The immunosensors for measurement of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was evaluated for the direct determination of herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Specific antibody against 2,4-D was immobilised onto different gold electrodes. Several methods of antibody immobilisation by covalent linkage to modified surface were studied. Self-assembled monolayers formed using thiocompounds as cystamine, 4-aminothiophenol (ATPh), 3,3′-dithiopropionic acid di-(N-succinimidyl ester) (DTSP) and 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) were chosen for the sensing surface activation. Three different sensor types were tested: screen-printed disc and finger-like structures and interdigitated array (IDA) electrodes produced by lithography. The measurements were carried out in a stationary arrangement, and the reaction between hapten and the immobilised antibody was observed online. Changes of impedance parameters were evaluated, and the best immobilisation technique (using 4-aminothiophenol) was chosen for further measurements. Impedance changes due to immunocomplex formation were evaluated, and the possibility of direct monitoring of 2,4-D binding to the antibody was demonstrated at a fixed frequency. For the strip sensor, the calibration curves were constructed in concentration range from 45 nmol l−1 to 0.45 mmol l−1 of 2,4-D.