Immunoassay for serum amyloid A using a glassy carbon electrode modified with carboxy-polypyrrole, multiwalled carbon nanotubes, ionic liquid and chitosan

We report on a highly sensitive electrochemical immunoassay for the serum inflammation marker amyloid A (SAA). It is making use of a glassy carbon electrode that was modified with carboxy-endcapped polypyrrole (PPy-α-COOH), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), ionic liquid and chitosan acting as the support platform. The nanocomposite increases the sensitivity and stability of the assay. Antibody against SAA was immobilized on a monolayer surface consisting of PPy-α-COOH. The electrode material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and differential pulse voltammetry. The calibration plot for this assay, when operated at 0.16 V (vs. SCE) and applied to spiked serum samples, is linear in the 0.001 to 900 ng mL−1 SAA concentration range, and the detection limit is as low as 0.3 pg mL−1 (at an S/N ratio of 3). The electrode is stable and highly sensitive. The detection scheme is likely to be applicable to numerous other kinds of immunoassays.