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A flexible and highly sensitive organic electrochemical transistor-based biosensor for continuous and wireless nitric
Yuping Deng1, Hui Qi2, Yuan Ma3
1School of Materials Science and Engineering, The Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Center for Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
A new flexible biosensor using organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) enables real-time, wireless detection of nitric oxide (NO) in biological systems. This technology aids in monitoring disease progression, such as osteoarthritis, for early diagnosis and intervention.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Sensor Technology
- Physiological Monitoring
Background:
- Nitric oxide (NO) is crucial for physiological processes, necessitating accurate real-time detection in vivo.
- Existing NO detection methods lack sensitivity, spatial resolution, and flexibility for biological applications.
- Traditional sensors often use rigid materials, limiting their use in live organisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a flexible, highly sensitive biosensor for continuous, wireless nitric oxide (NO) detection.
- To optimize organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) design for enhanced NO signal amplification.
- To demonstrate the sensor's capability in detecting NO in cultured cells and live animal models.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of flexible organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) with modified active channel and gate electrode geometry.
- Optimization of OECT design for improved signal amplification and sensitivity to NO.
- In vitro testing on cultured cells for continuous NO monitoring.
- In vivo testing in rabbit models with induced anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture for real-time NO measurement.
Main Results:
- The developed OECT biosensor achieved a low limit of detection, wide linear range, high sensitivity, and excellent selectivity for NO.
- Continuous, wireless detection of nanomolar concentrations of NO in cultured cells for extended periods without signal drift.
- Successful real-time, wireless NO monitoring for 8 days in the articular cavity of rabbits with ACL injuries.
- Elevated NO levels correlated with the onset of osteoarthritis (OA) in the animal model.
Conclusions:
- The flexible OECT biosensor offers a sensitive and reliable platform for real-time, wireless NO detection in biological systems.
- This technology can provide critical data for early diagnosis of chronic diseases like osteoarthritis.
- The device facilitates timely medical intervention, potentially optimizing therapeutic efficacy.
