Development of an immunosensor for the determination of allergy antibody (IgE) in blood samples

The current work describes the optimisation of a system for measurement of allergy antibodies (IgE) in blood samples using disposable screen-printed carbon electrode technology and amperometric detection of p-aminophenol, produced by alkaline phosphatase, at +300 mV versus Ag/AgCl. The system was primarily developed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) prior to analysis by screen-printed electrodes. The sensor incorporates the clinically relevant range of IgE in sensitised patients with a detection limit of 0.09 ng ml-1 IgE. The system is simple, requiring only addition of analyte (sample) and analysis is complete in 30 min. In addition, it is cost effective and was developed for use as a point of care device, capable of measuring IgE levels in a drop of blood.