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New autonomous and self-signaling biosensing device for sarcosine detection
Carolina S Hora1, Ana P M Tavares2, Liliana P T Carneiro2
1LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, Porto, 4200-465, Portugal.
This study presents a novel, self-powered biosensor for early prostate cancer detection. The device uses molecular imprinting to detect sarcosine, a key biomarker, offering a portable solution for point-of-care diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Early cancer diagnosis significantly improves patient survival rates.
- Biosensors offer effective monitoring of cancer biomarkers but face limitations in practical application.
- Prostate cancer diagnosis relies on identifying specific biomarkers like sarcosine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an integrated, autonomous, and self-signaling biosensing device for prostate cancer biomarker detection.
- To create a novel biorecognition element using in situ molecular imprinting for sarcosine detection.
- To combine biosensing with a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) for a self-powered, equipment-free analytical system.
Main Methods:
- Molecular imprinting was employed to create a biorecognition element for sarcosine.
- The biosensor was integrated onto the counter-electrode of a DSSC, utilizing EDOT and Pyrrole monomers for both biomimetic processes and catalytic reduction.
- The hybrid DSSC/biosensor performance was evaluated by analyzing power conversion efficiency (PCE) and charge transfer resistance (RCT) against varying sarcosine concentrations.
- An electrochromic cell interfaced with the hybrid device was used to visualize sarcosine detection.
Main Results:
- The hybrid DSSC/biosensor demonstrated a linear relationship between PCE and RCT with the logarithm of sarcosine concentration.
- High sensitivity of 0.468 Ω/decade, a linear detection range from 1 ng/mL to 10 μg/mL, and a low limit of detection of 0.32 ng/mL were achieved for sarcosine.
- A visual color change was observed in the interfaced electrochromic cell, correlating with sarcosine concentrations within the clinical range.
Conclusions:
- The developed integrated biosensor offers a self-powered, equipment-free solution for sarcosine detection, suitable for point-of-care applications.
- The device's ability to detect sarcosine within a clinically relevant range and provide a visual output facilitates early prostate cancer diagnosis.
- This innovative approach integrates energy harvesting and biosensing, paving the way for advanced portable diagnostic tools.
