A novel biosensor based on serum antibody immobilization for rapid detection of viral antigens

► A label-free serum antibody-based biosensor was developed for rapid detection of viral antigens. ► The simple electrical measurements were performed by non-Faradic impedance. ► The detection range of this biosensor is 1–10μg/ml JEV antigens. ► The stable signals are measured in about 20min. ► The biosensor revealed the potential application in the case of possible outbreaks. In this paper, we represent a label-free biosensor based on immobilization of serum antibodies for rapid detection of viral antigens. Human serum containing specific antibodies against Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) was immobilized on a silanized surface of an interdigitated sensor via protein A/glutaraldehyde for electrical detection of JEV antigens. The effective immobilization of serum antibodies on the sensor surface was verified by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and fluorescence microscopy. The signal of the biosensor obtained by the differential voltage converted from the change into non-Faradic impedance resulting from the specific binding of JEV antigens on the surface of the sensor. The detection analyzed indicates that the detection range of this biosensor is 1–10μg/ml JEV antigens, with a detection limit of 0.75μg/ml and that stable signals are measured in about 20min. This study presents a useful biosensor with a high selectivity for rapid and simple detection of JEV antigens, and it also proposes the biosensor as a future diagnostic tool for rapid and direct detection of viral antigens in clinical samples for preliminary pathogenic screenings in the case of possible outbreaks.