Piezoelectric immunosensor based on magnetic nanoparticles with simple immobilization procedures

A novel method for immobilizing antibodies (antigens) based on magnetic nanoparticles has been proposed for piezoelectric immunoassay. The goat-anti-IgG antibody (IgGAb) as the model analyte was first covalently immobilized to magnetic nanoparticles, which were surface modified with amino-groups. The magnetic bio-nanoparticles (MBN-s) formed were attached to the surfaces of quartz crystal with the help of a permanent magnet. The detection of immunoglobulin G (IgG) was performed with the sensor prepared. The process of immobilization and immunoreaction was monitored by frequency recording. From the SEM images of the sensor surface before and after immobilization of MBN, one can see that the MBN was homogeneously adsorbed on sensor surface. The piezoelectric immunosensor can determine IgG in the range of 0.6-34.9 mug ml(-1) with a detection limit of 0.36 mug ml(-1). The MBN and immunocomplex layer can easily be removed simply by taking away the magnetic field, making the piezoelectric sensor easy to be regenerated. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.