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Stimuli-Responsive Barcode Probe-Mediated Self-Powered Biosensor Enables Dual-Signal Amplification for Ultrasensitive
Jinxin Men1, Shuzhen Lv1, Yanfang Wang1
1College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Shandong Provincial Universities for Functional Molecules and Materials, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, P. R. China.
Analytical Chemistry
|April 1, 2025
Summary
A novel self-powered biosensor detects circulating tumor cells (CTCs) using a stimuli-responsive probe. This enzymatic biofuel cell system enables ultrasensitive early cancer diagnosis with high specificity.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are crucial biomarkers for early cancer detection.
- Ultrasensitive detection of low-abundance CTCs requires advanced biosensor technology.
- Existing methods often lack the sensitivity or specificity needed for early diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an ultrasensitive, self-powered biosensor for detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs).
- To utilize a stimuli-responsive barcode probe (SRBP) for signal amplification and CTC recognition.
- To enable early cancer diagnosis through enhanced CTC detection capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a stimuli-responsive barcode probe (SRBP) using hyaluronic acid-modified ZIF-8 framework on magnetic beads.
- Functionalization of SRBP with aptamers for specific recognition of hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2).
- Activation of enzymatic biofuel cell (EBFC) and DNA dual-signal amplification (DNAzyme cleavage and catalytic hairpin assembly) upon CTC detection and stimuli response (GSH, acidic pH).
Main Results:
- The developed EBFC-based biosensor achieved ultrasensitive detection of HepG2 cells.
- A low detection limit of 3 cells/mL was demonstrated.
- The biosensor exhibited excellent specificity for target CTCs.
Conclusions:
- The self-powered biosensor effectively integrates SRBP, EBFC, and DNA dual-signal amplification for ultrasensitive CTC detection.
- This technology shows significant potential for the early diagnosis of cancers.
- The system offers a promising platform for developing advanced diagnostic tools for various diseases.
