Python-driven impedance profiling on peptide-functionalized biosensor for detection of HIV gp41 envelope protein

This study presents the first label-free impedimetric biosensor for the detection of HIV envelope protein gp41 using antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as biorecognition receptors. The biosensor interface was enhanced with thiolated polystyrene and gold nanospheres to ensure stable peptide immobilization and resist nonspecific adsorption. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) confirmed each step of the electrode modification, while surface morphology was validated via scanning electron microscopy. A Python-based deep learning algorithm was applied to impedance data for efficient curve fitting and regression modeling. The biosensor demonstrated high sensitivity, with a linear detection range of 5-600 pg/mL, a regression coefficient (R ²) of 0.9946, a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.62 pg/mL, and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 4.91 pg/mL. Chronoimpedimetric (CI) detection revealed that gp41 binding occurred within 350 s. The biosensor showed excellent reproducibility (CV % = 0.22%), good selectivity with less than 12% signal variation in spiked serum, and robust stability, maintaining functionality after extended storage. These results highlight the biosensor's potential as a rapid, sensitive, and reproducible diagnostic platform for early HIV detection.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-025-04400-8.