Incorporation of Erythrocytes into Polypyrrole to Form the Basis of a Biosensor to Screen for Rhesus (D) Blood Groups and Rhesus (D) Antibodies

Abstract

Antibodies to Rhesus (Rh) antigens are important indicators in screening for haemolytic disease of the new-born (HDN) and autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA). Identi®cation of the Rh antibodies formed by immune stimulation is also essential in order to maximize the in vivo survival time of transfused erythrocytes. Currently this is performed by agglutination based assays that are time consuming. A prototype of an immuno-biosensor for detecting antibodies recognizing the Rhesus blood group antigen, Rh (D), was constructed. Human erythrocytes were incorporated into a conducting polypyrrole, polyelectrolyte matrix. The process was followed by using oximetry and light microscopy to demonstrate the integrity of the erythrocytes in the polymerization solution and in the polymer matrix; cyclic voltammetry and resistometry for electrochemical characterization of the polymer and then agglutination, ELISA techniques and cyclic resistometry for analysis of the immuno response from antigenaantibody binding. Antigenaantibody binding could be detected qualitatively by using resistometry while cycling the polymer between 0X35 V and À0X7 V (vs. AgaAgCl). A characteristic cyclic change in resistance (a resistogram) was recorded. After addition of Anti-Rh (D) antibody (250 mgamL), the change in resistance during the resistogram decreased by 1.1 O (p`0X0008) in polymers containing Rh (D) positive erythrocytes, whereas polymers without erythrocytes showed no signi®cant change.

Applications of conducting polymers and their issues in biomedical engineering

“…Besides, PPy doped with erythrocytes can be used for the detection of blood rhesus factor via the rhesus factor antigens present on the cell surface (Campbell et al 1999 …”

Bioengineered Textiles and Nonwovens - The Convergence of Bio-miniaturisation and Electroactive Conductive Polymers for Assistive Healthcare, Portable Power and Design-led Wearable Technology

“…Beyond purified enzymes, a number of other bioactive materials lend themselves to particular application including creatinine, dopamine and DNA [19][20][21][22][23].…”

Bionic Ears: Their Development and Future Advances Using Neurotrophins and Inherently Conducting Polymers

“…It has often been found that the use of a smaller (more mobile) co-dopant results in more conductive electroactive films that are still biologically active (Adeloju et al 1996(Adeloju et al , 1997. The use of polyelectrolyte co-dopants has also proven useful for incorporating proteins (Hodgson et al 1994) and even whole living cells (Campbell et al 1999). Once again the use of the polyelectrolyte not only improves the electronic and electrochemical properties of the polymer but also provides a polymeric environment (high water content) more compatible with the cells to be maintained.…”