Language
English
Publication Date
6-15-2026
Journal
Biosensors and Bioelectronics
DOI
10.1016/j.bios.2026.118519
PMID
41713292
PMCID
PMC13380292
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
7-19-2026
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Author MSS
Abstract
Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is the gold-standard biomarker for acute myocardial infarction, yet current laboratory-based high-sensitivity assays require centralized infrastructure, trained personnel, and serial testing, limiting their suitability for real-time or continuous monitoring in resource-limited settings. Point-of-care electrochemical sensors have shown promise for rapid cTnI detection, but their reliance on antibodies as biorecognition elements and redox mediator solutions, and single-use operation restricts practical translation. Here, we report an ultrasound-enabled refreshable electrochemical biosensor for sensitive, stable, and repeatable cTnI monitoring. The device employs a cTnI-specific peptide as the biorecognition element, providing enhanced stability during storage, transport, and operation. Label-free electrochemical impedance spectroscopy quantifies impedance changes upon cTnI binding in body fluids, including serum and saliva, enabling rapid analysis and high sensitivity with electroosmotic enhancement. The sensor achieves a wide dynamic range from 0.031 pg/mL to 1.5 ng/mL for cTnI detection and quantification in 15 min. Compared to previously reported electrochemical platforms and conventional laboratory-based high-sensitivity assays, the proposed sensor offers improved analytical performance, as defined by limit of detection, dynamic range, and assay time. Importantly, low-power ultrasound effectively refreshes the sensor by removing bound targets without damaging the peptide, enabling sustained measurements and prolonging sensor lifetime. The demonstrated sensitivity enhancement and refreshability establish a foundation for extending this approach to diverse biomarkers, paving the way for frequent molecular monitoring and early clinical intervention.
Keywords
Biosensing Techniques, Humans, Troponin I, Biomarkers, Myocardial Infarction, Dielectric Spectroscopy, Limit of Detection, Equipment Design, Electrochemical Techniques, Ultrasound, Refreshable, Electrochemical biosensor, Cardiac biomarker, Complex biofluids
Published Open-Access
yes
Recommended Citation
Garg, Mayank; Guo, Heng; Namkoong, Myeong; et al., "Ultrasound-Enabled Refreshable Electrochemical Sensors for Cardiac Biomarker Monitoring" (2026). Faculty, Staff and Students Publications. 7521.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/baylor_docs/7521