Highly sensitive thrombin detection by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry with aptamer functionalized core-shell Fe3O4@C@Au magnetic microspheres

► We developed a novel method for thrombin detection with sensitivity as low as 0.36 nM. ► Aptamer was immobilized on core-shell gold coated magnetic microspheres. ► MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry was applied for high-throughput and sensitive mass readout. ► Successful recovery from serum was achieved.