IMMOBILIZATION OF HEPATITIS B ANTIBODY ONTO THE REDUCED GRAPHENE OXIDE

Hepatitis B (Hep B) is a viral infection caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) that infects the human liver. HBV is blood-borne and transfusion-transmitted human pathogen that has a large impact on blood safety and public health worldwide. Approximately 5% of the Malaysian population is infected by HBV. The treatment to this disease is possible if early detection is done before irreversible liver damage occurs. The presence of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) is an evidence of the presence of HBV infections. Presently, the conventional methods used for detection show weaknesses in terms of time and efficiency. In this research, the functionality of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as an immuno biosensor for the detection of HBsAg has been studied. The graphene oxide was prepared via Modified Hummer’s Method due to its ability to produce graphene in large quantity. The fabrication of immunosensor was conducted by immobilizing antibody onto the graphene. nafion-graphene nanosheet was grown and later treated with thionine solution. Following that, a solution of primary antibodies against Hep B surface antigen (anti-HBsAg IgG) was incubated on the biosensor. After the immobilization, the antigen was dropped onto the biosensor, followed by incubation of secondary antibodies conjugated to Horseradish Peroxidase (HRP). Upon addition of Tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), the colour of the solution changes to blue. Thus, proving the functionality of rGO as an immunobiosensor for the detection of HBsAg.