A simple and rapid electrochemical strategy for non-invasive, sensitive and specific detection of cancerous cell

► A highly sensitive and selective cytosensor was developed. ► Surface-confined ferrocene was used as the current signal indicator. ► Gold nanoparticles play an important role in the signal magnification. ► The selective detection range of HeLa cell was from 10 to 106 cells/mL. ► Fast DPV measurement could reduce the loss of cell viability.