Disposable immunosensor for human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B detection

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Immunosensing

Background:

• Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a significant pathogen, necessitating sensitive detection methods.
• Glycoprotein B (gB) is a key HCMV antigen, making it a target for diagnostic assays.
• Current HCMV detection methods can be complex and costly.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an inexpensive, simple, and disposable electrochemical immunosensor for HCMV glycoprotein B detection.
• To optimize the immunosensor for detecting HCMV in human urine samples.
• To evaluate the sensor's sensitivity, reproducibility, and potential for clinical use.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a disposable electrochemical immunosensor using a sandwich-type immunoassay.
• Immobilization of anti-HCMV antibodies on a working electrode.
• Labeling of antibodies with gold nanoparticles for signal amplification.
• Detection via electrochemical stripping analysis of silver nanoparticles catalyzed by gold nanoparticles.
• Optimization of key parameters including silver deposition, antibody concentration, and incubation times.

Main Results:

• The immunosensor demonstrated a linear response between glycoprotein B concentration and peak current.
• Achieved low detection limits: 3.3±1.7 ng/mL in buffer and 3.2±0.2 ng/mL in urine.
• The biological matrix of urine did not significantly interfere with detection.
• Exhibited acceptable reproducibility with residual standard deviations of 13.5% (buffer) and 11.2% (urine).

Conclusions:

• The developed electrochemical immunosensor offers a sensitive and reliable method for HCMV gB detection.
• Its simplicity, low cost, and disposable nature make it suitable for point-of-care diagnostics.
• The sensor shows significant potential for clinical applications in HCMV screening and diagnosis.