Experimental Comparison in Sensing Breast Cancer Mutations by Signal ON and Signal OFF Paper-Based Electroanalytical Strips

Abstract

The development of paper-based electroanalytical strips as powerful diagnostic tools has gained a lot of attention within the sensor community. In particular, the detection of nucleic acids in complex matrices represents a trending topic, especially when focused towards the development of emerging technologies, such as liquid biopsy. The DNA-based biosensors have been largely applied in this direction and, currently, there are two main approaches based on target/probe hybridization reported in literature, namely Signal ON and Signal OFF. In this technical note, the two approaches are evaluated in combination with paper-based electrodes, using a single strand DNA relative to H1047R (A3140G) missense mutation in exon 20 in breast cancer as the model target. A detailed comparison among the analytical performances, detection protocol, and cost associated with the two systems is provided, highlighting the advantages and drawbacks depending on the application. The present work is aimed to a wide audience, particularly for those in the field of point-of-care, and it is intended to provide the know-how to manage with the design and development stages, and to optimize the platform for the sensing of nucleic acids using a paper-based detection method.

Origami Paper-Based Electrochemical (Bio)Sensors: State of the Art and Perspective

“…These advantageous features have significantly boosted the development of cost-effective nucleic acid-based biosensors, also reaching the field of paper-based sensors during the last years [ 61 ]. Several strategies have been explored for integrating nucleic acid molecules as sensing elements in the cellulosic network of paper, showing that the paper matrix is a suitable platform for realizing nucleic acid-based biosensors [ 62 , 63 , 64 ].…”

“…After this single step, the immunocomplex was washed three times and then it was injected into the inlet of the oSlip for the measurement. Similarly, to the work previously described [ 64 ], this device design is characterized by a hollow channel and a hemichannel, which enable the microbeads to flow rapidly through the origami, and a slip-layer switch, which allowed for time-controlling of the reagent delivery. Moreover, the o Slip configuration allows for the preconcentration of all necessary reagents making easier the work of end-user and allowing for the detection of TFF3 in human urine in the concentration range comprised between 0.03 and 7.0 μg/mL.…”

The Microbiome Meets Nanotechnology: Opportunities and Challenges in Developing New Diagnostic Devices

“…[100,101] The first three techniques are used to analyze the currents obtained in response to fluctuations in the concentration of a redox reporter, which can be quantitatively related to the concentration of the target analyte. [102] In contrast, impedance spectroscopy and FET-based sensing detect the analyte according to changes in the electronic properties of the sensor surface induced upon specific binding of the analyte to it.…”

Cytokine and Cancer Biomarkers Detection: The Dawn of Electrochemical Paper-Based Biosensor

“…Apart from NMNPs, non-NMNPs such as carbon nanotubes and graphene have also been reported as alternatives for surface modification of electrodes for improved detection [71][72][73][74][75]. For instance, an amplified signal was recorded when graphene oxide nanoflakes and zeolite nanocrystals were introduced onto the electrode surface of a paper sensor due to high electron transfer kinetics and larger surface area of the nanocomposites [76].…”