Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / In the presented work, immunosensors for detection of Aflatoxin B1 based on different immobilization platforms were studied. Synthesis of an electroactive hydrogel was also carried out. Aflatoxins are a group of mycotoxins that have deleterious effects on humans and are produced during fungal infection of plants or plant products. Electrochemical immunosensor for the determination of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was developed with anti-aflatoxin B1 antibody immobilized on Pt electrodes modified with polyaniline (PANi) and polystyrene sulphonic acid (PSSA). Impedimetric analysis shows that the electron transfer resistances of Pt/PANi-PSSA electrode, Pt/PANi-PSSA/AFB1-Ab immunosensor and Pt/PANi- PSSA/AFB1-Ab incubated in BSA were 0.458, 720 and 1066 kΩ, respectively. These results indicate that electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a suitable method for monitoring the change in electron-transfer resistance associated with the immobilization of the antibody. Modelling of EIS data gave equivalent circuits which showed that the electron transfer resistance increased from 0.458 kΩ for Pt/PANi-PSSA electrode to 1066 kΩ for Pt/PANi- PSSA/AFB1-Ab immunosensor, indicating that immobilization of the antibody and incubation in BSA introduced an electron transfer barrier. The AFB1 immunosensor had a detection limit of 0.1 mg/L and a sensitivity of 869.6 k ΩL/mg. In the second platform an immunosensor based on gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and polythionine-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for the determination of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was developed. Aflatoxin B1-BSA conjugate was immobilised on the modified GCE. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) or Bovine serum albumin (BSA) were used to block sites against non-specific binding of the AFB1- conjugate with other compounds such as the salts used in preparing the buffer when the antibody interacts with the AFB1 conjugate and free AFB1. Competition reaction was allowed to take place between the free AFB1 and AFB1-conjugate for the binding sites of the anti-aflatoxin B1 antibody. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) was employed to characterize the electrochemical properties of the modified process. The peak separation of the immunosensor (ΔEp) was 62 mV indicating a quasi reversible process. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was used to monitor the analytical signal. The response decreased with an increase in AFB1 concentration in the range of 0.6-2.4 ng/mL with a limit of detection of 0.07 and 0.16 ng/mL for HRP and BSA blocked immunosensors respectively. Significantly the low detection limit of 0.07 ng/mL is within the limits set by worl health organization (WHO) for AFB1 and its derivatives which is 2 ng/mL The proposed method eliminates the use of secondary antibody enzymatic labels. Synthesis and characterization of (p-(HEMA)-polyaniline hydrogels were investigated. The hydrogels were synthesized using: 2-Hydroxyeththyl methacrylate (HEMA), N-Tris (hydroxymethyl) methyl] acrylamide, 3- Sulfopropyl methacrylate potassium salt, Tetraethylene glycol diacrylate, Poly-(2- hydroxyethyl methacrylate), 2, 2-Dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone and aniline by UV irradiation. Two sets of the hydrogels were prepared using water / 1, 3, 3, 3-(tetramethyl butyl phenyl polyethylene glycol [Triton X-100] and water / ethylene glycol as the solvent. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a more uniform pore size when Triton X 100 (TX-100 HG) was used as compared to ethylene glycol (EG-HG). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that both hydrogels were stable up to 270 oC. Fourier transform-Infra red (FTIR) spectrum confirmed the incorporation of polyaniline (PANi) and HEMA in the composite. Electrochemical properties of the hydrogels evaluated using Cyclic Voltammetry and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) demonstrated the electroactivity and conductivity.

Submitted by Jos? Henrique Henrique (jose.neves@ufvjm.edu.br) on 2017-09-22T18:10:08Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) marcelo_sousa_xavier.pdf: 3096603 bytes, checksum: dae91257943ac86316978d8deb31ff3e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Rodrigo Martins Cruz (rodrigo.cruz@ufvjm.edu.br) on 2017-10-09T13:42:33Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) marcelo_sousa_xavier.pdf: 3096603 bytes, checksum: dae91257943ac86316978d8deb31ff3e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-10-09T13:42:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) marcelo_sousa_xavier.pdf: 3096603 bytes, checksum: dae91257943ac86316978d8deb31ff3e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017 / A Leishmaniose Visceral Canina (LVC) ? considerada um problema de sa?de p?blica causada por um protozo?rio do g?nero Leishmania que acomete c?es, o qual no ciclo urbano de transmiss?o ? o principal reservat?rio. Neste trabalho, investigou-se o desenvolvimento de um imunossensor impedim?trico sobre eletrodos de grafite (EG) e eletrodos impressos de ?xido de grafeno (EIG) modificados com filmes polim?ricos para detec??o de Leishmaniose infantum em amostras de soros caninos. Os EG e o EIG foram modificados pela eletrodeposi??o do ?cido 2-hidroxicin?mico (2-HCA). A eletropolimeriza??o do 2-HCA foi realizada por voltametria c?clica (VC), utilizando-se solu??o monom?rica 2,50 mM preparada em H2SO4 0,50 M contendo 1,0 mL de etanol. Para o EG utilizou-se 100 ciclos de potencial na faixa de +0,20 a +1,20 V a 50 mV/s e para o EIG 15 ciclos consecutivos de potencial de 0,00 a +1,00V a 100 mV/s. Para ambos os eletrodos modificados o poli(2-HCA) apresentou caracter?sticas adsortivas e eletroativas. Estudos de Espectroscopia de Imped?ncia Eletroqu?mica (EIE) foram realizados para avaliar as propriedades el?tricas dos eletrodos modificados. Para o EG/2-HCA utilizou-se o circuito equivalente descrito como (Rs(RQp)(Qdl[RtcW]) onde obteve-se o valor de resist?ncia a transfer?ncia de carga (Rtc) de 13,2 k?, enquanto que para EIG/2-HCA o circuito equivalente proposto foi o de Randles, no qual o valor de Rtc foi de 4,2 k?. Visando a miniaturiza??o do sistema, optou-se pelo desenvolvimento do biossensor sobre os EIG. Desta forma, foram colocados sobre a superf?cie dos EIG/2-HCA, utilizando a t?cnica de adsor??o, 35 ?L de diferentes concentra??es do ant?geno L. infantum (Ag) (15, 30, 50, 70 e 100 ?g/mL), sendo realizados testes de intera??o com amostras de soros caninos contendo os anticorpos positivos (Ac+) de L. infantum em diferentes propor??es 1:80, 1:160, 1:320, 1:640 e 1:1280 dilu?dos em tamp?o HBS-EP pH 7,40 com 20 minutos de intera??o a 37 ?C. Os melhores resultados foram obtidos utilizando-se o ant?geno em concentra??o de 50 ?g/mL durante 20 min a 37 ?C e a dilui??o do soro de 1:320. Posteriormente, avaliou-se o tempo de imobiliza??o do Ag e de imunorrea??o Ag-Ac em 20, 40 e 60 minutos. Obteve-se 20 min de como tempo ideal de imobiliza??o de Ag e para imunorrea??o Ag-Ac+. Ap?s otimiza??o destes par?metros, avaliou-se a resposta do imunossensor na presen?a de amostras de soros caninos diagnosticados como positivos (Ac+) e negativos (Ac-) para Leishmaniose infantum, onde observou-se valores de Rtc para o sistema Ag-Ac+ 82% maior do que o obtido para o Ag-Ac-, demonstrando margem de seguran?a confi?vel no reconhecimento do analito de interesse. O imunossensor proposto para detec??o de Leishmaniose infantum apresentou boas perspectivas para aplica??o ao diagn?stico da doen?a, podendo-se tornar mais uma alternativa para realiza??o de testes r?pidos e de simples aplica??o para detec??o de LVC. / Disserta??o (Mestrado) ? Programa de P?s-Gradua??o em Qu?mica, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, 2017. / Visceral Canine Leishmaniasis (LVC) is considered a public health issue caused by a protozoan of the Leishmania genre that attacks dogs, which is the main reservoir in the urban transmission cycle. In this work, we investigated the development of an impedimetric immunosensor on graphite electrodes (GE) and graphene oxide-modified screen-printed carbon electrode (GSP) both modified with polymeric films to detect Leishmaniose infantum in canine serum samples. The GE and GSP were modified by the electrodeposition of 2-hydroxycinnamic acid (2-HCA). Electropolymerization of 2-HCA was performed by cyclic voltammetry (CV) using a 2.50 mM monomeric solution prepared in 0.50 M H2SO4 containing 1.0 mL of ethanol. For the EG and EIG, 100 cycles of potential between +0.20 and +1.20 V at 50 mV/s and 15 cycles of potential between 0.00 and + 1.00 V at 100 mV/s were used, respectively. Poly(2-HCA) shown adsorptive and electroactive characteristics for both electrodes. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) studies were performed to evaluate the electrical properties of the modified electrodes. For the GE/2-HCA was used an equivalent circuit described as (Rs(RpQp)(Qdl[RtcW]), and a resistance of charge transfer (Rct) of 13.2 k? was obtained. For GSP/2-HCA the proposed equivalent circuit was that of Randles in which the value of Rct obtained was 4.2 k?. For system miniaturization it was developed the biosensor over GSP. Thus, 35 ?L of different concentrations of L. infantum antigen (Ag) (15, 30, 50, 70 e 100 ?g/mL) were placed on the GSP/2-HCA surface using the adsorption technique. Interaction tests were carried out with canine serum samples containing the positive antibodies (Ac+) of L. infantum in different proportions of 1:80, 1:160, 1:320, 1:640 e 1:1280, diluted in HBS-EP buffer pH 7.4 with 20 minutes of interaction at 37 ?C. The best results were obtained using the antigen at a concentration of 50 ?g/mL for 20 min at 37 ?C and a serum dilution of 1:320. Subsequently, the Ag immobilization and Ag-Ac immunoreaction time were evaluated in 20, 40 and 60 min. 20 min was obtained as the ideal time for Ag immobilization and Ag-Ac+ immunoreaction. After optimization of these parameters, the immunosensor response was evaluated in the presence of canine serum diagnosed as positive (Ac+) and negative (Ac-) for Leishmaniose infantum, where the Rct values for the Ag-Ac+ system were 82% higher than those obtained for Ag-Ac-, demonstrating a reliable safety margin in the recognition of the analyte of interest. The proposed immunoassay for the detection of Leishmaniasis infantum presented good prospects for application in the diagnosis of the disease, and it could become an alternative for performing rapid tests and simple application for the detection of LVC.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T19:02:40Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 3890.pdf: 2739392 bytes, checksum: fdb93cb69cafb89992f3e6a155deacfb (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-10-21 / The Biosafety is a very important tool for the Control of Hospital Infection establishing through methods, techniques and standards, measures to be adopted in order to prevent and control risks that may contribute to hospital infection. This work reports the development of an impedimetric immunosensor for detection of pathogenic bacteria, specifically Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), in hospital critical areas (Surgical Centers and Intensive Care Units) to contribute to the hospital infection control. Different parameters were studied: direct immobilization of protein A of S. aureus on the surface of the transducer or the working electrode (screen-printed electrode - SPE), immobilization of protein A on SPEs modified with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of cystamine (CYS) and glutaraldehyde (GA); different incubation times and dilutions were used for both modifiers as for protein A and anti- S. aureus antibodies; blocking with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and immunoassay (antigen-antibody reaction, Ag-Ab). Electrochemical techniques (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy - EIS and cyclic voltammetry - CV) and non electrochemical (microscopy) were used for the characterization and construction of the immunosensor. The impedance measurements and cyclic voltammetry showed the good results with self-assembled monolayer of cystamine 2 x 10-2 mol L-1 and glutaraldehyde 2,5% with incubation periods of 2 and 1h, respectively; immobilization of protein A 1:20 (tincub = 12 h) and anti-S. aureus monoclonal Ab (tincub = 3 h) and step blocking with 0.5% BSA (tincub = 1 h). For the Ag-Ab interaction S. aureus ATCC - 6535 strains (analyte) were used and incubation for 30 min. The immunosensor developed has proven to be an effective method for monitoring of S. aureus in a hospital environment and that can be applied as an indicative tool of the effectiveness of the standards and procedures applied to the control of hospital infection. / A Biossegurança constitui uma ferramenta de grande relevância para o Controle da Infecção Hospitalar estabelecendo através de métodos, técnicas e normas, condutas a serem adotadas com o intuito de prevenir e controlar os riscos que podem favorecer à infecção hospitalar. Este trabalho relata o desenvolvimento de um imunossensor impedimétrico para detecção de Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), em áreas críticas hospitalares (Centros Cirúrgicos e Unidades de Terapia Intensiva) visando contribuir para o controle de infecção hospitalar. Diferentes parâmetros foram estudados: imobilização direta da proteína A de S. aureus na superfície do transdutor ou eletrodo de trabalho (screen-printed electrode - SPE); imobilização da proteína A sobre SPEs modificados com monocamadas auto-organizadas (SAMs) de cistamina (CYS) e glutaraldeído (GA); diferentes tempos de incubação e diluições foram utilizados tanto para os modificadores como para a proteína A e anticorpos anti-S. aureus; bloqueio com soroalbumina bovina (SAB) e imunoensaio (reação antígeno-anticorpo, Ag-Ac). Técnicas eletroquímicas (espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica - EIS e voltametria cíclica - VC) e não eletroquímicas (microscopias) foram utilizadas para a caracterização e construção do imunossensor. As medidas de impedância e voltametria cíclica mostraram bons resultados com monocamadas auto-organizadas de cistamina 2 x 10-2 mol L-1 e glutaraldeído 2,5% com tempos de incubação de 2 e 1 h, respectivamente;assim como as imobilizações da proteína A 1:20 (tincub = 12 h); Ac monoclonais anti-S. aureus (tincub = 3 h) e etapa de bloqueio com SAB 0,5% (tincub = 1 h). Na interação Ag-Ac utilizou-se cepas de S. aureus ATCC - 6535 (analito) e incubação de 30 min. O imunossensor desenvolvido indicou ser um método efetivo para monitoramento de S. aureus em ambiente hospitalar e que pode ser aplicado como instrumento indicativo da efetividade das normas e condutas aplicadas para o controle de infecção hospitalar.

Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais / The biossensores constitute analytical important devices for the clinical diagnosis of many diseases, enabling real-time analysis, with high specificity and sensitivity. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to develop a platform functionalized with the poly (3- hydroxybenzoic acid), to detection of nitrogenous bases, oligonucleotides and antibodies against the surface protein (Am1) of Anaplasma marginale.These biological recognition elements were immobilized on the functionalized platform and the biosensor was characterized by electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques. The detections of the antigen-antibody interaction were conducted using the signal obtained from the oxidation of protein interleaver, 4- aminoantipyrine (4 -AAP), using voltammetry technique of differential pulse.Theoretical chemistry studies were employed to analyze the Am1 interactions with the sensor platform and the web server model RaptorX to infer three-dimensional structure of the membrane proteins of A. marginale.The molecular modeling was conducted from methods semi- empirical, DFT and molecular mechanics.The transitions redoxes of polymer were classified as almost reversible, with band gap of 1.2 V, characteristic of semiconductor materials.The detections of poly CT and antibodies of A. marginale, using the graphite electrode functionalized with the probes, poly GA and Am1 respectivamente, were 66% higher than the graphite electrode not functionalized.The protein of superfice Am1 presented a structure stable in beta-sheet, while Am2 presented an unstable structure in α -helix.In electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was possible qualitatively differentiate the functionalized platform with: Am1, IgG+, IgG- and interfering. The time of storage of the immunosensor was satisfactory, with reduced peak current by 35%, after 90 days. These results demonstrate the excelent applicability of functionalized platform for the development of immunosensor for diagnosis of bovine anaplasmosis, leaving only the economic feasibility studies for commercial deployment of the said immunosensor. / Os biossensores constituem-se como dispositivos analíticos importantes para o diagnóstico clínico de inúmeras doenças, por permitirem uma análise em tempo real, além de suas altas especificidades e sensibilidades. Nesse sentido, o objetivo desse estudo foi desenvolver uma plataforma funcionalizada com o poli (ácido 3-hidroxibenzóico), para a detecção de bases nitrogenadas, oligonucleotídeos e anticorpos contra a proteína de superfície (Am1) da Anaplasma marginale. Esses elementos de reconhecimento biológico foram imobilizados na plataforma funcionalizada e o biossensor foi caracterizado por técnicas eletroquímicas e espectroscópicas. As detecções da interação antígeno-anticorpo foram realizadas através do sinal obtido da oxidação do intercalador de proteína, 4-aminoantipirina (4-AAP), utilizando a técnica de voltametria de pulso diferencial. Estudos de química teórica foram empregados para análise das interações da Am1 com a plataforma sensora e o modelo web server RaptorX para inferência da estrutura tridimensional das proteínas de membrana da A. marginale. A modelagem molecular foi realizada a partir de métodos semi-empíricos, DFT e mecânica molecular. As transições redoxes do polímero foram classificadas como quase reversíveis, com band gap de 1,2 V característico de materiais semicondutores. As detecções de poli CT e anticorpos da A. marginale, empregando o eletrodo de grafite funcionalizado com as sondas, poli GA e Am1 respectivamente, foram 66 % superior a do eletrodo de grafite não funcionalizado. A proteína de superfície Am1 apresentou uma estrutura estável em folha-beta e a Am2 uma estrutura instável em α-hélice. Na espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica foi possível diferenciar qualitativamente a plataforma funcionalizada com: Am1, IgG+, IgG- e interferente. O tempo de estocagem do imunossensor mostrou-se satisfatório, com redução do pico de corrente em 35 %, após 90 dias. Esses resultados demonstraram a excelente aplicabilidade da plataforma funcionalizada para o desenvolvimento de imunossensor para diagnóstico da anaplasmose bovina, restando apenas os estudos de viabilidade econômica para implantação comercial do referido imunossensor. / Doutor em Química

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / In this study we investigated the electropolymerization isomers hydroxyphenylacetic acid, for their application in the construction of polymeric systems, by immobilizing synthetics molecules for development of biological sensors. The graphite electrodes electrochemically modified were characterized for morphology and electrochemical behavior showing that the poly(2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid), poly(3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid) and poly(4-hydroxyphenylacetic) are electroactive, and the latter showed a lower yield in electrosynthesis in agreement with the images of atomic force microscopy showed that the surface of graphite electrodes were changed less with this material compared to its isomers. The electrochemical impedance spectra of poly (4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid) showed that this material is more resistive with respect to its other isomers which are more conductive in accordance with the values of current and voltage shown by tests ion exchange the probes positive and negative. The ratio between the masses electrodeposited and the loads required to carry out the redox process these materials remained constant demonstrating that the same number of electrons are involved in reduction and oxidation of these materials according to the diagnostic reversibility applied by cyclic voltammetry are unanimously reversible systems, however poly(3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid) was more stable during repeated cycling electrochemically in perchloric acid. The optimized tridimensional structures justify the electrochemical and morphologic behavior of these three platforms, wherein the poly(2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid) and poly(3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid) have structures with a more ordered arrangement, unlike poly(4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid), which has a rather more disordered structure and therefore more resistive, while isomers are more conductors. The mechanistic proposal begins with the anodic oxidation of monomers whose square wave voltammetry experiments showed the loss of an electron. The couplings between cation radicals promote a formation of ether leaving the acetate groups exposed on the structure. The pairing occurs between the phenolic oxygen and carbon of the aromatic ring whose potential were studied by spin density and consistent with the resonance structures of the cation-radical that are in the suggested mechanisms. In tests incorporation of nitrogenous bases found that poly(3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid) also proved more effective in the retention of the same and for this reason associated with their better electrochemical behavior described above, it was selected among others for applying isomers polimeric systems by immobilizing synthetics molecules by physical adsorption. In the first system froze synthetic oligonucleotides that mimic fragments of DNA from the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis able to recognize their genomic DNA in samples of pure cultures by differential pulse voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and this latter showed a better response sensitivity signal in relation to the increasing concentration of the target. In the second system, there immobilization of synthetic peptides compatible to the cell membrane of Anaplasma marginale able to selectively recognize antibodies in their sera samples from cattle. The images made by atomic force microscopy of the two procedures backing the effective recognition of both polimeric systems developed for the detection of Neisseria meningitidis and Anaplasma marginale bacteria causing bacterial meningitis and bovine anaplasmosis, respectively. / Neste trabalho foi investigada a eletropolimerização dos isômeros do ácido hidroxifenilacético, visando sua aplicação na construção de sistemas poliméricos, através da imobilização de moléculas sintéticas para o desenvolvimento de sensores biológicos. Os eletrodos de grafite eletroquimicamente modificados foram caracterizados quanto à morfologia e o comportamento eletroquímico, evidenciando que o poli(ácido 2-hidroxifenilacético), poli(ácido 3-hidroxifenilacético) e poli(ácido 4-hidroxifenilacético) são eletroativos, sendo que este último apresentou um menor rendimento em massa na eletrossíntese, em concordância com as imagens de microscopia de força atômica, que mostraram que a superfície dos eletrodos de grafite foram menos alteradas com este material em relação aos seus isômeros. Os espectros de impedância eletroquímica do poli(ácido 4-hidroxifenilacético), mostraram que esse material é mais resistivo em relação aos seus outros isômeros que são mais condutores em concordância com os valores de corrente e potencial evidenciados nos ensaios de troca iônica nas sondas positiva e negativa. A relação entre as massas eletrodepositadas e as cargas necessárias para realizar o processo redox nestes materiais foi constante, indicando que o mesmo número de elétrons está envolvido na oxidação e redução destes materiais, que se comportaram como sistemas reversíveis segundo os diagnósticos de reversibilidade aplicados por voltametria cíclica, todavia o poli(ácido 3-hidroxifenilacético) mostrou-se mais estável eletroquimicamente durante sucessivas ciclagens em ácido perclórico. As estruturas tridimensionais otimizadas justificam o comportamento eletroquímico e morfológico destas três plataformas, em que os poli(ácido 2-hidroxifenilacético) e poli(ácido 3-hidroxifenilacético) apresentam estruturas com um arranjo mais ordenado e por isso são mais condutores ao contrário do poli(ácido 4-hidroxifenilacético) que tem uma estrutura mais desordenada, e por isso mais resistiva. A proposta mecanística inicia-se com a eletrooxidação dos monômeros, cujas investigações experimentais por voltametria de onda quadrada, mostraram a perda de um elétron. Os acoplamentos entre os cátions radicais promovem uma formação de éter deixando os grupos acetato expostos na estrutura. O emparelhamento ocorre entre o oxigênio fenólico e carbonos do anel aromático, cujas possibilidades foram estudadas pela densidade de spin e concordantes com as estruturas de ressonância dos cátions-radicais que estão nos mecanismos sugeridos. Nos testes de incorporação de bases nitrogenadas, verificou-se que o poli(ácido 3-hidroxifenilacético) mostrou-se mais eficiente na retenção das mesmas e por este motivo associado ao seu melhor comportamento eletroquímico, foi selecionado dentre os outros isômeros como o sistema polimérico mais adequado para aplicação nas detecções, através da imobilização por adsorção física de moléculas sintéticas de reconhecimento. No primeiro sistema, imobilizou-se oligonucleotídeos sintéticos compatíveis a fragmentos de DNA da bactéria Neisseria meningitidis, capazes de reconhecer seu DNA genômico em amostras por voltametria de pulso diferencial e espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica, sendo que esta última mostrou uma melhor sensibilidade de resposta de sinal em relação ao aumento de concentração do alvo. No segundo sistema, ocorreu a imobilização de peptídeos sintéticos compatíveis à membrana celular da Anaplasma marginale, capazes de reconhecer seletivamente seus anticorpos em amostras de soros sanguíneos bovinos. As imagens feitas por microscopia de força atômica, respaldam o reconhecimento eficaz de ambos os sistemas poliméricos desenvolvidos para detecção das bactérias Neisseria meningitidis e Anaplasma marginale, causadores de meningite bacteriana e anaplasmose bovina, respectivamente. / Doutor em Química

Submitted by Fabio Sobreira Campos da Costa (fabio.sobreira@ufpe.br) on 2016-08-31T14:13:50Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Tese doutorado Bárbara V M Silva.pdf: 8451335 bytes, checksum: 8f05c2e3a44caad45cfbe00e5b36c3eb (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-31T14:13:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Tese doutorado Bárbara V M Silva.pdf: 8451335 bytes, checksum: 8f05c2e3a44caad45cfbe00e5b36c3eb (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-02-24 / CAPEs / A presente tese descreve o desenvolvimento de sensores eletroquímicos para imunoensaios empregando a tecnologia de eletrodos impressos com a finalidade de detectar a troponina T cardíaca, o marcador mais específico, atualmente, do infarto agudo do miocárdio. Um dos desafios na confecção de sensores eletroquímicos para imunoensaios é alcançar baixos limites de detecção. Nanomateriais de carbono são, recentemente, considerados excelentes estratégias no preparo de superfícies sensoras devido às suas excelentes propriedades, tais como rápida transferência elétrica e atividade catalítica, aumento da relação superfície/volume e, consequentemente, maior quantidade de biomoléculas imobilizadas. Nesta tese, nanotubos de carbono e grafeno foram utilizados sob diferentes abordagens para modificação de superfícies eletródicas. Um imunossensor baseado em eletrodos serigrafados obtidos pela impressão de filmes de nanotubos de carbono amino funcionalizados incorporados em tinta de carbono foi desenvolvido para detecção “livre de marcação”. Os grupos amino dos nanotubos expostos na interface sensora impressa foram utilizados para imobilização orientada dos anticorpos monoclonais anti-troponina T. Os nanofilmes impressos apresentaram uma excelente estabilidade e reprodutibilidade, exibindo um desvio padrão relativo (DP) menor que ~2% (n = 8), comparado com controle (DP ~9%, n = 8). A resposta analítica do sensor, obtida por voltametria de pulso diferencial, apresentou uma faixa linear entre 0,0025 e 0,5 ng/mL de troponina T (r = 0,995; p<0,0001; n=7), combinado a um baixo erro relativo (<<1%) e limite de detecção de 0,0035 ng/mL. Com o propósito de substituir os anticorpos anti-troponina T, visto que estes constituem parte onerosa do dispositivo, um sensor biomimético foi desenvolvido a partir de uma superfície nanoestruturada de grafeno e polipirrol. A técnica de impressão biomimética em superfície (“surface imprinting”) foi utilizada como estratégia para simplificar e reduzir em uma única etapa a produção das cavidades biomiméticas. Estas foram obtidas através da eletropolimerização do polipirrol e derivados copoliméricos orgânicos mimetizando grupos proteicos amino-reativos. As respostas analíticas do sensor foram geradas por voltametria de pulso diferencial, exibindo uma faixa linear de resposta variando de 0,01 a 0,1 ng/mL de troponina T (r = 0,9953; p<0,0001; n=5) e um limite de detecção de 0,006 ng/mL, mostrando um ótimo desempenho do sensor biomimético. As cavidades biomiméticas apresentaram uma constante de dissociação (KD) de 7,3 10- 13 mol/L, indicando boa afinidade à troponina quando comparadas com o sensor controle (sem troponina T), KD igual a 11,6 10-13 mol/L. Em conclusão, ambas as plataformas sensoras mostram potencial para detecção da troponina T em níveis de importância clínica no diagnóstico do infarto agudo, constituindo testes de pronto atendimento para emergências cardiológicas. / This thesis describes the development of electrochemical sensors for immunoassay by using a screen-printed electrodes technology in order to detect the human cardiac troponin T, the most important marker currently of the acute myocardial infarction. One of the challenges in the manufacturing of electrochemical sensors for immunoassays is to reach low limits of detection. Carbon nanomaterials are recently considered excellent strategies in preparing sensing surfaces due to theirs excellent properties, such as rapid electrical transfer and catalytic activity, increase surface / volume ratio and, consequently, offering higher amount of immobilized biomolecules. In this thesis, carbon nanotubes and graphene were used under different approaches in order to modify the sensors surfaces. An immunosensor based on screen printed electrode obtained by printing of amino functionalized carbon nanotubes films incorporated into carbon ink has been developed for "label-free" detection. The amino groups exposed on the imprinted sensor interface were utilized for oriented immobilization of the monoclonal antibody anti-troponin T. The imprinted nanofilms showed an excellent stability and reproducibility, exhibiting a relative standard deviation (RSD) less than ~2% (n = 8) compared to control (RSD ~9%, n = 8). The analytical response of the sensor, obtained by differential pulse voltammetry, showed a linear range between 0.0025 and 0.5 ng/mL (r = 0.995; p <0.0001, n = 7), combined with a low relative error (<< 1 %) and a calculated limit of detection of 0.0035 ng/mL. In order to replace the anti-troponin T antibody, since these are costly part of the device, a biomimetic sensor was developed from a nanostructured surface of graphene and polypyrrole. The biomimetic technique of surface imprinting was used as a strategy for simplify and reduce in a one-step production of the biomimetic cavities. These were obtained by electropolymerization of the pyrrole and its organic copolymers mimicking amino reactive protein groups. The analytical responses of the sensor were obtained by differential pulse voltammetry, exhibiting a linear range response in 0.01 and 0.1 ng/mL of troponin T (r = 0.9953; p <0.0001, n = 5) and a limit of detection of 0.006 ng/mL, showing a good performance of the biomimetic sensor. The biomimetic sites exhibited a dissociation constant (KD) of 7.3 10-13 mol/L, indicating a good affinity to troponin when compared to its control (without troponin T), KD equal to 11.6 10-13 mol/L. In conclusion, both sensor platform the sensor platforms showed a potential for troponin T detection in levels of clinical important for acute myocardial infarction diagnostic, constituting point-of-care testing for cardiac emergency departments.

Submitted by Fabio Sobreira Campos da Costa (fabio.sobreira@ufpe.br) on 2016-09-20T12:39:54Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Diego_Ricardo_daSilva_Leite_DISSERTAÇÃO.pdf: 2264802 bytes, checksum: 0e31f6102f6a8c9b24148d435e822ef1 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-09-20T12:39:54Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Diego_Ricardo_daSilva_Leite_DISSERTAÇÃO.pdf: 2264802 bytes, checksum: 0e31f6102f6a8c9b24148d435e822ef1 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-02-04 / CAPES / Atualmente, têm-se buscado métodos que viabilizem um diagnóstico eficaz, prático, rápido e de baixo custo na detecção de doenças que se revelem atrativos para os serviços de saúde pública. Nesse contexto, os imunossensores têm apresentado respostas promissoras, revelando-se como métodos analíticos práticos, rápidos e econômicos. Recentemente, a utilização de nanomateriais de alótropos de carbono, destacando-se os nanotubos de carbono (NTC), têm resultado em melhoria na sensibilidade por aumentar transferência eletrônica, sobretudo quando aliados a polímeros condutores. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver plataforma nanoestruturada para aplicação em imunossensores. Como objeto de estudo, foi detectado anticorpos contra o nucleocapsídeo do vírus da hepatite B (HBV), visto que este marcador é o mais importante no controle e vigilância de bolsas de sangue em serviços hemoterápicos. No presente trabalho, eletrodos de tinta de carbono serigrafados sobre substrato de politileno tereftalato (PET) foram modificados por 0,0063% de nanotubos de carbono (NTC-COOH) e 6% em concentração de ftalocianina de cobalto (CoPc) que foram recobertos com filmes de polipirrol (PPi). O filme foi obtido por cronoamperometria (0,8V, 80s) usando soluções de 0,1 M de pirrol (Pi) em meio ácido. Foi observada uma boa reprodutibilidade e estabilidade dos eletrodos sobretudo pós-inserção do filme quando caracterizado eletroquimicamente. Além disso, as imagens de microscopia eletrônica mostraram uma baixa produção de pirroles. Os sensores desenvolvidos com a associação de nanotubos de carbono funcionalizados apresentaram melhor desempenho analítico em relação ao controle (sem NTC). A imobilização do antígeno do núcleo capsídeo da hepatite B (HBc-Ag) foi confirmada por decréscimo da área eletroativa dos voltamogramas cíclicos. A resposta aos anticorpos anti-HBc foi evidenciada por técnica de voltametria de onda quadrada, mostrando que a plataforma desenvolvida é promissora para aplicação em sensor para hepatite. / Currently, they have been sought methods that enable effective diagnosis, practical, fast and low-cost in detecting diseases that may prove attractive to public health services. In this context, immunosensors have shown promising responses, revealing himself as analytical methods of practical, fast and economical. Recently, the use of carbon allotropes of nanomaterials, highlighting carbon nanotubes (CNT), have resulted in improved sensitivity by increasing wire transfer, especially when combined with conductive polymers. The aim of this study was to develop nanostructured platform for immunosensors application. As study object was detected antibodies against the nucleocapsid of hepatitis B virus (HBV), as this marker is the most important in the control and surveillance of blood bags in haemotherapic services. In this study, carbon ink electrodes screen printed on the substrate polythene terephthalate (PET) have been modified for 0.0063% of carbon nanotubes (CNT-COOH) and 6% concentration of cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) were coated with polypyrrole films (PPy). The film was obtained by chronoamperometry (0.8 V, 80 s) using 0.1 M solution of pyrrole (Py) in acidic. Was observed a good reproducibility and stability particularly after insertion of the film electrode when electrochemically characterized. Furthermore, electron microscopy images showed a low production pyrroles. The sensors developed in association with functionalized carbon nanotubes showed better analytical performance compared to the control (without NTC). The immobilization of the capsid antigen hepatitis B core (HBc-Ag) was confirmed by decreasing the area of the electroactive cyclic voltammograms. The response to anti-HBc antibody was evidenced by technical square wave voltammetry, showing that the platform is developed promising for application to sensor hepatitis.

L'objectif du travail de recherche mené concerne l'élaboration des nouveaux matériaux d'électrodes modifiés pour des applications dans le domaine des biocapteurs. Le travail a été subdivisé en trois parties portant sur le greffage du sel de diazonium pour application immunocapteur, l'électroadressage des d'anticorps et l'électrodépôt d'un espaceur pour application aptacapteur. Dans la première partie de ce travail, nous nous sommes consacrés d'abord à l'électrogreffage du nitrobenzène diazonium sur la surface d'or pour le développement de capteurs immunologiques destinés à la détection de la bactérie Staphylococcus aureus. Une limite de détection de 10 UFC/mL a été atteinte. Dans la deuxième partie, la détection de l'ochratoxine A est présentée, basée sur l'électroadressage covalent de l'anticorps modifié par la fonction diazonium sur des électrodes de Diamant Dopé Bore (BDD). Une limite de détection de 0.007ng/mL a été obtenue et l'immunocapteur a été testé sur des échantillons réels. Enfin, on a développé un aptacapteur basé sur le greffage d'un espaceur (PEG) sur la surface des microcellules BDD pour la quantification de la biotoxine OTA. Une limite de détection de 0,01ng/L a été obtenue et application à un échantillon réel (le riz) a été démontrée. Les résultats obtenus, basés sur des méthodes électrochimiques de détection (variation de l'impédance ou du courant d'une sonde redox) sont encourageantes en termes de sensibilité, limite de détection, reproductibilité et spécificité / The objective of the research work was to the development of modified electrode materials for biosensor application. The work was devided into three parts: electrografting of diazonium salt for immunosensor application, electroadressing of antibodies and electrodeposition of PEG spacer for aptasensor application. In the first part of this work, the modification of gold surfaces with nitrobenzene diazonium cation was investigated in order to develop an immunosensors for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus. A detection limit of 10 CFU/mL has been obtained. The second part was focused on the electrically addressable deposition of diazonium functionalized antibodies on boron-doped diamond (BDD) microcells for the detection of OTA. A detection limit of 0.007ng/mL has been obtained and the immunosensor was tested on real samples. Finally, we developed an amperometric aptasensor based on electrochemical grafting of a PEG-COOH spacer on a BDD microcell for the detection of OTA biotoxin. A detection limit of 0.01 ng/L has been obtained and application to a real sample (rice) has been demonstrated. The amperometric and impedimetric techniques used in this work lead to promising results in terms of sensitivity, specificity and reproductibility

[EN] Different electronic interfaces have been proposed to measure major parameters for the characterization of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) during the last two decades. The measurement of the adequate parameters of the sensor for a specific application is very important, since an error in this measure can lead to an error in the interpretation of the results. The requirements of the system of characterization depend on the application. In this thesis we propose two characterization systems for two types of applications that involve the majority of sensor applications: 1) Characterization of materials under variable damping conditions and 2) Detection of substances with high measurement resolution. The proposed systems seek to solve the problems detected in the systems currently in use. For applications in which the sensor damping varies during the experiment, we propose a system based on a new configuration of the technique of automatic capacitance compensation (ACC). This new configuration provides the measure of the series resonance frequency, the motional resistance and the parallel capacitance of the sensor. Moreover, it allows an easy calibration of the system that improves the precision in the measurement. We show the experimental results for 9 and 10 MHz crystals in fluid media, with different capacitances in parallel, showing the effectiveness in the capacitance compensation. The system presents some deviation in frequency with respect to the series resonance frequency, as measured with an impedance analyser. These deviations are due to the non-ideal, specific behaviour of some of the components of the circuit. A new circuit is proposed as a possible solution to this problem. For high-resolution applications we propose an integrated platform to characterize high-frequency acoustic sensors. The proposed system is based on a new concept in which the sensor is interrogated by means of a very stable, low-noise external source at a constant frequency, while the changes provoked by the charge in the phase of the sensor are monitored. The use of high-frequency sensors enhances the sensitivity of the measure, whereas the design characterization system reduces the noise in the measurement. The result is an improvement in the limit of detection (LOD). This way, we achieve one of the challenges in the acoustic high-frequency devices. The validation of the platform is performed by means of an immunosensor based in high fundamental frequency QCM crystals (HFF-QCM) for the detection of two pesticides: carbaryl and thiabendazole. The results obtained for carbaryl are compared to the results obtained by another high-frequency acoustic technology based in Love sensors, with the optical technique based in surface plasmonic resonance and with the gold standard technique Enzyme Linked Immunoassay (ELISA). The LOD obtained with the acoustic sensors HFF-QCM and Love is similar to the one obtained with ELISA and improves by one order of magnitude the LOD obtained with SPR. The conceptual ease of the proposed system, its low cost and the possibility of miniaturization of the quartz resonator, allows the characterization of multiple sensors integrated in an array configuration, which will allow in the future to achieve the challenge of multianalyte detection for applications of High-Throughput Screening (HTS). / [ES] Durante las dos últimas décadas se han propuesto diferentes interfaces electrónicos para medir los parámetros más importantes de caracterización de los cristales de microbalanza de cuarzo (QCM). La medida de los parámetros adecuados del sensor para una aplicación específica es muy importante, ya que un error en la medida de dichos parámetros puede resultar en un error en la interpretación de los resultados. Los requerimientos del sistema de caracterización dependen de la aplicación. En esta tesis se proponen dos sistemas de caracterización para dos ámbitos de aplicación que comprenden la mayoría de las aplicaciones con sensores QCM: 1) Caracterización de materiales bajo condiciones de amortiguamiento variable y 2) detección de sustancias con alta resolución de medida. Los sistemas propuestos tratan de resolver la problemática detectada en los ya existentes. Para aplicaciones en las que el amortiguamiento del sensor varía durante el experimento, se propone un sistema basado en una nueva configuración de la técnica de compensación automática de capacidad (ACC). La nueva configuración proporciona la medida de la frecuencia de resonancia serie, la resistencia dinámica y la capacidad paralelo del sensor. Además, permite una fácil calibración del sistema que mejora la precisión en la medida. Se presentan resultados experimentales para cristales de 9 y 10MHz en medios fluidos, con diferentes capacidades en paralelo, demostrando la efectividad de la compensación de capacidad. El sistema presenta alguna desviación en frecuencia con respecto a la frecuencia resonancia serie, medida con un analizador de impedancias. Estas desviaciones son explicadas convenientemente, debidas al comportamiento no ideal específico de algunoscomponentes del circuito. Una nueva propuesta de circuito se presenta como posible solución a este problema. Para aplicaciones de alta resolución se propone una plataforma integrada para caracterizar sensores acústicos de alta frecuencia. El sistema propuesto se basa en un nuevo concepto en el que el sensor es interrogado, mediante una fuente externa muy estable y de muy bajo ruido, a una frecuencia constante mientras se monitorizan los cambios producidos por la carga en la fase del sensor. El uso de sensores de alta frecuencia aumenta la sensibilidad de la medida, por otro lado, el sistema de caracterización diseñado reduce el ruido en la misma. El resultado es una mejora del límite de detección (LOD). Se consigue con ello uno de los retos pendientes en los dispositivos acústicos de alta frecuencia. La validación de la plataforma desarrollada se realiza con una aplicación de un inmunosensor basado en cristales QCM de alta frecuencia fundamental (HFF-QCM) para la detección de dos pesticidas: carbaryl y tiabendazol. Los resultados obtenidos para el Carbaryl se comparan con los obtenidos con otra tecnología acústica de alta frecuencia basada en sensores Love, con la técnica óptica basada resonancia superficial de plasmones (SPR) y con la técnica de referencia Enzyme Linked Immuno Assay (ELISA). El LOD obtenido con los sensores acústicos HFFQCM y Love es similar al obtenido con las técnicas ELISA y mejora en un orden de magnitud al obtenido con SPR. La sencillez conceptual del sistema propuesto junto con su bajo coste, así como la capacidad de miniaturización del resonador de cuarzo hace posible la caracterización de múltiples sensores integrados en una configuración en array, esto permitirá en un futuro alcanzar el reto de la detección multianalito para aplicaciones High-Throughput Screening (HTS). / [CAT] Durant les dues últimes dècades s'han proposat diferents interfases electrònics per a mesurar els paràmetres més importants de caracterització dels cristalls de microbalança de quars (QCM). La mesura dels paràmetres adequats del sensor per a una aplicació específica és molt important, perquè un error en la interpretació dels resultats pot resultar en un error en la interpretació dels resultats. Els requeriments del sistema de caracterització depenen de l'aplicació. En aquesta tesi, es proposen dos sistemes de caracterització per a dos àmbits d'aplicació que comprenen la majoria de les aplicacions amb sensors QCM: 1) Caracterització de materials sota condicions d'amortiment variable i 2) detecció de substàncies amb alta resolució de mesura. Els sistemes proposats tracten de resoldre la problemàtica detectada en els ja existents. Per a aplicacions en les quals l'amortiment del sensor varia durant l'experiment, es proposa un sistema basat en una nova configuració de la tècnica de compensació automàtica de capacitat (ACC). La nova configuració proporciona la mesura de la freqüència de ressonància sèrie, la resistència dinàmica i la capacitat paral¿lel del sensor. A més, permet un calibratge fàcil del sistema que millora la precisió de la mesura. Es presenten els resultats experimentals per a cristalls de 9 i 10 MHz en mitjans fluids, amb diferents capacitats en paral¿lel, demostrant l'efectivitat de la compensació de capacitat. El sistema presenta alguna desviació en freqüència respecte a la freqüència ressonància sèrie, mesurada amb un analitzador d'impedàncies. Aquestes desviacions són explicades convenientment, degudes al comportament no ideal específic d'alguns components del circuit. Una nova proposta de circuit es presenta com a possible solució a aquest problema. Per a aplicacions d'alta resolució es proposa una plataforma integrada per a caracteritzar sensors acústics d'alta freqüència. El sistema proposat es basa en un nou concepte en el qual el sensor és interrogat mitjançant una font externa molt estable i de molt baix soroll, a una freqüència constant mentre es monitoritzen els canvis produïts per la càrrega en la fase del sensor. L'ús de sensors d'alta freqüència augmenta la sensibilitat de la mesura, per altra banda, el sistema de caracterització dissenyat redueix el soroll en la mateixa. El resultat és una millora en el límit de detecció (LOD). S'aconsegueix amb això un dels reptes pendents en els dispositius acústics d'alta freqüència. La validació de la plataforma desenvolupada es realitza amb una aplicació d'un immunosensor basat en cristalls QCM d'alta freqüència fonamental (HFF-QCM) per a la detecció de dos pesticides: carbaryl i tiabendazol. Els resultats obtinguts per al carbaryl es comparen amb els obtinguts amb altra tecnologia acústica d'alta freqüència basada en sensors Love, amb la tècnica òptica basada en ressonància superficial de plasmons (SPR) i amb la tècnica de referència Enzyme Linked Immuno Assay (ELISA). El LOD obtingut amb els sensors acústics HFF-QCM i Love és similar al obtingut amb les tècniques ELISA i millora en un ordre de magnitud el obtingut amb SPR. La senzillesa conceptual del sistema proposat junt amb el seu baix cost, així com la capacitat de miniaturització del ressonador de quars fa possible la caracterització de múltiples sensors integrats en una configuració en array, el que permetrà en un futur assolir el repte de la detecció multianalit per a aplicacions High-Throughput Screening (HTS). / García Narbón, JV. (2016). Improved characterization systems for quartz crystal microbalance sensors: parallel capacitance compensation for variable damping conditions and integrated platform for high frequency sensors in high resolution applications [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/63249 / TESIS

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / Immunosensors are affinity ligand-based biosensor solid-state devices in which the immunochemical reaction is coupled to a transducer. The specificity of the molecular recognition of antigens by antibodies to form a stable complex is the basis of the immunosensor on the electrode. The development of such a sensor requires a better design and preparation of an optimum interface between the biomolecules and the detector material. The immunosensors were developed based on Polyaniline derivative composite. Novel water soluble PdTe quantum dots (QD) was synthesized and characterized by different physical techniques such as UV-Visible (UV-VIS), Fluorescence Spectroscopy (PL), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The electroactivity of such synthesized quantum dots was studied by cyclic voltammetry in aqueous media. The synthesis of poly(2,5- dimethoxyaniline)-multi wall 'carbon nanotubes nanocomposite was carried out by electropolymerization in situ of 2,5-dimethoxyaniline - multi wall carbon nanotubes (PDMA-MWCNT) from aqueous dispersion containing acid-treated multi wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and 2,5-dimethoxyaniline subsequently modifying a glassy carbon electrode in acid media. An undoped PDMA was also prepared for control. The composite for this work, consists of layer-by-layer method to form a multilayer film of QDs and PDMA-MWCNT. The method used was as follows; the drop coating of quantum dots followed by electrodeposition of poly(2,5- dimethoxyaniline )-carbon nanotubes onto surface of glassy carbon. The PDMA-CNT was characterized by UV-Visible (UV-Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The electrochemical characterisation of PDMA-CNT was carried out using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The composite (QDs-PDMA-MWCNT) was also characterized using above mentioned techniques. The electrochemical immunosensor for fumonisin a mycotoxin was prepared by dropcoating of mycotoxins antibody onto the composite modified glassy carbon electrode. The response profiles of fumonisins sensors system were obtained from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. The fumonisin immunosensor was used for the detection of fumonisins in certified com reference materials. For comparison reasons, analysis of such mycotoxins was carried out by using conventional analytical method enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The EIS response of FBI immunosensor (GCEIPT-PDMA-MWCNT/anti-Fms-BSA) gave a linear range of 7 to 49 ng L-I and the corresponding sensitivity and detection limits were 0.0162 ka L ng-I and 0.46 pg L-I, respectively. Hence the limit of detection of GCEIPT-PDMA-MWCNT immunosensor for fumonisins in com certified material was calculated to 0.014 and 0.011 ppm for FBI, and FB2 and FB3, respectively. These results are lower than those obtained by ELISA, a provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) for fumonisins (the sum of FBI, FB2, and FB3) established by the Joint FAO / WHO expert committee on food additives and contaminants of 2 ug kg" and the maximum level recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for protection of human consumption (2-4 mg L-I).