Conformational switching of aptamer biointerfacing graphene-gold nanohybrid for ultrasensitive label-free sensing of cardiac Troponin I

Bioelectrochemistry. 2023 Apr:150:108348. doi: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2022.108348. Epub 2022 Dec 6.

Abstract

The development of hybrid biofunctionalized nanomaterials has emerged as an attractive substitute for development of advanced biosensing platforms with superior synergistic properties. Herein, we report a label-free ultrasensitive electrochemical aptasensor comprising nanohybrid of graphene oxide (GO) and aptamer conjugated gold nanoparticles (GNP-A) for detection of cardiac biomarker Troponin I (TnI). The GNP-A are homogenously arranged by self-assembly on GO sheet to construct nanohybrid (GO@GNP-A) onto which the biomarker protein is analysed. TnI interactions at the aptamer biointerfaced nanohybrid surface causes electrochemical signal enhancement probed by using a redox active molecule. The consecutive increase in current signal is strongly attributed to conformational switching of aptamer and charge neutralization at the interface induced by TnI binding. The sensitivity of the nanohybrid aptasensor platform was found to be 0.001 pg/mL. The study has been further substantiated in Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) clinical samples for usage towards early, sensitive and efficient point-of-care detection of TnI.

Keywords: DNA aptamer; Gold nanoparticle; Graphene oxide; Label-free electrochemical sensor; Nanohybrid; Troponin I.

MeSH terms

  • Aptamers, Nucleotide* / chemistry
  • Biomarkers
  • Biosensing Techniques*
  • Electrochemical Techniques
  • Gold / chemistry
  • Graphite* / chemistry
  • Limit of Detection
  • Metal Nanoparticles* / chemistry
  • Troponin I

Substances

  • graphene oxide
  • Graphite
  • Troponin I
  • Gold
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide
  • Biomarkers