Sook Jin Kim

Fabrication of a novel immunosensor using functionalized self-assembled monolayer for trace level detection of TNT by surface plasmon resonance

We have developed a new immunosensor based on self-assembly chemistry for highly sensitive and label-free detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). A monolayer of amine terminated poly(ethylene glycol) hydrazinehydrochloride (PEG-NH(2)) thiolate was constructed on an activated gold surface and immobilized with trinitrophenyl-beta-alanine (TNPh-beta-alanine) by amide coupling method. The binding interaction of a monoclonal anti-TNT Ab (M-TNT Ab) with TNPh-beta-alanine immobilized thiolate monolayer surface was monitored and evaluated for detection of TNT based on the principle of indirect competitive immunoreaction. Here, the competition between the self-assembled TNT derivative and the TNT in solution for binding with antibody yields in the response signal that is inversely proportional to the concentration of TNT in the linear detection range. With the present immunoassay format, TNT could be detected in the concentration range from 0.008ng/ml (8ppt) to 30ng/ml (30ppb). The response time for an immunoreaction was 2min and one immunocycle could be done with in 4min including surface regeneration. Bound antibodies could be easily eluted from the self-assembled immunosurface at high recoveries (more than 100 cycles) using pepsin solution without any damage to the TNT derivatives immobilized on the surface. The compact self-assembled monolayer was highly stable and prevented the non-specific adsorption of proteins on the surface favoring error free measurement.

Fabrication of novel molecular recognition membranes by physical adsorption and self-assembly for surface plasmon resonance detection of TNT

Recent concern on international terrorism and weapons of mass destruction demands the development of novel analytical methods for identification and quantification of explosive molecules. In this article, we describe the development of high-performance immunosensors for detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), a prime component of the landmines and bombs used by terrorist and military forces. The immunosensors were constructed by physical adsorption and self-assembly methods, and their binding interactions with a monoclonal anti-TNT antibody were evaluated for TNT detection using the surface plasmon resonance technique. A home-made 2,4,6-trinitrophenyl-keyhole limpet hemocyanine conjugate was used for physical adsorption. A poly(ethylene glycol) hydrazine hydrochloride thiolate was used in the construction of self-assembled monolayer surface and was immobilized with trinitrophenyl-β-alanine by the amide coupling method. The immunosensors were highly selective, regenerable, rapid, and exhibited remarkable sensitivity down to the parts-per-trillion level for TNT by the indirect competitive inhibition principle.