A novel electrochemical immunosensor based on the rGO-TEPA-PTC-NH2 and AuPt modified C60 bimetallic nanoclusters for the detection of Vangl1, a potential biomarker for dysontogenesis

The aberrant expression of Vangl1 is highly correlated with dysontogenesis, especially for neural tube defects. Therefore, the ultrasensitive detection of Vangl1 would provide a new approach for the specific early diagnostics in dysembryoplasia. However, no quantitative detection method is currently available. Herein, we describe the development of a new approach to fill this assay gap. We utilized C60-templated AuPt bimetallic nanoclusters for signal amplification because the promising C60 nanomaterial provides a large surface area for the in site reduction of bimetallic nanocomposites as well as excellent conductivity. To further amplify the electrochemical signal, reduced graphene oxide-tetraethylene pentamine (rGO-TEPA) and a derivative of 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylicdianhydride (PTC-NH2) were selected for modification of the electrode to provide more amino groups for the immobilization of antibodies and to enhance the conductivity. The electrochemical signal was primarily derived from the catalysis of H2O2 by C60-AuPt. Chronoamperometry was applied to record the electrochemical signals. Under optimal conditions, the prepared immunosensor exhibited a wide linear range from 0.1 pg mL−1 to 450 pg mL−1 and a low detection limit of 0.03 pg mL−1. Moreover, the proposed method exhibited good stability and recovery, suggesting its potential for use in clinical research.