Antibody-conjugated gold nanoparticle-based immunosensor for ultra-sensitive detection of troponin-T

The technology presented in this study demonstrates the feasibility of integrating nanostructures onto the surface of an electrical platform to achieve enhanced detection of the cardiac biomarker, troponin-T. A polymer microcontact printing technique was modified using printed circuit boards as molds for the application of gold nanoparticles onto microelectrode-patterned glass substrates. The microelectrodes were designed to support electrical impedance spectroscopy measurements and fabricated using standard photolithography methods. Capture antibodies specific to troponin-T were functionalized onto the surface of gold nanoparticles by using a thiol-based cross-linking molecule. The antibody-conjugated gold nanoparticles were stamped onto the electrodes using a matching pattern imprinted onto an elastomeric mold. As a control to validate the efficacy of the nanotextured surface on the glass substrate, an electroplated printed circuit board was also used. The incorporation of gold nanoparticles showed significant amplification of the electro-ionic signals generated through binding of the antigen to its capture antibody. Enhanced sensitivity was demonstrated through detection of the target biomarker in the femtogram per milliliter range in buffer solution and biological media. In the absence of gold nanoparticles, the sensor demonstrated detection of troponin-T at higher concentration points. This study illustrates a robust method for developing a more sensitive, label-free biosensor.