Functionalized laser-induced graphene enabled ultrasensitive electroimmunoassay for rapid hepatitis B virus detection

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant global health concern.
• Current diagnostics for HBV require improvement in speed, sensitivity, and cost-effectiveness.
• There is a need for advanced diagnostic tools for effective disease management and public health surveillance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a high-performance electrochemical immunosensor for the ultratrace detection of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg).
• To utilize laser-induced graphene (LIG) technology to overcome limitations of conventional HBV diagnostics.
• To create a sensitive, rapid, and cost-effective diagnostic platform for early Hepatitis B screening.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a porous, three-electrode graphene sensor on polyimide using a CO2 laser process.
• Functionalization of the graphene sensor via electrochemical oxidation to enable covalent antibody immobilization.
• Detection of HBsAg using the steric-hindrance principle and square wave voltammetry.

Main Results:

• The immunosensor demonstrated an ultra-low detection limit of 0.04 pg mL⁻¹ in buffer and 0.18 pg mL⁻¹ in human serum.
• Achieved a wide linear detection range from 1 × 10⁻⁴ to 1 × 10¹ ng mL⁻¹.
• Exhibited excellent selectivity against viral interferents and stability over 30 days.

Conclusions:

• The developed electrochemical immunosensor offers laboratory-level sensitivity with point-of-care practicality.
• This biosensor is a promising tool for early and efficient screening of Hepatitis B virus infection.
• The technology holds potential for improving HBV diagnostics, particularly in resource-limited settings.