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Consistently emerging variants and the life-threatening consequences of SARS-CoV-2 have prompted worldwide concern about human health, necessitating rapid and accurate point-of-care diagnostics to limit the spread of COVID-19. Still, However, the availability of such diagnostics for COVID-19 remains a major rate-limiting factor in containing the outbreaks. Apart from the conventional reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, loop-mediated isothermal amplification-based (LAMP) assays have emerged as rapid and efficient systems to detect COVID-19. The present study aims to develop RT-LAMP-based assay system for detecting multiple targets in N, ORF1ab, E, and S genes of the SARS-CoV-2 genome, where the end-products were quantified using spectrophotometry, paper-based lateral-flow devices, and electrochemical sensors. The spectrophotometric method shows a LOD of 10 agµL−1 for N, ORF1ab, E genes and 100 agµL−1 for S gene in SARS-CoV-2. The developed lateral-flow devices showed an LOD of 10 agµL−1 for all four gene targets in SARS-CoV-2. An electrochemical sensor developed for N-gene showed an LOD and E-strip sensitivity of log 1.79 ± 0.427 pgµL−1 and log 0.067 µA/pg µL−1/mm2, respectively. The developed assay systems were validated with the clinical samples from COVID-19 outbreaks in 2020 and 2021. This multigene target approach can effectively detect emerging COVID-19 variants using combination of various analytical techniques at testing facilities and in point-of-care settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Wearable sensors gaining popularity owing to their ease-of-use in health monitoring. • Categorization of wearable sensors based on their proximity to the user. • Technological advances in enzyme-based wearable sensors in healthcare applications. • Integrating AI/ML can enhance the reliability and performance of wearable sensors. Technological advancements have enabled development of innovative solutions like wearable sensors for real time monitoring of various health parameters. The use of wearable sensors has gained significant popularity owing to their accessibility, ease-of-use, interpretation of data and potential to provide vital information for maintaining healthy lifestyle. With the advances in enzymatic detection technologies, these sensors can aid in the early detection of several diseases and help users to manage chronic conditions effectively. Wearable sensors such as textile-based sensors, printed/flexible sensor, accessory-based sensors and implantable sensors can provide low cost, real-time measurement of clinically relevant biomolecules in sweat, tears and saliva. These biofluids are readily available, easily accessible and allows continuous monitoring while ensuring minimal discomfort to the users, making them a suitable choice. Here, the technological advancements in enzyme-based wearable sensors for assessing vital health parameters, their categorization based on their proximity to the user, challenges associated with their acceptability and future perspectives have been reviewed. Integration of sensing technologies with machine learning can enhance the reliability of wearable sensors apart from providing better understanding on the correlation of marker biomolecules with human health and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Developed an ecologically safe chitosan-carbon nanofiber-based membrane. • Functionalized membrane used as bioelectrode for detection of oxytocin. • The developed bioelectrode showed an LOD of 24.98 ± 11.37 pg/mL of oxytocin. • The material has potential as a disposable alternative to conventional electrodes. Bioelectrodes with low carbon footprint can provide an innovative solution to the surmounting levels of e-waste. Biodegradable polymers offer green and sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials. Here, a chitosan-carbon nanofiber (CNF) based membrane has been developed and functionalized for electrochemical sensing application. The surface characterization of the membrane revealed crystalline structure with uniform particle distribution, and surface area of 25.52 m2/g and pore volume of 0.0233 cm3/g. The membrane was functionalized to develop a bioelectrode for the detection of exogenous oxytocin in milk. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was employed to determine oxytocin in a linear concentration range of 10 to 105 ng/mL. The developed bioelectrode showed an LOD of 24.98 ± 11.37 pg/mL and sensitivity of 2.77 × 10-10 Ω / log ng mL−1/mm2 for oxytocin in milk samples with 90.85–113.34 percent recovery. The chitosan-CNF membrane is ecologically safe and opens new avenues for environment-friendly disposable materials for sensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapidly growing electronic and plastic waste has become a global environmental concern. Developing advanced and environmentally safe agro-based materials is an emerging field with an enormous potential for applications in sensors and devices. Here, an agro-based material as membrane has been developed by incorporating tapioca starch and banana peel powder in polylactic acid, with uniform dispersibility and amorphous nature. The material was used for the development of electrochemical sensor for S-gene of SARS-CoV-2. Further, the membrane was used for the development of a non-invasive, colorimetric skin patch for the detection of glucose and a sensor for the assessment of fruit juice quality. Using OECD-recommended model systems, the developed membrane was found to be non-toxic towards aquatic and terrestrial non-target organisms. The developed conductive material opens new avenues in various electrochemical, analytical, and biological applications. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Anthocyanins from red cabbage exhibited fluorescent & colorimetric response to pH. • A pH dependent biocomposite membrane was developed incorporating anthocyanins. • Biocomposite membrane showed high water resistance and low vapour transmission rate. • The developed biocomposite membrane used as a sensor to monitor spoilage of milk. The use of biopolymers is gaining momentum owing to their compatibility with various food commodities and acceptability by the industry and consumers. Biopolymers integrated with natural pigments can be used for assessing the quality of perishable packaged food products. Here, a biodegradable composite membrane of starch and chitosan, integrated with anthocyanin has been developed. The chromogenic response of the developed biocomposite membrane was used to assess spoilage in milk. The surface roughness recorded using atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed smooth membrane surface, and a pore size 4.21 nm was determined by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis. The water vapour transmissibility of the membrane was 4.616E-09 and 1.147E-08 g/h Pa.mm and water solubility was 5.6 and 5.8 % at 25 and 37 ℃, respectively, indicating high water resistance and low vapour transmission rate. The developed biocomposite membrane offers an environment friendly substrate for biosensing with a promising potential in smart food-packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutritive and immunogenic potential of fresh and processed food commodities is largely dependent on the antioxidant capacity and total polyphenolic content. Polyphenols plays a major role in maintaining cellular homeostasis, activation of signaling pathways to initiate immune responses and in the prevention of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis and neurodegenerative diseases. Several chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods are used for the identification and quantification of phenolic compounds present in food products and beverages. Here, an electrochemical sensor and a point-of-test paper-based chromogenic strip for the detection of tannic acid in beverages and food products has been developed. The electrochemical sensor showed linear voltametric correlation with a sensitivity of 7.97 × 10−7 A/mM.mm2, whereas, the paper-based chromogenic strip has a detection limit of 0.024 mM. The developed strip and electrochemical sensor have potential to be employed by regulatory agencies and industries for on-site analysis of polyphenolic content in beverages and food products to ensure food safety and quality assessment. [Display omitted] • Polyphenol content indicates the nutritional and immunogenic properties of food. • An analytical method developed to detect polyphenols in beverages and fruit juices. • Method translated into a paper-based chromogenic strip & electrochemical sensor. • The electrochemical sensor has a sensitivity of 7.97 × 10−7 A/mM.mm2 tannic acid. • The paper-based chromogenic strip has detection limit of 0.024 mM tannic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Extraction, processing and storage conditions affect the quality of fruit juices. • Degradation by-products and spoilage indicators in packaged fruit juices. • Standard analytical techniques for assessment of fruit juices quality. • Intervening role of biosensors for ensuring fruit juice quality. The quality of packaged fruit juices is affected during their processing, packaging and storage that might cause deteriorative biological, chemical and physical alterations. Consumption of spoiled juices, either from biological or non-biological sources can pose a potential health hazard for the consumers. Sensitive and reliable methods are required to ensure the quality of fruit juices. Standard analytical methods such as chromatography, spectrophotometry, electrophoresis and titration, that require sophisticated equipment and expertise, are traditionally used to assess the quality of fruit juices. Using biosensors, that are simple, portable and rapid presents a promising alternative to the tedious analytical methods for the detection of various degradation and spoilage indicators formed in the packaged fruit juices. Here, we review the challenges in maintaining the quality of fruit juices and the recent developments in techniques and biosensors for quick analysis of fruit juice components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Furfural and HMF are genotoxic and carcinogenic by-products of thermal degradation. • Developed a method to detect furfural and HMF in beverages and fruit juices. • Translated the method into chromogenic test-strips for point-of-use applications. • The method sensitivity is 0.006 and 0.005% (v/v) for furfural and HMF, respectively. Improper storage and transportation of non-alcoholic beverages can, over longer periods, induce Maillard reaction, degrading nutritional components and generating genotoxic and carcinogenic by-products such as furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), rendering products unsafe for human consumption. Here, we describe a rapid quantitative solution-based method and test-strips for detection of furfural and HMF. The standard spectroscopic method indicated an LOD of 0.006 ± 0.003% (v/v) and 0.005 ± 0.002% (v/v) for furfural and HMF, respectively in fruit juice samples. The novel chromogenic test-strip has sensitivity of 0.008% (v/v) and 0.004% (v/v) for furfural and HMF, respectively in the same samples of fruit juice. Thus, the developed method and test-strips were specific for furfural and HMF and can be used to help ensure food safety and quality in various industrial applications [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Plastic recycling models are quantitatively inadequate for sustainability. • Developments in the field of biopolymer degradation to reduce carbon foot-print. • Modification of biopolymers to enhance mechanical and physical properties. • Popularization of bioplastics for various industrial and packaging applications. The progression of plastic pollution is a global concern. "Reuse, reduce and recycle" offers a solution to the burdening issue, although not enough to curb the rampant use of plastics. Biodegradable plastics are gaining acceptability in agriculture and food packaging industries; nevertheless, they occupy a rather small section of the plastic market. This review summarizes recent advances in the development of biodegradable plastics and their safe degradation potentials. Here, biodegradable plastics have been categorized and technology and developments in the field of biopolymers, their applicability, degradation and role in sustainable development has been reviewed. Also, the use of natural polymers with improved mechanical and physical properties that brings them at par with their counterparts has been discussed. Biodegradable polymers add value to the industries that would help in achieving sustainable development and consequently reinforce green economy, reducing the burden of greenhouse gases in the environment and valorisation of waste biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]