Paper-based solid-state electrochemiluminescence sensor using poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) functionalized...

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Biosensing

Background:

• Paper-based chips (PCs) offer a low-cost, disposable platform for portable diagnostics.
• Solid-state electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensors require efficient immobilization and electron transfer for high sensitivity.
• Graphene-based composites can enhance sensor performance through synergistic effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly efficient solid-state ECL sensor on paper-based chips.
• To investigate the sensor's performance for analyte detection and biological sample analysis.
• To demonstrate the potential for sensitive and specific detection of single-nucleotide mismatches.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a composite film of poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) functionalized graphene (PSSG) and Nafion on screen-printed electrodes.
• Utilizing Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) as an ECL emitter and tripropylamine as an analyte.
• Evaluating sensor performance including detection limit, reproducibility, and stability.
• Assessing the sensor's capability for single-nucleotide mismatch discrimination in human urine.

Main Results:

• The PSSG composite film facilitated effective Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) immobilization and fast electron transfer.
• A low detection limit of 5.0 nM for tripropylamine was achieved (S/N=3).
• The sensor demonstrated excellent reproducibility (RSD of 0.63% over 45 cycles) and long-term stability (retaining ~80% intensity over 3 months).
• Successful discrimination of 1.0 nM single-nucleotide mismatch in human urine was achieved on paper chips.

Conclusions:

• The developed solid-state ECL sensor on paper chips is highly sensitive, stable, and efficient.
• The sensor offers a simple, low-cost, and disposable platform for complex biological sample analysis.
• This technology shows significant potential for point-of-care diagnostics and genetic analysis.