Miniaturized immunosensors and innovative motor-based (bio-)sensing strategies for analytical applications

Abstract

Development of new technologies and methodologies to solve real analytical problems is a key and challenging aspect in the Analytical Chemistry field. A current tendency of this discipline leads to perform the simple, easy-to-use, miniaturized, portable and in-situ analysis. In this sense, biosensors constitute excellent analytical tools due to their recognized selectivity and sensitivity together with their inherent miniaturization. On the other hand, nanotechnology-based analytical methodologies, where nanomaterials and motors play a unique role, constitute exciting and promising innovative tools for analysis in different areas. These motors, which autonomously move getting energy from a chemical reaction in one of the most known varieties, allow a (bio)sensing strategy that relies on their continuous movement through complex samples in connection with diverse onthe-move (bio)molecular interactions. Such movement along the sample promotes the interaction with the target analyte representing a new paradigm in Analytical Chemistry. Among the Analytical Chemistry field, food analysis is one of the most significant issues. Considering the food safety risk due to the presence of hazards in food and derived products, a real need exists to develop new methods capable of detecting these compounds, and thus, ensure consumers safety. In this way, analysis of mycotoxins, toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi, is especially relevant owing to their negative effects produced in animal and human health. Consequently, following the goal to preserve the food safety, new approaches based on biosensors and motors methodologies to enhance the current performance and explore other ways have meant the main inspiration of this Doctoral Thesis. Fast, cost-effective, sensitive and reliable bioanalytical tools described herein are a promising alternative to the reference methods for the screening and early determination of mycotoxins and other relevant analytes.