A target-triggered and self-calibration aptasensor based on SERS for precise detection of a prostate cancer biomarker in human blood

Sensitive and precise detection of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is critical for prostate cancer screening and monitoring. Herein, a target-triggered and self-calibration aptasensor based on a core-satellite nanostructure using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technology was developed for the sensitive and reliable determination of PSA protein, with a limit of detection of 0.38 ag mL(-1) and a dynamic detection range of 10(-2) to 10(-15) mg mL(-1). Furthermore, the proposed approach for the detection of PSA in patient blood samples was performed, and results showed that it is capable of providing comparable detection accuracy associated with a larger dynamic detection range and a lower detection limit as well as less sample requirement (only 5 mu L) in comparison with the clinical commonly used method. Therefore, this SERS-based aptasensor for the detection of PSA in human blood samples has promising potential to be an alternative tool for clinical application in the accurate screening of prostate cancer.

Automated summary

The study developed a target-triggered and self-calibration aptasensor based on SERS technology for sensitive and reliable detection of PSA protein, with a promising potential for accurate screening of prostate cancer in human blood samples. The method showed comparable detection accuracy, a larger dynamic detection range, a lower detection limit, and lower sample requirement compared to the clinical commonly used method.