@article{FalkenbergRahbaFischeretal.2022, author = {Falkenberg, Fabian and Rahba, Jade and Fischer, David and Bott, Michael and Bongaerts, Johannes and Siegert, Petra}, title = {Biochemical characterization of a novel oxidatively stable, halotolerant, and high-alkaline subtilisin from Alkalihalobacillus okhensis Kh10-101T}, series = {FEBS Open Bio}, volume = {12}, journal = {FEBS Open Bio}, number = {10}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Hoboken, NJ}, issn = {2211-5463}, doi = {10.1002/2211-5463.13457}, pages = {1729 -- 1746}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Halophilic and halotolerant microorganisms represent a promising source of salt-tolerant enzymes suitable for various biotechnological applications where high salt concentrations would otherwise limit enzymatic activity. Considering the current growing enzyme market and the need for more efficient and new biocatalysts, the present study aimed at the characterization of a high-alkaline subtilisin from Alkalihalobacillus okhensis Kh10-101T. The protease gene was cloned and expressed in Bacillus subtilis DB104. The recombinant protease SPAO with 269 amino acids belongs to the subfamily of high-alkaline subtilisins. The biochemical characteristics of purified SPAO were analyzed in comparison with subtilisin Carlsberg, Savinase, and BPN'. SPAO, a monomer with a molecular mass of 27.1 kDa, was active over a wide range of pH 6.0-12.0 and temperature 20-80 °C, optimally at pH 9.0-9.5 and 55 °C. The protease is highly oxidatively stable to hydrogen peroxide and retained 58\% of residual activity when incubated at 10 °C with 5\% (v/v) H2O2 for 1 h while stimulated at 1\% (v/v) H2O2. Furthermore, SPAO was very stable and active at NaCl concentrations up to 5.0 m. This study demonstrates the potential of SPAO for biotechnological applications in the future.}, language = {en} } @article{PourshahidiEngelmannOffenhaeusseretal.2022, author = {Pourshahidi, Ali Mohammad and Engelmann, Ulrich M. and Offenh{\"a}usser, Andreas and Krause, Hans-Joachim}, title = {Resolving ambiguities in core size determination of magnetic nanoparticles from magnetic frequency mixing data}, series = {Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials}, volume = {563}, journal = {Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials}, number = {In progress, Art. No. 169969}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0304-8853}, doi = {10.1016/j.jmmm.2022.169969}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Frequency mixing magnetic detection (FMMD) has been widely utilized as a measurement technique in magnetic immunoassays. It can also be used for the characterization and distinction (also known as "colourization") of different types of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) based on their core sizes. In a previous work, it was shown that the large particles contribute most of the FMMD signal. This leads to ambiguities in core size determination from fitting since the contribution of the small-sized particles is almost undetectable among the strong responses from the large ones. In this work, we report on how this ambiguity can be overcome by modelling the signal intensity using the Langevin model in thermodynamic equilibrium including a lognormal core size distribution fL(dc,d0,σ) fitted to experimentally measured FMMD data of immobilized MNPs. For each given median diameter d0, an ambiguous amount of best-fitting pairs of parameters distribution width σ and number of particles Np with R2 > 0.99 are extracted. By determining the samples' total iron mass, mFe, with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), we are then able to identify the one specific best-fitting pair (σ, Np) one uniquely. With this additional externally measured parameter, we resolved the ambiguity in core size distribution and determined the parameters (d0, σ, Np) directly from FMMD measurements, allowing precise MNPs sample characterization.}, language = {en} } @article{EngelmannPourshahidiShalabyetal.2022, author = {Engelmann, Ulrich M. and Pourshahidi, Mohammad Ali and Shalaby, Ahmed and Krause, Hans-Joachim}, title = {Probing particle size dependency of frequency mixing magnetic detection with dynamic relaxation simulation}, series = {Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials}, volume = {563}, journal = {Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials}, number = {In progress, Art. No. 169965}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0304-8853}, doi = {10.1016/j.jmmm.2022.169965}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Biomedical applications of magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) fundamentally rely on the particles' magnetic relaxation as a response to an alternating magnetic field. The magnetic relaxation complexly depends on the interplay of MNP magnetic and physical properties with the applied field parameters. It is commonly accepted that particle core size is a major contributor to signal generation in all the above applications, however, most MNP samples comprise broad distribution spanning nm and more. Therefore, precise knowledge of the exact contribution of individual core sizes to signal generation is desired for optimal MNP design generally for each application. Specifically, we present a magnetic relaxation simulation-driven analysis of experimental frequency mixing magnetic detection (FMMD) for biosensing to quantify the contributions of individual core size fractions towards signal generation. Applying our method to two different experimental MNP systems, we found the most dominant contributions from approx. 20 nm sized particles in the two independent MNP systems. Additional comparison between freely suspended and immobilized MNP also reveals insight in the MNP microstructure, allowing to use FMMD for MNP characterization, as well as to further fine-tune its applicability in biosensing.}, language = {en} } @article{FalkenbergBottBongaertsetal.2022, author = {Falkenberg, Fabian and Bott, Michael and Bongaerts, Johannes and Siegert, Petra}, title = {Phylogenetic survey of the subtilase family and a data-mining-based search for new subtilisins from Bacillaceae}, series = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, volume = {2022}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, number = {13}, publisher = {Frontiers}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1664-302X}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2022.1017978}, pages = {Artikel 13:1017978}, year = {2022}, abstract = {The subtilase family (S8), a member of the clan SB of serine proteases are ubiquitous in all kingdoms of life and fulfil different physiological functions. Subtilases are divided in several groups and especially subtilisins are of interest as they are used in various industrial sectors. Therefore, we searched for new subtilisin sequences of the family Bacillaceae using a data mining approach. The obtained 1,400 sequences were phylogenetically classified in the context of the subtilase family. This required an updated comprehensive overview of the different groups within this family. To fill this gap, we conducted a phylogenetic survey of the S8 family with characterised holotypes derived from the MEROPS database. The analysis revealed the presence of eight previously uncharacterised groups and 13 subgroups within the S8 family. The sequences that emerged from the data mining with the set filter parameters were mainly assigned to the subtilisin subgroups of true subtilisins, high-alkaline subtilisins, and phylogenetically intermediate subtilisins and represent an excellent source for new subtilisin candidates.}, language = {en} } @article{HaegerBongaertsSiegert2022, author = {Haeger, Gerrit and Bongaerts, Johannes and Siegert, Petra}, title = {A convenient ninhydrin assay in 96-well format for amino acid-releasing enzymes using an air-stable reagent}, series = {Analytical Biochemistry}, journal = {Analytical Biochemistry}, number = {624}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1096-0309}, doi = {10.1016/j.ab.2022.114819}, pages = {Artikel 114819}, year = {2022}, abstract = {An improved and convenient ninhydrin assay for aminoacylase activity measurements was developed using the commercial EZ Nin™ reagent. Alternative reagents from literature were also evaluated and compared. The addition of DMSO to the reagent enhanced the solubility of Ruhemann's purple (RP). Furthermore, we found that the use of a basic, aqueous buffer enhances stability of RP. An acidic protocol for the quantification of lysine was developed by addition of glacial acetic acid. The assay allows for parallel processing in a 96-well format with measurements microtiter plates.}, language = {en} } @article{WeldenSeverinsPoghossianetal.2022, author = {Welden, Melanie and Severins, Robin and Poghossian, Arshak and Wege, Christina and Bongaerts, Johannes and Siegert, Petra and Keusgen, Michael and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Detection of acetoin and diacetyl by a tobacco mosaic virus-assisted field-effect biosensor}, series = {Chemosensors}, volume = {10}, journal = {Chemosensors}, number = {6}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2227-9040}, doi = {10.3390/chemosensors10060218}, pages = {Artikel 218}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Acetoin and diacetyl have a major impact on the flavor of alcoholic beverages such as wine or beer. Therefore, their measurement is important during the fermentation process. Until now, gas chromatographic techniques have typically been applied; however, these require expensive laboratory equipment and trained staff, and do not allow for online monitoring. In this work, a capacitive electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor sensor modified with tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) particles as enzyme nanocarriers for the detection of acetoin and diacetyl is presented. The enzyme acetoin reductase from Alkalihalobacillus clausii DSM 8716ᵀ is immobilized via biotin-streptavidin affinity, binding to the surface of the TMV particles. The TMV-assisted biosensor is electrochemically characterized by means of leakage-current, capacitance-voltage, and constant capacitance measurements. In this paper, the novel biosensor is studied regarding its sensitivity and long-term stability in buffer solution. Moreover, the TMV-assisted capacitive field-effect sensor is applied for the detection of diacetyl for the first time. The measurement of acetoin and diacetyl with the same sensor setup is demonstrated. Finally, the successive detection of acetoin and diacetyl in buffer and in diluted beer is studied by tuning the sensitivity of the biosensor using the pH value of the measurement solution.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{WeldenSeverinsPoghossianetal.2022, author = {Welden, Melanie and Severins, Robin and Poghossian, Arshak and Wege, Christina and Siegert, Petra and Keusgen, Michael and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Studying the immobilization of acetoin reductase with Tobacco mosaic virus particles on capacitive field-effect sensors}, series = {2022 IEEE International Symposium on Olfaction and Electronic Nose (ISOEN)}, booktitle = {2022 IEEE International Symposium on Olfaction and Electronic Nose (ISOEN)}, publisher = {IEEE}, isbn = {978-1-6654-5860-3 (Online)}, doi = {10.1109/ISOEN54820.2022.9789657}, pages = {4 Seiten}, year = {2022}, abstract = {A capacitive electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor (EISCAP) biosensor modified with Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) particles for the detection of acetoin is presented. The enzyme acetoin reductase (AR) was immobilized on the surface of the EISCAP using TMV particles as nanoscaffolds. The study focused on the optimization of the TMV-assisted AR immobilization on the Ta 2 O 5 -gate EISCAP surface. The TMV-assisted acetoin EISCAPs were electrochemically characterized by means of leakage-current, capacitance-voltage, and constant-capacitance measurements. The TMV-modified transducer surface was studied via scanning electron microscopy.}, language = {en} } @article{WeldenPoghossianVahidpouretal.2022, author = {Welden, Melanie and Poghossian, Arshak and Vahidpour, Farnoosh and Wendlandt, Tim and Keusgen, Michael and Wege, Christina and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Towards multi-analyte detection with field-effect capacitors modified with tobacco mosaic virus bioparticles as enzyme nanocarriers}, series = {Biosensors}, volume = {12}, journal = {Biosensors}, number = {1}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2079-6374}, doi = {10.3390/bios12010043}, pages = {Artikel 43}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Utilizing an appropriate enzyme immobilization strategy is crucial for designing enzyme-based biosensors. Plant virus-like particles represent ideal nanoscaffolds for an extremely dense and precise immobilization of enzymes, due to their regular shape, high surface-to-volume ratio and high density of surface binding sites. In the present work, tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) particles were applied for the co-immobilization of penicillinase and urease onto the gate surface of a field-effect electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor capacitor (EISCAP) with a p-Si-SiO₂-Ta₂O₅ layer structure for the sequential detection of penicillin and urea. The TMV-assisted bi-enzyme EISCAP biosensor exhibited a high urea and penicillin sensitivity of 54 and 85 mV/dec, respectively, in the concentration range of 0.1-3 mM. For comparison, the characteristics of single-enzyme EISCAP biosensors modified with TMV particles immobilized with either penicillinase or urease were also investigated. The surface morphology of the TMV-modified Ta₂O₅-gate was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, the bi-enzyme EISCAP was applied to mimic an XOR (Exclusive OR) enzyme logic gate.}, language = {en} } @article{MolinnusJanusFangetal.2022, author = {Molinnus, Denise and Janus, Kevin Alexander and Fang, Anyelina C. and Drinic, Aleksander and Achtsnicht, Stefan and K{\"o}pf, Marius and Keusgen, Michael and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Thick-film carbon electrode deposited onto a biodegradable fibroin substrate for biosensing applications}, series = {Physica status solidi (a)}, volume = {219}, journal = {Physica status solidi (a)}, number = {23}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1862-6319}, doi = {10.1002/pssa.202200100}, pages = {1 -- 9}, year = {2022}, abstract = {This study addresses a proof-of-concept experiment with a biocompatible screen-printed carbon electrode deposited onto a biocompatible and biodegradable substrate, which is made of fibroin, a protein derived from silk of the Bombyx mori silkworm. To demonstrate the sensor performance, the carbon electrode is functionalized as a glucose biosensor with the enzyme glucose oxidase and encapsulated with a silicone rubber to ensure biocompatibility of the contact wires. The carbon electrode is fabricated by means of thick-film technology including a curing step to solidify the carbon paste. The influence of the curing temperature and curing time on the electrode morphology is analyzed via scanning electron microscopy. The electrochemical characterization of the glucose biosensor is performed by amperometric/voltammetric measurements of different glucose concentrations in phosphate buffer. Herein, systematic studies at applied potentials from 500 to 1200 mV to the carbon working electrode (vs the Ag/AgCl reference electrode) allow to determine the optimal working potential. Additionally, the influence of the curing parameters on the glucose sensitivity is examined over a time period of up to 361 days. The sensor shows a negligible cross-sensitivity toward ascorbic acid, noradrenaline, and adrenaline. The developed biocompatible biosensor is highly promising for future in vivo and epidermal applications.}, language = {en} } @article{MolinnusIkenJohnenetal.2022, author = {Molinnus, Denise and Iken, Heiko and Johnen, Anna Lynn and Richstein, Benjamin and Hellmich, Lena and Poghossian, Arshak and Knoch, Joachim and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Miniaturized pH-Sensitive Field-Effect Capacitors with Ultrathin Ta₂O₅ Films Prepared by Atomic Layer Deposition}, series = {physica status solidi (a) applications and materials science}, volume = {219}, journal = {physica status solidi (a) applications and materials science}, number = {8}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1862-6319}, doi = {10.1002/pssa.202100660}, pages = {7 Seiten}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Miniaturized electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor capacitors (EISCAPs) with ultrathin gate insulators have been studied in terms of their pH-sensitive sensor characteristics: three different EISCAP systems consisting of Al-p-Si-Ta2O5(5 nm), Al-p-Si-Si3N4(1 or 2 nm)-Ta2O5 (5 nm), and Al-p-Si-SiO2(3.6 nm)-Ta2O5(5 nm) layer structures are characterized in buffer solution with different pH values by means of capacitance-voltage and constant capacitance method. The SiO2 and Si3N4 gate insulators are deposited by rapid thermal oxidation and rapid thermal nitridation, respectively, whereas the Ta2O5 film is prepared by atomic layer deposition. All EISCAP systems have a clear pH response, favoring the stacked gate insulators SiO2-Ta2O5 when considering the overall sensor characteristics, while the Si3N4(1 nm)-Ta2O5 stack delivers the largest accumulation capacitance (due to the lower equivalent oxide thickness) and a higher steepness in the slope of the capacitance-voltage curve among the studied stacked gate insulator systems.}, language = {en} }