individual droplets using electrical signals. This review highlights the technical principles supporting nucleic acid analysis on DMF platforms, recent advances in applications including extraction, amplification, and sequencing, as well as the commercialization status and future prospects of DMF for nucleic acid analysis.
TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Kenny Malpartida-Cardenas, Nicolas Moser, Felix Ansah, Ivana Pennisi, Diana Ahu Prah, Linda Eva Amoah, Gordon Awandare, Julius Clemence R. Hafalla, Aubrey Cunnington, Jake Baum, Jesus Rodriguez-Manzano, Pantelis Georgiou
Summary: This study developed seven species-specific loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays for the detection of non-falciparum malaria cases. The clinical performance of these assays was evaluated and compared to other diagnostic methods. The developed molecular diagnostic test showed high sensitivity and specificity for detecting asymptomatic malaria cases.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Xinran Xiang, Yuting Shang, Jumei Zhang, Yu Ding, Qingping Wu
Summary: Digital nucleic acid amplification technologies (dNAATs) have emerged as a platform for pathogen detection, offering absolute quantitative analysis for low concentration target pathogens and resistance to complex matrices. Advances in isothermal amplification and micromachining technology have improved the partitioning capabilities, detection range, and interpretation accuracy of dNAATs. This review provides comprehensive guidance for the design of dNAATs, enhancing distribution efficiency, detection range, and cost-effectiveness, to contribute to pathogen prevention and control.
TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Vinayak Narasimhan, Hyunseo Kim, Seung Heon Lee, Hyukjoon Kang, Radwanul Hasan Siddique, Haeri Park, Yibing M. M. Wang, Hyuck Choo, Youngeun Kim, Shailabh Kumar
Summary: The ongoing pandemic and increasing frequency of infectious disease outbreaks have put great focus on nucleic acid amplification-based diagnostic technologies (NAAT). These methods can provide gold standard accuracy and sensitivity, but their availability is limited to centralized facilities, causing distress in times of need. Academic-industrial collaborations can play a major role in developing autonomous and affordable NAAT devices for widespread access to diagnostics in the future.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wenpeng Liu, Luke P. P. Lee
Summary: The global outbreaks of infectious diseases have led to a significant demand for rapid and accurate molecular diagnostics. However, the labor-intensive sample preparation and nucleic acid amplification steps make it challenging to carry out these diagnostics at home. This review discusses the advances and challenges in automatic solutions for sample preparation and on-chip nucleic acid amplification, as well as the potential for game-changing user-friendly approaches for next-generation home diagnostics.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Shengjun Bu, Qianyu Zhou, Liming Liu, Chunyang Zhou, Zhuo Hao, Jiayu Wan, Chunying Pang
Summary: The present study describes a novel technology called TPIA that enables target nucleic acid detection. By using specific design strategy and fluorescence techniques, this system provides a versatile tool with great potential for biomedical research and clinical diagnosis.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Zilwa Mumtaz, Zubia Rashid, Ashaq Ali, Afsheen Arif, Fuad Ameen, Mona S. AlTami, Muhammad Zubair Yousaf
Summary: Conventional diagnostic techniques require separate platforms for sample collection, sensing, and signaling, which can be integrated into point of care (POC) testing devices. Microfluidic systems made of polymers or glass offer specific and sensitive detection of diseases and have advantages such as low cost, good biological affinity, strong capillary action, and simple fabrication process. Challenges in nucleic acid detection, such as cellular lysis, isolation, and amplification, have been addressed by advances in on-chip sample preparation and detection through modular microfluidics. This review highlights the importance of microfluidic technology in nucleic acid detection of infectious and non-infectious diseases.
Article
Biophysics
Tongjia Kang, Jingming Lu, Tian Yu, Yi Long, Guozhen Liu
Summary: Achieving superhigh sensitivity is the ultimate goal in modern bio-detection. Nucleic acid amplification technologies (NAATs) are revolutionizing the field, offering novel methods for diagnosis with high efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This review discusses the principles, recent advancements, strengths, and challenges of different NAATs, with a focus on rapid and accurate point-of-care diagnosis. The application of these technologies in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic is also explored, emphasizing the significance of NAATs in combating the disease. Furthermore, the potential for enhancing sensitivity and specificity in biodetection through NAATs is discussed, aiming to fully exploit the capabilities of each technique.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yin Zhao, Dongjuan Chen, Zhichen Xu, Tao Li, Jiang Zhu, Rui Hu, Guoyong Xu, Ying Li, Yunhuang Yang, Maili Liu
Summary: Fast and simplified detection of HPV using a microfluidic dual-droplet device (M-D3) was developed. The device combined the CRISPR-Cas12a system and multiplexed recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay to simultaneously detect HPV16 and HPV18. The M-D3 platform demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in detecting HPV DNA, allowing on-chip detection within 30 minutes. The platform was validated using clinical patient samples with HPV infection risk, showing promising results in terms of sensitivity and specificity.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Youngung Seok, Michael G. Mauk, Ruijie Li, Cheng Qian
Summary: In resource-limited conditions like the COVID-19 pandemic, on-site detection of diseases using Point-of-care testing (POCT) is crucial for overcoming crises and saving lives. This review introduces recent approaches to respiratory virus detection, analysis trends, and prospects, emphasizing the importance of affordable, sensitive, and rapid testing on simple and portable platforms.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Helena de Puig, Rose A. Lee, Devora Najjar, Xiao Tan, Luis R. Soekensen, Nicolaas M. Angenent-Mari, Nina M. Donghia, Nicole E. Weckman, Audrey Ory, Carlos F. Ng, Peter Q. Nguyen, Angelo S. Mao, Thomas C. Ferrante, Geoffrey Lansberry, Hani Sallum, James Niemi, James J. Collins
Summary: The miSHERLOCK is a low-cost CRISPR-based POC diagnostic platform that can rapidly detect SARS-CoV-2 and its variants with high sensitivity in just 1 hour. This modular system can be quickly adapted to different viruses and variants, and is complemented by a smartphone application for output interpretation and result reporting.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shivangi Sachdeva, Ronald W. Davis, Amit K. Saha
Summary: POCT allows physicians to detect and diagnose diseases faster than conventional lab-based testing, with particular importance in the COVID-19 pandemic. There are various point-of-care tests and diagnostic devices available in the market, including glucose monitoring, pregnancy testing, and infectious disease testing.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yi Zhang
Summary: POC testing decentralizes diagnostic tests to locations near the patient, and magnetic digital microfluidics show compelling advantages in POC diagnostics. The review categorizes POC settings into three classes and evaluates the suitability of magnetic digital microfluidics in various settings.
CURRENT MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kai Sun, Yan Liu, Wei Zhao, Biao Ma, Mingzhou Zhang, Xiaoping Yu, Zihong Ye
Summary: This review provides an overview of the potential of prokaryotic Argonaute proteins (pAgo) in viral point-of-care (POC) diagnostics. It compares the advantages of pAgo to the currently popular CRISPR/Cas systems and discusses the applications and prospects of pAgo protein detection platforms, aiming to stimulate further research and innovation in the field.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yixia Yang, Wenfu Yi, Feng Gong, Zhiyou Tan, Yeling Yang, Xiaoyun Shan, Conghua Xie, Xinghu Ji, Zhenhua Zheng, Zhike He
Summary: The development of a Cas-CHA assay based on CRISPR/Cas13a and catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) enables ultrasensitive and specific detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The assay can detect a wide range of concentrations and has a low detection limit. It can distinguish SARS-CoV-2 RNA from other human coronaviruses and analyze samples from saliva. The proposed assay holds great potential for practical testing.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Beatriz B. Oliveira, Daniela Ferreira, Alexandra R. Fernandes, Pedro Viana Baptista
Summary: Advances in nanotechnology and medical science have led to the development and application of nanomaterials and nanoparticles in biomedicine. Gold nanoparticles have attracted significant interest due to their unique properties, and they hold great value for use in biodetection and diagnostics.
WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Diana Gaspar, Jorge Martins, Jose Tiago Carvalho, Paul Grey, Rogerio Simoes, Elvira Fortunato, Rodrigo Martins, Luis Pereira
Summary: The market for flexible, hybrid, and printed electronic systems is uncertain, but these systems are emerging daily, allowing for devices and systems that can be folded and stored in pockets. Cellulose-based modified nanopapers were developed as a physical support and gate dielectric layer for recyclable field-effect transistors (FETs). Impregnation of the nanopapers with sodium ions enabled low voltage FETs (<3 V), with high mobility (>10 cm2 V-1 s-1), current modulation (>105), and improved dynamic response. These transistors were successfully implemented into simple circuits such as inverters, showing clear discrimination between logic states. Besides improved electrical performance, these devices are a promising alternative for reliable, sustainable, and flexible electronics, even under stress conditions.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ana Pinheiro, Andreia Ruivo, Joao Rocha, Marta Ferro, Joana Vaz Pinto, Jonas Deuermeier, Tiago Mateus, Ana Santa, Manuel J. J. Mendes, Rodrigo Martins, Sandra Gago, Cesar A. T. Laia, Hugo Aguas
Summary: The present study aims to enhance the performance of solar cells by developing advanced luminescent down-shifting using encapsulated nanostructured perovskite materials. Thin films of CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystal luminophores were synthesized and encapsulated with parylene type C to protect and stabilize the films. The results showed that this encapsulation technique significantly improved the current generation and spectral response of the photovoltaic cells.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Beatriz B. Oliveira, Beatriz Costa, Barbara Morao, Sandra Faias, Bruno Veigas, Lucilia Pebre Pereira, Cristina Albuquerque, Rui Maio, Marilia Cravo, Alexandra R. Fernandes, Pedro Viana Baptista
Summary: The success of personalized medicine relies on biomarker discovery for identifying patients who will benefit from specific targeted drugs. Liquid biopsies, particularly the analysis of circulating tumor DNA, are emerging as a useful tool for diagnosis, prognosis, and biomarker discovery. In this study, an ARMS-HRMA method was developed for detecting KRAS mutations, showing simplicity, shorter time to result, high sensitivity, and specificity compared to traditional sequencing and digital PCR methods. The proposed ARMS-HRMA method has the potential to improve liquid biopsy-based diagnosis and prognosis schemes.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana F. Amendoeira, Andre Luz, Ruben Valente, Catarina Roma-Rodrigues, Hasrat Ali, Johan E. van Lier, Fernanda Marques, Pedro V. Baptista, Alexandra R. Fernandes
Summary: This study evaluated the cell uptake of Estradiol-BODIPY, 19-nortestosterone-BODIPY, and testosterone-BODIPY in breast cancer and prostate cancer cells, as well as in normal dermal fibroblasts. The results showed that the highest internalization occurred in cells expressing specific receptors for the compounds. Blocking experiments also revealed differences in non-specific cell uptake between cancer and normal cells, possibly due to differences in lipophilicity. The internalization process was energy-dependent and mediated by clathrin- and caveolae-endocytosis. Co-culture studies demonstrated that the compounds exhibited selectivity towards cancer cells. Furthermore, the compounds showed non-toxicity towards cancer and/or normal cells, and visible light irradiation induced cell death, indicating their potential use as PDT agents.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Katarzyna Choroba, Beatriz Filipe, Anna Switlicka, Mateusz Penkala, Barbara Machura, Alina Bienko, Sandra Cordeiro, Pedro V. Baptista, Alexandra R. Fernandes
Summary: The study focused on the anticancer properties of dipicolinate-basedvanadium(IV) complexes with different diimines. These complexes showed high cytotoxic effect against HCT116-DoxR cells and induced cell death through apoptosis and autophagy pathways. They also interacted with BSA protein and did not promote tumor cell migration or angiogenesis.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Beatriz J. Coelho, Joana P. Neto, Barbara Sieira, Andre T. Moura, Elvira Fortunato, Rodrigo Martins, Pedro V. Baptista, Rui Igreja, Hugo Aguas
Summary: Microfluidic-based platforms are powerful tools for chemical and biological assays. The fusion of different microfluidic technologies has the potential to overcome limitations and enhance their strengths.
Article
Polymer Science
Beatriz J. Coelho, Joana V. Pinto, Jorge Martins, Ana Rovisco, Pedro Barquinha, Elvira Fortunato, Pedro V. Baptista, Rodrigo Martins, Rui Igreja
Summary: Poly(p-xylylene) derivatives, also known as Parylenes, have been extensively studied for their thermal, structural, and electrical properties. This article explores the application of Parylene C in various electronic devices, including transistors, capacitors, and digital microfluidic devices. The results show that Parylene C can be used as a dielectric, substrate, and encapsulation layer in transistors, producing high performance devices with steep transfer curves, low gate leak currents, and good mobilities. The study also demonstrates the functionality of Parylene C in MIM structures and its capability to enable faster droplet motion and nucleic acid amplification reactions in DMF devices.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Catarina Roma-Rodrigues, Alexandra R. Fernandes, Pedro V. Baptista
Summary: Neoangiogenesis is associated with poor prognosis in cancer, including chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The small GTP-binding protein Rab11a plays a crucial role in the neoangiogenic process in CML patients, by controlling exosome secretion and regulating vascular endothelial factor receptors. By downregulating Rab11a mRNA in CML cells, the angiogenic potential of exosomes can be reduced, offering a potential therapeutic approach for inhibiting tumor angiogenesis.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
J. Figueira, R. M. Bonito, J. T. Carvalho, E. M. F. Vieira, C. Gaspar, Joana Loureiro, J. H. Correia, E. Fortunato, R. Martins, L. Pereira
Summary: Flexible thermal touch sensors were produced by optimizing ethyl cellulose and graphite flakes inks for screen-printing. The best electrical-TE output combination was achieved by printing two layers of the ink with 20 wt% of graphite on an office paper substrate. The results showed that the screen-printed graphite-based inks are highly suitable for flexible TE sensing applications.
FLEXIBLE AND PRINTED ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Oscar A. Lenis Rojas, Sandra Cordeiro, Pedro V. Baptista, Alexandra R. Fernandes
Summary: The ruthenium arene fragment is a valuable source for designing anticancer drugs, and the co-ligand plays a crucial role in obtaining effective anticancer complexes. N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), despite their versatility and ability to stabilize metal ions, have not been extensively explored. However, recent advancements have been made in the development of NHC ruthenium arene complexes as potent anticancer agents.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
G. Ribeiro, G. Ferreira, U. D. Menda, M. Alexandre, M. J. Brites, M. A. Barreiros, S. Jana, H. Aguas, R. Martins, P. A. Fernandes, P. Salome, M. J. Mendes
Summary: By incorporating PbS quantum dots (QDs) with strong near-infrared absorption and electronic confinement into a MAPbI3 perovskite matrix, this study demonstrates the generation of sub-bandgap photocurrent, leading to solar cell efficiencies beyond classical limits. The introduction of QDs in different sizes and concentrations enhances the spectral window of photon absorption of the perovskite host film, resulting in pronounced sub-bandgap absorption and photocurrent generation below the bandgap. Despite the reduced crystallinity of the perovskite matrix, the nanostructured films exhibit significant enhancement in NIR absorption and photocurrent generation.
Review
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Maria Elias Pereira, Rodrigo Martins, Elvira Fortunato, Pedro Barquinha, Asal Kiazadeh
Summary: Neuromorphic computing is gaining popularity as a replacement for outdated technology in conventional computing systems. Artificial neural networks composed of memristor crossbars in hardware offer power, cost, and area-efficient in-memory computing and storage. Optoelectronic memristors (OEMs) can control resistive switching (RS) through both optical and electronic signals, solving crosstalk issues and providing a high-speed non-destructive method. This review summarizes recent advances in inorganic OEMs, analyzing the device structure and assessing their potential applications in logic gates, artificial neural networks, and artificial visual systems with consideration for their performance.
NEUROMORPHIC COMPUTING AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Maria Joao Oliveira, Soraia Caetano, Ana Dalot, Filipe Sabino, Tomas R. Calmeiro, Elvira Fortunato, Rodrigo Martins, Eulalia Pereira, Miguel Prudencio, Hugh J. Byrne, Ricardo Franco, Hugo Aguas
Summary: Early and accurate detection of pathogenic microorganisms is crucial for diagnosis and patient outcomes. The combination of a polystyrene-based microfluidic device and Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy shows excellent sensitivity and specificity in detecting malaria. The system can be easily adapted for other pathogens and has the potential for early diagnosis of infectious diseases.
