Plus, Senior Researcher Yoonhee Lee heads up an energetic research team at the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST). To achieve this, they have pioneered a novel approach to build next-generation, high-sensitivity biosensors. This new approach is inspired by the way that inkjet printing works. It enhances our capacity to manufacture biosensors that are capable of detecting extremely low concentrations of neurotransmitters. The study, published with the DOI: 10.1021/acsami.5c13445, showcases the potential for this innovative approach in future biomedical applications.
With extraordinary stability and reproducibility, the drop-and-spread inkjet printing technique makes use of surface tension to print devices. The study attained a 72% success rate in successfully fabricating devices with the desired shape. This achievement is an exciting step forward toward widespread biosensor adoption. The team’s results indicate the sensors are able to selectively measure serotonin, a key neurotransmitter in the brain, with high efficiency. They do this by using DNA fragments known as aptamers that selectively bind to target molecules.
Development of the Technique
Yoonhee Lee and her team at Columbia University have created a phenomenal new approach. It’s easy and effective to use, very similar to conventional inkjet printing workflows. This approach enables the quick prototyping of advanced sensors with exceptional performance that require no intricate fabrication steps.
In the research group’s award-winning pitch, they waved a single molecule in front of their biosensors to demonstrate their record-breaking sensitivity. They can measure serotonin concentrations down to 42 picomoles, less than the width of a human hair. This degree of accuracy promises exciting new opportunities for rapidly tracking neurotransmitter activity in multiple biomedical applications.
“This study holds significance as the resulting technique can fabricate high-performance sensors based on a simple method like inkjet printing.”
Perhaps the most exciting aspects of this new biosensor fabrication technique are its impressive stability and reproducibility. The five-member research team was able to reach a fabrication rate consisting of 72% of devices that were within an acceptable design threshold. Representative high-magnification scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images recorded a single CNT bridge connecting the electrodes. This exemplifies the remarkable accuracy of the method.
Stability and Reproducibility
Professor Hongki Kang of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Seoul National University, served as a global lead in this study. He was the co-corresponding author. His observations provide solid evidence for why this recent development in biosensor technology is so important. They are especially excited about its potential to revolutionize health monitoring and diagnostics.
As she looked ahead, Yoonhee Lee said she was excited about applying this technology to other biomarkers beyond serotonin detection.
Future Applications
Further study has the potential to change the way doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals monitor patients’ health. This method provides customized strategies for detecting multiple biomarkers associated with multiple afflictions.
“In the future, we will expand this technology into a platform to fabricate customized high-sensitive biosensors for detecting different disease biomarkers.”
The full study is accompanied by an incredible 3D time-lapse video. It shows the motion of a surface-tension-driven flow in a scaled up electrode configuration, giving a vivid representation of this exciting process.
Additionally, a time-lapse video demonstrating surface-tension-driven flow in a scaled-up electrode configuration accompanies the study, offering a visual representation of the innovative process involved.