Microfluidic Platform Integrated with Carbon Nanofibers-Decorated Gold Nanoporous Sensing Device for Serum PSA...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Prostate cancer has high global incidence and mortality rates in men.
• Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a key biomarker for clinical diagnosis.
• Existing diagnostic methods may lack portability or reusability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a portable and reusable microfluidic device for sensitive PSA quantification.
• To enhance electrochemical detection using novel nanomaterials.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a polymethyl methacrylate microfluidic platform with a platinum electrode.
• Modification of the electrode with carbon nanofiber (CNF)-decorated gold nanoporous (GNP) structures via dynamic hydrogen bubble template method.
• Immuno-electrochemical detection using anti-PSA antibodies and HRP.

Main Results:

• The CNF/GNP structures provided a large surface area for enhanced antibody immobilization and electroactivity.
• The device achieved a low detection limit of 5 pg mL^-1 and a linear range of 0.01–50 ng mL^-1.
• High sensitivity, selectivity, and reproducibility (CVs < 6.15%) were demonstrated, with successful testing on patient serum samples.

Conclusions:

• The developed microfluidic device is a sensitive, selective, portable, and reusable tool for prostate cancer serological diagnosis.
• This technology holds potential for improved clinical management and monitoring of prostate cancer.
• The CNF/GNP modified electrode offers a robust platform for electrochemical biosensing applications.