Electroluminescent aptasensor based on RuSiO₂ nanoparticles for detection cytochrome c using ferrocene as quenching...

Area of Science:

• Biosensors and Nanotechnology
• Electrochemistry and Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Cytochrome c (Cyt C) is a crucial biomarker in various physiological and pathological processes.
• Sensitive and specific detection methods for Cyt C are vital for early disease diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a stable sandwiched electrochemiluminescence (ECL) aptasensor for quantitative detection of Cyt C.
• To utilize Ru(bpy)32+-doped silica nanoparticles (RuSiO2 NPs) and ferrocene carboxylic acid-aptamer (Fc-aptamer) for enhanced sensing performance.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of RuSiO2 NPs via microemulsion and Fc-aptamer via amide reaction.
• Immobilization of RuSiO2 NPs on GCE using chitosan and aptamer via glutaraldehyde crosslinking.
• Utilizing Fc-aptamer as a quenching probe to decrease ECL signals upon Cyt C binding.

Main Results:

• The ECL aptasensor demonstrated a wide detection range for Cyt C from 0.001 to 100 nM.
• Achieved a low detection limit of 0.48 pM (S/N=3).
• Observed significant signal decrease due to protein conductivity and Fc-aptamer quenching.

Conclusions:

• The developed ECL aptasensor offers accurate and sensitive quantitative analysis of Cyt C.
• The sensor shows potential for clinical applications in Cyt C detection.
• The combination of RuSiO2 NPs and Fc-aptamer provides an effective strategy for ECL biosensing.