Multi-labeled functionalized C60 nanohybrid as tracing tag for ultrasensitive electrochemical aptasensing

This work reports a new supramolecular method for the synthesis of the amino and thiol groups functionalized C60 nanoparticles (FC60NPs) with the large surface active sites and good water solubility. First, Prussian blue carried gold nanoparticles were decorated onto the surface of the obtained FC60NPs (abbreviated as Au@PB/FC60). Subsequently, the Au@PB/FC60 was labeled by detection aptamers and alkaline phosphatase to act as tracer. On the other hand, onion-like mesoporous graphene sheets and gold nanoparticles were utilized as the biosensor platform to immobilize a large amount of capture aptamers, owing to theirs porous structure and high surface-to-volume ratio. Based on the sandwich format, a dual signal amplification strategy based on multi-labeled functionalized C60 nanohybrid as tracing tag has been successfully developed for platelet-derived growth factor B-chain electrochemical detection with a wide linear response in the range of 0.002–40 nM and a limit of detection of 0.6 pM (S/N=3). The proposed aptasensor demonstrated good specificity and high sensitivity, implying potential applications in bioanalysis and biomedicine.

► We design a novel sandwich-type aptasensor for sensitive detection of PDGF-BB.
► A supramolecular method is adopted for the synthesis of FC60NPs.
► The detection probe (Au@PB/FC60) exhibits excellent electrochemical behaviors.
► Amplification of electrochemical signal and noise reduction.