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Published on: July 22, 2013
Apta-biosensors for nonlabeled real time detection of human IgE based on carbon nanotube field effect transistors
Jun Pyo Kim1, Seunghun Hong, Sang Jun Sim
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440-746, South Korea.
Insights
This study presents an aptamer-based biosensor using CNT-FET devices for sensitive, label-free detection of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) for allergy diagnosis. Aptamer-modified sensors achieved higher sensitivity than antibody-based ones, enabling ultrasensitive biomarker detection.
Area of Science:
- Nanomaterials Science
- Biotechnology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Allergy diagnosis relies on detecting specific biomarkers like Immunoglobulin E (IgE).
- Current detection methods may lack sensitivity or require labels.
- Carbon Nanotube Field-Effect Transistors (CNT-FETs) offer potential for label-free biosensing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate an aptamer-based biosensor (apta-biosensor) using CNT-FET devices for label-free IgE detection.
- To compare the sensitivity of aptamer-modified CNT-FETs with antibody-modified CNT-FETs for IgE detection.
- To assess the selectivity and performance of the apta-biosensor in a simulated physiological environment.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of CNT-FET devices modified with either monoclonal IgE antibody or anti-IgE aptamer as receptors.
- Detection of IgE binding via monitoring the gating effect on CNT-FETs due to protein charges.
- Evaluation of sensor sensitivity, selectivity, and performance in buffer and serum-like electrolyte solutions.
Main Results:
- Aptamer-modified CNT-FETs demonstrated significantly higher sensitivity (50 ng/mL) compared to antibody-modified CNT-FETs (1000 ng/mL).
- The apta-biosensor effectively blocked non-target proteins, showing high selectivity for IgE.
- The sensor maintained performance in an environment mimicking human serum electrolytes.
Conclusions:
- Aptamer-based CNT-FETs are suitable for label-free, ultrasensitive electronic biosensing.
- This technology enables the detection of clinically important biomarkers like IgE for disease diagnosis.
- Apta-biosensors offer a promising platform for advanced allergy diagnosis and other medical applications.
Abstract:
In this study, we demonstrated the aptamer-based biosensor (apta-biosensor) using CNT-FET devices for label free detection of allergy diagnosis by IgE detection. In order to detect the IgE, two kinds of receptor (monoclonal IgE antibody and anti-IgE aptamer)-modified CNT-FET devices were fabricated. The binding event of the target IgE onto receptors was detected by monitoring the gating effect caused by the charges of the target proteins. Since the CNT-FET biosensors were used in buffer solution, it was crucial to use small-size receptors like aptamers than whole antibodies so that the charged target IgE could approach the CNT surface within the Debye length distance to give a large gating effect. The results show that CNT-FET biosensors using monoclonal IgE antibody had very low sensitivity (minimum detectable level 1000 ng/mL), while those based on anti-IgE aptamer could detect 50 ng/mL. Moreover, the aptamer-modified CNT-FET herein could successfully block non-target proteins and could selectively detect the target protein in an environment similar to human serum electrolyte. Therefore, aptamer-based CNT-FET devices enable the production of label-free ultrasensitive electronic biosensors to detect clinically important biomarkers for disease diagnosis.
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