| In this work, novel label-free biosensors for the rapid and sensitive detection of biological analytes in complex samples by combining surface chemistry and new molecule design have been proposed and established. Recombinant single-chain fragment variable (scFv) antibody immunosensors combined with the flexibility of linker engineering were used as a powerful platform to detect variety of bio-recognition events for clarifying questions in cancer diagnostics, monitoring and treatment. The small uniform size and the ease for modification entitled scFvs' significant advantages over whole antibodies in biosensor development. In this work, a novel carbohydrate biosensor that used both selective lectin/LPS recognition and carbohydrate/lectin recognition for bacterial detection has also been developed, and provided enhanced sensitivity and the required surface rigidity for non-labeled QCM, EIS, and SPR biosensors. The biosensor utilized DNA as sensing element was also investigated. Overall, the research described here provided a potential way to construct sensor devices that are highly suitable for the fast, reversible, and straightforward on-line screening and detection of variety of target analytes in food, water, and clinical and biodefense areas. |
