Biomolecule‐Doped Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Nanocomposite Film for Label‐Free Electrochemical Immunoassay of α‐1‐Fetoprotein

A new electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of α‐1‐fetoprotien (AFP) was developed based on AFP antibody (anti‐AFP)‐functionalized organic/inorganic hybrid nanocomposite membrane. To fabricate such a hybrid composite membrane, 3,4,9,10‐perylenetetracarboxylic acid‐bound thionine molecules (PTCTH) were initially doped into titania colloids (TiO₂), and then gold nanoparticles and anti‐AFP were immobilized onto the composite film in turn. Comparison with the electrode fabricated only with thionine not 3,4,9,10‐perylenetetracarboxylic acid, the immunosensor with PTCTH exhibited high sensitivity and fast electron transfer. The presence of gold nanoparticles provided a good microenvironment for the immobilization of biomolecules, enhanced the surface coverage of protein, and improved the sensitivity of the immunosensor. The modified process was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The surface topography of the membrane was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Under optimal conditions, the proposed immunosensor exhibited a wide linear range from 2.5 to 200.0 ng/mL towards AFP with a detection limit of 0.5 ng/mL (S/N=3). The stability, reproducibility and precision of the immunosensor were acceptable. Comparison with the conventional enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the present method did not require more labeled procedures and washing steps. Significantly, the detection methodology provides a promising approach for other proteins or biosecurities.     

A photoelectrochemical biosensor using ruthenium complex-reduced graphene oxide hybrid as the photocurrent signal reporter assembled on rhombic TiO2 nanocrystals driven by visible light

An ultrasensitive photoelectrochemical (PEC) immunoassay of cancer biomarker carcinoembryonie antigen (CEA) is proposed that uses rhombic titanium dioxide nanocrystals (TiO₂ NCs) coupled with Ab2–RGO-Ru bioconjugate, which featured CEA signal antibody (Ab2) and ruthenium tris(bipyridine) (Ru complex) labels linked to reduced graphene oxide (RGO) for signal amplification. Herein, the Ru complex acts as an electron donor, while RGO serves as an electron acceptor which facilitates charge separation and suppresses recombination of photoexcited electron–hole pairs in the hybridized species. The rhombic TiO₂ NCs were fabricated through a solvothermal technique in anhydrous ethanol, followed by spin-coating process and calcination, an ITO/TiO₂ electrode was obtained. Chitosan (CS) and glutaraldehyde (GLD) were used to modify the prepared ITO/TiO₂ electrode to covalently immobilize antibodies. With a sandwich-type immunoreaction, CEA and Ab2–RGO-Ru were conjugated successively to form a sandwich-type immunocomplex. Thus, a sandwich-type PEC immunosensor was fabricated for the detection of CEA was developed by monitoring the changes in the photocurrent signals of the electrode resulting from the immunoreaction. The proposed PEC immunosensor showed high sensitivity, selectivity, excellent stability, and good reproducibility, and thus has great potential to be used for other biological assays.     

Electrochemical Detection of β-Lactoglobulin Allergen Using Titanium Dioxide/Carbon Nanochips/Gold Nanocomposite-based Biosensor

A label-free electrochemical immunosensor was developed for the ultra-sensitive detection of β-lactoglobulin (β-LG). The novel nanocomplex of carbon nanochips, colloidal gold nanoparticles and titanium dioxide nanoparticles TiO₂/CNC/AuC were constructed on conducting polymer, chitosan, and were characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). This nanocomplex interface was studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and showed great improvement at the gold electrode surface with enhanced electrochemical performance, sensitivity and selectivity for β-lactoglobulin. Under optimal parameters, the square wave voltammetry (SWV) response curve was determined from 0.01 pg/mL to 500 pg/mL using [Fe(CN)₆]^3−/4−] redox probe. The calibration plot illustrates a linear relationship between log β-LG concentration and SWV current, with the limit of detection determined to be 0.01 pg/mL. This immunosensor displayed high sensitivity, selectivity, reproducibility and stability, and can be utilised for the detection of β-LG in real food samples.     

Electrochemiluminescence Immunosensor Based on Functionalized Graphene/Fe3O4‐Au Magnetic Capture Probes for Ultrasensitive Detection of Tetrodotoxin

An ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor for the detection of tetrodotoxin (TTX) is proposed, which are composed of the branched poly‐(ethylenimine) (BPEI) functionalized graphene (BGNs)/Fe₃O₄‐Au magnetic capture probes and luminol‐capped gold nanocomposites (luminol‐AuNPs) as the signal tag. Herein, a typical sandwich immunecomplex was constructed on the glassy carbon electrode. The BGNs/Fe₃O₄‐Au hybrids could efficiently conjugate primary antibody via the Au−S chemical bonds or Au−N chemical bonds and rapidly separate under external magnetic field. The introduction of BPEI to GO could enhance the luminol‐ECL intensity. Meanwhile, the multifunctional nanocomposites have been proved with good water‐solubility, excellent electron transfer, outstanding stability, etc. The luminescent luminol‐AuNPs, a high efficient electrochemiluminescence marker, can be assembled on the second antibody, which can produce the ECL signal to achieve the determination of TTX. This proposed ECL immunosensor with a linear range from 0.01–100 ng/mL can be applied in the detection of TTX in real samples with satisfactory results.     

Highly conducting gold nanoparticles-graphene nanohybrid films for ultrasensitive detection of carcinoembryonic antigen

A new label-free amperometric immunosensor was developed for detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) based on chitosan-ferrocene (CS-Fc) and nano-TiO₂ (CS-Fc + TiO₂) complex film and gold nanoparticles-graphene (Au-Gra) nanohybrid. CS-Fc + TiO₂ composite membrane was first modified on a bare glass carbon electrode. Then Au-Gra nanohybrid was formed on the CS-Fc + TiO₂ membrane by self-assembly strategy. Next, further immobilization of anti-CEA was constructed according to the strong interaction between Au-Gra and the amido groups of anti-CEA. Since Au-Gra nanohybrid films provided a congenial microenvironment for the immobilization of biomolecules, the surface coverage of antibody protein could be enhanced and the sensitivity of the immunosensor has been improved. The good electronic conductive characteristic might be attributed to the synergistic effect of graphene nanosheets and Au NPs. The modified process was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Under optimized conditions, the resulting biosensor displayed good amperometric response to CEA with linear range from 0.01 to 80 ng/mL and a detection limit of 3.4 pg/mL (signal/noise = 3). The results demonstrated that the immunosensor has advantages of high conduction, sensitivity, and long life time. This assay approach showed a great potential in clinical applications and detection of low level proteins.     

Opportunities and Challenges in the Use of TiO2 Nanoparticles Modified with Citric Acid to Synthesize Advanced Nanocomposites Based on Poly(amide-imide) Containing N,N′-(Pyromellitoyl)-bis-L-leucine Segments

In this study, the goal was the preparation, characterization, and surface morphology of poly(amide-imide)/TiO₂-citric acid nanocomposites (PAI/TiO₂-CA NCs). Owing to the high surface energy and tendency for agglomeration, the surface of TiO₂ nanoparticles was modified with citric acid. Then poly(amide-imide) was synthesized by direct polycondensation reaction of N,N′-(pyromellitoyl)-bis-L-leucine diacid with 4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane by triphenyl phosphite and tetra-n-butylammonium bromide as a green medium. The attained polymer and modified TiO₂ nanoparticles were used to prepare PAI/TiO₂-CA NCs through ultrasonic irradiation. The resulting PAI/TiO₂-CA NC was characterized with FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis.     

The Signal‐Enhanced Label‐Free Immunosensor Based on Assembly of Prussian Blue‐SiO2 Nanocomposite for Amperometric Measurement of Neuron‐Specific Enolase

A signal‐enhanced label‐free electrochemical immunosensor was constructed by the employment of Prussian blue doped silica dioxide (PB‐SiO₂) nanocomposite. At first, PB‐SiO₂ nanocomposite which was produced by using a microemulsion method was used to obtain a nanostructural monolayer on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface. Next amino‐functionalized interface were prepared by self‐assembling 3‐aminopropyltriethoxy silane (APTES) on the PB‐SiO₂ nanoparticle surface. Then chitosan stabled gold nanoparticle (CS‐nanoAu) was subsequently attached, while the entire surface was finally loaded with neuron‐specific enolase antibody (anti‐NSE) via the adsorption of gold nanoparticle. The sensitivity of the proposed immunosensor has greatly improved as the PB‐SiO₂ nanostructural sensing film provides plenty of active sites which might catalyze the reduction of H₂O₂. The immunosensor exhibited good linear behavior in the concentration range from 0.25–5.0 and 5.0–75 ng/mL for the quantitative analysis of neuron‐specific enolase (NSE), a putative serum marker of small‐cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), with a limit of detection of 0.08 ng/mL. The resulting NSE immunosensor showed high sensitivity and long‐term lifetime which can be attributed to the extremely high catalytic activity and biocompatibility of CS‐nanoAu/APTES/PB‐SiO₂ nanostructural multilayers.     

Electro‐nano Diagnostic Platforms for Simultaneous Detection of Multiple Cancer Biomarkers

In this study, a bimetallic nanomaterial‐based electrochemical immunosensor was developed for the detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) cancer biomarkers at the same time. CEA and VEGF biomarkers are indicators for colon and breast cancers and stomach cancers, respectively. During the study, gold nanoparticle (AuNp), lead nanoparticle (PbNp), copper nanoparticle (CuNp) and magnetic gamma iron(III)oxide (γFe₂O₃ Np) were synthesized, characterized and used together for the first time in the structure of an electrochemical biosensor based on anti‐CEA and anti‐VEGF. For this purpose, Au SPE based sandwich immunosensor was fabricated by using labeled anti‐CEA (labeled with Pb⁺²) and labeled anti‐VEGF (labeled with Cu⁺²). As a result, CEA and VEGF biomarkers were detected following the oxidation peaks of label metals (Pb⁺² and Cu⁺²) by using differential pulse voltammetry. After the experimental parameters were optimized, the linear range was found in the concentration range between 25 ng/mL and 600 ng/mL with the relative standard deviation (RSD) value of (n=3 for 600 ng/mL) 3.33 % and limit of detection (LOD) value of 4.31 ng/mL for CEA biomarker. On the other hand, the linear range was found in the concentration range between 0.2 ng/mL and 12.5 ng/mL with the RSD value of (n=3 for 12.5 ng/mL) 5.31 % and LOD value of 0.014 ng/mL for VEGF biomarker. Lastly, sample application studies for synthetic plasma sample and interference studies with dopamine, ascorbic acid, BSA, cysteine and IgG were carried out.     

A Dendrimer Supported Electrochemical Immunosensor for the Detection of Alpha‐feto protein – a Cancer Biomarker

The electrochemical detection of alpha‐feto protein based on novel gold nanoparticles‐ poly(propylene imine) dendrimer platform is reported. The platform was prepared by co‐electrodeposition of gold nanoparticles and generation 3 poly (propylene imine) dendrimer on a glassy carbon electrode. Each modifying step was characterised by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrochemical measurements showed that the platform was stable, conducting and exhibited reversible electrochemistry. Results obtained from the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy interrogation in [Fe(CN)₆^3−/4−] redox probe showed a marked reduction in charge transfer resistance (R_ct) after each modification step. The immunosensor was prepared by immobilisation of a probe anti‐alpha feto protein (AFP) on the platform for 3 hrs at 35 °C followed by blocking the surface with bovine serum albumin to minimise non‐specific binding. The prepared immunosensor was used to detect AFP over a wide concentration range from 0.005 to 500 ng/mL and detection limits of 0.0022 and 0.00185 ng/mL were obtained for SWV and EIS measurements respectively. The immunosensor gave good stability over a period of fourteen days when stored at 4 °C.     

A Facile Electrochemical Immunosensor with Mesoporous Alumina for Detection of Carcinoembryonic Antigen

A label‐free electrochemical immunosensor for the sensitive determination of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was fabricated by immobilizing anti‐CEA onto mesoporous alumina (meso‐Al₂O₃) dispersed in chitosan (0.5 %wt) by the cross‐linking method using glutaraldehyde. Due to its plenty of active sites, meso‐Al₂O₃ showed high catalysis towards hydroquinone. With the electrocatalytic ability of meso‐Al₂O₃ for the reduction of hydroquinone, the current signal of the antigen‐antibody reaction was amplified and the enhanced sensitivity was achieved. The current decreased linearly with CEA concentration in the range of 0.04 to 10 ng/mL (26 pg/mL, S/N=3). The immunosensor had good selectivity and wonderful stability. Furthermore it was applied to the analysis of CEA in serum sample with satisfactory results.     

One‐Step Electrochemical Immunoassay for Carcinoembryonic Antigen in Human via Back‐Filling Immobilization of Gold Nanoparticles on DNA‐Modified Gold Electrodes

A new amperometric immunobiosensor for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) determination in human serum was developed via encapsulation of horseradish peroxidase‐labeled carcinoembryonic antibody (HRP‐anti‐CEA) in a gold nanoparticles/DNA composite architecture. The presences of gold nanoparticles provided a congenial microenvironment for the immobilized biomolecules and decreased the electron transfer impedance, leading to a direct electrochemical behavior of the immobilized HRP. The formation of the antibody–antigen complex by a simple one‐step immunoreaction between the immobilized HRP‐anti‐CEA and CEA in sample solution introduced a barrier of direct electrical communication between the immobilized HRP and the gold electrode surface. Under optimal conditions, the current change obtained from the labeled HRP relative to H₂O₂ system was proportional to the CEA concentration in two linear ranges from 0.5 to 15 ng/mL and 15 to 300 ng/mL with a detection limit of 0.1 ng/mL (at 3δ). The precision and reproducibility are acceptable with the intraassay CV of 6.3% and 4.7% at 8 and 60 ng/mL CEA, respectively. The storage stability of the proposed immunosensor is acceptable in a pH 7.0 PBS at 4 °C for 9 days. Moreover, the proposed immunosensors were used to analyze CEA in human serum specimens. Analytical results of clinical samples show the developed immunoassay has a promising alternative approach for detecting CEA in the clinical diagnosis.     

Label-free sandwich type of immunosensor for hepatitis C virus core antigen based on the use of gold nanoparticles on a nanostructured metal oxide surface

We report on the construction of a label-free electrochemical immunosensor for detecting the core antigen of the hepatitis C virus (HCV core antigen). A glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modified with a nanocomposite made from gold nanoparticles, zirconia nanoparticles and chitosan, and prepared by in situ reduction. The zirconia nanoparticles were first dispersed in chitosan solution, and then AuNPs were prepared in situ on the ZrO₂-chitosan composite. In parallel, a nanocomposite was synthesized from AuNPs, silica nanoparticles and chitosan, and conjugated to a secondary antibody. The properties of the resulting nanocomposites were investigated by UV-visible photometry and transmission electron microscopy, and the stepwise assembly process was characterized by means of cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. An sandwich type of immunosensor was developed which displays high sensitivity to the HCV core antigen in the concentration range between 2 and 512?ng?mL^?1, with a detection limit of 0.17?ng?mL^?1 (at S/N?=?3). This immunosensor provides an alternative approach towards the diagnosis of HCV.

Fabrication of an electrochemical immunosensor for α-fetoprotein based on a poly-L-lysine-single-walled carbon nanotubes/Prussian blue composite film interface

Single-walled carbon nanotubes functionalized with poly-L-lysine (PLL-SWCNTs) were successfully prepared and were used as a biocompatible platform to immobilize α-fetoprotein antibody (anti-AFP) which was labeled with horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Then, anti-AFP-HRP/PLL-SWCNT nanocomposites were coated onto a Prussian blue (PB) film-modified glassy carbon electrode surface. Glutaraldehyde was used to further stabilize the biosensing interface through a cross-linking step. All unspecific sites were blocked by bovine serum albumin to fabricate a novel electrochemical immunosensor for α-fetoprotein determination. The immunosensor was characterized by voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Based on the catalytic current response of H₂O₂, the experimental conditions for α-fetoprotein determination were optimized. Under optimal conditions, the current response was linearly related to α-fetoprotein concentration in the range of 0.05～10.0 and 10.0～50.0 ng/mL with a detection limit of 0.011 ng/mL. The immunosensor was successfully used for the determination of α-fetoprotein in human blood plasma. The results were satisfied with that obtained with ELISA, demonstrating a good accuracy of the immunosensor.     

A novel electrochemical immunosensor using β-cyclodextrins functionalized silver supported adamantine-modified glucose oxidase as labels for ultrasensitive detection of alpha-fetoprotein

In this work, a novel sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensor based on host-guest interaction was fabricated for the detection of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). Due to the large specific surface area of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and the unique supramolecular recognition ability of β-cyclodextrins, ferrocenecarboxylic acid (Fc) was incorporated into this sensor platform by host-guest interaction to generate an electrochemical signal. And β-cyclodextrins functionalized silver supported adamantine-modified glucose oxidase (GOD-CD-Ag), was used as a label to improve the analytical performance of the immunosensor by the dual amplification strategy. The obtained GOD-CD-Ag conjugates could convert glucose into gluconic acid with the formation of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). And then silver nanoparticles could in situ catalyze the reduction of the generated H₂O₂, dramatically improving the oxidation reaction of Fc. The developed immunosensor shows a wide linear calibration range from 0.001 to 5.0 ng/mL with a low detection limit (0.2 pg/mL) for the detection of AFP. The method, with ideal reproducibility and selectivity, has a wide application prospect in clinical research.     

Development of proof of concept for prostate cancer detection: an electrochemical immunosensor based on fullerene-C60 and copper nanoparticles composite film as diagnostic tool

Screening of Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in human blood is the most common approach to diagnose prostate cancer. The joint application of biology and electrochemistry has shown a tremendous rise in research towards the development of electrochemical diagnostic tools for various diseases. The present study demonstrates the development of an effective immunosensing platform incorporating hydroquinone (HQ) immobilized, fullerene-C₆₀ and copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) composite film on glassy carbon electrode (HQ@CuNPs-reduced-fullerene-C₆₀/GCE) for the selective, quick and trace detection of PSA. In order to fabricate immunosensor sequential immobilization of primary antibody (Ab₁), blocking agent (bovine serum albumin (BSA)), antigen (prostate-specific antigen (PSA)) and secondary antibody (Ab₂) tagged with horseradish peroxide (HRP) was carried out on HQ@CuNPs-reduced-fullerene-C₆₀/GCE. Electrochemical characterization and the signal response of immunosensor were tested using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Due to the synergetic effect of fullerene-C₆₀ and CuNPs, the novel nanocomposite film exhibited excellent catalytic activity towards hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) reduction for greatly amplified immunosensing signals. HQ@CuNPs-fullerene-C₆₀/GCE exhibited a well-defined redox peak and accelerated electrochemical reduction of H₂O₂ without any interference of dissolved oxygen and false-positive result in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) at pH 7.0. The parameters influencing the electrochemical response were optimized. Under the optimized conditions, wide linearity between PSA concentrations and current responses ranging from 0.005 ng/mL to 20 ng/mL with the lower detection limit of 0.002 ng/mL was obtained at the proposed immunosensor. The clinical applicability of the proposed immunosensor was successfully tested in serum and urine samples. Results revealed that the proposed immunosensor may create new boundaries in the identification of PSA in human blood samples.     

Electroanalytical Determination of Carcinoembryonic Antigen at a Silica Nanoparticles/Titania Sol–Gel Composite Membrane‐Modified Gold Electrode

A highly hydrophilic and nontoxic colloidal silica nanoparticle/titania sol–gel composite membrane was prepared on a gold electrode via a chemical vapor deposition method. With carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as a model antigen and encapsulation of carcinoembryonic antibody (anti‐CEA) in the composite architecture, this membrane could be used for reagentless electrochemical immunoassay. The presence of silica nanoparticles provided a congenial microenvironment for adsorbed biomolecules. The formation of immunoconjugate by a simple one‐step immunoreaction between CEA in sample solution and the immobilized anti‐CEA introduced the change in the potential. The modified procedure was further characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Compared to the commonly applied methods, i.e., the TiO₂ direct embedding procedure, this strategy could allow for antibodies immobilized with higher loading amount and better retained immunoactivity. The resulting immunosensor exhibited high sensitivity, good precision, acceptable stability, accuracy, reproducibility and wide linear range from 1.5 to 240 ng mL^?1 with a detection limit of 0.5 ng mL^?1 at 3σ. Analytical results of clinical samples show that the developed immunoassay is comparable with the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) method, implying a promising alternative approach for detecting CEA in the clinical diagnosis. Furthermore, this composite membrane could be used efficiently for the entrapment of other biomarkers and clinical applications.     

A photoelectrochemical immunosensor based on Au-doped TiO2 nanotube arrays for the detection of α-synuclein

α‐Synuclein (α‐SYN) is a very important neuronal protein that is associated with Parkinson’s disease. In this paper, we utilized Au‐doped TiO₂ nanotube arrays to design a photoelectrochemical immunosensor for the detection of α‐SYN. The highly ordered TiO₂ nanotubes were fabricated by using an electrochemical anodization technique on pure Ti foil. After that, a photoelectrochemical deposition method was exploited to modify the resulting nanotubes with Au nanoparticles, which have been demonstrated to facilitate the improvement of photocurrent responses. Moreover, the Au‐doped TiO₂ nanotubes formed effective antibody immobilization arrays and immobilized primary antibodies (Ab₁) with high stability and bioactivity to bind target α‐SYN. The enhanced sensitivity was obtained by using {Ab₂‐Au‐GOx} bioconjugates, which featured secondary antibody (Ab₂) and glucose oxidase (GOx) labels linked to Au nanoparticles for signal amplification. The GOx enzyme immobilized on the prepared immunosensor could catalyze glucose in the detection solution to produce H₂O₂, which acted as a sacrificial electron donor to scavenge the photogenerated holes in the valence band of TiO₂ nanotubes upon irradiation of the other side of the Ti foil and led to a prompt photocurrent. The photocurrents were proportional to the α‐SYN concentrations, and the linear range of the developed immunosensor was from 50 pg mL^?1 to 100 ng mL^?1 with a detection limit of 34 pg mL^?1. The proposed method showed high sensitivity, stability, reproducibility, and could become a promising technique for protein detection.     

Dual‐Amplification of Antigen–Antibody Interactions via Backfilling Gold Nanoparticles on (3‐Mercaptopropyl) Trimethoxysilane Sol‐Gel Functionalized Interface

A new dual‐amplification strategy of electrochemical signaling from antigen–antibody interactions was proposed via backfilling gold nanoparticles on (3‐mercaptopropyl) trimethoxysilane sol‐gel (MPTS) functionalized interface. The MPTS was employed not only as a building block for the electrode surface modification but also as a matrix for ligand functionalization with first amplification. The second signal amplification strategy introduced in this study was based on the backfilling immobilization of nanogold particles to the immunosensor surface. Several coupling techniques, such as with nanogold but not MPTS or with MPTS but not nanogold, were investigated for the determination of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as a model, and a very good result was obtained with nanogold and MPTS coupling immunosensor. With the noncompetitive format, the formation of the antigen–antibody complex by a simple one‐step immunoreaction between the immobilized anti‐CEA and CEA in sample solution introduced membrane potential change before and after the antigen–antibody interaction. Under optimal conditions, the proposed immunosensor exhibited a good electrochemical behavior to CEA in a dynamic concentration range of 4.4 to 85.7 ng/mL with a detection limit of 1.2 ng/mL (at 3 δ). Moreover, the precision, reproducibility and stability of the as‐prepared immunosensor were acceptable. Importantly, the proposed methodology would be valuable for diagnosis and monitoring of carcinoma and its metastasis.     

Study on an immunosensor based on gold nanoparticles and a nano-calcium carbonate/Prussian blue modified glassy carbon electrode

An amperometric carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) immunosensor was fabricated based on Prussian blue (PB), nano-calcium carbonate (nano-CaCO₃) and nano-gold modified glassy carbon electrode. First, PB as a mediator was deposited on glassy carbon electrode to obtain a negatively charged surface. Then, positive nano-CaCO₃ was adsorbed on the PB modified electrode through electrostatic interaction. Subsequently, gold nanoparticles were deposited on the nano-CaCO₃/PB modified electrode. The use of two kinds of nanomaterials (nano-CaCO₃ and nano-gold) with good biocompatibility as immobilization matrixes not only provides a biocompatible surface for protein loading but also avoids the leaking of PB. The size of nano-CaCO₃ was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The factors influencing the performance of the immunosensor presented were studied in detail. Under the optimized conditions, cyclic voltammograms (CV) determination of CEA showed a specific response in two concentration ranges from 0.3 to 20 ng mL^?1 and from 20 to 100 ng mL^?1 with a detection limit of 0.1 ng mL^?1 at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. The immunosensor presented exhibited high selectivity, sensitivity and good stability.     

Biomimetic Sensor for Dobutamine Employing Nano‐ TiO2/Nafion/Carbon Nanoparticles Modified Electrode

A novel voltammetric biosensor based on nano‐TiO₂/nafion/carbon nanoparticles modified glassy carbon electrode (TiO₂/N/CNP/GCE) was developed for the determination of dobutamine (DBA). Characterization of the surface morphology and property of TiO₂/N/CNP layer was carried out by the scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The electrochemical performance of the modified electrode was investigated by means of the cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. Effective experimental variables, such as the scan rate, pH of the supporting electrolyte, drop size of the casted modifier suspension and accumulation conditions of DBA on the surface of TiO₂/N/CNP/GCE were optimized. Under the optimized conditions, a significant electrochemical improvement was observed toward the electro‐oxidation of DBA on the surface of TiO₂/N/CNP/GCE compared to the bare GCE. Under the optimized conditions, a wide linear dynamic range (6 nM–1 µM) with a low detection limit of 2 nM for DBA was resulted. The prepared modified electrode shows high sensitivity, stability and good reproducibility in the determination of DBA concentrations. Satisfactory results were obtained for DBA analysis in the pharmaceutical and clinical preparations using TiO₂/N/CNP/GCE.