Ultrasensitive photoelectrochemical immunosensor based on Dual-Photosensitive electrodes

In the study, a photoelectrochemical (PEC) immunosensor based on dual-photosensitive electrodes was developed for cardiac troponin I (cTnI) detection. The sensing photocathode with biometric functions was prepared by CuInS₂ and narrow band gap semiconductor In₂S₃ as the counter electrode. In this way, the separation of photoanode and biometric events was realized, and the ability of stability of the immunosensor could be effectively improved. Moreover, the attraction to the photogenerated electrons (e^-) from photoanode would be increased by the abundant holes (h⁺) of photocathode, under the radiation of light. This tremendously improves the photoelectric response, which further improves the sensitivity of the immunosensor. The controllable-synthesis uncomplicated photoelectric material not only accords with the principle of simplicity of electrode modification but also makes the immunosensor more conducive to the practical application. Additionally, even in the case of zero bias voltage, the constructed PEC immunosensor can operate with high efficiency, namely, self-powered. The immunosensor could provide the quantitative readout photocurrent to a concentration of cTnI in the range of 0.10 pg/mL to 1.00 μg/mL and the detection limit was 0.0113 pg/mL under the optimal experimental conditions. With favorable performance in terms of anti-interference, stability, specificity and reproducibility, this immunosensor will provide new prospects for general PEC bioanalysis development.