Label-free detection of bisphenol A using a potentiometric immunosensor

A potentiometric immunosensor for the label-free detection of bisphenol A (BPA) was developed by covalently immobilizing a polyclonal antibody (PAb) onto the surface of a, carboxylated poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-COOH) membrane. The immunosensor was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The immobilization of PAb and its interaction with antigen (Ag) and BPA were also confirmed by quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) studies. Experimental parameters affecting the immuno-interaction between PAb and its Ag or BPA were examined in terms of pH, antibody concentration, and temperature. The immunosensor showed a specific recognition of BPA with less interference than 4.8% from other common phenolic compounds. A calibration plot: was obtained between 1.0 and 30.0 ng/mL and the detection limit was determined to be 0.6 ng/mL. The proposed immunosensor was applied for a real water sample spiked with BPA and the recoveries were in the range between 102.5 and 105.7%.