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A cytokine immunosensor for Multiple Sclerosis detection based upon label-free electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
Kinjal Bhavsar1, Aaron Fairchild, Eric Alonas
1Biodesign Institute and Harrington Department of Bioengineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA.
Insights
A novel biosensor detects Interleukin-12 (IL-12) using label-free electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. This cost-effective sensor shows potential for early diagnosis of diseases like Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and monitoring biomolecules.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biosensor Technology
Background:
- Interleukin-12 (IL-12) overexpression is linked to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosis.
- Accurate and rapid detection of IL-12 is crucial for disease diagnosis and monitoring.
- Existing methods for IL-12 detection may be complex or costly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a label-free electrochemical biosensor for sensitive Interleukin-12 (IL-12) detection.
- To fabricate a robust and reproducible sensor using printed circuit board (PCB) electrodes.
- To evaluate the sensor's performance in detecting IL-12 at physiological levels.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a disposable PCB electrode by electroplating gold.
- Immobilization of anti-IL-12 monoclonal antibodies (MAb) onto the gold surface.
- Label-free detection of IL-12 using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).
Main Results:
- The novel PCB-based immunosensor detected IL-12 at physiological levels (<100 fM) with high sensitivity.
- The sensor demonstrated a label-free and rapid detection capability.
- A linear response (log concentration) was achieved, though dynamic range decreased in complex biological solutions.
Conclusions:
- The developed PCB-based electrochemical biosensor offers a cost-effective and reproducible method for IL-12 detection.
- This technology holds potential for the diagnosis of IL-12-associated diseases like MS.
- The biosensor can be applied for monitoring various biomolecules in healthcare, food, and environmental applications.
Abstract:
A biosensor for the serum cytokine, Interleukin-12 (IL-12), based upon a label-free electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) monitoring approach is described. Overexpression of IL-12 has been correlated to the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). An immunosensor has been fabricated by electroplating gold onto a disposable printed circuit board (PCB) electrode and immobilizing anti-IL-12 monoclonal antibodies (MAb) onto the surface of the electrode. This approach yields a robust sensor that facilitates reproducible mass fabrication and easy alteration of the electrode shape. Results indicate that this novel PCB sensor can detect IL-12 at physiological levels, <100 fM with f-values of 0.05 (typically <0.0001) in a label-free and rapid manner. A linear (with respect to log concentration) detectable range was achieved. Detection in a complex biological solution is also explored; however, significant loss of dynamic range is noted in the 100% complex solution. The cost effective approach described here can be used potentially for diagnosis of diseases (like MS) with known biomarkers in body fluids and for monitoring physiological levels of biomolecules with healthcare, food, and environmental relevance.
