Antibody-based submicron biosensor for Benzo[a]pyrene DNA adduct

Fiberoptic-based sensors have been developed for monitoring human exposure and health effects associated with polycyclic aromatic compounds such as benzo[a]pyrene. These sensors take advantage of the physical properties of optical fibers including their relatively small size, remote sensing capabilities, and their inertness to electrical interferences. The recent development of submicron-sized optical fibers provides an opportunity to further reduce the size of fiberoptic-based sensors for application in submicron environments. This paper describes the development of an antibody based submicron fiber biosensor. The antibody-based biosensor is more selective and sensitive than a nonantibody sensor and has an absolute detection limit of ≈300 zeptomoles (10^-21 moles) for benzo pyrene tetrol, a product of the benzo[a]pyrene DNA adduct. This submicron-size biosensor could provide a useful tool for measurements of toxic chemicals and related metabolites in sub cellularsize environments.

Duke Scholars

Author Tuan Vo-Dinh Biomedical Engineering