A promising novel supramolecular network-based ferric β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) as a potential biomarker device for liver...

The invention and development of diagnostic devices with simple instrumentation, low cost, and high selectivity are research topics that attract considerable scientists around the world. A novel ferric-based β-cyclodextrin nanoparticle supramolecular network (Fe(III)-βCD-NP) was synthesized via a simple method and fully characterized. The physicochemical properties, and biocompatibility of Fe(III)-βCD-NP revealed them as a promising candidate for biological and biosensing applications. In this context, for biological applications, Fe(III)-βCD-NP was investigated for in vitro anticancer and cytotoxicity properties. The results revealed that Fe(III)-βCD-NP showed no cytotoxic effect on HepG2, A549, MCF7, and PC3 cell lines. Furthermore, Fe(III)-βCD-NP was used for biosensing in three analytical applications for early diagnosis of liver cancer via the detection of α-fetoprotein (AFP). The first is developing a colorimetric method; the results showed a considerable response toward AFP in a concentration range (1.0-700.0 ng/mL) with a lower detection limit of 0.076 ng/mL, quantification limit of 0.23 ng/mL and a visual color change from pale-yellow to brown. The second is fabricating a test strip prototype; the results showed a significant response for the qualitative naked-eye detection of AFP based on the color change as a function of concentration. The third is the fabrication, and assembly of a prototype of an electronic color AFP biosensor device; the results showed a user-friendly and self-contained device for AFP with quantitative detection-based coated test strips. The analytical statistical parameters of the suggested applications were evaluated. Finally, the mentioned applications demonstrated how to transform the laboratory concept into applied technology.