Real-time detection of HIV-1 using an absorbance-based biosensor: a comparative study of surface coatings and antibody functionalization

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is the causative agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a severe infectious disease that has resulted in millions of deaths worldwide. Timely and accurate diagnosis of HIV-1 is crucial in reducing mortality rates associated with AIDS. In this study, we propose a real-time detection method for HIV-1 using an absorbance technique. Specifically, we compare the absorbance properties of three different biosensor surfaces: one coated with 10 nm titanium (Ti) the other coated with 50 nm gold (Au), and the other consisting of an uncoated glass slide. The gold-coated slide is preferred over the silver-coated slide because gold metal is considerably stable under testing conditions. In a quest to detect HIV-1, the glass, gold-coated and titanium-coated slides were successfully functionalized with relevant silanes (GMBS/3MPTS). To study the absorbance kinetics of the optical biosensor, we employ low-power light. As HIV-1 binds to the antibody on the surface, the binding interaction influences the absorbance of light as the sample passes through the functionalized surface. By monitoring the absorbance, we can deduce the capabilities of either Au, Ti, or Glass to detect the HIV-1 virus. By conducting this research, we aim to evaluate the efficacy of the Ti and Aucoated biosensor surface and consequently compare it to the uncoated glass slide on performance in detecting HIV-1 virus.The results provide insights into the performance of the biosensor with a specific metal for HIV-1 detection. This study contributes to the development of improved diagnostic tools for early HIV-1 diagnosis, ultimately aiding in the reduction of mortality rates associated with AIDS.