Nanostructured label-free electrochemical immunosensor for detection of a Parkinson's disease biomarker

Aggregation of alpha-synuclein has been recognized as a critical event in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease whose prevalence is increasing with great socio-economic challenges for future generations. Here, we developed a sensitive and specific electrochemical immunosensor for the detection and quantification of this biomarker, based on the voltammetric study of a redox indicator signal, which decreases upon the analyte recognition by the antibody due to the electronic resistance increase. The proposed immunosensor is based on a screen-printed carbon electrode modified in a layer-by-layer approach, which through extensive characterization led to the successful nanostructuration of the transducer, through the drop-cast of 3.0 mu L of a 0.1 mg mL(-)(1) single-walled carbon nanotubes suspension followed by electrodeposition of gold nanoparticles in a 3 mM HAuCl4 solution under a -0.2 V potential for 150 s. Monoclonal antibodies were immobilized on the gold nanoparticles surface through chemical modification at an optimal concentration of 200 mu g mL(-)(1). Using the proposed immunosensor, alpha-synuclein was detected in the range of 0.01-10 ng mL(-)(1) with a 4.1 and 12.6 pg mL(-)(1) limits of detection and quantification, respectively. Recovery values of 96.7, 106.2 and 102.9% were attained for the tested concentrations spiked in fetal bovine serum while also presenting excellent specificity and stability throughout one month. The nanostructured immunosensor provided a great interface for electronic transduction and biological recognition events, which enabled fast, sensitive and specific detection of alpha-synuclein while being based on a simple and inexpensive technology requiring small sample volumes, crucial characteristics for application in point-of-care testing.

Automated summary

In this study, a sensitive and specific electrochemical immunosensor was developed for the detection and quantification of alpha-synuclein, a biomarker for Parkinson's disease. The immunosensor is based on voltammetric study and uses antibodies to recognize the analyte. The sensor is nanostructured using a layer-by-layer approach and has shown excellent detection capabilities within a certain concentration range.