Silk fibroin-antigenic peptides-YVO4:Eu3+ nanostructured thin films as sensors for hepatitis C

Nanostructured films prepared by Layer-by-Layer technique and containing silk fibroin, antigenic peptide NS5A-1 derived from hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5A protein and YVO4:Eu3+ luminescent nanoparticles, were utilized in sensing of hepatitis C. Detection system exploits the biorecognition between the antibody anti-HCV and the antigenic peptide NS5A-1 through changes in luminescence properties. Films deposition was monitored by UV-vis Absorption and Fluorescence Spectroscopy measurements at each bilayer deposited. The Eu3+ luminescence properties were evaluated in the presence of anti-HCV for optical detection of specific antibody and anti-HIV used as negative control. Significant changes in luminescence were observed in the presence of anti-HCV concentrations. A new immunosensor platform is proposed for optical detection of hepatitis C.