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Sensitive Zika biomarker detection assisted by quantum dot-modified electrochemical immunosensing platform
Jéssika F F Ribeiro1, José R S Melo2, Caroline de L Santos3
1Departamento de Biofísica e Radiobiologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, PE, Brazil.
Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces
|November 13, 2022
Summary
We developed a novel electrochemical sensor using quantum dots and specific antibodies for sensitive Zika virus detection. This platform offers a promising tool for early Zika virus diagnosis in clinical samples.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Nanotechnology
- Immunosensing
Background:
- Zika virus poses a significant global health threat, necessitating rapid and sensitive diagnostic tools.
- Current detection methods can be time-consuming or require specialized laboratory equipment.
- There is a need for point-of-care or field-deployable diagnostic platforms for early Zika virus detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a novel nanostructured electrochemical immunosensing platform for the detection of Zika virus envelope protein (EP-ZIKV).
- To evaluate the stability and performance of the developed immunosensor for EP-ZIKV detection.
- To assess the platform's specificity and applicability in complex biological matrices like serum.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of carboxylated Cadmium Telluride quantum dots (QDs).
- Functionalization of screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) with a conductive polymer (Pyam) and subsequent QD immobilization.
- Covalent conjugation of anti-EP ZIKV antibodies to the QDs and electrode surface.
- Electrochemical characterization using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).
- Quantification of EP-ZIKV using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV).
Main Results:
- Efficient and stable immobilization of QDs and anti-EP ZIKV antibodies on the SPCE/PPyam platform, maintaining functionality for extended periods (up to 7 months for QDs, 2 months for antibodies).
- High sensitivity detection of EP-ZIKV with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.1 ng mL-1 and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.4 ng mL-1.
- Successful detection of EP-ZIKV in spiked human serum samples, demonstrating practical applicability.
- Demonstrated specificity against Dengue virus (DENV) antigens, confirming the platform's selective detection capabilities.
Conclusions:
- The developed nanostructured electrochemical immunosensing platform demonstrates high sensitivity, stability, and specificity for EP-ZIKV detection.
- The platform's ability to detect Zika virus in serum samples and its specificity highlight its potential for diagnosing Zika virus infections during the viremic phase.
- The proposed sensor design shows promise for adaptation to detect other arboviruses, offering a versatile diagnostic approach.
