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A signal amplification strategy and sensing application using single gold nanoelectrodes
Dongmei Wang1, Hongmei Hua2, Haoran Tang2
1Anhui Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000, P. R. China. yongli@mail.ahnu.edu.cn and College of Chemistry and Material Engineering, Chaohu University, Chaohu, Anhui 238000, P.R. China.
The Analyst
|November 9, 2018
Summary
A label-free electrochemical apta-nanosensor was developed for sensitive thrombin detection. This novel biosensor utilizes a unique signal amplification strategy for enhanced performance in bioanalysis.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Thrombin is a key biomarker in hemostasis and thrombosis.
- Sensitive and specific detection of thrombin is crucial for clinical diagnostics.
- Existing methods for thrombin detection often require complex procedures or labels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a label-free electrochemical apta-nanosensor for highly sensitive thrombin detection.
- To introduce a novel signal amplification strategy for enhanced sensing performance.
- To evaluate the potential of the nanosensor for bioanalysis in living systems.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a nanosensor on a gold nanodisk electrode (AuNDE) using self-assembled DNA complexes.
- Utilizing a sandwich structure involving helper DNA, thrombin-binding aptamer (TBA), and gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-DNA complexes.
- Employing Ru(NH3)63+ as a signal reporter based on electrostatic interactions for signal amplification.
Main Results:
- The apta-nanosensor demonstrated high sensitivity for thrombin detection.
- A wide detection range from 0.1 pM to 5 nM was achieved.
- A low limit of detection of 0.02 pM was obtained.
- The sensor performance relies on the dissociation of DNA complexes upon thrombin binding, leading to a current reduction.
Conclusions:
- The developed label-free electrochemical apta-nanosensor offers a sensitive and efficient platform for thrombin detection.
- The novel signal amplification strategy enhances the sensor's performance.
- The nanosensor's characteristics make it suitable for potential applications in bioanalysis within living biosystems.
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