Organic Electrochemical Transistor Aptasensor for Interleukin-6 Detection

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Biosensor Technology
• Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

• Interleukin 6 (IL6) is a critical biomarker for inflammatory diseases, inflammaging, cancer, and severe COVID-19.
• Accurate and sensitive detection of IL6 is crucial for early diagnosis and disease management.
• Existing detection methods may lack the sensitivity, selectivity, or ease of use required for widespread clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) biosensor for sensitive and selective detection of IL6.
• To establish an efficient functionalization strategy for the OECT gate electrode.
• To assess the biosensor's performance, including detection range and specificity against other relevant biomarkers.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of an OECT biosensor utilizing a gold nanoparticle-modified PEDOT:PSS gate electrode.
• Functionalization of the gate electrode with oligonucleotide aptamers specific for IL6 via electrodeposition.
• Optimization of the aptamer immobilization and blocking agent deposition process.
• Electrochemical characterization of the biosensor's response to varying IL6 concentrations.

Main Results:

• Achieved a sensitive detection range for IL6 from picomolar to nanomolar concentrations.
• Demonstrated high selectivity of the biosensor for IL6, with minimal cross-reactivity against Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF).
• Established an easy and effective functionalization strategy for the OECT biosensor.

Conclusions:

• The developed OECT biosensor provides a promising platform for sensitive and selective IL6 detection.
• The efficient functionalization method enhances biosensor performance and reproducibility.
• This technology has potential applications in diagnosing and monitoring IL6-associated pathologies.