Pressure-Based Biosensor Integrated with a Flexible Pressure Sensor and an Electrochromic Device for Visual Detection

This work demonstrated a pressure-based biosensor integrated with a flexible pressure sensor and an electrochromic device for visual detection. Initially, a sandwich-type immunoreaction for target carcinoem-bryonic antigen (CEA, as a model analyte) was carried out using the capture antibody (cAb) and platinum nanoparticles-labeled detection antibody (PtNPs-dAb) in a reaction cell. The added hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) could be catalyzed by the PtNPs to generate oxygen (O-2). In a sealed chamber, the pressure increased with the overflowing O-2. Meanwhile, a skin-inspired flexible pressure sensor with excellent sensing performance was fabricated to monitor the pressure change in real time. Thus, the electrical signal of the pressure sensor could reveal the target concentration. Moreover, a voltage-regulated electrochromic device based on polyaniline (PANI) and tungsten oxide (WO3) was integrated into the platform to provide a visualized readout. According to the electrical signal of the pressure sensor, the electrochromic device would change its color from green to blue, which also revealed the target concentration and could be observed by the naked eye. Under optimal conditions, the biosensor presented a high sensitivity for CEA in a detectable range of 0.2-50 ng/mL. The limit of detection (LOD) was 94 pg/mL. The selectivity, reproducibility, and accuracy were also satisfying. Furthermore, this immunoassay gives a path for developing visualized biosensors in point-of-care settings.

Automated summary

This study developed a pressure-based biosensor with high sensitivity and visual detection capability. By combining immunoreactions and electrochemical catalysis, the target analyte concentration could be monitored in real time, with a visual output provided by an electrochromic device.