Abstract: In this research work, multi-walled carbon nanotubes-chitosan nanocomposite (MWCNTs-Chit) is utilized as a special immobilization interface to improve the conductivity and performance characteristics of the sensors to increase the loading amount of aptamer (Apt) sequence. A novel sensor for the first time was constructed for hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigen (Anti) through combining the benefits aptasensing and molecular imprinting (MIP) approaches based on electropolymerization of dopamine (DA) around the Apt [HCV core antigen] complex on MWCNTs-Chit modified GCE. The sensor also can be a useful tool for detection of HCV core antigen with low response time, low cost, good sensitivity, and high stability. The analytical performance and application feasibility of the sensor was measured by several different electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetric (CV), differential pulse voltammetric (DPV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The sensor response indicates a linear range from 5.0 fg/mL to 1.0 pg/mL with a detection limit of 1.67 fg/mL. Moreover, the application of the proposed method to determination of HCV core antigen in human serum sample has been successfully evaluated; satisfactory results were obtained, the results show great potential of the fabricated sensor for real sample analysis
Template and target information: virus, hepatitis C virus, HCV
Author keywords: Multi-walled carbon nanotubes, chitosan, aptamer, HCV core antigen, molecular imprinting polymer