Detection of vitellogenin, an endocrine disrupter biomarker, using AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors

Real time detection of vitellogenin in largemouth bass serum was demonstrated using AlGaN/GaN HEMTs. Anti-vitellogenin antibodies were chemically anchored to the gold-coated gate area of the HEMT by thioglycolic acid. The potential difference that occurred from the vitellogenin antigen/antibody interaction induced a drain current change. The sensor was able to detect as low as 4 µg/mL Vtg. Successful detection in serum samples shows that HEMTs have the potential to be used as biological sensors in real-world applications (© 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)