Aptasensor platform based on electrochemical Paper-Based analytical device for histamine detection

Abstract

This paper outlines a simple, affordable, and highly flexible rapid prototyping technique for creating electrochemical paper-based analytical devices (ePADs). The craft cutter printer used for ePAD fabrication offers high flexibility and simplicity, eliminating the need for specialized equipment such as a wax printer by generating both electrode patterns and hydrophilic barriers. The ePAD was utilized to construct an aptasensor for the determination of histamine, which is essential for several physiological functions, including gastric secretion, narcolepsy, cell differentiation, cell growth, neurotransmission, and neuromodulation. Following the preparation of an ePAD with a unique design specific to this work, surface characterization was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). A single-use aptasensor was created by immobilizing histamine-specific aptamer onto the working electrode surface of the ePAD. By optimizing all experimental parameters, histamine detection was successfully performed using the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique. The reproducibility and selectivity of the aptasensor were examined, and its potential applicability to real samples was tested in an artificial saliva. These findings suggest that the ePAD-based aptasensor provides a cost-effective and reliable method for histamine detection, with potential applications in various bioanalytical contexts.