Photoelectric effect driving PANI/PB multicolor visualized detection of CEA based on Ag₂S NPs@ZnO NTs

In this work, a multicolor visual immunoassay platform was developed. The photoelectric effects of Ag₂S NPs@ZnO NTs made the color changes of PANI/PB, which enabled visual inspection of CEA. Under the visible light excitation, Ag₂S NPs@ZnO NTs generates electron-holes. Where, photoelectrons will pass electrical circuit to PB and photoinduced holes will oxidize PANI, which making the PANI/PB composite changes from emerald green-blue-purple-black colors. When CEA was incubated, the migration rate of photogenerated carriers is slowed down owing to the steric hindrance, resulting in different color changes of PANI/PB. In addition, the average green channel of PANI/PB read by photoshop has a certain correlated linear relationship with the concentration of CEA. Meanwhile, we can observe the color transformation of PANI/PB with our own eyes. By integrating advantages of photoelectrochemistry and colorimetry, the linear range of CEA detection was 0.1-20 ng/mL, and the detection limit was 0.05 ng/mL (S/N = 3). More importantly, this multicolor sensing method is very convenient, simple and low-cost. The photocarriers-modulated colorimetric strategy also provides a novel idea for visual portable platform design in clinical diagnosis.