Multiplex signal amplification for ultrasensitive CRP assay via integrated electrochemical biosensor array using MOF-derived carbon material and aptamers

• Published in: Talanta (Oxford) 2024-05, Vol.272, p.125735-125735, Article 125735
• Main Authors: Liu, Zhenping, Huang, Shuqing, Yan, Yu, Pang, Wenbin, Zhong, Fenqing, Huang, Qiuju, Caddeo, Francesco, Zhang, Minmin, Jin, Mingliang, Shui, Lingling
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: aptasensors; biomarkers; blood serum; C-reactive protein; carbon; detection limit; disease diagnosis; Electrochemical biosensor; enzymatic reactions; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; humans; MOF-derived carbon material; Multi-unit integrated disposable aptasensor array; Multiplex signal enhancing; nanopores; oligonucleotides; peroxidase; standard deviation; surface area
• ISSN: 0039-9140; 1873-3573
• DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.125735

Accurate and precise detection of disease-associated proteins, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), remains a challenge in biosensor development. Herein, we present a novel approach－an integrated disposable aptasensor array－designed for precise, ultra-sensitive, and parallel detection of CRP in plasma samples. This integrated biosensing array platform enables multiplex parallel testing, ensuring the accuracy and reliability in sample analysis. The ultra-sensitivity of this biosensor is achieved through multiplex signal amplification. Leveraging the superior conductivity and extensive surface area of MOF-derived nanoporous carbon material (CMOF), the biosensor enhances recognition elements (aptamers) by catalyzing the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) label enzyme reaction to multiply the number of probe molecules. Optimized conditions yielded exceptional performance, exhibiting high accuracy (relative standard deviation, RSD≤10.0 %), a low detection limit (0.3 pg/mL, S/N = 3), ultra-sensitivity (0.16 μA/ng mL−1 mm−2), and a rapid response (seven parallel tests within 60 min). Importantly, this multi-unit integrated disposable aptasensor array accurately quantified CRP in human serum, demonstrating comparable results to commercial enzyme–linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This technology showcases promise for detecting various biomarkers using a unified approach, presenting an appealing strategy for early disease diagnosis and biological analysis. A multi-unit integrated disposable aptasensor array that enables parallel, ultra-sensitive and precise detection of C-reactive protein (CRP) in plasma samples was constructed. [Display omitted] •A multi-unit electrodes integrated electrochemical sensor device was development.•CMOF exhibits superior surface area and enhanced electronic transfer capabilities compared to C-ZIF.•Ultra-sensitive CRP detection through synergistic action of CMOF, aptamer and HRP.•The integrated biosensor displayed outstanding accuracy, sensitivity and selectivity.•The aptasensor array effectively detected CRP in serum samples.