Ultrasensitive detection of interleukin 1α using 3-phosphonopropionic acid modified FTO surface as an effective platform for disposable biosensor fabrication.

In this study, we utilized a carboxyalkylphosphonic acid covered fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) as an electrode material for fabrication of Interleukin 1α (IL-1α) immunosensor. For this aim, anti-IL-1α antibodies were attached on the 3-phosphonopropionic acid (PHP) modified FTO surface covalently. Electrochemical (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry) and morphological (scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy) characterizations were performed to monitor the successful fabrication of immunoelectrodes. After incubation of anti-IL-1α antibody immobilized FTO electrodes in IL-1α antigen solutions, increases were seen in impedimetric responses. IL-1α antigen was determined in a linear detection range from 0.02 to 2 pg/mL by EIS. The detection limit of the suggested immunosensor was 6 fg/mL. The applicability of the designed biosensor was tested by using human serum and saliva samples and acceptable results were obtained. In addition, high sensitivity, good specificity, low detection limit made the proposed immunosensor a potential technique for IL-1α antigen determination in routine clinical analysis.