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Ultrasensitive Detection of Biomarkers by Using a Molecular Imprinting Based Capacitive Biosensor
Published on: February 16, 2018
A ROS-competitive dual-potential ratiometric ECL immunosensor for ultrasensitive CA15-3 detection based on
Aoze Wang1, Qinghua Gong1, Runze Zhao1
1State Key Laboratory of Advanced Optical Polymer and Manufacturing Technology, Key Laboratory of Optic-Electric Sensing and Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, MOE, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China.
This study introduces a novel electrochemiluminescence sensor for detecting cancer biomarker CA15-3. The new sensor uses a unique nanocomposite to improve signal stability and sensitivity, aiding in early breast cancer diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Conventional luminol-based electrochemiluminescence (ECL) suffers from low efficiency and stability due to issues with hydrogen peroxide and dissolved oxygen.
- Existing ECL assays often yield false positive/negative signals, hindering accurate detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel dual-potential ratiometric ECL sensor for ultrasensitive detection of carbohydrate antigen 15-3 (CA15-3).
- To enhance ECL signal stability and efficiency by harnessing the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.
- To circumvent false signals in ECL assays through a competitive ROS mechanism.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized a boron-doped and selenium vacancy-modified nickel selenide/poly(5-aminoindole) (Bx-NiSe/P5AIn) nanocomposite to boost OER catalytic activity.
- Utilized the nanocomposite to enhance luminol's anodic ECL via ROS generation.
- Developed a ratiometric response model where CdSe quantum dots (QDs) competitively consume ROS, altering cathodic and anodic ECL signals.
Main Results:
- The developed sensor achieved a wide linear range of 0.001 to 100 U mL−1 for CA15-3 detection.
- A highly sensitive detection limit of 0.0003 U mL−1 was achieved, significantly outperforming conventional methods.
- The ratiometric ECL sensor demonstrated enhanced stability and specificity through a catalysis-competition regulatory mechanism.
Conclusions:
- The novel Bx-NiSe/P5AIn nanocomposite effectively enhances ECL performance by promoting ROS generation via OER.
- The dual-potential ratiometric ECL sensor provides a sensitive and stable platform for CA15-3 detection, crucial for early breast cancer screening.
- This work paves the way for designing advanced multi-signal ECL sensing systems by controlling catalytic and competitive reactions.

