Highly efficient detection of cancer-derived exosomes using modified core–shell electrospun nanofibers as a capture substrate and antibody immobilized-graphene quantum dots as a signaling agent

Abstract

In the past few years graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have been used as a signaling agent for medical diagnosis. They can be modified and labeled with different macromolecules to give them potential to be attached to a specific target. Herein GQDs were labeled with an antibody which is specific for cancer-derived exosomes, isolated from blood serum by using a specialized PCL–gelatin core–shell NFM. This membrane showed excellent sensitivity for isolating exosomes from a complex mixture such as serum, and the GQD–antibody complex detected the isolated exosomes with great sensitivity. The final results allow this method to be considered as one that can be used to quantify the concentration of a desired analyte in a mixture.