Quartz tuning fork-based biosensor for the direct detection of human cytomegalovirus

Abstract

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) possess great threat to immunocompromised patients and pregnant women since It can cause disability if left untreated. Especially for unborn babies, if the virus was not detected at early stages, it can cause disabilities as the baby develops. Furthermore, the virus can be asymptomatic, hence, low-cost and rapid detection techniques are desirable. Currently available detection techniques of the virus are labor intensive and demand experienced technicians. For these reasons, new detection techniques are needed to overcome the current challenges associated with conventional techniques. In this work, quartz tuning fork (QTF)-based biosensor was developed for the detection of UL83-antigen of HCMV for the first time. Firstly, QTF coated with gold was functionalized with cysteamine and glutaraldehyde for UL83-antibody immobilization at the QTF surface. Then, the biosensor was tested against a variety of UL83-antigen concentrations. As the UL83-antigen concentration increased, the measured resonance frequency decreased due to increased mass loading at the QTF surface. The sensitivity of the biosensor is 15.91 Hz/ln(ng/mL). Whereas the limit of detection is 0.36 ng/mL. The biosensor showed comparable biosensing performances to those available in the literature. Furthermore, the biosensor demonstrated its selectivity towards UL83-antigen when tested against samples containing a mixture of biomarkers. The reported work demonstrates a platform for the direct and low-cost mass screening of diseases.