Microfluidic-Based Electrochemical Immunosensing of Ferritin
Mayank Garg1,2,3, Martin Gedsted Christensen3, Alexander Iles3
1CSIR-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation, Sector 30-C, Chandigarh 160030, India.
Biosensors
|August 9, 2020
Summary
A new lab-on-a-chip sensor offers rapid, portable electrochemical detection of ferritin, a key iron biomarker. This nanotechnology-based device shows promise for faster point-of-care anemia testing compared to traditional methods.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Ferritin is a crucial biomarker for iron status and anemia.
- Existing ferritin detection methods lack portability and speed.
- There is a need for rapid, point-of-care diagnostic tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a lab-on-a-chip electrochemical sensor for ferritin detection.
- To combine microfluidics, nanotechnology, and electrochemistry for enhanced sensitivity.
- To enable faster and more accessible ferritin measurements.
Main Methods:
- Screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) were modified with amine-functionalized graphene oxide.
- Antibodies were immobilized on the SPE surface for ferritin binding.
- A microfluidic flow cell with a magnetic clamping mechanism was utilized.
- Cyclic voltammetry was employed for electrochemical detection.
Main Results:
- The sensor demonstrated a linear dynamic range of 7.81 to 500 ng·mL⁻¹ for ferritin.
- An excellent limit of detection (LOD) of 0.413 ng·mL⁻¹ was achieved.
- The sensor showed high sensitivity and selectivity, validated with human serum samples.
Conclusions:
- The developed microfluidic electrochemical sensor provides a sensitive and selective method for ferritin detection.
- This lab-on-a-chip technology holds significant potential for point-of-care testing applications.
- The technique offers a faster alternative to conventional methods like ELISA.
