A Label-Free Amperometric Immunosensor Based on Redox-Active Ferrocene-Branched Chitosan/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Conductive Composite and Gold Nanoparticles

Abstract

A novel immunosensor has been developed by self-assembling Au NPs onto a ferrocene-branched chitosan/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CS-Fc/MWCNTs) modified electrode for the sensitive determination of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The formation of CS-Fc effectively avoids the leakage of Fc and retains its electrochemical activity. Incorporation of MWCNTs and Au NPs into CS-Fc further increases the electrochemical active Fc in the CS films and provides interactive sites for the immobilization of HBsAb. The morphologies and electrochemistry of the formed biofilm were investigated by using scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical techniques. The immunosensor exhibits a specific response to HBsAg in the range of 1.0-420ngmL-1. Excellent analytical performance, fabrication reproducibility and operational stability of the proposed immunosensor indicated its promising application in clinical diagnostics. © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.