Label-free Electrochemical Detection for Food Allergen using Screen Printed Carbon Electrode

Abstract

Here we are reporting a new and rapid immunoassay for the food allergen using disposable screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE) in connection with the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Changes in the current signals due to antibody-antigen interaction provide the basis for an immunoassay on the SPCE surface which is simple, rapid, and cost effective. Casein, which is one of the most potent allergens in milk, was utilized as the model target in our experiment. After the immobilization of the anti-casein antibody on the pre-treated SPCE surface, sample solution contained casein was applied on the electrode surface and measured with DPV. Peak current due to casein was comparable while with bovine serum albumin (BSA) in solution. Our protocol is readily transferable for application to other immunological tests of food testing, because of this system is derived from utilizing the intrinsic electrochemical activity of antibody and antigen.