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Peptide-based electrochemical biosensor for juvenile idiopathic arthritis detection
V R Rodovalho1, G R Araujo1, E R Vaz1
1Institute of Genetics and Biochemistry, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil.
Insights
A new electrochemical biosensor using a mimetic peptide on a screen-printed electrode can detect juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in serum samples. This novel diagnostic tool offers a simple, selective, and miniaturized approach for identifying JIA.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) presents diagnostic challenges due to delayed biomarker implementation and severe long-term consequences.
- Current diagnostic strategies for JIA require improvement to enable earlier detection and intervention.
- Electrochemical biosensors offer a promising avenue for rapid and sensitive molecular diagnostics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel electrochemical biosensor for the specific detection of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
- To utilize a mimetic peptide immobilized on a screen-printed carbon electrode as the recognition element for JIA diagnosis.
- To evaluate the performance and stability of the developed biosensor for JIA detection in real serum samples.
Main Methods:
- Immobilization of a PRF+1 mimetic peptide onto a screen-printed carbon electrode surface.
- Detection of JIA in serum samples using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV).
- Characterization of the biosensor's response using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM).
Main Results:
- The biosensor successfully discriminated between JIA-positive and JIA-negative serum samples.
- Achieved limits of detection and quantification of 1:784 (v/v) and 1:235 (v/v) in diluted samples, respectively.
- Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed a threefold increase in charge transfer resistance (RCT) for JIA-positive samples compared to healthy controls. AFM analysis showed distinct globular clusters on the biosensor surface upon interaction with JIA-positive serum.
- The biosensor maintained functionality for over 40 days when stored at 8°C.
Conclusions:
- A simple, miniaturized, and selective electrochemical biosensor for JIA diagnosis was successfully developed.
- This represents the first biosensor utilizing a mimetic peptide and screen-printed carbon electrode for JIA detection in real serum samples.
- The developed biosensor shows potential as a novel tool for early and accurate JIA diagnosis.
Abstract:
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a wide group of diseases, characterized by synovial inflammation and joint tissue damage. Due to the delay in the implementation of biomarkers into clinical practice and the association with severe sequels, there is an imperative need for new JIA diagnosis strategies. Electrochemical biosensors based on screen-printed electrodes and peptides are promising alternatives for molecular diagnosis. In this work, a novel biosensor for detecting juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) was developed based on the immobilization of the PRF+1 mimetic peptide, as recognition biological element, on the surface of screen-printed carbon electrode. This biosensor was able to discriminate the JIA positive and negative serum samples from different individuals using differential pulse voltammetry, presenting limits of detection and quantification in diluted samples of 1:784 (v/v) and 1:235 (v/v), respectively. Evaluation by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed RCT 3 times higher for JIA positive sample than for a pool of human serum samples from healthy individuals. Surface analysis of the biosensor by atomic force microscopy, after contact with JIA positive serum, presented great globular clusters irregularly distributed. The long-term stability of the biosensor was evaluated, remaining functional for over 40 days of storage (after storage at 8°C). Therefore, a simple, miniaturized and selective biosensor was developed, being the first one based on mimetic peptide and screen-printed carbon electrode, aiming at the diagnosis of the juvenile idiopathic arthritis in real serum samples.
