Electrochemical paper-based peptide nucleic acid biosensor for detecting human papillomavirus

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Biosensor Technology
• Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major cause of cervical cancer.
• Early detection of HPV DNA is crucial for effective screening and management.
• Existing diagnostic methods can be expensive and complex.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, low-cost, paper-based electrochemical biosensor for detecting HPV type 16 DNA.
• To utilize a graphene-polyaniline modified electrode and an anthraquinone-labeled peptide nucleic acid probe.
• To provide a disposable and easily incinerated device for HPV screening.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a paper-based working electrode using inkjet printing of graphene-polyaniline.
• Immobilization of an anthraquinone-labeled peptide nucleic acid (AQ-PNA) probe via electrostatic attraction.
• Electrochemical detection of HPV type 16 DNA using square-wave voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• The biosensor demonstrated a significant decrease in current signal upon hybridization with target HPV DNA.
• The detection limit for HPV type 16 DNA was determined to be 2.3 nM within a linear range of 10-200 nM.
• Successful detection of HPV DNA in PCR-amplified samples from the SiHa cell line was achieved.

Conclusions:

• The developed paper-based electrochemical biosensor offers a sensitive and specific method for HPV type 16 detection.
• The disposable and cost-effective nature of the device makes it suitable for widespread screening.
• This technology shows promise for early identification of cervical cancer stages.