Bio-conjugated carbon dots for the bimodal detection of prostate cancer biomarkers via sandwich fluorescence and electrochemical immunoassays

Abstract

Bimodal detection facilitates the accurate and reliable detection of cancer biomarkers, which can assist in the early diagnosis of cancer. Herein, S-doped carbon dots (OCDs) with a size of 3 nm and blue emission were synthesized by the hydrothermal treatment of onion extract. The S-doped carbon dots were bioconjugated with an antibody (OCDs@^PSAAb_HRP) to design a nanoprobe for the detection of prostate specific antigen (PSA), an important serum based prostate cancer biomarker. The detection probe enabled the biomodal assay of PSA via fluorescence immunoassay (FIA) and electrochemical immunoassay (ECIA). In both assays, polyethylenimine stabilized polyaniline nanoparticles (PNPs) were used as the immobilization matrix, which played a major role in widening the linear range of biosensors (0.1 to 100 ng ml⁻¹ for ECIA and 5 to 120 ng ml⁻¹ for FIA). Paper-based and smartphone-integrated fluorescence immuno-array developed using the OCDs@^PSAAb_HRP detection probe provided cost-effective and rapid detection, while the electrochemical immunoassay provided a high sensitivity (7.8 μA ng⁻¹ ml⁻¹ cm⁻²) and low detection limit (38 pg ml⁻¹) for PSA detection. The role of OCDs in enhancing the sensor performance was deciphered by carrying out detailed electrochemical studies with HRP enzyme-loaded OCDs. The biosensor was used to detect PSA in human blood serum samples and the results were consistent with conventional techniques. Owing to its analytical properties coupled with simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and portability, the bimodal sensor system has potential for application in clinical analysis.