Citizen science tools for engaged research: Water quality monitoring in remote communities
- Nqowana, Thandiswa, Fogel, Ronen, Bezerra, Joana C, Limson, Janice L
- Authors: Nqowana, Thandiswa , Fogel, Ronen , Bezerra, Joana C , Limson, Janice L
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/480407 , vital:78439 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-sajsci-v120-n9-a17
- Description: Remote areas that lack conventional water-provisioning infrastructure often rely on rainwater harvesting, rivers, pans, reservoirs and borehole-extracted water to meet domestic water requirements. These water sources often have poor microbial quality and chemical composition, the quality of which is not routinely monitored. This study explored citizen science as a tool for Engaged Research and Responsible Research and Innovation, detailing the co-creation of a sustained community-based water quality monitoring program in collaboration with communities in villages in Amakhala Game Reserve (Eastern Cape, South Africa). Without access to other water sources, par ticipants predominantly used rainwater for drinking and cooking (80%), while borehole water was mainly used for cleaning and gardening due to its salty or bitter taste. A hydrogen sulfide (H2S) water testing kit was used by the citizen scientists to monitor the water quality. The H2S kits were effective in estimating bacterial contamination, showing a propor tional relationship with Coliler t® test results conducted in a laboratory. The alignment observed between community-based monitoring results and those derived from scientist-led testing underscores the value of data produced through citizen science initiatives. Sustained par ticipant engagement throughout this research reflected a sense of community empowerment through access to tools that inform their decisionmaking around water use and treatment as well as investment in the research, indicative of the perceived relevance of the research to community interests. This integration of transdisciplinary data sources holds promise for informing evidence-based decision-making processes, facilitating more effective and contextually informed water management strategies that value and integrate community perspectives alongside scientific insights.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
- Authors: Nqowana, Thandiswa , Fogel, Ronen , Bezerra, Joana C , Limson, Janice L
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/480407 , vital:78439 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-sajsci-v120-n9-a17
- Description: Remote areas that lack conventional water-provisioning infrastructure often rely on rainwater harvesting, rivers, pans, reservoirs and borehole-extracted water to meet domestic water requirements. These water sources often have poor microbial quality and chemical composition, the quality of which is not routinely monitored. This study explored citizen science as a tool for Engaged Research and Responsible Research and Innovation, detailing the co-creation of a sustained community-based water quality monitoring program in collaboration with communities in villages in Amakhala Game Reserve (Eastern Cape, South Africa). Without access to other water sources, par ticipants predominantly used rainwater for drinking and cooking (80%), while borehole water was mainly used for cleaning and gardening due to its salty or bitter taste. A hydrogen sulfide (H2S) water testing kit was used by the citizen scientists to monitor the water quality. The H2S kits were effective in estimating bacterial contamination, showing a propor tional relationship with Coliler t® test results conducted in a laboratory. The alignment observed between community-based monitoring results and those derived from scientist-led testing underscores the value of data produced through citizen science initiatives. Sustained par ticipant engagement throughout this research reflected a sense of community empowerment through access to tools that inform their decisionmaking around water use and treatment as well as investment in the research, indicative of the perceived relevance of the research to community interests. This integration of transdisciplinary data sources holds promise for informing evidence-based decision-making processes, facilitating more effective and contextually informed water management strategies that value and integrate community perspectives alongside scientific insights.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
Sustainability science engagement and engaged sustainability science
- Lotz-Sisitka, Heila, Limson, Janice L, Le Grange, Lesley
- Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila , Limson, Janice L , Le Grange, Lesley
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/480629 , vital:78461 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-sajsci-v120-n9-a1
- Description: The South African Science, Technology and Innovation Decadal Plan (2022-2032) shows a strong commitment to science engagement, with most references referring to the communication of science. This plan builds on the 2015 Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)'s Engaged Science Strategy, which notes that engaged science approaches are as yet underdeveloped in South Africa. The Decadal Plan explicitly relates science engagement to the need for more inter- and transdisciplinary approaches to science, with mention of greater inclusion of stakeholders in defining the needs and objectives for research, but without clear insight into how this is to be done or supported. More in-depth approaches and understanding may be needed to adequately bridge the sciencesociety gap, including in and through the educational sphere.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
- Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila , Limson, Janice L , Le Grange, Lesley
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/480629 , vital:78461 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-sajsci-v120-n9-a1
- Description: The South African Science, Technology and Innovation Decadal Plan (2022-2032) shows a strong commitment to science engagement, with most references referring to the communication of science. This plan builds on the 2015 Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)'s Engaged Science Strategy, which notes that engaged science approaches are as yet underdeveloped in South Africa. The Decadal Plan explicitly relates science engagement to the need for more inter- and transdisciplinary approaches to science, with mention of greater inclusion of stakeholders in defining the needs and objectives for research, but without clear insight into how this is to be done or supported. More in-depth approaches and understanding may be needed to adequately bridge the sciencesociety gap, including in and through the educational sphere.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
Acoustic biosensors
- Fogel, Ronen, Limson, Janice L, Seshia, Ashwin A
- Authors: Fogel, Ronen , Limson, Janice L , Seshia, Ashwin A
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431648 , vital:72793 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1042/EBC20150011"
- Description: Resonant and acoustic wave devices have been researched for several decades for application in the gravimetric sensing of a variety of biological and chemical analytes. These devices operate by coupling the measurand (e.g. analyte adsorption) as a modulation in the physical properties of the acoustic wave (e.g. resonant frequency, acoustic velocity, dissipation) that can then be correlated with the amount of adsorbed analyte. These devices can also be miniaturized with advantages in terms of cost, size and scalability, as well as potential additional features including integration with microfluidics and electronics, scaled sensitivities associated with smaller dimensions and higher operational frequencies, the ability to multiplex detection across arrays of hundreds of devices embedded in a single chip, increased throughput and the ability to interrogate a wider range of modes including within the same device. Additionally, device fabrication is often compatible with semiconductor volume batch manufacturing techniques enabling cost scalability and a high degree of precision and reproducibility in the manufacturing process. Integration with microfluidics handling also enables suitable sample pre-processing/separation/purification/amplification steps that could improve selectivity and the overall signal-to-noise ratio. Three device types are reviewed here: (i) bulk acoustic wave sensors, (ii) surface acoustic wave sensors, and (iii) micro/nano-electromechanical system (MEMS/NEMS) sensors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Fogel, Ronen , Limson, Janice L , Seshia, Ashwin A
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431648 , vital:72793 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1042/EBC20150011"
- Description: Resonant and acoustic wave devices have been researched for several decades for application in the gravimetric sensing of a variety of biological and chemical analytes. These devices operate by coupling the measurand (e.g. analyte adsorption) as a modulation in the physical properties of the acoustic wave (e.g. resonant frequency, acoustic velocity, dissipation) that can then be correlated with the amount of adsorbed analyte. These devices can also be miniaturized with advantages in terms of cost, size and scalability, as well as potential additional features including integration with microfluidics and electronics, scaled sensitivities associated with smaller dimensions and higher operational frequencies, the ability to multiplex detection across arrays of hundreds of devices embedded in a single chip, increased throughput and the ability to interrogate a wider range of modes including within the same device. Additionally, device fabrication is often compatible with semiconductor volume batch manufacturing techniques enabling cost scalability and a high degree of precision and reproducibility in the manufacturing process. Integration with microfluidics handling also enables suitable sample pre-processing/separation/purification/amplification steps that could improve selectivity and the overall signal-to-noise ratio. Three device types are reviewed here: (i) bulk acoustic wave sensors, (ii) surface acoustic wave sensors, and (iii) micro/nano-electromechanical system (MEMS/NEMS) sensors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Developing biosensors in developing countries: South Africa as a case study
- Fogel, Ronen, Limson, Janice L
- Authors: Fogel, Ronen , Limson, Janice L
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431661 , vital:72794 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3390/bios6010005"
- Description: A mini-review of the reported biosensor research occurring in South Africa evidences a strong emphasis on electrochemical sensor research, guided by the opportunities this transduction platform holds for low-cost and robust sensing of numerous targets. Many of the reported publications centre on fundamental research into the signal transduction method, using model biorecognition elements, in line with international trends. Other research in this field is spread across several areas including: the application of nanotechnology; the identification and validation of biomarkers; development and testing of biorecognition agents (antibodies and aptamers) and design of electro-catalysts, most notably metallophthalocyanine. Biosensor targets commonly featured were pesticides and metals. Areas of regional import to sub-Saharan Africa, such as HIV/AIDs and tuberculosis diagnosis, are also apparent in a review of the available literature. Irrespective of the targets, the challenge to the effective deployment of such sensors remains shaped by social and economic realities such that the requirements thereof are for low-cost and universally easy to operate devices for field settings. While it is difficult to disentangle the intertwined roles of national policy, grant funding availability and, certainly, of global trends in shaping areas of emphasis in research, most notable is the strong role that nanotechnology, and to a certain extent biotechnology, plays in research regarding biosensor construction. Stronger emphasis on collaboration between scientists in theoretical modelling, nanomaterials application and or relevant stakeholders in the specific field (e.g., food or health monitoring) and researchers in biosensor design may help evolve focused research efforts towards development and deployment of low-cost biosensors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Fogel, Ronen , Limson, Janice L
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431661 , vital:72794 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3390/bios6010005"
- Description: A mini-review of the reported biosensor research occurring in South Africa evidences a strong emphasis on electrochemical sensor research, guided by the opportunities this transduction platform holds for low-cost and robust sensing of numerous targets. Many of the reported publications centre on fundamental research into the signal transduction method, using model biorecognition elements, in line with international trends. Other research in this field is spread across several areas including: the application of nanotechnology; the identification and validation of biomarkers; development and testing of biorecognition agents (antibodies and aptamers) and design of electro-catalysts, most notably metallophthalocyanine. Biosensor targets commonly featured were pesticides and metals. Areas of regional import to sub-Saharan Africa, such as HIV/AIDs and tuberculosis diagnosis, are also apparent in a review of the available literature. Irrespective of the targets, the challenge to the effective deployment of such sensors remains shaped by social and economic realities such that the requirements thereof are for low-cost and universally easy to operate devices for field settings. While it is difficult to disentangle the intertwined roles of national policy, grant funding availability and, certainly, of global trends in shaping areas of emphasis in research, most notable is the strong role that nanotechnology, and to a certain extent biotechnology, plays in research regarding biosensor construction. Stronger emphasis on collaboration between scientists in theoretical modelling, nanomaterials application and or relevant stakeholders in the specific field (e.g., food or health monitoring) and researchers in biosensor design may help evolve focused research efforts towards development and deployment of low-cost biosensors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Optimisation of an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy aptasensor by exploiting quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation signals
- Formisanoa, Nello, Jolly, Pawan, Bhalla, Nikhil, Cromhout, Mary, Flanagan, Shane P, Fogel, Ronen, Limson, Janice L, Estrela, Pedro
- Authors: Formisanoa, Nello , Jolly, Pawan , Bhalla, Nikhil , Cromhout, Mary , Flanagan, Shane P , Fogel, Ronen , Limson, Janice L , Estrela, Pedro
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431699 , vital:72797 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.snb.2015.05.049"
- Description: The response of an Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) sensor using DNA aptamers is affected by many factors, such as DNA density, charge and conformational changes upon DNA-target binding, and buffer conditions. We report here for the first time on the optimisation of an EIS aptamer-based sensor by using Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation mode (QCM-D). As a case study, we employed a DNA aptamer against Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA). PSA detection was achieved by functionalising the gold sensor surface via thiol chemistry with different ratios of thiolated-DNA aptamer and 6-mercapto-1-hexanol (MCH) used as spacer molecules. PSA binding efficiency can be monitored by measuring QCM-D signals which not only provide information about the mass of PSA bound on the sensor surface, but also crucial information about the aptamer conformation and layer hydration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Formisanoa, Nello , Jolly, Pawan , Bhalla, Nikhil , Cromhout, Mary , Flanagan, Shane P , Fogel, Ronen , Limson, Janice L , Estrela, Pedro
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431699 , vital:72797 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.snb.2015.05.049"
- Description: The response of an Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) sensor using DNA aptamers is affected by many factors, such as DNA density, charge and conformational changes upon DNA-target binding, and buffer conditions. We report here for the first time on the optimisation of an EIS aptamer-based sensor by using Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation mode (QCM-D). As a case study, we employed a DNA aptamer against Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA). PSA detection was achieved by functionalising the gold sensor surface via thiol chemistry with different ratios of thiolated-DNA aptamer and 6-mercapto-1-hexanol (MCH) used as spacer molecules. PSA binding efficiency can be monitored by measuring QCM-D signals which not only provide information about the mass of PSA bound on the sensor surface, but also crucial information about the aptamer conformation and layer hydration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Photophysical properties and photodynamic therapy effect of zinc phthalocyanine-spermine-single walled carbon nanotube conjugate on MCF-7 breast cancer cell line
- Ogbodu, Rachael O, Limson, Janice L, Prinsloo, Earl, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Ogbodu, Rachael O , Limson, Janice L , Prinsloo, Earl , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189493 , vital:44851 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.synthmet.2015.03.011"
- Description: The present study shows improved photodynamic therapy (PDT) effect of zinc mono carboxy phenoxy phthalocyanine (ZnMCPPc (1)) upon conjugation to spermine (via amide bond) as a targeting molecule on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The ZnMCPPc-spermine (2) conjugate was adsorbed onto single walled carbon nanotubes (represented as ZnMCPPc-spermine-SWCNT (3)). There was no change in the fluorescence quantum yield of complex 1 following formation of 2 or 3. Complexes 2 and 3 showed improved photophysical properties; with over 50% increases in triplet and singlet oxygen quantum yields compared to 1. Complexes 1, 2 and 3 were relatively not toxic to MCF-7 cancer cells when incubated with 5–40 μM of each complex for 24 h in the dark. The PDT results showed that at 40 μM complex 1 resulted in only 64% decrease in cell viability, while 2 and 3 improved the PDT effect of 1 to 97% and 95% decrease in cell viability at 40 μM respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Ogbodu, Rachael O , Limson, Janice L , Prinsloo, Earl , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189493 , vital:44851 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.synthmet.2015.03.011"
- Description: The present study shows improved photodynamic therapy (PDT) effect of zinc mono carboxy phenoxy phthalocyanine (ZnMCPPc (1)) upon conjugation to spermine (via amide bond) as a targeting molecule on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The ZnMCPPc-spermine (2) conjugate was adsorbed onto single walled carbon nanotubes (represented as ZnMCPPc-spermine-SWCNT (3)). There was no change in the fluorescence quantum yield of complex 1 following formation of 2 or 3. Complexes 2 and 3 showed improved photophysical properties; with over 50% increases in triplet and singlet oxygen quantum yields compared to 1. Complexes 1, 2 and 3 were relatively not toxic to MCF-7 cancer cells when incubated with 5–40 μM of each complex for 24 h in the dark. The PDT results showed that at 40 μM complex 1 resulted in only 64% decrease in cell viability, while 2 and 3 improved the PDT effect of 1 to 97% and 95% decrease in cell viability at 40 μM respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Photophysicochemical properties and in vitro cytotoxicity of zinc tetracarboxyphenoxy phthalocyanine–quantum dot nanocomposites
- Oluwole, David O, Tilbury, Chelsea M, Prinsloo, Earl, Limson, Janice L, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Oluwole, David O , Tilbury, Chelsea M , Prinsloo, Earl , Limson, Janice L , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/240846 , vital:50878 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poly.2015.12.060"
- Description: Cadmium based quantum dots (QDs) capped with two different ligands (thioglycolic acid, TGA, and glutathione, GSH) were synthesized. The QDs are: CdTe, CdTe/ZnO, CdTeSe, CdTeSe/ZnO and CdSe/ZnS (the last one for TGA only). Cytotoxicity of the QDs against MCF-7 epithelial breast cancer was evaluated. The TGA capped core QDs were found to be highly cytotoxic to the cell lines when compared to GSH capped ones. The glutathione capped QDs were covalently linked to zinc tetracarboxyphenoxy phthalocyanine (ZnTCPPc). Cytotoxicity and photophysicochemical properties of the conjugates were investigated. The toxicity of the core QDs was reduced in the presence of ZnTCPPc. Enhanced triplet quantum yields and long triplet lifetimes were obtained for ZnTCPPc in the presence of all QDs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Oluwole, David O , Tilbury, Chelsea M , Prinsloo, Earl , Limson, Janice L , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/240846 , vital:50878 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poly.2015.12.060"
- Description: Cadmium based quantum dots (QDs) capped with two different ligands (thioglycolic acid, TGA, and glutathione, GSH) were synthesized. The QDs are: CdTe, CdTe/ZnO, CdTeSe, CdTeSe/ZnO and CdSe/ZnS (the last one for TGA only). Cytotoxicity of the QDs against MCF-7 epithelial breast cancer was evaluated. The TGA capped core QDs were found to be highly cytotoxic to the cell lines when compared to GSH capped ones. The glutathione capped QDs were covalently linked to zinc tetracarboxyphenoxy phthalocyanine (ZnTCPPc). Cytotoxicity and photophysicochemical properties of the conjugates were investigated. The toxicity of the core QDs was reduced in the presence of ZnTCPPc. Enhanced triplet quantum yields and long triplet lifetimes were obtained for ZnTCPPc in the presence of all QDs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Application of carbon black and iron phthalocyanine composites in bioelectricity production at a brewery wastewater fed microbial fuel cell
- Mshoperi, Edith, Fogel, Ronen, Limson, Janice L
- Authors: Mshoperi, Edith , Fogel, Ronen , Limson, Janice L
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431050 , vital:72740 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2013.11.01"
- Description: Aerobic cathode microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have been widely researched to provide bioremediation of wastewaters, coupled to sustainable energy production. In order to effectively accomplish this aim, suitable catalysts and catalyst supports for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are required. While iron phthaloycanine (FePc), supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes has previously been studied for this function, cost of industrial production may hinder this. Importantly, this study examines the use of several available grades of carbon black for their relative suitability to perform as supports for FePc in MFC formats. Voltammetric studies showed that the different grades of carbon black provided varying lowering of the ORR overpotential, between ∼160 and ∼270 mV relative to unmodified GCEs, and an optimum grade (N326) was selected for further study. Carbon black/FePC composite electrodes exhibited comparable lowering of the ORR overpotential (606 mV) to potentials previously reported to nanotube/FePc composites (620 mV), as well as lowered charge-transfer resistance compared to electrodes solely modified with FePc. When applied as cathode modifiers in dual chambered MFCs utilising Enterobacter cloacae, the combined use of carbon black and FePc provided greater power densities than either alone; composite electrodes obtaining ∼400% power density, compared to unmodified electrodes. Modification of the anode with carbon black further increased power density, generating power densities an order of magnitude larger than those obtained at unmodified electrodes. The ability of beer brewery waste water (BBWW) to generate power at these modified surfaces yielded permissible power densities (∼40% that of reinforced clostridial media). Differences observed, in particular under agitation, are attributed to variations in nutrient content and nutrient complexity, between the two fuel substrates.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Mshoperi, Edith , Fogel, Ronen , Limson, Janice L
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431050 , vital:72740 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2013.11.01"
- Description: Aerobic cathode microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have been widely researched to provide bioremediation of wastewaters, coupled to sustainable energy production. In order to effectively accomplish this aim, suitable catalysts and catalyst supports for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are required. While iron phthaloycanine (FePc), supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes has previously been studied for this function, cost of industrial production may hinder this. Importantly, this study examines the use of several available grades of carbon black for their relative suitability to perform as supports for FePc in MFC formats. Voltammetric studies showed that the different grades of carbon black provided varying lowering of the ORR overpotential, between ∼160 and ∼270 mV relative to unmodified GCEs, and an optimum grade (N326) was selected for further study. Carbon black/FePC composite electrodes exhibited comparable lowering of the ORR overpotential (606 mV) to potentials previously reported to nanotube/FePc composites (620 mV), as well as lowered charge-transfer resistance compared to electrodes solely modified with FePc. When applied as cathode modifiers in dual chambered MFCs utilising Enterobacter cloacae, the combined use of carbon black and FePc provided greater power densities than either alone; composite electrodes obtaining ∼400% power density, compared to unmodified electrodes. Modification of the anode with carbon black further increased power density, generating power densities an order of magnitude larger than those obtained at unmodified electrodes. The ability of beer brewery waste water (BBWW) to generate power at these modified surfaces yielded permissible power densities (∼40% that of reinforced clostridial media). Differences observed, in particular under agitation, are attributed to variations in nutrient content and nutrient complexity, between the two fuel substrates.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Comparison of fluorophore and peroxidase labeled aptamer assays for MUC1 detection in cancer cells
- Flanagan, Shane P, Limson, Janice L, Fogel, Ronen
- Authors: Flanagan, Shane P , Limson, Janice L , Fogel, Ronen
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431076 , vital:72742 , xlink:href="10.1109/BioCAS.2014.6981720"
- Description: Aptamers hold great promise for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Several biosensors incorporate aptamers as biorecognition elements for tumor markers although few evaluate their detection in a native conformation and cellular micro-environment. In this study, fluorophore and peroxidase labeled aptamer configurations were compared for the detection of MCF7 breast and SW620 colon cancer cell lines expressing the tumor marker MUC1. Fluorescence based detection showed selective binding to the cell lines relative to a nonbinding control sequence with sequence specific binding differences between MUC1 aptamers accredited to variation in the glycosylation state of expressed MUC1. The peroxidase labeled assay showed high detection sensitivity although low binding specificity was observed for the MUC1 aptamers to the cell lines. Results suggest that aptamers susceptible to non specific binding to cells may limit the applicability of enzymatic amplification to improve aptasensor sensitivity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Flanagan, Shane P , Limson, Janice L , Fogel, Ronen
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431076 , vital:72742 , xlink:href="10.1109/BioCAS.2014.6981720"
- Description: Aptamers hold great promise for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Several biosensors incorporate aptamers as biorecognition elements for tumor markers although few evaluate their detection in a native conformation and cellular micro-environment. In this study, fluorophore and peroxidase labeled aptamer configurations were compared for the detection of MCF7 breast and SW620 colon cancer cell lines expressing the tumor marker MUC1. Fluorescence based detection showed selective binding to the cell lines relative to a nonbinding control sequence with sequence specific binding differences between MUC1 aptamers accredited to variation in the glycosylation state of expressed MUC1. The peroxidase labeled assay showed high detection sensitivity although low binding specificity was observed for the MUC1 aptamers to the cell lines. Results suggest that aptamers susceptible to non specific binding to cells may limit the applicability of enzymatic amplification to improve aptasensor sensitivity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Electrochemical inclusion of catechol into singlewalled carbon nanotubes: application for sensors
- Oni, Joshua, Limson, Janice L
- Authors: Oni, Joshua , Limson, Janice L
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431090 , vital:72743 , xlink:href="10.1109/BioCAS.2014.6981727"
- Description: We report on the use of catechol for the electrochemical activation of acid-functionalised single-walled carbon nanotubes immobilised on glassy carbon electrodes. Following well-published methods for catechol activation of bare glassy carbon electrodes, these studies show the efficacy of extending the method to activation of carbon nanotubes. Voltammetric scans in catechol show an increase in current response of 37 μA for the catechol redox pair over a maximum of three cycles during the catechol activation step. An increase in the ease of electron flow is indicated by a larger value for K app , which corresponds to a decrease in R ct obtained during impedance measurements. Catechol activation enhanced electron transfer, potentially afforded by an ease of electron passage due to a decrease in the resistance of the layer.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Oni, Joshua , Limson, Janice L
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431090 , vital:72743 , xlink:href="10.1109/BioCAS.2014.6981727"
- Description: We report on the use of catechol for the electrochemical activation of acid-functionalised single-walled carbon nanotubes immobilised on glassy carbon electrodes. Following well-published methods for catechol activation of bare glassy carbon electrodes, these studies show the efficacy of extending the method to activation of carbon nanotubes. Voltammetric scans in catechol show an increase in current response of 37 μA for the catechol redox pair over a maximum of three cycles during the catechol activation step. An increase in the ease of electron flow is indicated by a larger value for K app , which corresponds to a decrease in R ct obtained during impedance measurements. Catechol activation enhanced electron transfer, potentially afforded by an ease of electron passage due to a decrease in the resistance of the layer.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Voltammetric investigation of complex growth media at a bare glassy carbon electrode: a case study of oxytetracycline
- Kruid, Jan, Fogel, Ronen, Limson, Janice L
- Authors: Kruid, Jan , Fogel, Ronen , Limson, Janice L
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431206 , vital:72753 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2013.08.188"
- Description: Reports regarding the voltammetric properties of microbiological growth media are scarce in the literature and limited focus has been placed towards the application of electroanalysis for analyte monitoring in these complex media. This work aims to investigate the viability of voltammetry as a quantification method for analytes in microbiological growth media, using oxytetracycline (OTC) as a model analyte. Analysis of both commercially available and laboratory prepared growth media indicated the presence of interfering media components which produced anodic peaks at potentials ranging from ∼+0.85 V to ∼+1.30 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) under acidic conditions and ∼+0.62 V to ∼+1.35 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) under neutral pH. These peaks were identified as originating from proteinaceous components of growth media and correlated to the presence of peptone, malt extract and yeast extract. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrated significant increases in the charge transfer resistance for Fe(CN)63−/4− redox probes at glassy carbon electrodes in the presence of peptone-comprised media (130.3 Ω) compared to media-free buffer (50.4 Ω). Adsorption of the aforementioned media components to the electrode surface thus contributes to analytical interference through faradaic and non-faradaic processes. By adapting the growth media for analyte detection purposes, this study proves the feasibility of detecting OTC, as well as the use of dilution of the media to further decrease the interferent effects of growth media. A 50-fold dilution of the media provided a 96.7% recovery of the OTC peak current at 20 μM concentration. The empirical detection limit of OTC in 50-fold diluted media was determined to be 0.5 μM, which makes it applicable to current industrial OTC fermentation processes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Kruid, Jan , Fogel, Ronen , Limson, Janice L
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431206 , vital:72753 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2013.08.188"
- Description: Reports regarding the voltammetric properties of microbiological growth media are scarce in the literature and limited focus has been placed towards the application of electroanalysis for analyte monitoring in these complex media. This work aims to investigate the viability of voltammetry as a quantification method for analytes in microbiological growth media, using oxytetracycline (OTC) as a model analyte. Analysis of both commercially available and laboratory prepared growth media indicated the presence of interfering media components which produced anodic peaks at potentials ranging from ∼+0.85 V to ∼+1.30 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) under acidic conditions and ∼+0.62 V to ∼+1.35 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) under neutral pH. These peaks were identified as originating from proteinaceous components of growth media and correlated to the presence of peptone, malt extract and yeast extract. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrated significant increases in the charge transfer resistance for Fe(CN)63−/4− redox probes at glassy carbon electrodes in the presence of peptone-comprised media (130.3 Ω) compared to media-free buffer (50.4 Ω). Adsorption of the aforementioned media components to the electrode surface thus contributes to analytical interference through faradaic and non-faradaic processes. By adapting the growth media for analyte detection purposes, this study proves the feasibility of detecting OTC, as well as the use of dilution of the media to further decrease the interferent effects of growth media. A 50-fold dilution of the media provided a 96.7% recovery of the OTC peak current at 20 μM concentration. The empirical detection limit of OTC in 50-fold diluted media was determined to be 0.5 μM, which makes it applicable to current industrial OTC fermentation processes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Aging, sex, death (and heavy metals)
- Authors: Limson, Janice L
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:589 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019732
- Description: Vice Chancellor's Distinguished Research Award Lecture August 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Limson, Janice L
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:589 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019732
- Description: Vice Chancellor's Distinguished Research Award Lecture August 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Applications of polymerized metal tetra-amino phthalocyanines towards hydrogen peroxide detection
- Mashazi, Philani N, Togo, Chumunorwa, Limson, Janice L, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Mashazi, Philani N , Togo, Chumunorwa , Limson, Janice L , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/261840 , vital:53451 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424610001994"
- Description: This work reports the use of metallo tetra-amino phthalocyanines (MTAPc, M = Co and Mn) polymer thin films on gold and glassy carbon electrode surfaces for the detection and monitoring of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The polymer-modified electrodes were characterized using electrochemical and microscopic-based methods. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to study the bare and polymer-modified ITO surfaces. The electrocatalytic reduction of H2O2 with glassy carbon polymer-modified electrodes gave higher current densities compared to their gold counterparts. The electroanalytical properties of H2O2 were obtained using a real-time calibration curve of the amperometric determination in pH 7.4 aqueous solution. The limits of detection (LoD) of the polymer-modified electrodes towards electroreduction of H2O2 were of the order of 10–7 M, with high sensitivity ranging from 6.0–15.4 mA.mM-1.cm-2.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Mashazi, Philani N , Togo, Chumunorwa , Limson, Janice L , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/261840 , vital:53451 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424610001994"
- Description: This work reports the use of metallo tetra-amino phthalocyanines (MTAPc, M = Co and Mn) polymer thin films on gold and glassy carbon electrode surfaces for the detection and monitoring of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The polymer-modified electrodes were characterized using electrochemical and microscopic-based methods. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to study the bare and polymer-modified ITO surfaces. The electrocatalytic reduction of H2O2 with glassy carbon polymer-modified electrodes gave higher current densities compared to their gold counterparts. The electroanalytical properties of H2O2 were obtained using a real-time calibration curve of the amperometric determination in pH 7.4 aqueous solution. The limits of detection (LoD) of the polymer-modified electrodes towards electroreduction of H2O2 were of the order of 10–7 M, with high sensitivity ranging from 6.0–15.4 mA.mM-1.cm-2.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Characterization of manganese tetraarylthiosubstituted phthalocyanines self assembled monolayers
- Matemadombo, Fungisai, Durmus, Mahmut, Togo, Chamunorwa, Limson, Janice L, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Matemadombo, Fungisai , Durmus, Mahmut , Togo, Chamunorwa , Limson, Janice L , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263364 , vital:53621 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2009.04.059"
- Description: Manganese tetraarylthiosubstituted phthalocyanines (complexes 1–5) have been deposited on Au electrode surfaces through the self assembled monolayer (SAM) technique. SAM characteristics reported in this work are: ion barrier factor (∼1); interfacial capacitance (303–539 μF cm−2) and surface coverage (1.06 × 10−10–2.80 × 10−10 mol cm−2). Atomic force microscopy was employed in characterizing a SAM. SAMs of complexes 1–5 were employed to detect L-cysteine (with limit of detection ranging from 2.83 × 10−7 to 3.14 × 10−7 M at potentials of 0.68–0.75 V vs. Ag|AgCl) and nitrite (limit of detection ranging from 1.78 × 10−7 to 3.02 × 10−7 M at potentials of 0.69–0.76 V vs. Ag|AgCl).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Matemadombo, Fungisai , Durmus, Mahmut , Togo, Chamunorwa , Limson, Janice L , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263364 , vital:53621 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2009.04.059"
- Description: Manganese tetraarylthiosubstituted phthalocyanines (complexes 1–5) have been deposited on Au electrode surfaces through the self assembled monolayer (SAM) technique. SAM characteristics reported in this work are: ion barrier factor (∼1); interfacial capacitance (303–539 μF cm−2) and surface coverage (1.06 × 10−10–2.80 × 10−10 mol cm−2). Atomic force microscopy was employed in characterizing a SAM. SAMs of complexes 1–5 were employed to detect L-cysteine (with limit of detection ranging from 2.83 × 10−7 to 3.14 × 10−7 M at potentials of 0.68–0.75 V vs. Ag|AgCl) and nitrite (limit of detection ranging from 1.78 × 10−7 to 3.02 × 10−7 M at potentials of 0.69–0.76 V vs. Ag|AgCl).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Curiosity first, applications later
- Berold, Robert, Limson, Janice L
- Authors: Berold, Robert , Limson, Janice L
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Nyokong, Tebello
- Language: English
- Type: Article , text
- Identifier: vital:7188 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006281 , http://www.sajs.co.za/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/1-4-1-PB.pdf , Nyokong, Tebello
- Description: Tebello Nyokong speaks to Robert Berold and Janice Limson about her career as a chemist. Tebello Nyokong, who holds a research chair in medicinal chemistry and nanotechnology at Rhodes University, has become the first South African scientist to win the L’Oreal-UNESCO award for women in science, in the physical sciences. Only one laureate is selected from each of five world regions, and Nyokong is the 2009 laureate for Africa and the Arab states. She and the winners from the other four regions travel to Paris in March to each accept the award and a generous prize of close to R1 million. Nyokong now heads the new Nanotechnology Innovation Centre for medical sensors: the biggest single research investment in the history of Rhodes. Linked to other nanotechnology centres in the country, it is designed to bridge the gap between research and the market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Berold, Robert , Limson, Janice L
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Nyokong, Tebello
- Language: English
- Type: Article , text
- Identifier: vital:7188 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006281 , http://www.sajs.co.za/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/1-4-1-PB.pdf , Nyokong, Tebello
- Description: Tebello Nyokong speaks to Robert Berold and Janice Limson about her career as a chemist. Tebello Nyokong, who holds a research chair in medicinal chemistry and nanotechnology at Rhodes University, has become the first South African scientist to win the L’Oreal-UNESCO award for women in science, in the physical sciences. Only one laureate is selected from each of five world regions, and Nyokong is the 2009 laureate for Africa and the Arab states. She and the winners from the other four regions travel to Paris in March to each accept the award and a generous prize of close to R1 million. Nyokong now heads the new Nanotechnology Innovation Centre for medical sensors: the biggest single research investment in the history of Rhodes. Linked to other nanotechnology centres in the country, it is designed to bridge the gap between research and the market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Electrooxidation of hydrazine catalyzed by noncovalently functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes with CoPc
- Geraldo, Daniela A, Togo, Chamunorwa A, Limson, Janice L, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Geraldo, Daniela A , Togo, Chamunorwa A , Limson, Janice L , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/265963 , vital:53904 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2008.05.083"
- Description: We report on the electrooxidation of hydrazine catalyzed by single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) functionalized with cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) which shows that the presence of the single-walled carbon nanotubes enhances the catalytic activity of the CoPc itself without any change in the reaction mechanism. A synergistic effect, in terms of reactivity when the new nanocomposite material was adsorbed on the GC electrode, was observed. The obtained hybrid electrodes were tested under hydrodynamic conditions, showing two different oxidation processes, which suggest the presence of two different types of active sites on the electrode surface catalyzing the reaction. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analyses in the presence of [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− as a redox probe revealed that the GC/SWCNT + CoPc showed much lower electron-resistance (Ret) confirming the synergistic effect of the composite mentioned above. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images showed the clear differences in surface roughness for each film, confirming the different compositions of the hybrid electrodes used in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Geraldo, Daniela A , Togo, Chamunorwa A , Limson, Janice L , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/265963 , vital:53904 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2008.05.083"
- Description: We report on the electrooxidation of hydrazine catalyzed by single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) functionalized with cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) which shows that the presence of the single-walled carbon nanotubes enhances the catalytic activity of the CoPc itself without any change in the reaction mechanism. A synergistic effect, in terms of reactivity when the new nanocomposite material was adsorbed on the GC electrode, was observed. The obtained hybrid electrodes were tested under hydrodynamic conditions, showing two different oxidation processes, which suggest the presence of two different types of active sites on the electrode surface catalyzing the reaction. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analyses in the presence of [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− as a redox probe revealed that the GC/SWCNT + CoPc showed much lower electron-resistance (Ret) confirming the synergistic effect of the composite mentioned above. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images showed the clear differences in surface roughness for each film, confirming the different compositions of the hybrid electrodes used in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
SA scientist one of the top five female physical scientists
- Authors: Limson, Janice L
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Nyokong, Tebello
- Language: English
- Type: Article , text
- Identifier: vital:7189 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006283 , http://www.scienceinafrica.co.za/2008/october/nyokong.htm
- Description: South African scientist Professor Tebello Nyokong scoops 2009 L’ORÉAL-UNESCO For Women in Science Award. Announced on November 10, South African scientist Professor Tebello Nyokong has become the first South African scientist to win the L’ORÉALUNESCO award for women in science for research in physical sciences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Limson, Janice L
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Nyokong, Tebello
- Language: English
- Type: Article , text
- Identifier: vital:7189 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006283 , http://www.scienceinafrica.co.za/2008/october/nyokong.htm
- Description: South African scientist Professor Tebello Nyokong scoops 2009 L’ORÉAL-UNESCO For Women in Science Award. Announced on November 10, South African scientist Professor Tebello Nyokong has become the first South African scientist to win the L’ORÉALUNESCO award for women in science for research in physical sciences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Synthesis, electrochemical characterization of tetra-and octa-substituted dodecyl-mercapto tin phthalocyanines in solution and as self-assembled monolayers
- Khene, Samson M, Geraldo, Daniela A, Togo, Chamunorwa A, Limson, Janice L, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Khene, Samson M , Geraldo, Daniela A , Togo, Chamunorwa A , Limson, Janice L , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/264541 , vital:53743 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2008.08.018"
- Description: Non-peripherally (α) tetra- (9) and octa-(7) substituted dodecyl-mercapto tin(IV) phthalocyanines were synthesized and their electrochemical behavior studied. Cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemistry show ring-based reductions for 7 and 9, the former shows two ring oxidations, while the latter shows only one ring-based oxidation. The adsorption kinetics of (7) and (9) on gold electrode were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The equilibrium constant (K) for the adsorption and the Gibbs free energy (ΔGads) of the SAMs were evaluated based on the Frumkin isotherm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Khene, Samson M , Geraldo, Daniela A , Togo, Chamunorwa A , Limson, Janice L , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/264541 , vital:53743 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2008.08.018"
- Description: Non-peripherally (α) tetra- (9) and octa-(7) substituted dodecyl-mercapto tin(IV) phthalocyanines were synthesized and their electrochemical behavior studied. Cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemistry show ring-based reductions for 7 and 9, the former shows two ring oxidations, while the latter shows only one ring-based oxidation. The adsorption kinetics of (7) and (9) on gold electrode were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The equilibrium constant (K) for the adsorption and the Gibbs free energy (ΔGads) of the SAMs were evaluated based on the Frumkin isotherm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
A novel biosensor for the detection and monitoring of -d-galactosidase of faecal origin in water
- Wutor, V C, Togo, C A, Limson, Janice L, Pletschke, Brett I
- Authors: Wutor, V C , Togo, C A , Limson, Janice L , Pletschke, Brett I
- Date: 2007
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6468 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005797 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.enzmictec.2006.10.039
- Description: A voltammetric sensor prepared by the immobilization of metallophthalocyanine complexes onto a glassy carbon electrode has been developed for the detection of β-d-galactosidase (B-GAL) of faecal origin in water. Electrooxidation of chlorophenol red, a breakdown product of the chromogenic substrate chlorophenol red β-d-galactopyranoside, was used as a measure of β-d-galactosidase activity. At metallophthalocyanine modified electrodes, in particular copper(II) phthalocyanine, a decrease in electrode fouling was observed. The sensor was sensitive to fluctuations in pH, not significantly affected by temperature variations and could detect one colony forming unit/100 mL in 15 min. Loss of 40% sensitivity was observed over a period of 30 days. A strong correlation between sensor sensitivity and colony forming units was observed. The sensor is capable of detecting viable but nonculturable bacteria, overcoming this drawback of the use of culture media for detection of coliforms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Wutor, V C , Togo, C A , Limson, Janice L , Pletschke, Brett I
- Date: 2007
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6468 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005797 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.enzmictec.2006.10.039
- Description: A voltammetric sensor prepared by the immobilization of metallophthalocyanine complexes onto a glassy carbon electrode has been developed for the detection of β-d-galactosidase (B-GAL) of faecal origin in water. Electrooxidation of chlorophenol red, a breakdown product of the chromogenic substrate chlorophenol red β-d-galactopyranoside, was used as a measure of β-d-galactosidase activity. At metallophthalocyanine modified electrodes, in particular copper(II) phthalocyanine, a decrease in electrode fouling was observed. The sensor was sensitive to fluctuations in pH, not significantly affected by temperature variations and could detect one colony forming unit/100 mL in 15 min. Loss of 40% sensitivity was observed over a period of 30 days. A strong correlation between sensor sensitivity and colony forming units was observed. The sensor is capable of detecting viable but nonculturable bacteria, overcoming this drawback of the use of culture media for detection of coliforms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Critical assessment of the quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation as an analytical tool for biosensor development and fundamental studies
- Fogel, Ronen, Mashazi, Philani N, Nyokong, Tebello, Limson, Janice L
- Authors: Fogel, Ronen , Mashazi, Philani N , Nyokong, Tebello , Limson, Janice L
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/271204 , vital:54521 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bios.2007.03.012"
- Description: One of the challenges in electrochemical biosensor design is gaining a fundamental knowledge of the processes underlying immobilisation of the molecules onto the electrode surface. This is of particular importance in biocomposite sensors where concerns have arisen as to the nature of the interaction between the biological and synthetic molecules immobilised. We examined the use of the Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (QCM-D) as a tool for fundamental analyses of a model sensor constructed by the immobilisation of cobalt(II) phthalocyanine (TCACoPc) and glucose oxidase (GOx) onto a gold-quartz electrode (electrode surface) for the enhanced detection of glucose. The model sensor was constructed in aqueous phase and covalently linked the gold surface to the TCACoPc, and the TCACoPc to the GOx, using the QCM-D. The aqueous metallophthalocyanine (MPc) formed a multi-layer over the surface of the electrode, which could be removed to leave a monolayer with a mass loading that compared favourably to the theoretical value expected. Analysis of frequency and dissipation plots indicated covalent attachment of glucose oxidase onto the metallophthalocyanine layer. The amount of GOx bound using the model system compared favourably to calculations derived from the maximal amperometric functioning of the electrochemical sensor (examined in previously-published literature, Mashazi, P.N., Ozoemena, K.I., Nyokong, T., 2006. Electrochim. Acta 52, 177–186), but not to theoretical values derived from dimensions of GOx as established by crystallography. The strength of the binding of the GOx film with the TCACoPc layer was tested by using 2% SDS as a denaturant/surfactant, and the GOx film was not found to be significantly affected by exposure to this. This paper thus showed that QCM-D can be used in order to model essential processes and interactions that dictate the functional parameters of a biosensor.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Fogel, Ronen , Mashazi, Philani N , Nyokong, Tebello , Limson, Janice L
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/271204 , vital:54521 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bios.2007.03.012"
- Description: One of the challenges in electrochemical biosensor design is gaining a fundamental knowledge of the processes underlying immobilisation of the molecules onto the electrode surface. This is of particular importance in biocomposite sensors where concerns have arisen as to the nature of the interaction between the biological and synthetic molecules immobilised. We examined the use of the Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (QCM-D) as a tool for fundamental analyses of a model sensor constructed by the immobilisation of cobalt(II) phthalocyanine (TCACoPc) and glucose oxidase (GOx) onto a gold-quartz electrode (electrode surface) for the enhanced detection of glucose. The model sensor was constructed in aqueous phase and covalently linked the gold surface to the TCACoPc, and the TCACoPc to the GOx, using the QCM-D. The aqueous metallophthalocyanine (MPc) formed a multi-layer over the surface of the electrode, which could be removed to leave a monolayer with a mass loading that compared favourably to the theoretical value expected. Analysis of frequency and dissipation plots indicated covalent attachment of glucose oxidase onto the metallophthalocyanine layer. The amount of GOx bound using the model system compared favourably to calculations derived from the maximal amperometric functioning of the electrochemical sensor (examined in previously-published literature, Mashazi, P.N., Ozoemena, K.I., Nyokong, T., 2006. Electrochim. Acta 52, 177–186), but not to theoretical values derived from dimensions of GOx as established by crystallography. The strength of the binding of the GOx film with the TCACoPc layer was tested by using 2% SDS as a denaturant/surfactant, and the GOx film was not found to be significantly affected by exposure to this. This paper thus showed that QCM-D can be used in order to model essential processes and interactions that dictate the functional parameters of a biosensor.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007