Bericht aus Indien 0325

Electrochemical Biosensors for Early Detection of Cancer

Cancer remains a significant global health challenge, with early detection being a critical factor in improving survival rates and treatment outcomes (Fig. 1). Electrochemical biosensors have emerged as a promising tool for the early diagnosis of cancer due to their high sensitivity, rapid response, portability, and cost-effectiveness. Electrochemical biosensing devices rely on the conversion of biological interactions into measurable electrical signals, providing a means to detect cancer biomarkers at extremely low concentrations. In recent years, the global interest in developing electrochemical biosensors has surged significantly. Indian researchers, in particular, have made remarkable strides in this field, contributing substantially to its growth. Alongside a wealth of research publications, numerous insightful review articles have emerged, reflecting the dynamic advancements in this domain. Let us delve into the fascinating world of electrochemical biosensors and examine the progress achieved thus far.

Principles of Electrochemical Biosensors

Fig. 2: Schematic diagram showing the working principle of an electrochemical biosensor (Graphics: Researchgate)Electrochemical biosensors operate by detecting specific biochemical interactions, such as antigen-antibody binding, DNA hybridization, or enzymatic reactions, and transducing these interactions into an electrical signal (Fig. 2). The key components of biosensors include:

• Biorecognition Element: Detects cancer biomarkers using antibodies, nucleic acids, enzymes, or aptamers.
• Transducer: Converts biological interactions into electrical signals. Common types include amperometric, potentiometric, and impedimetric transducers.
• Electrode: Interfaces with the biological sample and the electronic detection system. Modifications with nanomaterials, such as gold nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, or graphene, can enhance sensitivity and specificity.

Cancer biomarkers detected using electrochemical biosensors include:

• Proteins: Examples include prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for prostate cancer and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) for colorectal and other cancers.
• Nucleic Acids: Detection of specific DNA mutations, microRNAs, and methylation patterns linked to cancer.
• Metabolites: Abnormal metabolite levels, such as lactate, can be indicative of cancer cell metabolism.

Advantages of Electrochemical Biosensors

• High Sensitivity: Electrochemical biosensors can detect cancer biomarkers at picomolar or even femtomolar concentrations.
• Rapid Analysis: Results can be obtained within minutes, making these devices suitable for point-of-care diagnostics.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to traditional diagnostic methods like ELISA or PCR, electrochemical biosensors are less expensive.
• Miniaturization and Portability: Advances in microfabrication technologies allow for the development of portable devices for in-field or bedside use.

Challenges and Future Directions

• Stability and Reproducibility: Ensuring long-term stability of the biorecognition elements is critical for reliable diagnostics.
• Complex Sample Matrices: Real biological samples, such as blood or urine, may contain interfering substances that affect biosensor performance.
• Standardization: Development of standardized protocols and regulatory approval pathways are needed for clinical implementation.

Future advancements will focus on integrating artificial intelligence for data analysis, improving the multiplexing capability to detect multiple biomarkers simultaneously, and incorporating wearable technologies for continuous monitoring.

Unveiling Corrosion Pathways in Aerospace Aluminium Alloys

A recent study shed light on the corrosion pathways in 7xxx series aluminium alloys, which are commonly employed in aerospace applications because of their superior strength-to-weight ratio. A specific set of thermomechanical treatments leads to unique multiphase microstructures in these alloys. The study focused on AA 7075-T651, which has a complex microstructure with dispersed E-Al₁₈Mg₃Cr₂ particles, influencing the precipitation of coarse η-Mg(ZnAlCu)₂ nanoparticles. These microstructural features impact pit growth and crack nucleation, with pits in dispersoid-free regions more likely to propagate, while those surrounded by dispersoids face significant resistance to growth and may ultimately re-passivate. The study found that nanoscale heterogeneity plays a key role in pit growth and crack initiation. Susceptibility to pit formation followed the order: Al₂₃Fe₄Cu > Mg₂Si > GB η-Mg(ZnAlCu)₂. Conversely, a uniform dispersoid distribution inhibits pit growth. The study highlights the importance of optimizing alloy composition and casting processes for improved corrosion resistance in critical applications.

S. Choudhary; R.G. Kelly: Nanoscale heterogeneities dictate corrosion pathways in a high-strength aluminum alloy, NPJ Mater. Degrad., 8, no.1 (2024) 103. doi: 10.1038/s41529-024-00520-3, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41529-024-00520-3

An Alloy that does not Expand Over a Large Temperature Range

Metals generally expand as their temperature increases. As the temperature rises, the movement of atoms within the material intensifies, requiring additional space and resulting in an increased average distance between them. For instance, the Eiffel Tower can experience a height increase of 10 to 15 cm in summer due to thermal expansion. However, this effect is undesirable in many high-precision applications, particularly within the aerospace and semiconductor industries. A notable exception is Invar, a material with an exceptionally low thermal expansion coefficient (1.2 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹) between 20 °C and 100 °C, developed by Swiss physicist C. E. Guillaume, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1920 for this discovery. Recent advancements in computer simulations have enabled scientists to develop a pyrochlore magnet, a Zr_0.75Nb_0.25Fe₂Co_0.1 alloy produced via arc-melting. This material demonstrates an even lower thermal expansion (1.07 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹) than Invar, across a much broader temperature range of −270 °C to 167 °C.

Y. Sun; R. Yu et al: Local chemical heterogeneity enabled superior zero thermal expansion in nonstoichiometric pyrochlore magnets, Natl. Sci. Rev., 12, no. 3 (2024) nwae462. doi: 10.1093/nsr/nwae462. eCollection 2025 Mar

One Nation, One Subscription (ONOS)

On November 25, 2024, the Indian government approved the “One Nation One Subscription“ (ONOS) initiative, making high-quality academic content affordable and accessible nationwide. With access to over 13,000 e-journals from leading global publishers, ONOS is set to elevate India’s position in global research and innovation. Nearly 6,400 institutions, including central and state universities, colleges, and R&D organizations, will benefit from ONOS, reaching approximately 18 million students, faculty, and researchers across the country.

All-India Training Program on Industrial Metal Finishing

Fig. 3: The Indian Chemical Society is 100 years oldThe All-India Training Program on Industrial Metal Finishing and Allied Technologies for Aerospace & Automotive Industries (AITP-2025) was hosted from January 9-11, 2025, at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. As a flagship initiative of the Electrochemical Society of India, the program aimed to disseminate the latest advancements in electroplating, metal finishing, electroplating effluent management, and surface treatments tailored for aerospace and automotive applications. Participants were engaged through a series of specialized lectures by leading professionals in the field. A half-day industrial visit on the final day provided a practical insight into the industry.

A Century Of Chemistry in India

The Indian Chemical Society, founded in 1924 in Kolkata, India, with Prafulla Chandra Ray as its inaugural president, commemorated a “Century of Chemistry in India” (Fig. 3). To mark this significant milestone, the Society hosted a two-day International Conference on January 28-29, 2025, at the Nehru Centre in Worli, Mumbai.

The themes included green energy, the circular economy, and the role of chemical sciences in India’s prosperity. The event featured Keynote Addresses from renowned chemists, Invited Talks from experts in the field, Oral and Poster Presentations, a CEO Conclave showcasing cutting-edge research, and Award ceremonies honouring excellence.

The conference highlighted the contributions of the Indian chemical industry toward sustainable development and economic prosperity. Individuals were recognized for their outstanding contributions in their respective areas.

Upcoming electrochemistry Conferences / Events

• Surfentech Expo 2025 – The premier surface and coating engineering exhibition in India. April 24-26, 2025. Toredo Fairs India Pvt Ltd (TFI). EKA Club, Ahmedabad, India. https://www.surfentechexpo.com. Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein.
• SUR/FIN 2025 – A premier conference and trade show in surface technology. June 03-05, 2025. National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF)—representing the $28 billion finishing industry. Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL, U.S. nasfsurfin.com
• SOFC-XIX – 19th International Symposium on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells. July 13-18, 2025. The Electrochemical Society. The Brewery Conference Center, Stockholm, Sweden. https://www.electrochem.org/sofc/deadlines.
• 40 Topical meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry. Main Theme: Interfacial electrochemistry and related topics. August 15-17, 2025. The International Society of Electrochemistry. Changchun, China. https://topical40.ise-online.org
• 76th Annual meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry. Electrochemistry: From Basic Insights to Sustainable Technologies. September 7 to 12. 2025. International Society of Electrochemistry. Mainz, Germany. https://annual76.ise-online.org.
• ELLIPSE Conference – The ELectroLytes and Interfaces in PoSt-Li BatteriEs. September 15 to 16, 2025. The International Society of Electrochemistry (ISE). Ulm, Germany. https://www.postlithiumstorage.org/en/ellipse.
• ICEEAE – International Conference on Electrochemical Engineering and Applied Electrochemistry. December 09-10, 2025. World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology. Goa, India. https://waset.org/electrochemical-engineering-and-applied-electrochemistry-conference-in-december-2025-in-goa.

References

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[2] Y. Fu; J. An et al.: Nanomaterial-based electrochemical biosensors as tools for detecting the tumor biomarker miR-21, Talanta, 283 (2025) 127183. doi: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.127183
[3] Y. Cao; J. Xia et al.: Electrochemical biosensors for cancer diagnosis: Multitarget analysis to present molecular characteristics of tumor heterogeneity, JACS Au, 4, no. 12 (2024) 4655-4672. doi: 10.1021/jacsau.4c00989.
[4] H. Bhardwaj; Archana et al.: Recent advancement in the detection of potential cancer biomarkers using the nanomaterial integrated electrochemical sensing technique: A detailed review, Mater. Adv., 5, no. 2 (2024) 475-503. doi: 10.1039/d3ma00621b
[5] M. Biyani; K. Sharma et al.: A novel aptamer-antibody sandwich electrochemical sensor for detecting ADAR1 in complex biological samples, Biosens. Bioelectron.: X, 19 (2024) 100491. doi: 10.1016/j.biosx.2024.100491
[6] F. Achi; A. M. Attar et al.: Electrochemical nanobiosensors for the detection of cancer biomarkers in real samples: Trends and challenges, TrAC Trends Anal. Chem., 170 (2024) 117423. doi: 10.1016/j.trac.2023.117423