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 fact that it is the most abundant protein in the virus capsule, it is the best target in the detection of the Influenza A H1N1 virus through biosensing devices. Our aim is to develop an electrochemical biosensor to detect H1 by modifying carbon screen-printed electrodes (CSPE) with gold nanoparticles and to add further functionalization with monoclonal antibodies that are specific to this protein. The electrodes were characterized by the means of cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. 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 [Fe(CN)6]3−/4−. 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.