EGOFET Peptide Aptasensor for Label‐Free Detection of Inflammatory Cytokines in Complex Fluids

• Published in: Advanced biosystems Vol. 2; no. 2
• Main Authors: Berto, Marcello, Diacci, Chiara, D'Agata, Roberta, Pinti, Marcello, Bianchini, Elena, Lauro, Michele Di, Casalini, Stefano, Cossarizza, Andrea, Berggren, Magnus, Simon, Daniel, Spoto, Giuseppe, Biscarini, Fabio, Bortolotti, Carlo A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-02-2018
• Subjects: Affimer protein; binding constant; organic bioelectronics; peptide aptamers; TNFα; organic bioelectronics; TNF alpha; binding constant; Affimer protein; peptide aptamers
• ISSN: 2366-7478; 2366-7478
• DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201700072

Organic electronic transistors are rapidly emerging as ultrahigh sensitive label‐free biosensors suited for point‐of‐care or in‐field deployed applications. Most organic biosensors reported to date are based on immunorecognition between the relevant biomarkers and the immobilized antibodies, whose use is hindered by large dimensions, poor control of sequence, and relative instability. Here, an electrolyte‐gated organic field effect transistor (EGOFET) biosensor where the recognition units are surface immobilized peptide aptamers (Affimer proteins) instead of antibodies is reported. Peptide aptasensor for the detection of the pro‐inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) with a 1 × 10−12m limit of detection is demonstrated. Ultralow sensitivity is met even in complex solutions such as cell culture media containing 10% serum, demonstrating the remarkable ligand specificity of the device. The device performances, together with the simple one‐step immobilization strategy of the recognition moieties and the low operational voltages, all prompt EGOFET peptide aptasensors as candidates for early diagnostics and monitoring at the point‐of‐care.
An electrolyte‐gated organic field effect transistor sensor for the label‐free detection of inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha is presented. The sensing unit is based on the use of peptide aptamers immobilized on the gold gate electrode. The biosensor is demonstrated in buffer solution and cell culture medium, exhibiting 1 × 10−12m limit of detection and remarkable selectivity.