Bridging the gap between Mind, Brain and Body: exosome role and monitoring

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Molecular Imprinting on Nanozymes for Sensing Applications

Publication . Cardoso, Ana Rita; Frasco, Manuela F.; Serrano, Verónica; Fortunato, Elvira; Sales, Maria Goreti Ferreira

As part of the biomimetic enzyme field, nanomaterial-based artificial enzymes, or nanozymes, have been recognized as highly stable and low-cost alternatives to their natural counterparts. The discovery of enzyme-like activities in nanomaterials triggered a broad range of designs with various composition, size, and shape. An overview of the properties of nanozymes is given, including some examples of enzyme mimics for multiple biosensing approaches. The limitations of nanozymes regarding lack of selectivity and low catalytic efficiency may be surpassed by their easy surface modification, and it is possible to tune specific properties. From this perspective, molecularly imprinted polymers have been successfully combined with nanozymes as biomimetic receptors conferring selectivity and improving catalytic performance. Compelling works on constructing imprinted polymer layers on nanozymes to achieve enhanced catalytic efficiency and selective recognition, requisites for broad implementation in biosensing devices, are reviewed. Multimodal biomimetic enzyme-like biosensing platforms can offer additional advantages concerning responsiveness to different microenvironments and external stimuli. Ultimately, progress in biomimetic imprinted nanozymes may open new horizons in a wide range of biosensing applications.

2021Journal article

Open access

Development of an electrochemical biosensor for Galectin-3 detection in point-of-care

Publication . Cerqueira, Sofia M.V.; Fernandes, Rúben; Moreira, Felismina; Sales, Maria Goreti Ferreira

This research work aims the development and optimization of an electrochemical biosensor based on molecularly-imprinted polymers [MIPs], for monitoring a melanoma biomarker, Galectin-3 (Gal-3). As it is a multifunctional protein that plays an important role in different types of tumors including melanoma, and has shown good results as a potential biomarker in several areas, the construction of a biosensor for the detection of this protein would be a simple and quick strategy to support the treatment of this type of pathology. The target molecule was recognized by a MIP material, created on the electrode’s surface by electropolymerizing a mixture of analyte (Gal-3) and monomer (2-aminophenol). Then, the protein was removed from the polymeric material by oxalic acid treatment. This process formed a non-conductive polymer with recognition sites showing affinity for the Gal-3. The control of the surface modification was monitored by Raman spectroscopy and electroanalytical techniques, namely electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The analytical performance of the sensor was evaluated by EIS, by following the analytical response of standard solutions ranging from 0.5 ng/mL to 5000 ng/mL Gal-3 in spyked serum. In general, the biosensor displayed good analytical features, considering limit of detection, response time and reproducibility. Overall, this study resulted from the need to create a new strategy for monitoring melanoma through the creation of a cheaper, faster and sensitive device, which can be commercialized and thus integrate the entire process associated with the treatment and follow-up of this pathology.

2021Journal article

Open access