Electrochemical immunosensor based on carbon nanofibers and gold nanoparticles for detecting anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies

An electrochemical immunosensor based on carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was developed for detecting anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies (anti-T. gondii) IgG in human serum. CNFs were produced using electrospinning and carbonization processes. Screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) surface was modified with CNFs and AuNPs which were electrodeposited onto the CNFs. Then, T. gondii antigen was immobilized onto the AuNPs/CNFs/SPCE. Afterward, anti-T. gondii IgG positive serum samples were coated on the modified electrode and assessed via adding anti-human IgG labeled with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzyme. The morphology of SPCE, CNFs, and AuNPs/CNFs/SPCE surface was characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Characterization of CNFs was evaluated by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Electrochemical characterization of the immunosensor was verified using cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical response of modified electrode for anti-T. gondii IgG was detected via differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). This immunosensor was detected in the range 0-200 U mL(-1) with a low detection limit (9 x 10(-3) U mL(-1)). In addition, the proposed immunosensor was exhibited with high selectivity, strong stability, and acceptable reproducibility and repeatability. Furthermore, there was a strong correlation between results obtained via the designed immunosensor and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as gold standard. In conclusion, the developed immunosensor is a promising route for rapid and accurate clinical diagnosis of toxoplasmosis.

Automated summary

An electrochemical immunosensor based on carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was developed for detecting anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies (anti-T. gondii) IgG in human serum. CNFs were produced using electrospinning and carbonization processes. The immunosensor showed high selectivity, strong stability, and acceptable reproducibility and repeatability, with a detection range of 0-200 U mL(-1) and a low detection limit of 9 x 10(-3) U mL(-1). There was a strong correlation between the results obtained by the immunosensor and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).