A three-dimensional graphene-based ratiometric signal amplification aptasensor for MUC1 detection

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Nanomaterials Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Mucin1 (MUC1) is a significant cancer biomarker.
• Development of sensitive and selective detection methods for MUC1 is crucial for early cancer diagnosis.
• Electrochemical aptasensors offer advantages in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, and potential for point-of-care applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a three-dimensional graphene-based ratiometric signal amplification aptasensor for MUC1 detection.
• To achieve highly sensitive and selective electrochemical detection of MUC1.
• To explore the potential of this aptasensor for early cancer screening.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a sensor interface using Au-reduced graphene oxide (Au-RGO) composite on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE).
• Immobilization of ferrocene-labeled aptamer (Fc-Apt) for MUC1 recognition and internal reference.
• Signal amplification using Au nanoparticle modified with methyl blue labeled aptamer (MB-Apt@Au).
• Detection of MUC1 using alternating current voltammetry.

Main Results:

• The aptasensor demonstrated a wide linear detection range from 1 fM to 1 µM for MUC1.
• A low limit of detection of 0.25 fM was achieved.
• The sensor exhibited good specificity and satisfactory detection results.

Conclusions:

• The developed electrochemical aptasensor shows high sensitivity and selectivity for MUC1 detection.
• This method holds significant potential for the early screening and diagnosis of cancer diseases.
• The approach provides a foundation for developing ratiometric signal amplification aptasensors for other biomarkers.