Electrochemical detection of hepcidin based on spiegelmer and MoS2NF-GNR@AuNPs as sensing platform

Spiegelmers, mirror image L-RNA oligonucleotides, possesses high plasma stability and nonimmunogenicity. Herein, a novel spiegelmer based impedimetric biosensor grafted with Au nano particles and molybdenum disulfide nanoflowers/graphene nanoribbons nanocomposite has been designed to detect hepcidin in spiked-in human serum sample. Firstly, molybdenum disulfide nanoflowers/graphene nanoribbons (MoS2NF-GNR) hybrid was drop-casted onto the FTO electrode followed by electro deposition of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs). Hepcidin specific thiolated spiegelmer was then immobilized on the MoS2NF-GNR@AuNPs for hepcidin detection. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to assess the performance of the sensing platform based on the variation of charge transfer resistance (Delta R-ct) relative to the Fe(CN)(6)(4-/3-) electrochemical probe in the presence of hepcidin. The impedance signals were recorded at the frequency range of 10(-1) to 10(5) Hz and potential was set as 0.18 V. Under optimized conditions, the limit of detection of spiegelmer based sensor for hepcidin was 0.173 pgmL(-1) within a wide linear range of 0.005-10 ngmL(-1). The biosensor possesses selectivity, acceptable reproducibility with RSD as 4.76% and stability for up to 20 days. The satisfactory recovery result (89.8-103.1 %) in human serum indicates that the sensor has applicability in clinical monitoring of hepcidin. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A novel spiegelmer-based biosensor has been developed for the detection of hepcidin in human serum samples, showing high sensitivity and stability. The sensor utilizes a specific thiolated spiegelmer immobilized on a nanocomposite and is evaluated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, demonstrating promising applicability for clinical monitoring of hepcidin.