Detection of oxidized low density lipoproteins by indium oxide nanowires-based field effect transistor

Oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) particles are known to initiate the development of coronary artery disease. Field effect transistors (FET) made of indium oxide (In₂O₃) nanowires have been demonstrated as sensitive chemical sensors for gaseous molecules such as NO₂ and NH₃. We hereby, apply In₂O₃ nanowires FETs to differentiate oxLDL from native LDL (nLDL), cytochrome-c and bovine serum albumin in terms of the transistor characteristic curves: I_D-V_DS (current versus drain-source voltage) and I_D-V_GS (current versus gate-source voltage). Measurements under static and flow conditions revealed that exposure of nanowires to these redox proteins selectively changed the FET conductivity and the gating effect of the transistors. To enhance the selectivity for oxLDL detection, surface chemistry modification with antioxLDL antibody was performed.