Conducting Polymer Modified Glass Fiber Paper Substrate Based Biosensor for Procalcitonin Detection

An advanced biosensor assembly based on glass fiber paper (GFP) electrodes modified with nanocomposites comprising of poly (3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT: PSS) as the main matrix with functionalized gold nanoparticles (GFP/PEDOT: PSS-AuNP) for selective and sensitive detection of procalcitonin (PCT). PCT is a biomarker that is specifically used to detect bacterial infections, and it has received a lot of interest as a potential answer to the challenges with selecting when to use antibiotics. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis characterization techniques were used to characterize the prepared PEDOT: PSS-AuNP nanocomposite. For the electrochemical characterization and response study, electrochemical impedance studies study have been presented because it is more sensitive and result accuracy can be obtained through it. This conductive paper-based biosensor exhibits improved detection 0.10 pg mL −1 performance with a linear detection range (1–15 pg mL −1 ), high sensitivity, and a 24-day life span for PCT antigen detection. In addition, the inclusion of AuNP in PEDOT: PSS resulted in improved electrochemical performance and signal stability. This PEDOT: PSS-AuNP@GFP platform based was used to immobilize anti-PCT antigenic protein for PCT quantification. The results of electrochemical response studies showed that this conductive paper bioelectrode had a good reproducibility sensitivity in physiological ranges (1–15 pg mL −1 ). Further, the proposed bioelectrode an alternative choice for point-of-care PCT detection has been shown.