Fluorescence Sensing Platforms for Epinephrine Detection Based on Low Temperature Cofired Ceramics

Current methods for detecting epinephrine often rely on traditional electrochemical or chromatographic techniques. These approaches may lack portability or require complex instrumentation. Prior research has shown that fluorescence-based detection can offer high sensitivity and selectivity. However, few studies have explored the integration of low-temperature cofired ceramics with enzymatic or metal-based fluorescence systems. This gap motivated the development of a compact biosensing platform. No prior work had resolved the use of laccase or tyrosinase immobilized on polymer-based LTCC substrates. The need for a reliable, miniaturized sensor for epinephrine remains unmet in clinical and point-of-care settings. This paper's contribution lies in combining enzyme-based and metal-complex-based fluorescence detection on a single platform. The study addresses the challenge of broad linear range detection with low detection limits.

The aim of this research was to develop a novel fluorescence-sensing pathway for epinephrine detection. The study focused on creating a biosensor using low-temperature cofired ceramics (LTCC) as a substrate material. The goal was to immobilize enzymes like laccase and tyrosinase on a polymer-based LTCC structure. The researchers also explored an alternative enzyme-free system involving Fe²⁺ ions and epinephrine. The motivation stemmed from the need for a portable, sensitive, and selective detection method. The study sought to optimize conditions for high analytical performance. The broader objective was to test the platform's applicability in real-world pharmacological samples. The work aimed to provide a dual-strategy approach combining enzymatic and metal-complex-based fluorescence detection.

The biosensor was constructed using low-temperature cofired ceramics (LTCC) as a base material. A polymer-poly-(2,6-di([2,2'-bithiophen]-5-yl)-4-(5-hexylthiophen-2-yl)pyridine) was used as the immobilization matrix. Laccase and tyrosinase enzymes were immobilized onto the polymer layer. The detection process involved the oxidation of epinephrine in the presence of the enzyme. An alternative system utilized Fe²⁺ ions to form a colored complex with epinephrine molecules. The analytical performance was evaluated under optimized conditions. The platform's sensitivity and selectivity were tested across a wide linear range. The biosensor was also applied to EP injection samples for validation.

The biosensor demonstrated high sensitivity and selectivity for epinephrine detection. The detection limit ranged from 0.14 to 2.10 nM under optimized conditions. The platform showed a broad linear range suitable for various concentrations. The enzyme-based system relied on the oxidation of epinephrine in the presence of laccase or tyrosinase. The alternative system used Fe²⁺ ions to form a colored complex with epinephrine. Both methods achieved high analytical performance. The biosensor was successfully applied to EP injection samples with labeled pharmacological samples. The results suggest the platform's potential for real-world applications in clinical and point-of-care settings.

The study demonstrated a novel fluorescence-sensing pathway for epinephrine detection. The biosensor, based on low-temperature cofired ceramics and polymer immobilization, achieved high sensitivity and selectivity. The detection limit of 0.14-2.10 nM was achieved under optimized conditions. The platform successfully detected epinephrine in pharmacological samples. The use of laccase and tyrosinase enzymes provided a reliable enzymatic detection method. The alternative system using Fe²⁺ ions and epinephrine formed a colored complex. Both methods showed broad linear range detection. The results suggest the biosensor's potential for practical use in clinical and point-of-care applications.