Detection of HIV-1 antigen based on magnetic tunnel junction sensors**Project supported by President’s Fund of CUHKSZ, Longgang Key Laboratory of Applied Spintronics, at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 11974298 and 61961136006), the Shenzhen Fundamental Research Fund, China (Grant No. JCYJ20170410171958839), and Shenzhen Peacock Group Plan, China (Grant No. KQTD20180413181702403).

Abstract

We report a p24 (HIV disease biomarker) detection assay using an MgO-based magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) sensor and 20-nm magnetic nanoparticles. The MTJ array sensor with sensing area of 890 × 890 μm2 possessing a sensitivity of 1.39 %/Oe was used to detect p24 antigens. It is demonstrated that the p24 antigens could be detected at a concentration of 0.01 μg/ml. The development of bio-detection systems based on magnetic tunnel junction sensors with high-sensitivity will greatly benefit the early diagnosis of HIV.