Bioelectric recognition assay (BERA).
A novel biosensory method has been developed for the determination of various chemical and biological molecules by assessing their electrophysiological interactions with a group of cells and cell components immobilized in a gel matrix that preserves their 'physiological' functions. The method was applied for the detection of: (i) hepatitis C virus in human blood samples; (ii) plant viruses; and (iii) a herbicide (glyphosate) in aqueous solutions. It was able to rapidly (assay time 3-5 min) and specifically detect the molecules in question at a concentration lower than 100 pg/ml, among other compounds f similar structure. The potential use of BERA biosensors for a rapid and cost-efficient molecule determination without prior knowledge of a specific receptor-molecule interaction is discussed.
Kintzios
S
S
Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece. spirokintzios@matrix.kapatel.gr
Pistola
E
E
Panagiotopoulos
P
P
Bomsel
M
M
Alexandropoulos
N
N
Bem
F
F
Ekonomou
G
G
Biselis
J
J
Levin
R
R
D000818:Animals; D015374:Biosensing Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D002470:Cell Survival; D018914:Cells, Immobilized; D006801:Humans