Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 13, 2026
13:15
Fabrication of Electrochemical-DNA Biosensors for the Reagentless Detection of Nucleic Acids, Proteins and Small Molecules
Published on: June 1, 2011
34.8K
Polypeptide with electroactive endgroups as sensing platform for the abused drug 'methamphetamine' by
Bilal Demir1, Tulay Yilmaz2, Emine Guler2
1Ege University, Faculty of Science, Biochemistry Department, Bornova, 35100 Izmir, Turkey.
Talanta
|October 23, 2016
Summary
A new sensor platform using a fluorescent polypeptide and antibody immobilization detects methamphetamine (METH) in biological samples. This adaptable technology offers a promising tool for monitoring illicit drug use.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Biosensors
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Affinity-type sensors are valuable for detecting biomarkers and drugs.
- Antibody-based platforms show potential for monitoring illicit substances.
- Methamphetamine (METH) is a common illicit drug requiring effective detection methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a novel detection platform for analyzing methamphetamine (METH).
- To immobilize a METH-selective antibody onto a functionalized glassy carbon electrode (GCE).
- To characterize the sensor's performance and assess its applicability in biological samples.
Main Methods:
- Ring-opening polymerization of L-alanine N-carboxyanhydride (L-Ala-NCA) initiated by EDOT-NH2-BTDA to create a fluorescent polypeptide (EDOT-BTDA-Pala).
- Immobilization of a METH-selective antibody onto the EDOT-BTDA-Pala modified GCE.
- Electrochemical characterization using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
- Microscopic characterization using scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy.
- Analytical performance evaluation including linearity and limit of detection (LOD).
- Application testing with spiked artificial urine, saliva, and serum samples, with LC-MS/MS confirmation.
Main Results:
- Successful characterization of the GCE/EDOT-BTDA-Pala/Antibody surface using electrochemical and microscopic techniques.
- Demonstrated linearity in the range of 10-100µg/mL (R²=0.996) with a limit of detection (LOD) of 13.07µg/mL.
- Successful application in detecting METH in spiked artificial urine, saliva, and serum samples.
Conclusions:
- A novel, antibody-based affinity sensor platform for methamphetamine detection was successfully developed.
- The sensor exhibits good analytical performance and applicability in complex biological matrices.
- The platform's adaptability suggests potential for monitoring other abused drugs by modifying biorecognition elements.
