An impedimetric vascular endothelial growth factor biosensor-based PAMAM/cysteamine-modified gold electrode for monitoring of tumor growth

In the present work, we have developed a new biosensor based on fourth-generation (G4) PAMAM dendrimers for the analysis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). First, the PAMAM dendrimers were covalently attached to a cysteamine-modified Au electrode by glutaraldehyde. With the help of the amino groups located on its surface, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGF-R1) was immobilized via glutaraldehyde cross-linking. VEGF-R1 loading was investigated to identify the optimal VEGF-R1 immobilization conditions for the best sensitivity of the new biosensor. In addition, Kramers-Kronig transforms were also analyzed for immobilization and measurement processes. The biosensor had a linear range of 5 to 125 pg/mL VEGF. The fabricated biosensor had good repeatability and reproducibility. Finally, the results for artificial serum samples measured by the present biosensor showed a good recovery for VEGF detection. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.