A sensitive electrochemical immunosensor based on high-efficiency catalytic cycle amplification strategy for detection of cardiac troponin I.

An electrochemical immunosensor based on the novel high efficiency catalytic cycle amplification strategy for the sensitive detection of cardiac troponin I (cTnI). With its variable valence metal elements and spiny yolk structure, the CuO/CuO@CeO nanohybrid exhibits high speed charge mobility and exceptional electrochemical performance. Notably, fluorite-like cubic crystal CeO shell would undergo redox reaction with CuO core, which successfully ensures the continuous recycling occurrence of "fresh" Cu (II)/Cu (I) and Ce (Ⅳ)/Ce (Ⅲ) pairs at the electrode interface. The "fresh" active sites continue to emerge constantly, resulting in a significant increase in the current signal. In light of the electrochemical characterization, the electron transfer pathway and catalytic cycle mechanism among CeO, CuO and CuO were further discussed. The developed electrochemical immunosensor detected cTnI from 100 fg/mL to 100 ng/mL with a LOD of 15.85 fg/mL under optimal conditions. The analysis results indicate that the immunosensor would hold promise for broad application prospects in the biological detection for other biomarkers.