Electrochemical Paper-based Immunosensor Incorporating Ag-CuO and PEDOT:PSS for EpCAM Detection
摘要
Early diagnosis and efficient monitoring of cancer biomarkers depend on the fabrication of sensitive, quick and affordable technologies. In this study, we present a novel electrochemical paper-based immunosensor that combines PEDOT:PSS and Ag-CuO nanocomposite for the sensitive detection of EpCAM antigen, a clinically significant biomarker linked to a variety of epithelial cancers. Ag-CuO boosted the surface area and catalytic activity of PEDOT:PSS-based conducting paper in order to improve the electron transfer kinetics and mechanical stability. Further, electrical conductivity and electrochemical performance were improved by doping the fabricated electrode, Ag-CuO@CP with EG (60%); and ~ 2400% jump in electrical conductivity was observed. Subsequently, anti-EpCAM was immobilized onto the final EP surface in order to enable the selective recognition of EpCAM antigen. The produced immunosensor, anti-EpCAM/EP showed the outstanding electrochemical performance, with a low limit of detection (0.01 fg/mL), a wide linear detection range (0.01 fg/mL to 100 pg/mL), and high sensitivity (6843.6 µA fg−1 mL). This platform demonstrated a good selectivity, reproducibility and long term stability. A promising method for early cancer screening and decentralized healthcare applications is offered by this disposable and reasonably priced sensing technique.