A Comparison of the Sensor Performance of Electrochemical Peptide-Based Sensors Fabricated from 6- or 11-Carbon Self-Assembled Monolayers

In this study, we compare the sensor performance of two electrochemical peptide-based (E-PB) sensors fabricated using peptide probes modified with a 6- or 11-carbon alkanethiol linker.  The biorecognition probe is a highly antigenic peptide sequence in the HIV-1 p24 antigen, and the target is the antibody generated against this antigen (anti-p24 antibody). When compared to the C11-based sensor, the C6-based sensor shows higher signal suppression in the presence of the correct target. In addition, the C6-based sensor is also regenerable and can be reused for over 3 times. Despite the reduced signaling capability and the lack of regenerability, the C11-based sensor is slightly more specific for the target antibody. While there are advantages and disadvantages associated with each of the two systems, with proper optimization, both sensors can potentially be used for real time detection of HIV infections.