Molecularly Imprinted Chitosan Modified Quartz Tuning Fork Sensors for Real Time Biosensing in Liquid Environment

Abstract

Several new sensing technologies have emerged to meet the escalating demand for accurate and rapid diagnosis. We present an overview of the development of highly sensitive and selective Quartz Tuning Fork (QTF)-based sensors in a liquid environment, which will be critically important for contemporary diagnostic methods reliant on sensing technologies. The purpose of this study is to modify QTF prongs using molecularly imprinted chitosan, in combination with the operation of a quartz tuning fork as a piezoelectric crystal for biomedical applications. Through real-time data acquisition, we evaluate QTF resonance frequency shifts in dry and liquid environments using a model protein, BSA. As a result, the QTF-based sensor fails to detect BSA in dry conditions. It is however possible to measure frequency shifts ranging from 5 to 25 µg /mL within a liquid matrix. There is a rapid equilibration response time of 2 to 10 minutes depending on the concentration of BSA in the sensor. With the developed QTF-based sensor, a sensitivity of 1.1069 Hz/ µg has been achieved within the liquid matrix. As a result of the excellent properties of molecularly imprinted chitosan, it has been possible to develop a QTF-based biosensor capable of acquiring real-time data even when it is in liquid solutions.