Selective AuNP-Based Biosensor for Chikungunya Protein Detection

The chikungunya virus (CHIKV) remains a public health concern in the Americas, highlighting the need for rapid and selective diagnostic strategies. In this work, we developed a dynamic light scattering based biosensor using antibody-functionalized gold nanoparticles for the detection of the CHIKV envelope (E2) protein. The bioconjugate exhibited colloidal stability, confirmed by measurements of hydrodynamic diameter, polydispersity index, and zeta potential. Following interaction with the CHIKV E2 protein, the biosensor demonstrated antigen recognition consistent with the Hill equation, achieving a limit of detection of 8 µg/mL in 30-minute interactions. Selectivity assays demonstrated a response 7 times more intense against the CHIKV E2 protein compared to the ZIKV E2, DENV NS1, and SARS-CoV-2 Spike proteins. These results demonstrate the potential of antibody-functionalized gold nanoparticles, combined with DLS, as a rapid and selective platform for the detection of arbovirus biomarkers.