A new ITO-based Aβ42 biosensor for early detection of Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

In this study, a novel label-free impedimetric immunosensor was fabricated for rapid, selective, and sensitive quantitative analysis of Aβ42 protein for use in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The immunosensor was fabricated using inexpensive and disposable indium tin oxide polyethylene terephthalate (ITO-PET) electrodes. After the electrodes were modified with 3-glycidoxypropyldimethoxymethylsilane (GPDMMS), the antibody specific to the Aβ42 protein (anti-Aβ42) was immobilized. The affinity interaction between anti-Aβ42 and Aβ42 in the immobilization steps in immunosensor fabrication and in the quantitation of Aβ42 were analyzed using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) techniques. Additionally, the morphological changes occurring on the electrode surface during each immobilization step were imaged using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The linear detection range of the immunosensor was determined as 1–100 pg/mL with the limit of detection value of 0.37 pg/mL. Analytical properties of the biosensor, including reproducibility, repeatability, storage stability, selectivity, and regeneration were investigated. The kinetic behavior of antibody-antigen complex formation was determined for the first time using single frequency impedance (SFI) analysis on an Aβ42 biosensor. The potential for use of the immunosensor in clinical studies was demonstrated by analysis of Aβ42 in commercially purchased human serum.