Nanosilver and DNA-functionalized immunosensing probes for electrochemical immunoassay of alpha-fetoprotein

A simple and sensitive electrochemical immunosensor for a one-step immunoassay for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was designed using silver nanoparticles and double-stranded DNA as matrices. The detection was based on the change in the electron transfer resistance before and after the antigen-antibody reaction by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Under optimal conditions, the resistance shift of the immunosensor is proportional to the AFP concentration in the range 3.5 –360 ng·mL −1 with a detection limit of 1.5 ng·mL −1 (at 3σ). The immunosensor exhibits high sensitivity, good reproducibility and stability. Results obtained for clinical serum samples by the immunosensor are in accordance with those determined by spectrophotometric enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.