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Proteins associated with the venom of the tytius serrulatus scorpion immobilized within polyaniline-poly(Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) conducting blends

Biosensors can detect and analyze quantitatively and qualitatively the presence of a given molecule in a specific environment. Biosensors always have a biological recognition system that distinguishes them from any other kind of sensor. The goals of this work were to develop conductive hydrogels from the combination of polyaniline and poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) and to evaluate some important aspects related to the possibility of using these materials as matrices in biosensors that would detect toxic fractions of antigens associated with the venom of the Tytius Serrulatus scorpion. Different conductive blends from poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) and polyaniline were produced by dissolving the polymers in a common solvent. The electrical conductivity, morphology and swelling ability were measured the four-probe measuring system, scanning electron microscopy and weight gain in water, respectively. Immobilization and bioactivity of molecules associated with the venom of the Tytius Serrulatus scorpion were evaluated by combining the ELISA immunoassay method and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The results showed that even low concentrations of polyaniline led to high values of electrical conductivity and swelling. The biological tests indicated that the immobilization and bioactivity of the biomacromolecules associated with the venom of the Tytius Serrulatus scorpion were successfully achieved within the conductive hydrogel.

Biosensor; polyaniline; conductive blends; scorpion


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