Photoelectrochemical assay for the detection of circulating tumor cells based on aptamer-Ag2S nanocrystals for signal amplification

In this work, we developed a photoelectrochemical assay for circulating tumor cells (CTCs) detection based on hexagonal carbon-nitrogen tubes (HCNT) as visible light-sensitive materials. The MCF-7 cell was selected as the model CTC and was captured through specific recognition between epithelial cell adhesion molecules (EpCAM) on the cell surface and anti-EpCAM antibodies. Anti-EpCAM antibody-modified magnetic nanoparticles were used to enrich and separate MCF-7 cells from samples. The detection signal was amplified by Ag2S nanocrystals, which can compete with HCNTs for absorbing visible light, leading to a decrease ofphotocurrent intensity. The linear range of the assay for MCF-7 cells is from 10 to 5000 cells mL(-1) , with a detection limit of 3 cells mL(-1) (S/D = 3). The assay has good selectivity for MCF-7 detection over HeLa cells. The assay was successfully applied for the detection of MCF-7 in human whole blood, which indicates the potential for clinical application.

Automated summary

In this study, a photoelectrochemical assay based on hexagonal carbon-nitrogen tubes (HCNT) was developed for detecting circulating tumor cells. The assay shows good selectivity for MCF-7 cells, with a low detection limit, and was successfully applied for detection in human whole blood, indicating potential for clinical use.