Highly Sensitive Magnetoelastic Biosensor for Alpha2-Macroglobulin Detection Based on MnFe₂O₄@chitosan/MWCNTs/PDMS...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Alpha2-Macroglobulin (α2-M) is crucial for diagnosing diabetic nephropathy (DN).
• Existing sensors lack the sensitivity, speed, and portability required for effective α2-M detection.
• There is a need for advanced biosensing technologies for early DN diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly sensitive, rapid, flexible, and portable biosensor for detecting α2-M.
• To utilize a MnFe2O4@chitosan/MWCNTs/PDMS composite film for enhanced biosensing capabilities.
• To provide a novel method for the early diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a composite film biosensor using MnFe2O4 nanoparticles, chitosan, MWCNTs, and PDMS.
• Utilizing the magnetoelastic effect of MnFe2O4 for signal transduction upon antibody-antigen binding.
• Employing chitosan for simplified biological modification and MWCNTs for enhanced conductivity and sensitivity.

Main Results:

• The biosensor demonstrated a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.1299 ng·mL⁻¹ for α2-M.
• Achieved a wide linear detection range from 10 ng·mL⁻¹ to 100 µg·mL⁻¹.
• The sensor exhibited rapid, highly sensitive, and selective detection of α2-M.

Conclusions:

• The developed biosensor offers a novel and effective method for the early diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy.
• The biosensor's characteristics make it suitable for point-of-care (PoC) applications.
• This technology advances α2-M detection, addressing limitations of current diagnostic tools.