Construction of label-free electrochemical immunosensor on mesoporous carbon nanospheres for breast cancer susceptibility gene

In this contribution, mesoporous carbon nanospheres (MCN) were used to fabricate a label-free electrochemical immunosensor for breast cancer susceptibility gene (BRCAl). The detection platform was constructed by conjugation of anti-BRCA1 on glassy carbon electrodes which were modified by mesoporous carbon nanospheres–toluidine blue nanocomposite (MCN–TB)/room temperature ionic-liquid (RTIL) composited film. TB was adsorbed onto MCN and acted as a redox probe. The electroactivity of TB was greatly enhanced in the presence of MCN. The good conductivity of MCN and BMIM·BF4 could promote the electron transfer and thus enhance the detection sensitivity. Moreover, the large surface area of MCN and the protein-binding properties of BMIM·BF4 could greatly increase the antibody loading. The specific antibody–antigen immunoreaction on the electrode surface resulted in a decrease of amperometric signal of the electrode. Under optimized conditions, the amperometric signal decreased linearly with BRCAl concentration in the range of 0.01–15 ng mL−1 with a low detection limit of 3.97 pg mL−1. The immunosensor exhibits high sensitivity, good selectivity and stability.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► The immunosensor is designed to determine breast cancer susceptibility gene. ► Mesoporous carbon nanospheres (MCN) have great adsorption capacity. ► MCN could enhance the electroactivity of toluidine blue. ► Room temperature ionic liquid should increase the electrochemical signal.