Apoferritin protein nanoparticles dually labeled with aptamer and horseradish peroxidase as a sensing probe for thrombin detection

A novel and ultrasensitive sandwich-type electrochemical aptasensor has been developed for the detection of thrombin, based on dual signal-amplification using HRP and apoferritin. Core/shell Fe3O4/Au magnetic nanoparticles (AuMNPs) loading aptamer1 (Apt1) was used as recognition elements, and apoferritin dually labeled with Aptamer2 (Apt2) and HRP was used as a detection probe. Sandwich-type complex, Apt1/thrombin/Apt2–apoferritin NPs–HRP was formed by the affinity reactions between AuMNPs–Apt1, thrombin, and Apt2–apoferritin–HRP. The complex was anchored on a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was used to monitor the electrode response. The proposed aptasensor yielded a linear current response to thrombin concentrations over a broad range of 0.5–100 pM with a detection limit of 0.07 pM (S/N = 3). The detection signal was amplified by using apoferritin and HRP. This nanoparticle-based aptasensor offers a new method for rapid, sensitive, selective, and inexpensive quantification of thrombin, and offers a promising potential in protein detection and disease diagnosis.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A novel apoferritin nanoparticles modified with HRP and aptamer was synthesized. ► Signal dual amplification was carried out by using the resulted nanoparticles as detection probe. ► Ultrasensitive and high specific thrombin detection was achieved.