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Electrochemical IFN-γ immunosensor based on a nanocomposite of gold nanorods and reduced graphene oxide

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Abstract

Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) is a vital part of the immune system, and a critical biomarker determining the progression of several diseases, like tuberculosis, HIV, and multiple sclerosis. This work presents an electrochemical immunosensor for detecting IFN-γ based on an indium–tin oxide electrode modified with a nanocomposite of gold nanorods and reduced graphene oxide (AuNR-rGO). The antibodies are immobilized on the modified electrode. Subsequent addition of analyte proteins causes a drop in the peak current in the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) since the proteins hinder electron transfer. The DPV peak current values are proportional to logarithmic IFN-γ concentrations in the dynamic range of 5–1000 pg/mL with a detection limit of 2.5 pg/mL. In addition, this immunosensor shows high specificity to IFN-γ in the presence of competent inflammatory proteins (IL-4 and TNF-α) in phosphate-buffered saline and human blood samples. Our results demonstrate the potential of AuNR-rGO nanocomposite as an effective electrode material for improved sensor performance, providing a simple, sensitive, and specific detection of IFN-γ.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge IISER Tirupati intramural funds. DM acknowledges Science and Engineering Research Board (India) grants CRG/2020/003117 for supporting this work. The authors acknowledge Dr. Sivakumar Vallabhapurapu of IISER Tirupati for kindly providing IL-4 and TNF-α samples and Dr. Suchi Goel of IISER Tirupati for human blood samples.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mangalam, P.O 517507, Tirupati, AP, India

    Manjoosha R. Yerrapragada, Beharuza Farha Kunnambra, Vijayamohanan K. Pillai & Dileep Mampallil

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  1. Manjoosha R. Yerrapragada
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  2. Beharuza Farha Kunnambra
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  3. Vijayamohanan K. Pillai
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MY and BF performed the experiments. DM and VP supervised the project. MY, DM, and VP wrote the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Dileep Mampallil.

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Yerrapragada, M.R., Kunnambra, B.F., Pillai, V.K. et al. Electrochemical IFN-γ immunosensor based on a nanocomposite of gold nanorods and reduced graphene oxide. J Appl Electrochem 54, 127–135 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10800-023-01946-4

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