An electrochemical paper-based analytical sensor for one-step latex protein detection
Jaruwan Mettakoonpitak1, Preeyanuch Junkong2, Aphiwan Saenonphut1
1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Rambhai Barni Rajabhat University, Chantaburi 22000, Thailand. jaruwan.m@rbru.ac.th.
The Analyst
|February 15, 2022
Summary
A novel electrochemical paper-based analytical device (ePAD) enables rapid, low-cost detection of natural rubber latex (NRL) proteins. This point-of-care tool offers sensitive NRL protein analysis, crucial for assessing allergic risks.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Natural rubber latex (NRL) exposure can cause allergic reactions due to NRL proteins.
- Current methods for NRL protein detection are complex, time-consuming, and require expensive equipment, hindering point-of-care (POC) risk assessment.
- There is a need for simple, portable, and sensitive analytical tools for rapid NRL protein measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel electrochemical paper-based analytical device (ePAD) for one-step, low-cost, and sensitive detection of NRL proteins.
- To establish a new detection strategy based on electrochemical measurement of residual copper (Cu) after protein complexation, avoiding the need for antibodies or enzymes.
- To validate the performance and applicability of the ePAD for NRL protein analysis at the POC.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of an ePAD utilizing graphene screen-printed electrodes modified with 1,10-phenanthroline and Nafion.
- Development of a detection method based on the electrochemical measurement of residual Cu after in situ complexation with NRL proteins.
- Optimization of key parameters: 1,10-phenanthroline concentration, reaction time, and initial Cu concentration.
- Validation of the ePAD against the traditional Lowry method for NRL protein detection.
Main Results:
- The modified electrodes enhanced the Cu signal by 18-fold compared to unmodified electrodes.
- The optimized ePAD achieved a low limit of detection (LOD) of 3.0 mg dL-1 and a linear range of 10.0-200.0 mg dL-1.
- The analysis time was significantly reduced to 4 minutes, with high selectivity and no interference from other species.
- Results from the ePAD showed no significant difference compared to the traditional Lowry method at 95% confidence.
Conclusions:
- The developed ePAD offers a simple, rapid, and sensitive method for NRL protein detection.
- This technology provides a viable solution for point-of-care assessment of allergenic risks associated with natural rubber latex.
- The novel electrochemical detection strategy using residual copper offers a promising alternative to traditional biological assays for protein analysis.
