Detection of HER2 through Antibody Immobilization Is Influenced by the Properties of the Magnetite Nanoparticle Coating

Considerable effort has been focused on improving the control of size, shape, and surface modifications to detect proteins. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficiencies of aminosilane-coated magnetite (As-M) nanoparticles (NPs), dextran-coated magnetite nanoparticles (Dx-M), and bare nanoparticles for conjugating single-chain variable fragment antibodies (scFvs) with the aim of detecting the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein. Dx-M and As-M NPs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. Dx-M and As-M were conjugated with a monoclonal scFv for active targeting of the HER2 antigen. Aminosilane surface coating enhanced the scFv conjugation efficiency over twofold compared to that of the dextran-coated magnetite NPs for the detection of HER2 proteins.