Developing an electrochemical biosensor for the detection of Hemagglutinin protein of Influenza A virus subtype H1N1 in artificial saliva

Influenza A virus belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family and to date is one of the most important pathogens causing acute respiratory infections, such as the recent pandemic of 2009. Hemagglutinin (HA) is one of the surface proteins of the virus that allow it to interact with cellular molecules. Due to the reason that is the most abundant protein in the virus capsule, make it the best target in the detection of Influenza A H1N1 virus through biosensing devices. Our aim is to develop an electrochemical biosensor to detect H1 by modifying carbon screen printed electrodes with gold nanoparticles (size of 10-20 nm) and further functionalization with monoclonal antibodies specific to this protein. The electrodes were characterized by the means of cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrode is coupled to a 3D printed droplet guidance microfluidic system to ensure homogeneous distribution across the electrode. Our preliminary results suggest that the selected monoclonal antibodies have acceptable affinity and bind effectively to the H1 protein and that the electrodes have a wide potential window in the presence of Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺cyanide. In the future, we will continue to develop this biosensor in hope that it will be commercialized and be common in medical procedures during flu seasons and future influenza pandemics.