Internal probe-external recognition immunosensor fabricated on nanochannels for reagent-free electrochemical detection of interleukin-1b

Q: What sensing strategy enables label-free IL-1b detection in this immunosensor?

The device uses an internal probe-external recognition design: AuNP electrochemical probes are embedded inside NH2-VMSF nanochannels, while antibodies are immobilized on the outer surface to capture IL-1b without adding extra signal probes.

Q: How does IL-1b binding affect the electrochemical signal?

After IL-1b binding, the immunosensor specifically captures the target and increases interface resistance, leading to a corresponding decrease in the electrochemical signal from the AuNP probes.

Q: What analytical performance and sample application are reported?

Quantitative analysis is achieved over 1 pg mL−1 to 100 ng mL−1 with a limit of detection of 0.6 pg mL−1, and the method is demonstrated for IL-1b detection in fetal bovine serum (FBS).

Sep 29, 2026

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Highly sensitive and selective immunosensing of interleukin-1b (IL-1b) enables dynamic monitoring of IL-1b in complex samples with clinical value for early urosepsis pathogenesis prevention. A dual-functional internal probe-external recognition immunosensor was constructed on a nanochannel array using NH2-VMSF on a glassy carbon electrode. Gold nanoparticles served as immobilized electrochemical probes inside NH2-VMSF nanochannels, while antibodies were covalently immobilized on the outer surface. IL-1b binding increased interface resistance and reduced the AuNP electrochemical signal, enabling label-free quantification with a 1 pg mL−1 to 100 ng mL−1 range and 0.6 pg mL−1 LOD, demonstrated in fetal bovine serum.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time23 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

IL-1b and urosepsis background

Existing detection methods and limitations

Electrochemical approaches and reagent-free probe-based assays

VMSF advantages for biosensor construction

RSC Advances PAPER Cite this: RSC Adv., 2026, 16, 501 Received 21st October 2025 Accepted 17th December 2025 DOI: 10.1039/d5ra08068a [rsc.li/rsc-advances](rsc.li/rsc-advances) Internal probe-external recognition immunosensor fabricated on nanochannels for reagent-free electrochemical detection of interleukin-1b Huanrui Wang,ab Hongxin Wangc and Fei Yan *c Highly sensitive and selective detection of interleukin-1b (IL-1b) enables dynamic monitoring of IL-1b levels in complex samples, providing signiﬁcant clinical value for the prevention of early pathogenesis of urosepsis. Herein, a dual-functional “internal probe-external recognition” immunosensor was developed on nanochannel array, spatially separating signal generation from target recognition for label-free detection of IL-1b. A polydopamine (PDA) adhesive layer was utilized to stabilize the growth of aminofunctionalized vertically-ordered mesoporous silica ﬁlm (NH2-VMSF) on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) . Using the dual functionality of NH2-VMSF, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were electrochemically deposited within the NH2-VMSF nanochannels as immobilized electrochemical probes, while antibodies were covalently immobilized on the outer surface of NH2-VMSF to act as biological recognition elements. Upon binding with IL-1b, the immunosensor speciﬁcally recognized and captured the target, resulting inan increase in interface resistance and a corresponding decrease in the electrochemical signal of AuNPs. This mechanism enabled the quantitative analysis of IL-1b, with a linear detection range from 1 pg mL−1 to 100 ng mL−1 and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0 . 6 pg mL−1 . The immunosensor was successfully applied to IL-1b detection in fetal bovine serum (FBS) . By eliminating the need for additional signal probes, the developed immunosensor simpliﬁes the detection process, demonstrates excellent antiinterference and stability, and oﬀers a new approach for reagent-free biomarker detection in complex samples. 1. Introduction Interleukin-1b (IL-1b), a principal mediator of in􀀁ammatory cascades, plays a critical role in the early pathogenesis of urosepsis.1 This condition typically arises from severe urinary tract infections, such as acute pyelonephritis or obstruction-related infections. Upon pathogen invasion into the bloodstream, innate immune cells are activated, leading to substantial production and release of IL-1b. Once secreted, IL-1b initiatesa potent downstream signalling cascade that ampli􀀃es proin􀀁ammatory responses, driving the clinical manifestations of systemic in􀀁ammatory response syndrome (SIRS) . For instance, the concentration of IL-1b in healthy adult serum is generally maintained at a low level (<5 pg mL−1) and serum IL-1b levels can rise signi􀀃cantly to 10–100 pg mL−1 or higher, during acute bacterial or viral infections (e.g. respiratory infections, enteritis, or tonsillitis) or acute phase of severe infections like sepsis.2,3 Additionally, under various chronic in􀀁ammatory or tissue aDepartment of Urology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China bThe Institute of Applied Lithotripsy Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China cSchool of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, [China. E-mail: yanfei@zstu.edu.cn](China. E-mail: yanfei@zstu.edu.cn) injury conditions, IL-1b levels show sustained elevation, commonly seen in autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), diﬀerent types of hepatitis (viral or autoimmune), major trauma or postoperative injury, and within the in􀀁ammatory microenvironment associated with cancer.4–6 Therefore, dynamic monitoring of IL-1b oﬀers valuable insights into identifying high-risk patients likely to progress to severe sepsis or septic shock and establishing a molecular rationale for early therapeutic interventions targeting the IL-1b pathway inurosepsis. Currently, IL-1b detection primarily relies on immunoassay techniques, includ

FAQs

What sensing strategy enables label-free IL-1b detection in this immunosensor?

The device uses an internal probe-external recognition design: AuNP electrochemical probes are embedded inside NH2-VMSF nanochannels, while antibodies are immobilized on the outer surface to capture IL-1b without adding extra signal probes.

How does IL-1b binding affect the electrochemical signal?

After IL-1b binding, the immunosensor specifically captures the target and increases interface resistance, leading to a corresponding decrease in the electrochemical signal from the AuNP probes.

What analytical performance and sample application are reported?

Quantitative analysis is achieved over 1 pg mL−1 to 100 ng mL−1 with a limit of detection of 0.6 pg mL−1, and the method is demonstrated for IL-1b detection in fetal bovine serum (FBS).

Sep 29, 2026

Uploaded by Angel