Microfluidic immunosensor based on a graphene oxide functionalized double helix microfiber coupler for anti-Müllerian...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Optoelectronics
• Biosensing

Background:

• Accurate detection of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is crucial for reproductive health diagnostics.
• Existing methods for AMH detection can be complex and time-consuming.
• Development of sensitive, label-free biosensors is needed for improved clinical assays.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel label-free microfluidic immunosensor for sensitive and specific AMH detection.
• To utilize a double helix microfiber coupler (DHMC) coated with graphene oxide (GO) for enhanced sensing performance.
• To evaluate the analytical performance and clinical applicability of the developed immunosensor.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a DHMC by twisting and tapering optical fibers.
• Immobilization of the DHMC within a microfluidic chip for a stable sensing environment.
• Modification of the DHMC with graphene oxide (GO) and bio-functionalization with anti-AMH monoclonal antibodies (anti-AMH MAbs).

Main Results:

• The immunosensor demonstrated a wide detection range for AMH from 200 fg/mL to 50 µg/mL.
• A low limit of detection (LOD) of approximately 235.15 fg/mL was achieved.
• High sensitivity and specificity were confirmed using various biomarkers including alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and AMH serum samples.

Conclusions:

• The developed label-free microfluidic immunosensor based on DHMC-GO is highly sensitive and specific for AMH detection.
• The sensor exhibits excellent performance characteristics and potential for clinical applications in biosensing.
• The proposed method offers an easy-to-fabricate and effective approach for AMH diagnostics.