A novel antibody–antigen based impedimetric immunosensor for low level detection of HER2 in serum samples of breast cancer patients via modification of a gold nanoparticles decorated multiwall carbon nanotube-ionic liquid electrode

• Design of a novel impedimetric immunosensor for detection of HER2 in serum samples.
• Use of a multiwall carbon nanotube-ionic liquid electrode modified with AuNPs as a base.
• Immobilization of monoclonal HER2 antibody on AuNPs/MWCILE using 1,6-hexanedithiol as a cross linker.
• Achieving linear dynamic range and limit of detection of 10–110 ng mL−1 and 7.4 ng mL−1, respectively.
• Method development and validation and application to assay of HER2 in biological fluids.

A highly sensitive impedimetric immunosensor based on a gold nanoparticles/multiwall carbon nanotube-ionic liquid electrode (AuNPs/MW-CILE) was developed for the determination of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Gold nanoparticles were used to enhance the extent of immobilization and to retain the immunoactivity of the antibody Herceptin on the electrode. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were employed for characterization of various layers coated onto the AuNPs/MW-CILE. The impedance measurements at different steps were based on the charge transfer kinetics of the [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− redox pair. The immobilization of antibody and the corresponding antigen–antibody interaction at the electrode surface altered the interfacial electron transfer. The interactions of antibody with various concentrations of antigen were also monitored via the change of impedance response. The results showed that the charge transfer resistance increases linearly with increasing concentrations of HER2 antigen. The linear range and limit of detection were found as 10–110 ng mL−1 and 7.4 ng mL−1, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the immunosensor were validated. The results showed that the prepared immunosensor is a useful tool for screening of trace amounts of HER2 in serum samples of breast cancer patients.

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