A promising novel supramolecular network-based ferric β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) as a potential biomarker device for liver cancer diagnosis.

The invention and development of diagnostic devices with simple instrumentation, low cost, and high selectivity are research topics that attract considerable scientists around the world. A novel ferric-based β-cyclodextrin nanoparticle supramolecular network (Fe(III)-βCD-NP) was synthesized via a simple method and fully characterized. The physicochemical properties, and biocompatibility of Fe(III)-βCD-NP revealed them as a promising candidate for biological and biosensing applications. In this context, for biological applications, Fe(III)-βCD-NP was investigated for in vitro anticancer and cytotoxicity properties. The results revealed that Fe(III)-βCD-NP showed no cytotoxic effect on HepG2, A549, MCF7, and PC3 cell lines. Furthermore, Fe(III)-βCD-NP was used for biosensing in three analytical applications for early diagnosis of liver cancer via the detection of α-fetoprotein (AFP). The first is developing a colorimetric method; the results showed a considerable response toward AFP in a concentration range (1.0-700.0 ng/mL) with a lower detection limit of 0.076 ng/mL, quantification limit of 0.23 ng/mL and a visual color change from pale-yellow to brown. The second is fabricating a test strip prototype; the results showed a significant response for the qualitative naked-eye detection of AFP based on the color change as a function of concentration. The third is the fabrication, and assembly of a prototype of an electronic color AFP biosensor device; the results showed a user-friendly and self-contained device for AFP with quantitative detection-based coated test strips. The analytical statistical parameters of the suggested applications were evaluated. Finally, the mentioned applications demonstrated how to transform the laboratory concept into applied technology.