A sensitive electrochemical immunosensor based on high-efficiency catalytic cycle amplification strategy for detection of cardiac troponin I

Abstract

An electrochemical immunosensor based on the novel high efficiency catalytic cycle amplification strategy for the sensitive detection of cardiac troponin I (cTnI). With its variable valence metal elements and spiny yolk structure, the Cu₂O/CuO@CeO₂ nanohybrid exhibits high speed charge mobility and exceptional electrochemical performance. Notably, fluorite-like cubic crystal CeO₂ shell would undergo redox reaction with Cu₂O core, which successfully ensures the continuous recycling occurrence of “fresh” Cu (II)/Cu (I) and Ce (Ⅳ)/Ce (Ⅲ) pairs at the electrode interface. The “fresh” active sites continue to emerge constantly, resulting in a significant increase in the current signal. In light of the electrochemical characterization, the electron transfer pathway and catalytic cycle mechanism among CeO₂, Cu₂O and CuO were further discussed. The developed electrochemical immunosensor detected cTnI from 100 fg/mL to 100 ng/mL with a LOD of 15.85 fg/mL under optimal conditions. The analysis results indicate that the immunosensor would hold promise for broad application prospects in the biological detection for other biomarkers.