| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 601282 | Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces | 2011 | 6 Pages |
Enhanced sensitivity for the hepatotoxin microcystin-LR (MC-LR) was achieved in a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) system via double amplification. For primary amplification, an innovative interface on the QCM was obtained as a matrix by the vesicle layer formed by our synthetic dendritic surfactant, bis (amidoethyl-carbamoylethyl) octadecylamine (C18N3). The vesicle matrix was then functionalised by an optimised concentration of monoclonal antibodies against MC-LR (anti-MC-LR) to detect the analyte. The results showed that a detection limit of 100 ng/mL was achieved by primary amplification. To achieve higher sensitivity, secondary amplification was implemented with anti-MC-LR gold nanoparticle (AuNPs) conjugates as probes, which lowered the detection limit for MC-LR to 1 ng/mL (the maximum concentration recommended by the World Health Organization [WHO] in drinking water for humans). The QCM immunosensor reported here has advantages such as high sensitivity, portability, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness for MC-LR detection. It would be uniquely superior compared with current MC-LR detection techniques for on-the-spot water detection. Furthermore, the methodology described here is also potentially significant in many fields for the routine monitoring of environmental and food safety.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We fabricated a QCM immunosensor for microcystin-LR harmful to the health of humans. ► It combines the good simplicity, portability and sensitivity. ► Comparatively, an enhanced sensitivity was successfully achieved by doubly amplification dependent on new dendritic surfactant and gold nanoparticles.
