Gold structured nanourchin as anesthetic biosensor for determining neuroprotective effect

Abstract

Research has proven that confusion, delirium, and cognitive dysfunction are the common symptoms caused by anesthesia. In general, neuroproteins fluctuation is common during the process of anesthetic treatment. Among others, tau protein was found to the higher fluctuations after the anesthetic process, and it is highly associated with various neuro-related diseases. Monitoring the level of tau protein helps to identify the neuro-related problems during and after the anesthetic processes. This research was focused on developing a tau electrochemical impedance biosensor on aptamer and antibody-modified electrodes. Aptamer and antibody were immobilized on the gold nanourchin with a chemical linker. Gold nanourchin enhances the probe of aptamer and antibody attachment on the electrode and improves the tau protein detection as low as 1 fM [y = 1.5604x − 1.5643; R2 = 0.9681], determined on a linear range from 1 fM to 1 nM. Further, control performances with complementary aptamer and non-immune antibodies fail to change the response of the current, indicating the specific detection of tau protein. This tau sensor detects the tau protein in its lower level and helps to identify the neuro-related problem caused by anesthetics.