Nanozyme Sensor Arrays for Detecting Versatile Analytes from Small Molecules to Proteins and Cells

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Natural enzymes face limitations of high cost and low stability in biosensing applications.
• Existing nanozyme-based biosensors often rely on bioligands or molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), which have drawbacks like compromised stability, cost, or limited multiplexing capabilities.
• There is a need for robust, versatile nanozyme-based biosensing platforms that overcome these limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel nanozyme sensor arrays for versatile biosensing applications.
• To overcome the limitations of traditional nanozyme biosensors by utilizing cross-reactive arrays.
• To demonstrate the application of these arrays for detecting biothiols, proteins, and discriminating cancer cells.

Main Methods:

• Construction of nanozyme sensor arrays using peroxidase-like platinum (Pt), ruthenium (Ru), and iridium (Ir) nanozymes.
• Utilizing differential nonspecific interactions between sensor array components and analytes for detection.
• Validation through blind sample analysis and real-world sample testing (serum and urine).

Main Results:

• The nanozyme sensor arrays successfully detected biothiols and proteins.
• The arrays demonstrated the ability to discriminate between cancer cells.
• Blind sample analysis showed high accuracy: 28/30 biothiols and 42/45 proteins were correctly identified.
• Successful application in detecting biothiols in serum and proteins in human urine was achieved.

Conclusions:

• Nanozyme sensor arrays based on Pt, Ru, and Ir nanozymes provide a stable and cost-effective biosensing platform.
• These arrays offer a versatile approach for multiplexed detection and discrimination of various analytes, including biomarkers and cells.
• The demonstrated practical applications highlight the potential of nanozyme sensor arrays for clinical diagnostics and biochemical analysis.