Detection of HIV-1 antigen based on magnetic tunnel junction sensor and magnetic nanoparticles

TL;DR

This paper presents a highly sensitive magnetic tunnel junction sensor combined with magnetic nanoparticles for early detection of HIV-1 p24 antigen, enabling rapid and precise diagnosis during the early infection window.

Contribution

It introduces a novel MgO-based MTJ sensor assay with magnetic nanoparticles for detecting HIV p24 antigen with high sensitivity.

Findings

Achieved detection of HIV p24 antigen at pg/ml levels

Demonstrated rapid and accurate detection capability

Potential for early HIV diagnosis during window period

Abstract

In recent years, it is evidenced that the individuals newly infected HIV are transmitting the virus prior to knowing their HIV status. Identifying individuals that are early in infection with HIV antibody negative (window period) remains problematic. In the newly infected individuals, HIV antigen p24 is usually present in their serum or plasma 7-10 days before the HIV antibody. After antibody production initiates, the p24 antigen is bound into immune complexes. That means the detectable p24 antigens in serum/plasma are short-lived, and their amount is in the pg/ml range. Thus, a rapid quantitative bio-detection system with high-sensitivity is required to achieve early disease diagnosis. Magnetoresistive (MR) biosensor with ultra-high sensitivity possesses great potential in this area. In this study, a p24 detection assay using MgO-based magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) sensor and 20-nm magnetic nanoparticles is reported.