Sensitive detection of prostate-specific antigen based on dual signal amplification of Fc@MgAl-LDH and NH2-MIL-101(Fe)

An electrochemiluminescence sensor was proposed for detection of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) based on dual-amplification strategy of ferrocenecarboxylic acid@MgAl layered double hydroxides (Fc@MgAl-LDH) and NH2-MIL-101(Fe). An (Au NPs/Fc@MgAl-LDH)(n) multilayer nanofilm was fabricated by a layer-by-layer self-assembly between positively charged Fc@MgAl-LDH nanosheets and negatively charged Au NPs. The multilayer nanofilms acted as nanocarriers for antibody loading and enhancers to catalyze H2O2 decomposition. NH2-MIL-101(Fe) promoted the production of reactive oxygen species due to peroxidase-mimicking activity and increased immobilization of antibodies. This sensor showed a linear detection range of 0.05 pg mL(-1) to 50 ng mL(-1) with a low detection limit of 0.034 pg mL(-1). Moreover, the detection results from this sensor were consistent with data collected from a commercial immunoassay analyzer. The sensor had significant potential for PSA detection in clinical diagnostics.

Automated summary

An electrochemiluminescence sensor was developed for the detection of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) using a dual-amplification strategy with layers of nanofilms acting as nanocarriers and enhancers. The sensor showed a linear detection range and low detection limit, with consistent results compared to a commercial immunoassay analyzer, demonstrating significant potential for PSA detection in clinical diagnostics.