Detection of airborne Der p 1 allergen for indoor air quality evaluation using a biosensor platform

Abstract

Airborne house dust mite allergens are a major global contributor to asthma and allergic rhinitis. Der p 1 is one of the major allergens of dust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) and is a protein that belongs to the biochemical cysteine protease family. This protein is known to promote allergic reactions and generally has a molecular weight of approximately 25 kDa. In Korea, Der p 1 is the dominant allergen, responsible for sensitization in 70–80% of allergy patients. While the conventional ELISA offers high sensitivity, its complexity, long assay time (3–4 h), and dependence on expensive equipment render it unsuitable for rapid point-of-care (POC) diagnosis in domestic settings. Herein, we report the development of an electrochemical immunosensor designed to overcome these limitations. The sensor platform utilized a gold screen-printed electrode (SPE) surface, functionalized via an 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (11-MUA) self-assembled monolayer (SAM) and EDC/NHS activation chemistry to efficiently immobilize DerP1-specific antibodies. The resulting DerP1 biosensor converts the specific antigen-antibody binding event into a quantifiable electrochemical signal, enabling rapid and convenient detection of Der p 1 in indoor dust samples. This innovative platform demonstrates significant potential as a portable POC tool for environmental monitoring, substantially contributing to the management of allergic respiratory diseases.