Detection of Interferon gamma using graphene and aptamer based FET-like electrochemical biosensor

One of the primary goals in the scientific community is the specific detection of proteins for the medical diagnostics and biomedical applications. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is associated with the tuberculosis susceptibility, which is one of the major health problems globally. We have therefore developed a DNA aptamer-based electrochemical biosensor that is used for the detection of IFN-γ with high selectivity and sensitivity. A graphene monolayer-based FET-like structure is incorporated on a PDMS substrate with the IFN-γ aptamer attached to graphene. Addition of target molecule induces a change in the charge distribution in the electrolyte, resulting in increase in electron transfer efficiency that was actively sensed by monitoring the change in current from the device. Change in current appears to be highly sensitive to the IFN-γ concentrations ranging from nanomolar (nM) to micromolar (μM) range. The detection limit of our IFN-γ electrochemical biosensor is found to be 83 pM. Immobilization of aptamer on graphene surface is verified using unique structural approach by Atomic Force Microscopy. Such simple and sensitive electrochemical biosensor has potential applications in infectious disease monitoring, immunology and cancer research in the future.