Attomole detection of hemagglutinin molecule of influenza virus by combining an electrochemiluminescence sensor with an immunoliposome that encapsulates a Ru complex

Abstract

An immunoliposome (80 nm in diameter) encapsulating a Ru complex with two aminobutyl moieties was prepared to detect the presence of hemagglutinin molecules, which play an important role in influenza virus infection. The highly sensitive detection was accomplished by electrochemiluminescence (ECL) from the Ru complex adsorbed onto Au electrodes after competitive immunoreactions. This method clarified that the adsorption of the Ru complex onto the electrode was an important factor in obtaining high sensitivity. Optimization of the analytical conditions enabled determination of the hemagglutinin molecules of the influenza virus in the concentration range of 3 x 10(-14) (6 x 10(-19) mol/50 microL sample) to 2 x 10(-12) g/mL. The sensitivity was far superior to that obtained by conventional ELISA as well as to that obtained by biosensors and reported thus far.