Voltammetric polyaniline aptasensor for SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein biomarker
摘要
Conducting polymer (CP)-based electrochemical biosensors for SARS-CoV-2 detection, developed by directly immobilizing bioreceptors onto the electrode surface, to optimize key properties such as sensitivity and operational lifespan, have been of interest. Herein, a polyaniline (PANI)-based aptasensor was fabricated for detecting SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein in wastewater. Prior to the application of the aptasensor, the synthesis of PANI was confirmed using techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS), Malvern Zeta sizer and X-ray Diffraction (XRD), whereby the conductive emeraldine salt of PANI was obtained. Additionally, RAMAN spectroscopy proved the attachment of PANI at the surface of GCE. The fabricated aptasensor demonstrated an exceptional performance, enabling real-time detection of ultra-low concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein, within a linear concentration range of 0–0.95 fM, with a sensitivity of 1.69 × 10− 4 µAfM− 1 and an LOD of 0.05 fM obtained using SWV. Consequently, the aptasensor showed feasibility in detecting SARS-CoV-2 in real spiked wastewater samples. These results highlight a remarkable sensitivity of the electrochemical aptasensor, positioning it as a powerful and reliable tool for ultrasensitive biosensing applications.