Nanostructured gold platforms for attogram-precision cardiolipin quantification.

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology
• Biomarker Detection

Background:

• Cardiolipin is a key biomarker for mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases.
• Accurate quantification of cardiolipin is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring cardiovascular pathologies.
• Existing detection methods may lack the sensitivity and selectivity required for early-stage diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an ultra-sensitive electrochemical immunosensor for precise cardiolipin quantification.
• To utilize dual gold nanostructures (nanorods and nanodendrites) for enhanced sensing performance.
• To establish a reproducible and efficient template-free synthesis method for gold nanostructures.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of gold nanorods and nanodendrites on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates via template-free electrochemical deposition.
• Characterization using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and contact angle measurements.
• Electrochemical analysis (cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) and functionalization with anti-cardiolipin antibodies.

Main Results:

• Achieved ultra-sensitive detection of cardiolipin with a dynamic linear range from 1 ag mL⁻¹ to 0.1 pg mL⁻¹.
• Obtained low detection limits of 0.19 ag mL⁻¹ (nanorods) and 0.51 ag mL⁻¹ (nanodendrites).
• Demonstrated superior electrochemical performance with nanorods, including enhanced charge transfer and reduced interfacial resistance.

Conclusions:

• The developed electrochemical immunosensor offers a highly sensitive and selective platform for cardiolipin detection.
• The template-free synthesis of gold nanostructures provides a scalable and reproducible approach for biosensor fabrication.
• This technology holds significant potential for lipidomic profiling and advancing precision medicine diagnostics.