A target-triggered and self-calibration aptasensor based on SERS for precise detection of a prostate cancer biomarker in human blood

Nanoscale. 2021 Apr 30;13(16):7574-7582. doi: 10.1039/d1nr00480h.

Abstract

Sensitive and precise detection of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is critical for prostate cancer screening and monitoring. Herein, a target-triggered and self-calibration aptasensor based on a core-satellite nanostructure using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technology was developed for the sensitive and reliable determination of PSA protein, with a limit of detection of 0.38 ag mL-1 and a dynamic detection range of 10-2 to 10-15 mg mL-1. Furthermore, the proposed approach for the detection of PSA in patient blood samples was performed, and results showed that it is capable of providing comparable detection accuracy associated with a larger dynamic detection range and a lower detection limit as well as less sample requirement (only 5 μL) in comparison with the clinical commonly used method. Therefore, this SERS-based aptasensor for the detection of PSA in human blood samples has promising potential to be an alternative tool for clinical application in the accurate screening of prostate cancer.

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Biosensing Techniques*
  • Calibration
  • Early Detection of Cancer
  • Gold
  • Humans
  • Limit of Detection
  • Male
  • Metal Nanoparticles*
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen
  • Prostatic Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Gold
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen