Development of a Novel, Ultra-rapid Biosensor for the Qualitative Detection of Hepatitis B Virus-associated Antigens and Anti-HBV, Based on "Membrane-engineered" Fibroblast Cells with Virus-Specific Antibodies and Antigens.

A novel miniature cell biosensor detection system for the detection of Hepatis B virus (HBV)-associated antigens and anti-HBV is described. The biosensor is based on "membrane-engineered" Vero fibroblast cells immobilized in an alginate matrix. The membrane-engineering process involved the electroinsertion of anti-HBV specific antibodies (anti-HBs, anti-HBe) or antigens (HBsAg) in the membranes of the Vero cells.

High prevalence of elevated liver enzymes in blood donors: associations with male gender and central adiposity.

Objective: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is an increasingly recognized condition, but its exact prevalence is unknown. In this prospective, multicenter study, we evaluated the prevalence of elevated alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase levels as indirect markers of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in volunteer blood donors as well as their associations with epidemiological and anthropometrical characteristics.

Methods: Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase levels were determined in blood donors from four transfusion centers during the morning sessions of a 3-month period.

Study on the mechanism of Bioelectric Recognition Assay: evidence for immobilized cell membrane interactions with viral fragments.

The Bioelectric Recognition Assay (BERA) is a whole-cell based biosensing system that detects the electric response of cultured cells, suspended in a gel matrix, to various ligands, which bind to the cell and/or affect its physiology. Previous studies have demonstrated the potential application of this method for rapid, inexpensive detection of viruses in a crude sample. However, the understanding, so far, of the fundamental processes that take place during cell-virus interactions within the probe has been rather limited.

The application of the bioelectric recognition assay for the detection of human and plant viruses: definition of operational parameters.

The bioelectric recognition assay (BERA) is a novel biosensory method based on a unique combination of a group of cells, their immobilization in a matrix that preserves their physiological functions and the expression of the cell interaction with viruses as a change in electrical properties. A BERA sensor consists of an electroconductive, tube-like probe containing components of immobilized cells in a gel matrix. Cells are selected to specifically interact with the virus under detection.

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.