We are proud to congratulate Sebastian Cajigas and his team for their groundbreaking research on continuous biosensing published in ACS Sensors. This work provides invaluable insights into the molecular origins of long-term changes in biosensors responses and efficacy.
The ACS Sensors article provides a detailed exploration of the molecular origins of long-term changes in a particle-based biosensor used for continuous monitoring. The study focuses on a cortisol sensor that relies on affinity-based interactions between antibodies and cortisol analogues. Over time, these interactions degrade due to processes such as the loss of antibodies and the dissociation of analogue molecules from the sensor surface, which leads to a reduction in sensor sensitivity and selectivity. This gradual shift in performance was observed and quantified over several days of continuous operation.
The researchers employed single-molecule resolution using tethered particle motion (t-BPM), where the rate at which particles switched between bound and unbound states was recorded. This switching rate is concentration-dependent, meaning that higher levels of cortisol in the sample led to fewer binding events and, consequently, less particle movement. The research uncovered that both particle aging and surface biofouling—such as the accumulation of nonspecific interactions—were principal contributors to signal degradation. These findings provide essential data for the calibration and development of more stable continuous biosensing systems.
The use of affinity-based biosensing in this study aligns with AMF’s commitment to real-time biochemical monitoring in clinical and industrial applications. By understanding the long-term behavior of these sensors, future improvements in device sensitivity, calibration techniques, and the control of biofouling can be achieved. This research lays the groundwork for developing more resilient biosensors capable of real-time patient monitoring, drug delivery systems, and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), as well as other closed-loop therapeutic approaches like an artificial pancreas.
The research employs time-dependent techniques to study long-term changes in a sensor system that measures cortisol concentration based on single-molecule interactions. Using a tethered biosensor system, molecules like antibodies and DNA switches interact with the sensor’s surface. A particle-based sensor was applied to track the switching rate between bound and unbound states, providing quantifiable signals based on the analyte concentration.
Key instruments played specific roles in the study. Bright-field microscopy tracked particle motion in real-time, while the MM-CPD algorithm was used for data analysis to determine the signal activity. LSPone, AMF’s laboratory microfluidic programmable syringe pump, was crucial for precision microfluidic flow management in the flow cells and through its ability to automate the experiment ensuring consistent sensor conditions during extended monitoring. Its ability to accurately control flow rates enabled stable experiments, making it integral to the success of this research. The fluorescence-based measurements confirmed the binding interactions between antibodies and analytes, ensuring accurate molecular data collection.
The researchers also studied molecular changes over time, focusing on sensor surfaces and antibody behavior. By combining buffer solutions with advanced tracking software, they isolated signal decay over several days. This method provided real-time measurement data, revealing how protein-binding strategies can impact sensor performance. The team’s review included opportunities to tune sensor performance by enhancing the stability of components such as surface coatings and binding proteins. The approach aimed to minimize environmental interference, laying the foundation for future industrial and clinical applications. These findings are pivotal for achieving higher sensor accuracy, especially in fields like diabetes management and personalized medicine.
The LSPone laboratory microfluidic programmable syringe pump from AMF played a crucial role in enhancing the performance of the sensor system used in this study. The syringe pump combined with the rotary valve was instrumental in managing the precise delivery and control of fluids within the system, enabling stable environmental conditions for continuous and accurate real-time monitoring. This precise control was particularly important for minimizing interference and ensuring consistent flow during long-term analyte detection.
The LSPone is highly suited for applications requiring concentration-time profiles, as it allowed the researchers to tune the experimental conditions to achieve reliable, real-time data collection. This progress in fluid management significantly improved the overall sensor performance, making it ideal for continuous sensing in both industrial and clinical environments.
Furthermore, the LSPone’s integration within the system helped overcome challenges of fluid handling, enabling precise readout from the sensor without biofouling or signal degradation. By ensuring smooth and reliable flow throughout the study, it played an essential part in achieving the goals of the research, contributing to the development of flexible and highly sensitive biosensors for future use in wearable devices and minimally invasive applications like blood glucose monitoring and other multiplexed biosensor systems.
The LSPone laboratory microfluidic programmable syringe pump is designed for precise fluid handling, making it ideal for continuous monitoring in biosensor applications.
Imagine a powerful tool that simplifies complex processes, making your experiments more streamlined and secure. The LSPone is designed to enhance every aspect of your research by offering:
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High precision & accuracy: Achieve flow rates as low as 0.5 µL/min and as high as 30 mL/min.
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Explore the detailed findings and methodologies used in this groundbreaking article on continuous biosensing. The study provides an insightful overview of the challenges and strategies applied in improving sensor performance over time. From tracking molecular switches to addressing long-term analyte detection, the publication offers a thorough review of the signal response mechanisms and real-time measurement methods that have advanced the field. Explore the full study to see how this science can impact industrial and biomedical applications.
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