ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Gold nanoparticle-enhanced electrochemical aptasensor for ultrasensitive detection of dengue E protein

Kokilavani R, Hiranmoy Kotal, Thangapandi Kalyani, Arunima Lala, Biraj Bhuyan, and Saikat Kumar Jana

Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Jote, India

E-mail: saikatmicro4@gmail.com

Received: 6 September 2025  Accepted: 2 April 2026

Abstract:

Dengue is a significant global health concern, necessitating rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective tools for early detection. Herein, we report the first label-free electrochemical aptasensor specifically targeting the dengue virus envelope (E) protein, addressing a critical gap in dengue diagnostics beyond conventional NS1-based assays. The aptasensor was developed on a gold electrode through a rational layer-by-layer assembly of a cysteamine self-assembled monolayer, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and a thiolated DNA aptamer with high affinity toward the dengue E protein. The aptasensor demonstrates an impressive limit of detection (LOD) of 66 fg mL^− 1 within a broad dynamic range of 100 fg mL^− 1–5 ng mL^− 1, suitable for early-stage detection. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and electrochemical analysis confirmed successful surface functionalization and target interactions. The aptasensor also showed excellent selectivity against potential interferents, high reproducibility, and long-term stability. Importantly, its analytical performance was validated using dengue-positive human serum samples, showing strong agreement with standard ELISA results. Owing to its first-of-its-kind E-protein targeting strategy, label-free detection, rapid response, and exceptional sensitivity, the proposed aptasensor represents a promising and cost-effective point-of-care diagnostic tool for early-stage dengue detection, particularly suited for resource-limited settings.

Keywords: Aptasensor; Electrochemical biosensor; Dengue; Point-of-care; Label free detection

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-026-04873-8

Chemical Papers 80 (7) 8057–8068 (2026)