A Dendrimer Supported Electrochemical Immunosensor for the Detection of Alpha‐feto protein – a Cancer Biomarker

The electrochemical detection of alpha‐feto protein based on novel gold nanoparticles‐ poly(propylene imine) dendrimer platform is reported. The platform was prepared by co‐electrodeposition of gold nanoparticles and generation 3 poly (propylene imine) dendrimer on a glassy carbon electrode. Each modifying step was characterised by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrochemical measurements showed that the platform was stable, conducting and exhibited reversible electrochemistry. Results obtained from the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy interrogation in [Fe(CN)₆^3−/4−] redox probe showed a marked reduction in charge transfer resistance (R_ct) after each modification step. The immunosensor was prepared by immobilisation of a probe anti‐alpha feto protein (AFP) on the platform for 3 hrs at 35 °C followed by blocking the surface with bovine serum albumin to minimise non‐specific binding. The prepared immunosensor was used to detect AFP over a wide concentration range from 0.005 to 500 ng/mL and detection limits of 0.0022 and 0.00185 ng/mL were obtained for SWV and EIS measurements respectively. The immunosensor gave good stability over a period of fourteen days when stored at 4 °C.     

BSA‐templated Pb Nanocluster as a Biocompatible Signaling Probe for Electrochemical EGFR Immunosensing

We report here a new electrochemical probe for the development of a sensitive, and selective sandwich‐type electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The probe is a newly synthesized bovine serum albumin (BSA)‐templated Pb nanocluster (Pb_NC@BSA). For fabrication of the immunosensor, we employed streptavidin‐coated magnetic beads (MB) as a platform for immobilization of the biotinylated primary antibody (Ab₁), and utilized the Pb_NC@BSA conjugated to secondary antibody (Ab₂) as a signaling probe. After sandwiching the target protein between Ab₁ and Ab₂, we dissolved Pb_NC@BSA into an acid, and recorded square wave anodic stripping voltammetric (SWASV) signal of the Pb ions as an analytical signal for quantification of the EGFR. The immunosensor responded linearly towards EGFR within the range of 0.4 ng/mL to 35 ng/mL, with a detection limit of 8 pg/mL. The immunosensor displayed good sensitivity, selectivity, stability, and reproducibility, and proved suitable for direct measurement of EGFR in human serum samples. Moreover, we used the as‐synthesized Pb_NC@BSA as a fluorescence label for in vitro cell viability analysis as well as bioimaging of cancerous HeLa and non‐cancerous HUVEC cells. Pb_NC@BSA exhibited low cytotoxicity and high biocompatibility in living cells, and was a suitable fluorescent probe for live cell imaging, with potential therapeutic applications.     

One‐Step Electrochemical Immunoassay for Carcinoembryonic Antigen in Human via Back‐Filling Immobilization of Gold Nanoparticles on DNA‐Modified Gold Electrodes

A new amperometric immunobiosensor for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) determination in human serum was developed via encapsulation of horseradish peroxidase‐labeled carcinoembryonic antibody (HRP‐anti‐CEA) in a gold nanoparticles/DNA composite architecture. The presences of gold nanoparticles provided a congenial microenvironment for the immobilized biomolecules and decreased the electron transfer impedance, leading to a direct electrochemical behavior of the immobilized HRP. The formation of the antibody–antigen complex by a simple one‐step immunoreaction between the immobilized HRP‐anti‐CEA and CEA in sample solution introduced a barrier of direct electrical communication between the immobilized HRP and the gold electrode surface. Under optimal conditions, the current change obtained from the labeled HRP relative to H₂O₂ system was proportional to the CEA concentration in two linear ranges from 0.5 to 15 ng/mL and 15 to 300 ng/mL with a detection limit of 0.1 ng/mL (at 3δ). The precision and reproducibility are acceptable with the intraassay CV of 6.3% and 4.7% at 8 and 60 ng/mL CEA, respectively. The storage stability of the proposed immunosensor is acceptable in a pH 7.0 PBS at 4 °C for 9 days. Moreover, the proposed immunosensors were used to analyze CEA in human serum specimens. Analytical results of clinical samples show the developed immunoassay has a promising alternative approach for detecting CEA in the clinical diagnosis.     

Interdigitated Conductometric Immunosensor for Determination of Interleukin‐6 in Humans Based on Dendrimer G4 and Colloidal Gold Modified Composite Film

A highly sensitive, fast and stable conductometric immunosensor for determination of interleukin‐6 (IL6) in humans is developed by encapsulation of horseradish peroxidase‐labeled interleukin‐6 antibody (HRP‐anti‐IL6) in poly(amidoamine) fourth‐generation dendrimer (dendrimer) and colloidal gold (nanogold) modified composite architecture. The presences of nanogold and dendrimer provided a congenial microenvironment for the immobilized biomolecules and decreased the electron transfer impedance, leading to a direct electrochemical behavior of the immobilized HRP. The formation of the antibody‐antigen complex by a simple one‐step immunoreaction between the immobilized HRP‐anti‐IL6 and IL6 in sample solution introduced a barrier of direct electrical communication between the immobilized HRP and the gold electrode surface, thus local conductivity variations could be detected by the HRP electrocatalytic reaction in 0.02 M phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.0) containing 50 μM H₂O₂, 0.01 M KI and 0.15 M NaC1. Under optimal conditions, the proposed immunosensor exhibited a good conductometric response to IL6 in a linear range from 30 to 300 pg/mL with a relatively low detection limit of 10 pg/mL at 3δ. The precision and reproducibility are acceptable with the intra‐assay CV of 7.3% and 5.6% at 100 and 200 pg/mL IL6, respectively. The storage stability of the proposed immunosensor is acceptable in a pH 7.0 PBS at 4 °C for 8 days. Importantly, the proposed methodology could be extended to the detection of other antigens or biocompounds.     

Biomolecule‐Doped Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Nanocomposite Film for Label‐Free Electrochemical Immunoassay of α‐1‐Fetoprotein

A new electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of α‐1‐fetoprotien (AFP) was developed based on AFP antibody (anti‐AFP)‐functionalized organic/inorganic hybrid nanocomposite membrane. To fabricate such a hybrid composite membrane, 3,4,9,10‐perylenetetracarboxylic acid‐bound thionine molecules (PTCTH) were initially doped into titania colloids (TiO₂), and then gold nanoparticles and anti‐AFP were immobilized onto the composite film in turn. Comparison with the electrode fabricated only with thionine not 3,4,9,10‐perylenetetracarboxylic acid, the immunosensor with PTCTH exhibited high sensitivity and fast electron transfer. The presence of gold nanoparticles provided a good microenvironment for the immobilization of biomolecules, enhanced the surface coverage of protein, and improved the sensitivity of the immunosensor. The modified process was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The surface topography of the membrane was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Under optimal conditions, the proposed immunosensor exhibited a wide linear range from 2.5 to 200.0 ng/mL towards AFP with a detection limit of 0.5 ng/mL (S/N=3). The stability, reproducibility and precision of the immunosensor were acceptable. Comparison with the conventional enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the present method did not require more labeled procedures and washing steps. Significantly, the detection methodology provides a promising approach for other proteins or biosecurities.     

Amperometric Immunosensor for the Determination of α‐1‐Fetoprotein Based on Core‐Shell‐Shell Prussian Blue‐BSA‐Nanogold Functionalized Interface

In the present work, a newly functional nanoparticle has been prepared to immobilize the protein for the detection of α‐1‐fetoprotein (AFP). Prussian blue (PB) nanoparticle was initially synthesized under ultrasonic condition, then bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used to coat the PB nanoparticle to improve the stability of the PB nanoparticle as well as functionalize the surface of PB nanoparticle, and then gold colloids were loaded on the BSA‐coated PB nanoparticle to construct a core‐shell‐shell nanostructure via the conjunction of thiolate linkages or alkylamines of the BSA. Finally, a convenient, effective and sensitivity amperometric immunosensor for the detection of α‐1‐fetoprotein (AFP) was constructed by the employment of these functional core‐shell‐shell microspheres. The preparation of the nanoparticle (Au‐BSA‐PB NPs) was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the assembly of the biosensor was characterized with cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The dynamic range of the resulted immunosensor for the detection of AFP is from 0.02 ng/mL to 200.0 ng/mL with a detection limit of 0.006 ng/mL (S/N=3). Moreover, this biosensor displays good selectivity, stability and reproducibility.     

Label‐Free Detection of Bisphenol A Using a Potentiometric Immunosensor

A potentiometric immunosensor for the label‐free detection of bisphenol A (BPA) was developed by covalently immobilizing a polyclonal antibody (PAb) onto the surface of a carboxylated poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC‐COOH) membrane. The immunosensor was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The immobilization of PAb and its interaction with antigen (Ag) and BPA were also confirmed by quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) studies. Experimental parameters affecting the immuno‐interaction between PAb and its Ag or BPA were examined in terms of pH, antibody concentration, and temperature. The immunosensor showed a specific recognition of BPA with less interference than 4.8% from other common phenolic compounds. A calibration plot was obtained between 1.0 and 30.0 ng/mL and the detection limit was determined to be 0.6 ng/mL. The proposed immunosensor was applied for a real water sample spiked with BPA and the recoveries were in the range between 102.5 and 105.7%.     

Double‐Layer Nanogold and Poly(amidoamine) Dendrimer‐ Functionalized PVC Membrane Electrode for Enhanced Electrochemical Immunoassay of Total Prostate Specific Antigen

A simple and portable electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of total prostate specific antigen (t‐PSA) in human serum was developed using a double‐layer nanogold particles and dendrimer‐functionalized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane as immunosensing interface. To fabricate such a multifunctional PVC electrode, an o‐phenylenediamine‐doped PVC membrane was initially constructed, then nanogold particles and poly(amidoamine) G4‐dendrimer with a sandwich‐type format were assembled onto the PVC membrane surface, and then t‐PSA antibodies (anti‐PSA) were adsorbed on the nanogold surface. The detection principle of the immunosensor is based on the change in the electric potential before and after the antigen‐antibody interaction. The experimental conditions and the factors influencing the performance of the immunosensor were investigated. Under optimal conditions, the proposed immunosensor exhibits good electrochemical behavior in the dynamic range of 0.5–18 ng/mL relative to t‐PSA concentration with a relative low detection limit of 0.1 ng/mL (S/N=3). The precision, reproducibility, and stability of the immunosensor are acceptable. In addition, 43 serum specimens were assayed by the as‐prepared immunosensor, and consistent results were obtained in comparison with those obtained by the standard enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Compared with the conventional ELISAs, the developed immunoassay system was simple and rapid without labeling and separation steps. Importantly, the immobilization and detection methodologies could be extended for the immobilization and detection of other biomarkers.     

Direct Electrochemical Nano‐immunosensor for Microcystin‐LR in Seawater

Microcystins are potent hepatotoxins produced by cyanobacteria, which proliferate in wastewaters with high nutrient content. Due to their high toxicity and potential risk to human health, even at low concentrations, the development of a sensitive and rapid method for the monitoring of microcystin‐LR (MC‐LR) in water samples is of great importance. In this context, a new direct electrochemical nano‐immunosensor for MC‐LR detection using the liquid crystal (E)‐1‐decyl‐4‐[(4‐decyloxyphenyl)diazenyl]pyridinium bromide (Br‐Py) as a redox probe and gold nanoparticles stabilized in bovine serum albumin (AuNP‐BSA) is described herein. The microcystin‐LR antibody (anti‐MC‐LR) was covalently immobilized using N‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)‐N‐ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and N‐hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) on an AuNP‐BSA/BrPy film. The proposed sensor response is based on the inhibition of the Br‐Py electrochemical signal after the specific interaction of MC‐LR with immobilized anti‐MC‐LR on the electrode surface. The electrochemical behavior of the immunosensor was studied by square‐wave voltammetry (SWV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Under optimized conditions, using SWV and an incubation time of 15 min, the immunosensor exhibits a linear response to MC‐LR concentrations of 0.05 to 500.0 ng mL⁻¹ with a detection limit of 0.05 ng mL⁻¹. The anti‐MC‐LR/AuNP‐BSA/Br‐Py/GCE was successfully applied in the determination of MC‐LR in spiked seawater samples.     

A Novel Fullerene‐Pyrrole‐Pyrrole‐3‐Carboxylic Acid Nanocomposite Modified Molecularly Imprinted Impedimetric Sensor for Dopamine Determination in Urine

In this study, we designed an electrochemical impedance based sensor by using molecularly imprinted fullerene modified pyrrole‐pyrrole‐3‐carboxylic acid copolymers on screen printed carbon electrode to monitor dopamine in real urine samples. All modifications were characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Performance parameters of the developed sensor system were determined by calibration curve performed between 25 ng/mL and 250 ng/mL (R2= 0.9939). LOD and LOQ were 8.77 ng/mL and 26.6 ng/mL, respectively. The developed sensor method was compared with ELISA. The regression analysis between ELISA and the sensor analysis showed good correlation with R2= 0.979     

Capacitance Polypyrrole‐based Impedimetric Immunosensor for Interleukin‐10 Cytokine Detection

In the present study, we developed a novel label‐free capacitance impedimetric immunosensor based on the immobilization of the human monoclonal antibody anti‐interleukin‐10 (anti‐IL‐10 mAb) onto polypyrrole (PPy)‐modified silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) substrates. The immunosensor was used for the detection of the recombinant interleukin‐10 antigen (rh IL‐10) that may be secreted in patients at the early stage of inflammation. The immunosensor was created by chemical deposition of PPy conducting layer on pyrrole?silane (SPy)‐treated Si/SiO₂/Si₃N₄ substrates (Si/SiO₂/Si₃N₄?SPy), followed by anti‐IL‐10 mAb immobilization through carboxyl‐functionalized diazonium (CMA) protocol and carbodiimide chemistry. The surface characterization and the biofunctionalization steps were characterized by SEM, FTIR and cyclic voltammetry (CV) while the detection process was carried out by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analyses. The created immunosensor showed two linear fittings (R²=0.999) for the detection of rh IL‐10 within the concentration range from 1–50 pg/mL. It exhibited high sensitivity (0.1128 (pg/mL)^?1) with a very low limit of detection (LOD)=0.347 pg/mL, more particularly, at the low concentration range (1–10 pg/mL). Thus, this developed polypyrrole‐based immunosensor represents a promising strategy for creation of miniaturized label‐free, fast and highly sensitive biosensors for diagnosis of inflammation biomarkers at very low concentrations with reduced cost.     

Double‐Layer Nanogold and Double‐Strand DNA‐Modified Electrode for Electrochemical Immunoassay of Cancer Antigen 15‐3

Various sensor‐based immunoassay methods have been extensively developed for the detection of cancer antigen 15‐3 (CA 15‐3), but most often exhibit low detection signals and low detection sensitivity, and are unsuitable for routine use. The aim of this work is to develop a simple and sensitive electrochemical immunoassay for CA 15‐3 in human serum by using nanogold and DNA‐modified immunosensors. Prussian blue (PB), as a good mediator, was initially electrodeposited on a gold electrode surface, then double‐layer nanogold particles and double‐strand DNA (dsDNA) with the sandwich‐type architecture were constructed on the PB‐modified surface in turn, and then anti‐CA 15‐3 antibodies were adsorbed onto the surface of nanogold particles. The double‐layer nanogold particles provided a good microenvironment for the immobilization of biomolecules. The presence of dsDNA enhanced the surface coverage of protein, and improved the sensitivity of the immunosensor. The performance and factors influencing the performance of the immunosensor were evaluated. Under optimal conditions, the proposed immunosensor exhibited a wide linear range from 1.0 to 240 ng/mL with a relatively low detection limit of 0.6 ng/mL (S/N=3) towards CA 15‐3. The stability, reproducibility and precision of the as‐prepared immunosensor were acceptable. 57 serum specimens were assayed by the developed immunosensor and standard enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively, and the results obtained were almost consistent. More importantly, the proposed methodology could be further developed for the immobilization of other proteins and biocompounds.     

Ultrasensitive Electrochemical Immunosensor for Detection of Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α Based on Functionalized MWCNT‐Gold Nanoparticle/Ionic Liquid Nanocomposite

A novel and highly sensitive electrochemical immunosensor was developed for the detection of protein biomarker tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) based on immobilization of TNF‐α‐antibody (anti‐TNF‐α) onto robust nanocomposite containing gold nanoparticles (AuNP), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and ionic liquid (1‐buthyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis (trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide). Functionalized MWCNT‐gold nanoparticle was produced by one‐step synthesis based on the direct redox reaction. The electrochemical properties of nanocomposite were characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The anti‐TNF‐α was immobilized or entrapped in the nanocomposite and used in a sandwich type complex immunoassay with anti‐TNF‐α labeled with horseradish peroxidase as secondary antibody. Under optimum conditions, the immunosensor could detect TNF‐α in a linear range from 6.0 to 100 pg mL^?1 with a low detection limit of 2.0 pg mL^?1. The simple fabrication method, high sensitivity, good reproducibility, stability, as well as acceptable accuracy for TNF‐α detection in human serum samples are the main advantages of this immunosensor, which might have broad applications in protein diagnostics and bioassay.     

Heparin‐gold Nanoparticles and Liquid Crystal Applied in Label‐free Electrochemical Immunosensor for Prostate‐specific Antigen

A label‐free electrochemical immunosensor based on the liquid crystal (E)‐1‐decyl‐4‐[(4‐decyloxyphenyl)diazenyl]pyridinium bromide (Br−Py), together with heparin‐stabilized gold nanoparticles (AuNP‐Hep) and Nafion is proposed for the determination of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA). The Br−Py liquid crystal presented redox properties and good film‐forming abilities on the electrode surface, and thus it is a suitable alternative as a redox probe for a label‐free electrochemical immunosensor, which could simplify the analysis methodology. The stepwise construction of the immunosensor and the incubation process (immunocomplex formation) were characterized by voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The proposed immunosensor could directly detect PSA concentrations in the incubation samples, based on the suppression of the Br−Py redox peak (‘base peak’) current. After optimization, the immunosensor exhibited a linear response to PSA concentrations in the range of 0.1 to 50 ng mL⁻¹, with a calculated detection limit of 0.08 ng mL⁻¹. The reproducibility (coefficient of variance less than 3.0 %), selectivity and accuracy of the methodology were adequate. The immunosensor was satisfactorily applied in the quantification of PSA in human blood plasma samples.     

Chitosan/AuNPs Modified Graphene Electrochemical Sensor for Label‐Free Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Detection

A new immunosensor is presented for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), made by electrodepositing chitosan/gold‐nanoparticles over graphene screen‐printed electrode (SPE). The antibody was covalently bound to CS via its Fc‐terminal. The assembly was controlled by electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and followed by Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR). The hCG‐immunosensor displayed linear response against the logarithm‐hCG concentration for 0.1–25 ng/mL with limit of detection of 0.016 ng/mL. High selectivity was observed in blank urine and successful detection of hCG was also achieved in spiked samples of real urine from pregnant woman. The immunosensor showed good detection capability, simplicity of fabrication, low‐cost, high sensitivity and selectivity.     

Dual Amplified Electrochemical Immunosensor for Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen Detection Using Hemin/G‐Quadruplex Immobilized onto Fe3O4‐AuNPs or (Hemin‐Amino‐rGO‐Au) Nanohybrid

A sensitive electrochemical immunosensor for Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) detection was fabricated based on hemin/G‐quadruplex interlaced onto Fe₃O₄‐AuNPs or hemin ‐amino‐reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite (H‐amino‐rGO‐Au). G‐quadruplex DNAzyme, which is composed of hemin and guanine‐rich nucleic acid, is an effective signal amplified tool for its outstanding peroxidase activity and Fe₃O₄‐AuNPs or (H‐amino‐rGO‐Au) nanocomposites with quasi‐enzyme activity provide appropriate support for the immobilization of hemin/G‐quadruplex. The target protein was sandwiched between the primary antibody immobilized on the GO and secondary antibody immobilized on the Fe₃O₄‐AuNPs or (H‐amino‐rGO‐Au) nanocomposites and glutaraldehyde was used as linking agent for the immobilization of primary antibody on the surface of GO. Both Fe₃O₄‐AuNPs and H‐amino‐rGO‐Au nanocomposite and also hemin/G‐quadruplex can cooperate the electrocatalytic reduction of H₂O₂ in the presence of methylene blue as mediator. The proposed immunosensor has a wide linear dynamic range of 0.1 pg/ml to 300 pg/ml with a detection limit of 60 fg/ml when Fe₃O₄‐AuNPs was used for immobilization of hemin/G‐quadruplex, while the dynamic range and DL were 0. 1–1000 pg/mL and 10 fg/mL, respectively in the presence of H‐amino‐rGO‐ Au nanocomposite as platform for immobilizing of hemin/G‐quadruplex. The proposed immunosensor was also used for analysis of HBsAg in spiked human serum samples with satisfactory results.     

Dual‐Amplification of Antigen–Antibody Interactions via Backfilling Gold Nanoparticles on (3‐Mercaptopropyl) Trimethoxysilane Sol‐Gel Functionalized Interface

A new dual‐amplification strategy of electrochemical signaling from antigen–antibody interactions was proposed via backfilling gold nanoparticles on (3‐mercaptopropyl) trimethoxysilane sol‐gel (MPTS) functionalized interface. The MPTS was employed not only as a building block for the electrode surface modification but also as a matrix for ligand functionalization with first amplification. The second signal amplification strategy introduced in this study was based on the backfilling immobilization of nanogold particles to the immunosensor surface. Several coupling techniques, such as with nanogold but not MPTS or with MPTS but not nanogold, were investigated for the determination of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as a model, and a very good result was obtained with nanogold and MPTS coupling immunosensor. With the noncompetitive format, the formation of the antigen–antibody complex by a simple one‐step immunoreaction between the immobilized anti‐CEA and CEA in sample solution introduced membrane potential change before and after the antigen–antibody interaction. Under optimal conditions, the proposed immunosensor exhibited a good electrochemical behavior to CEA in a dynamic concentration range of 4.4 to 85.7 ng/mL with a detection limit of 1.2 ng/mL (at 3 δ). Moreover, the precision, reproducibility and stability of the as‐prepared immunosensor were acceptable. Importantly, the proposed methodology would be valuable for diagnosis and monitoring of carcinoma and its metastasis.     

The Signal‐Enhanced Label‐Free Immunosensor Based on Assembly of Prussian Blue‐SiO2 Nanocomposite for Amperometric Measurement of Neuron‐Specific Enolase

A signal‐enhanced label‐free electrochemical immunosensor was constructed by the employment of Prussian blue doped silica dioxide (PB‐SiO₂) nanocomposite. At first, PB‐SiO₂ nanocomposite which was produced by using a microemulsion method was used to obtain a nanostructural monolayer on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface. Next amino‐functionalized interface were prepared by self‐assembling 3‐aminopropyltriethoxy silane (APTES) on the PB‐SiO₂ nanoparticle surface. Then chitosan stabled gold nanoparticle (CS‐nanoAu) was subsequently attached, while the entire surface was finally loaded with neuron‐specific enolase antibody (anti‐NSE) via the adsorption of gold nanoparticle. The sensitivity of the proposed immunosensor has greatly improved as the PB‐SiO₂ nanostructural sensing film provides plenty of active sites which might catalyze the reduction of H₂O₂. The immunosensor exhibited good linear behavior in the concentration range from 0.25–5.0 and 5.0–75 ng/mL for the quantitative analysis of neuron‐specific enolase (NSE), a putative serum marker of small‐cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), with a limit of detection of 0.08 ng/mL. The resulting NSE immunosensor showed high sensitivity and long‐term lifetime which can be attributed to the extremely high catalytic activity and biocompatibility of CS‐nanoAu/APTES/PB‐SiO₂ nanostructural multilayers.     

A Renewable Potentiometric Immunosensor Based on Fe3O4 Nanoparticles Immobilized Anti‐IgG

A renewable potentiometric immunosensor for detection of immunoglobulin G (IgG) has been developed by magnetic force attraction of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles immobilized goat‐anti‐human IgG antibody. For preparing sensitive film of the sensor, cysteine was bonded on the nano‐Fe₃O₄ particles surface. The cysteine functionalized magnetic nanoparticles was attracted on a solid paraffin carbon paste electrode surface to covalently immobilize of anti‐immunoglobulin G (anti‐IgG) by employing a conventional glutaraldehyde‐crosslinking method. The immunosensor showed a specific response to human immunoglobulin G in the range of 0.1–1.2 ng/mL with a detection limit of 0.023 ng/mL. The immunosensor based on the magnetic nanoparticles was made easily by this method. It can be used expediently, renewed easily and low‐cost relatively. The renewable potentiometric immunosensor with better stability and higher sensitivity can be employed extensively in clinical diagnosis, monitoring of disease and environmental studies and etc.     

Fabrication, characterization, and application of potentiometric immunosensor based on biocompatible and controllable three-dimensional porous chitosan membranes

A novel three-dimensional porous chitosan membrane material was prepared as a matrix to encapsulate hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) for fabrication of immunosensors. The porous chitosan matrix was prepared by electrodepositing a designer nanocomposite solution of chitosan-encapsulated silica nanoparticle hybrid film on an ITO electrode, and then removing the silica nanoparticles with HF solution. Using HBsAb as a model, the potentiometric immunosensor was constructed by linking HBsAb molecules to the three-dimensional porous chitosan film using glutaraldehyde as a cross-linker. Scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the surface morphology of the three-dimensional porous chitosan films. Cyclic voltammograms and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to probe the interfacial properties of the immunosensor. Results showed that the fabricated immunosensor with three-dimensional porous structure possessed high surface area, good mechanical stability, and good hydrophilicity, which provided a biocompatible microenvironment for maintaining the bioactivity of the immobilized protein and increased the protein loading. Therefore, the present immunosensor exhibits a wide linear range from 6.85 to 708 ng mL(-1) with a low detection limit of 3.89 ng mL(-1) for the detection of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). This work implied that the biocompatible and controllable three-dimensional porous chitosan membrane possessed potential applications for biosensing.