Polymerization-assisted signal amplification for electrochemical detection of biomarkers

Abstract

We present a novel immunosensor by using polymerization-assisted signal amplification strategy coupled with electrochemical detection. A sandwich immunoassay process was used to immobilize a polymerization reaction center, the initiator-conjugated polyclonal prostate specific antigen (PSA) or polyclonal carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) antibodies on the surface of the electrode. Activator generated electron transfer for atom transfer radical polymerization (AGET ATRP) subsequently triggered the local accumulation of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) monomers. Growth of long chain polymers provided excess epoxy groups for electrochemical tags aminoferrocene (FcNH₂) coupling, which in turn significantly increased the loading of the signal molecules and enhanced the electrochemical readouts. The detection limit was ∼0.14 pg mL⁻¹ for PSA and ∼0.10 pg mL⁻¹ for CEA in PBS buffers. The proposed immunosensor was highly sensitive, selective and has a good match to the clinical electrochemiluminescent method. This suggested that the polymerization-assisted immunosensing strategy could be used as an effective method to significantly enhance signal output of the sandwich immunoassays and acted as a promising platform for the clinical screening of cancer biomarkers.